Should Pacifiers Be Recommended to Prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?

Our aim was to review the evidence for a reduction in the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) with pacifier ("dummy" or "soother") use, to discuss possible mechanisms for the reduction in SIDS risk, and to review other possible health effects of pacifiers. There is a rema...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pediatrics (Evanston) 2006-05, Vol.117 (5), p.1755-1758
Main Authors: Mitchell, E.A, Blair, P.S, L'Hoir, M.P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anesthesia. Intensive care medicine. Transfusions. Cell therapy and gene therapy
Baby supplies
Biological and medical sciences
Emergency and intensive care: neonates and children. Prematurity. Sudden death
General aspects
Health care industry
Health risk assessment
Humans
Infant
Infant Care
Intensive care medicine
Medical sciences
Pacifiers
Pediatrics
Prevention
Services
SIDS
Sudden Infant Death - etiology
Sudden Infant Death - prevention & control
Sudden infant death syndrome
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Summary:Our aim was to review the evidence for a reduction in the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) with pacifier ("dummy" or "soother") use, to discuss possible mechanisms for the reduction in SIDS risk, and to review other possible health effects of pacifiers. There is a remarkably consistent reduction of SIDS with pacifier use. The mechanism by which pacifiers might reduce the risk of SIDS is unknown, but several mechanisms have been postulated. Pacifiers might reduce breastfeeding duration, but the studies are conflicting. It seems appropriate to stop discouraging the use of pacifiers. Whether it is appropriate to recommend pacifier use in infants is open to debate.
ISSN:0031-4005
1098-4275
DOI:10.1542/peds.2005-1625