Many babies love their pacifier and cannot do without it. However, the teat quickly lands on the floor and therefore has to be cleaned properly. Find out how to boil and sterilize the pacifier here!
Boiling pacifiers: why is it so important?
In the first few months of life, the baby's immune system is not yet fully developed. This makes the baby more sensitive and susceptible to pathogens. In principle, hygiene must therefore be observed with all baby items and the pacifier must be cleaned regularly, otherwise germs have an easy time of it.
How often should you sterilize or clean the pacifier?
- Before first use a new pacifier should always be boiled first.
- In the first six months of life you should get the pacifier sterilize once a day and of course clean if it falls on the floor in between.
- Is the oral phase in which the baby is constantly putting something in its mouth, the pacifier no longer needs to be sterilized as often: one normal cleaning with detergent and running warm water is sufficient in this case (make sure that the detergent is completely rinsed off!). In addition, the pacifier should sterilized every three days will. If your child does ill, during this time boil the pacifier again thoroughly.
Note: Parents should use the pacifier for cleaning Not lick! This could transfer caries bacteria to the child.
Sterilizing pacifiers: 4 options
Sterilize the pacifier with steam
In the trade for baby items are special Sterilizers (also called vaporisers) available with very hot steam Can sterilize a wide variety of utensils for babies. For example baby bottles, breast pumps or even several pacifiers. Time required about 8 to 15 minutes.
Boil the pacifier
The easiest way to sterilize the pacifier is to boil it out in a saucepan. For this you should specially prepare a small pot and this one take only for the pacifier. Other pots could be contaminated with germs from leftover food.
That's how it's done:
- First clean the pacifier under running water.
- Then put it in the pot, cover it completely with water and boil it for at least five minutes. tip: To prevent the pacifier from rising to the surface of the water, squeeze the teat beforehand so that the air escapes.
- Then, let the pacifier drain on a clean cloth.
Sterilize pacifiers in the microwave
The temperatures of the microwave can also sterilize the pacifier in a simple and very quick way. So-called Pacifier trees or Microwave bags for pacifiers to help. The pacifiers are hung on the pacifier tree, water is added and placed in the microwave. The sterilization takes place within a few minutes. The microwave bags work in a similar way: the pacifier and water are filled into the bag, sealed and, if the wattage is appropriate, left in the microwave for a few minutes according to the instructions for use.
Sterilize the pacifier with cold water
If there is no option for boiling or steam sterilization, the pacifier can also be included cold water and sterilization tablets sterilize. You either need boiled water or, if this is not available, drinking water from the trade if necessary. Use a bowl and dissolve the tablet in the water. Then the pacifier needs a half a hour lie completely covered with water. This method should only be used as a Stopgap can be used because chemical residues could be left behind.
Note: Clean the pacifier not in the dishwasher! The temperatures are not sufficient for sterilization and the dishwasher detergents are not suitable.
Boiling pacifiers: material science
There are pacifiers made of silicone and latex. Both are equally suitable for boiling and sterilizing.
Silicone pacifier are, however more heat resistant. Latex, on the other hand, is more tear-resistant, but becomes porous more quickly – Pacifiers made of latex may therefore have to be replaced earlier. Basically, the pacifier should be replaced after a period of use of two to three months, otherwise substances could be released from the material. However, if there are signs of use beforehand or the pacifier becomes sticky, replace it early.
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