Myths about soothers

There is a great deal of prejudice when it comes to the use of soothers. Let's take a look at some of these ideas to see what's true and what's false.

- In order to stop it falling onto the floor, it is a good idea to attach your child's soother with a clip. However, it should never be hung around their neck, as this could strangle them. You should use short plastic chains that are attached with a safety clip and specifically designed for little children.

- It is true that there are soothers that can be filled with juice, chamomile or any other liquid. These soothers are a practical way of getting the child to drink without realising it. However, you run the risk of it being contaminated by germs.

- Even if it is old or in bad condition, some children do not accept a replacement for their beloved soother. They would recognise their darling soother from a thousand others that were offered to them! However, it is important to replace it when the material starts to deteriorate because this makes it easier for it to be colonised by germs. To do this, it is a very good idea to offer the child more than one soother.

- The same thing happens with feeding bottles and other objects that the child is in contact with, so it is important to sterilise the soother regularly and rinse it often under running water. Again, soothers should never be passed from one mouth to another, as the mouth contains germs.

- For the same reason, never keep the soother loose in your bag or pocket. There are specially designed holders for keeping soothers in.

- Never dip the soother in sugar or honey. This habit can lead to tooth decay and gives your child a sweet tooth. Even when the milk teeth have not yet appeared, all the structures and tissues that will form the baby's teeth have been forming while they were inside their mother. Getting a child used to a soother sweetened with sugar or honey means increasing the chance of tooth decay in the future. It also has a negative effect on their sense of taste, as it will compromise their future choices.