Pacifier Use and Morbidity in the First Six Months of Life

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Objective. To assess the prevalence of pacifier use and whether this habit adversely affects the health of 6-month-old infants.Design. Data collected via self-completion questionnaires from mothers forming part of the prospective, population-based Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood.Methods. The mothers of 10 950 infants gave information on their child's use of a pacifier at 4 weeks and 6 months of age and the presence of specific health symptoms. Adjusted logistic regression was performed to identify any associations between pacifier use and ill health.Results. Two thirds of the sample had been given a pacifier at some point, with 42% being reported as having one at both ages. Younger, lower educated mothers, mothers who smoked, those living in council and overcrowded accommodation, and those reporting financial difficulties were significantly more likely to give their infant a pacifier. Pacifier use was associated significantly with a higher risk of symptoms such as wheezing, earache, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and colic as well as with the general practitioner being called to the home and hospital admission.Conclusions. Although significant differences exist in the risk of experiencing several health symptoms between infants who do and infants who do not use a pacifier, stronger and more detailed evidence is required before recommendations can be made to discourage the use of pacifiers based purely on reducing occurrences of these symptoms. Pediatrics 1999;103(3). URL: http:// www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/103/3/e34; pacifier use, morbidity, infants.

Do Pacifiers Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome? A Meta-analysis

“…Other mild infant health symptoms based on subjective ratings of mothers were found to be associated with pacifier use in the first 6 months of life. 41 Additional research is needed to assess these and other potential illnesses and to determine if any associations that might be found are causal.…”

The Changing Concept of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Diagnostic Coding Shifts, Controversies Regarding the Sleeping Environment, and New Variables to Consider in Reducing Risk

“…There is an approximate 1.2-to 2-fold increased risk of otitis media associated with pacifier use, but the incidence of otitis media is generally lower in the first year of life, especially the first 6 months, when the risk of SIDS is the highest. [62][63][64][65][66][67] However, pacifier use, once established, may persist beyond 6 months, thus increasing the risk of otitis media. Gastrointestinal infections and oral colonization with Candida species were found to be more common among pacifier users.…”

“…Gastrointestinal infections and oral colonization with Candida species were found to be more common among pacifier users. [63][64][65] …”

Fatores associados à duração do aleitamento materno em três municípios na região do Alto Jequitinhonha, Minas Gerais, Brasil

“…Embora ainda não tenha sido comprovado o efeito causal da chupeta em relação ao desmame precoce, é importante considerar os elevados índices do uso desses objetos em nosso meio, além de outros prejuízos para a saúde infantil, como alterações das arcadas dentárias, maior risco de asma, vômitos, febre, diarréia, otalgia e parasitoses intestinais, demonstrados em vários estudos 22,23 . Por isso, a Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) decidiu tornar obrigatório a inclusão, na embalagem desses produtos, de mensagens com advertências quanto aos prejuízos advindos do seu uso em crianças.…”