Published online May 1, 2006
PEDIATRICS Vol. 117 No. 5 May 2006, pp. 1755-1758 (doi:10.1542/10.1542/peds.2005-1625)
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REVIEW ARTICLE

Should Pacifiers Be Recommended to Prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?

E.A. Mitchell, FRACP, DSca, P.S. Blair, PhDb and M.P. L’Hoir, PhDc

a Department of Paediatrics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
b Institute of Child Health, Education Centre, Bristol, United Kingdom
c Department of Medical Psychology, Division of Pediatrics, University Medical Center, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, Utrecht, Netherlands

OBJECTIVES. 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.

RESULTS. 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.

CONCLUSIONS. It seems appropriate to stop discouraging the use of pacifiers. Whether it is appropriate to recommend pacifier use in infants is open to debate.

Key Words: sudden unexplained death

Abbreviations: SIDS—sudden infant death syndrome • OR—odds ratio • CI—confidence interval

Accepted Oct 31, 2005.


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Consistent effects of pacifier use to prevent SIDS?
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