Pacifier usage is controversial, and published recommendations are contradictory.
The purposes of this literature review were to provide a comprehensive summary of
risks and benefits of pacifier usage based upon the highest levels of evidence available
and to provide a reference for nurses to utilize while assisting mothers in making
an informed decision. Results indicated that benefits include reported ability to
soothe/comfort, decreased risk of sudden infant death syndrome, and a probable synergistic
role in adjunctive pain relief. Greatest risks are an increased incidence of acute
otitis media, possible negative impact on breast-feeding, and dental malocclusion
particularly if usage is greater than 2–3 years. The frequency, intensity, and duration
of pacifier use are related to type and extent of all risks.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 17, 2012
Footnotes
1No extramural funding has been received for this work.
2No presentations of this work have yet been made.
3No commercial/financial support has been received.
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© 2012 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
