Health Tip: Giving Baby a Pacifier

(HealthDay News) — Pacifiers may do a great job of soothing cranky little ones, but parents should take steps to make sure their toddlers are safe.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these safety guidelines for pacifiers:

Never offer the nipple of a bottle (even if connected to the ring) as a pacifier, as it may pose a choking hazard.
Choose a pacifier that is molded together and does not have pieces that may split apart.
The shield on the pacifier should be at least 1.5 inches in diameter so baby cannot put the entire pacifier in the mouth. The shield also should have ventilation holes.
Never tie a pacifier to your child or the crib.
Inspect a pacifier regularly and discard it immediately if discolored or torn.
Make sure you offer a pacifier that is appropriate for your child’s age, as recommended by the manufacturer.