To Pacify or Not to Pacify . . .

Concerns about early weaning in breast-fed infants should not dictate this decision.

The AAP recommends using pacifiers at nap time and bedtime to reduce the risk for sudden infant death syndrome and, in breast-fed infants, delaying the introduction of pacifiers until 1 month of age (JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Nov 4 2005). However, many advocates of breast-feeding vigorously discourage all pacifier use, arguing that it might lead to early weaning. To evaluate this possibility, researchers systematically reviewed all English-language studies on pacifier use and breast-feeding that were published between 1950 and 2006. Of the 1098 studies identified, 29 met inclusion criteria — 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 25 observational studies. The definition of pacifier use varied across studies.

Pacifier-related interventions di…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics