Pacifiers are well-known among parents and infants as they help them get through times of crying when the infant is full but still wants the comfort provided by sucking. Pacifiers help infants soothe themselves when crying.
These universally popular products are very helpful to parents but there is an issue with them.
Pacifiers can get dirty if not properly cleaned or sterilized. Researchers found a huge assortment of disease-causing bacteria, mold, and fungus on pacifiers that babies had been using.
Pacifiers can also develop a biofilm which is the slimy coating of bacteria that transforms the normal bacteria in the mouth of toddlers.
It can also cause inflammation and increase the risk of colic, gastrointestinal issues, and ear infections. Infants are vulnerable to diseases and germs, so it is important to protect them from viruses, bacteria, and mold.
Now the question is “How do you keep a pacifier from getting moldy?” In this article, we will discuss how to clean pacifiers to ensure the safety of your little ones.
Table of Contents
How do you keep a pacifier from getting moldy?
The best way to keep pacifiers from getting moldy is to sterilize them. It will ensure that pacifiers are clean and safe for babies. The right way to sterilize the pacifier and prevent the growth of mold is by boiling it in hot water. After boiling, dry it with a clean cloth or towel. Ensure that all water is dried out and no moisture is left behind. Squeeze the pacifier nipple to ensure that it is completely dried. Also, dry under the silicon rim of the pacifier.
The best way to clean a pacifier
Mold is a fungal growth that can propagate in humid and moist places. Pacifiers can develop mold if not kept clean. Mold is harmful to babies and causes various illnesses.
It is essential to clean the pacifier of your child properly and regularly for their healthy oral development.
It is not a good idea to clean the nipple with your mouth. Bacteria in your mouth can transfer to your baby’s mouth and affect your kid’s teeth. Here are easy steps to clean a pacifier:
Step 1: Clean the pacifier under running water before giving it to your baby.
Step 2: Ensure that the water runs over the nipple. Remove the water from the nipple by squeezing it a few times. It will help remove the dirt through the air vents.
Step 3: Now properly clean the pacifier with water and hot detergent. Rinse it again to completely remove the soap before giving it to your baby.
Following these steps, you can clean the pacifier and prevent the growth of mold. It will make it safe to use for your babies.
Sterilizing the pacifier to prevent mold growth
The pacifier may grow mold due to a rupture in a nipple caused by your child chewing it. It will get dirty from the inside and when it is not cleaned properly, it can lead to mold growth. It may also grow mold due to bad storage in a humid environment for a long time.
An easy and good way to clean the pacifier is by using an antibacterial pacifier wipe. The antibacterial wipes will prevent the mold from taking hold. With proper and regular cleaning, the formation of mold can be prevented.
It is recommended to change your old pacifiers with a new one if they are hard to keep clean.
Sterilization involves completely eliminating all microorganisms from the surface including those that are not necessarily harmful to human beings.
You should also sterilize the pacifier before giving it to your baby for the first time to ensure that it is free of any germs or harmful substances from the manufacturing process.
One of the popular and easiest ways to sterilize the pacifier is by placing it in boiling water.
- Boil clean water in a pot and place the pacifier in it for 5 minutes.
- Use a clean spoon or ladle to remove the pacifier from the hot water.
- If there is extra water in the pacifier, squeeze it flat gently to remove excess water.
- Dry it with a clean towel or place it on a drying rack.
- Ensure to completely cool down the pacifier before giving it to your child.
There are also specialized products designed for sterilizing pacifiers such as chemical sterilizers and microwavable containers. They are effective in removing germs and bacteria and disinfecting pacifiers.
It is also a good idea to read the instructions by pacifier manufacturers before using them as some brands have specific recommended sterilization methods over others.
How Often Should I Sterilize Pacifiers?
Sterilize your kid’s pacifier as well as feeding accessories, toys, and everything else that may get entry into their mouth, at least once per month.
It is suggested to have a rotation of clean pacifiers to cycle through so that your kid doesn’t have to use the same pacifier over and over again.
If your child goes to daycare, it is recommended to sterilize the pacifier when they come home. The same goes for times when you and your kid went outside the home for a longer time. It is because public places and daycares have hidden germs that may harm your kid.
Regular sterilization of your kid’s pacifier is necessary but don’t overdo it.
Excessive sterilization can be harsh on pacifiers. As long as you are following good practices for regularly cleaning your child’s pacifiers with soap and warm water, the additional sterilization step is not necessary after each cleaning.
Conclusion
Pacifiers can grow mold and get contaminated with germs leading to infections in your child.
They need to be sterilized after each use to avoid the growth of mold and the buildup of bacteria and fungus. It is important to learn to properly sanitize and clean all objects that may get into your kid’s mouth including pacifiers, teethers, feeding accessories, as well as toys.
Make it your routine to ensure the healthy development of your baby.