Do you find yourself playing hide-and-seek with your little one’s pacifiers? It’s a common scenario of parenting life: a pacifier goes missing, and you have no clue where it got lost. Naturally, you get your kid another one, but it will inevitably get lost again, and you’ll just get caught in the loop of losing one after another.
What’s worse is that babies can get super fussy if you don’t give them what they want immediately. As a result, it triggers your sense of urgency to look for a quick solution, in which a pacifier comes in handy. But when it goes missing, what are you going to do? What if you don’t have the time to look for it because you’re driving or doing another important chore?
If these scenarios sound familiar and you want to prevent them from happening, here’s our recommended solution: pacifier clips! Let’s break down the important details about these accessories before you decide to use one.
The Anatomy of a Pacifier Clip
What does a pacifier clip look like? This small tool consists of a short strip made of fabric, beads, or silicone with a clip and a clasp at the tips. The clip attaches to your baby’s clothing while the clasp holds the pacifier.
Different brands offer various pacifier clip structures. Some have longer or shorter strings, and others have to be tied around the pacifier instead of using a clasp. The rest differ mainly in design.
The Perks of Using a Pacifier Clip
What are pacifier clips used for? They’re beneficial in the following ways.
- They keep your baby’s pacifiers from disappearing into thin air when you aren’t looking.
- It keeps the pacifier clean since the string is detachable and easily washed.
- It’s a quick, hands-off solution that even your baby can handle on their own. Since it’s closer to their mouth, you can easily grab it and guide the baby to the pacifier.
- They also make pretty accessories to match the baby’s outfit.
- The shorter ones won’t get in the way of your baby’s movements, hence a less dangerous tool.
- It helps minimize and prevent tooth decay. A sucking motion allows the baby’s saliva to rinse the mouth naturally. This is relatively healthier than frequently giving them a bottle of milk or juice, which contains sugar that sits in the baby’s mouth, causing decay.
Safety Guidelines: Are Pacifier Clips Dangerous?
Despite its cute look, it’s only natural for some parents to wonder how safe a pacifier clip is. The strap style makes you think of potential choking or strangling hazards, especially when the baby’s asleep. Here are some safety guidelines parents should consider.
- Is it safe to have pacifier clips at night? The opinions regarding this matter are divided. Some parents use them on their sleeping baby without any problems, but always with supervision. They say the clips are too short to get tangled up with something and cause an accident.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) thinks that sucking habits won’t cause any long-term issues but is generally against letting a baby sleep with a pacifier clip. It falls under strangulation risks, especially when the baby’s unmonitored.
The Verdict: If you plan on letting your child use one (especially when they’re asleep), monitor them closely. Otherwise, it is better to get rid of it when you’re not in sight, as it may still cause strangulation or choking problems.
Ready to Use a Pacifier Clip? Here Are Guide Features to Ensure You Get a Good One!
Choosing a pacifier clip can be a little tricky. We recommend you consider the points below before choosing, so it will help narrow down your list of options.
- Length – A pacifier clip is generally short, but some products might be unnecessarily long. It could increase the risk of strangulation, so take that into account.
- Durability – A breaking pacifier clip is the last thing you want to happen, especially if it’s made of wooden beads. When they scatter, your kid might get curious about them and try to put some into their mouth.
- Rust Resistance – Some clips for pacifiers are made of metal, which is prone to rust. It might be better to choose those made of plastic, so it’s rust-resistant and easier to clean.
- Safe Edges – Does the pacifier clip contain any sharp edges? If so, consider looking for a replacement. You don’t want it to cause cuts and wounds to your baby, especially when it’s close to the head and neck.
- Non-Toxic – It’s also important that the clip is free from toxic chemicals, such as BPA, lead, PVC, and phthalates. For silicone clips, ensure that it is made from food-grade silicone.
- Design – Different brands offer plenty of lovely pacifier clip prints that you can choose from. You can pick something that will catch your little one’s attention or match their outfit for the day.
Bonus Question: Should Your Baby Use a Pacifier or Not?
Clips for pacifiers may seem promising, but you might still have some lingering questions in mind. For example, do babies even have to use a pacifier? Pacifiers are a personal preference for both the baby and the parents. Some swear by it, while others think it’s unnecessary.
The best way to find out whether you want to use it or not is by understanding the pros and cons.
| PACIFIER PROS | PACIFIER CONS |
| A pacifier is a temporary and disposable alternative to fingers. If you want to get rid of your baby’s sucking habit, it will be easier if they’re used to pacifiers. Fingers are body parts and are harder to resist, unlike a pacifier which is easier to eliminate. | As easy as it is to get rid of a pacifier, your child can also get overly dependent on it. They could get fussier whenever the pacifier is out of their mouth. |
| A pacifier is a great distraction tool when babies are in situations that may scare them (e.g., getting shots or blood tests). | Using a pacifier for a long time might lead to dental issues (e.g., misaligned teeth). It’s safer to only use it during the first few years. |
| A pacifier can soothe your baby’s discomfort and help them get in the mood for sleeping. | A pacifier can cause choking hazards (especially at night) when the baby is not monitored properly. |
| A pacifier may contribute to the reduced risk of SIDS. | A pacifier might elevate middle ear infection risks. |
Never Too Far Away: Attach a Pacifier Clip on Ashtonbee’s Baby Fruit Feeder Pacifier for Fun and Safe Meals
A pacifier clip is a lifesaver when you can’t attend to your little one’s needs immediately. It also keeps the pacifier from getting lost or dropping on the floor and getting all dirty. Is it safe to use pacifier clips at night? Yes, as long as you understand safety concerns and let the baby use one with your supervision.
If you decide to get one, how would you like to use it with a multi-functional pacifier? Ashtonbee’s Baby Fruit Feeder is a tool to help your baby deal with sucking habits and learn about solid foods for the first time.
It’s easy to use and 100% safe, allowing only a small amount of food to prevent choking hazards. With such a lovely design, you can easily find a pacifier clip that matches this feeder perfectly! Here’s to never losing a pacifier again and ensuring your little one’s safety and comfort all day.
