1. Disposable thumbs While not all babies enjoy pacifiers, for some new parents, it's a lifesaver. Peace and sanity return to your household when your baby begins to suck on their pacifier. It fulfills the need to be soothed in a baby. While in their mother's womb, an unborn baby sucks their thumb and already has a favorite when they are born. Pacifiers are great substitutes. 2. The perfect mouthpiece Pacifiers come in a couple of different sizes and various shapes. You can tell by sight, but check the label for the appropriate age. Sizes are birth to six months or six months and up. Purchase a few in different styles until you know which one your baby likes the best. Then stock up, so you have spares. Popular styles are the regular round nipple and an orthodontic shape that is round on top and flat on the bottom. This design protects against future problems with their teeth. The plastic base of the pacifier should be 11/4 inches or bigger. This prevents the pacifier from fitting into their mouth. Look for shields with ventilation holes. 3. Comfort or durability The pacifier nipples are made of latex or silicone. Latex nipples are softer and more pliable so babies favor this kind. Be careful using latex nipples because there are some babies that are allergic to latex. Silicone nipples last longer and are easier to clean. 4. Does the good outweigh the bad? A decrease in the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, helping your child to fall asleep and keeping her calm in the car are all benefits to using a pacifier. However, pacifiers also cause concern for new moms. If you are breastfeeding, hold off for a month before offering a pacifier. Babies need time to get used to breastfeeding without pacifiers complicating things or confusing them. Limit use to naptime and bedtime to avoid over-dependency. Stop use when your child is one to cut down on the risk of issues with her teeth. 5. Caring for your binky Before initial use, soak the pacifier in boiling water to sterilize it. Check your baby's pacifier often for signs of wear and tear. This is especially important as he gets more teeth. Latex pacifiers wear easier and holes and tears occur. Pieces of the pacifier break off. You don't want your baby ingesting this material. Wash the pacifier often using hot soapy water. Some are dishwasher safe, but still rinse it well after removal. Attach a pacifier clip to his binky to keep track of it.