How to Use MAM Pacifiers Safely for Newborns and Infants – Complete Parent’s Guide
Learn how to use MAM pacifiers safely for newborns and infants. Tips on cleaning, hygiene, oral development, and soothing your baby effectively.
When I became a new parent, I soon introduced myself to the fact that it is not always easy to make my baby calm and comfortable. Constant crying, insomnia and feeding every minute and hour can make the baby and parent tired. It was at that point that I came across MAM pacifiers, which are meant to calm infants and babies and promote the healthy development of the mouth. It is not just about giving a baby a pacifier but more of knowing how to use it safely, hygienically, and at the appropriate time so that it is not only comfortable but also healthy.
MAM pacifiers have been remarkable in my interaction due to their construction, the ergonomics of their structure, soft materials, and safety. Nonetheless, I soon came to know that I was supposed to take several significant steps to use them safely. Right cleaning and sterilization to the right time presentation, there exist the ways to make it the most comfortable best pacifier and to reduce the risk simultaneously. This guide tells my experience and some tips on the safe usage of MAM pacifiers by your newborn or infant.
Knowing the Significance of the Pacifier Safety
I was not very aware of the seriousness of safety when I first introduced a pacifier. Infants put everything into their mouths and thus even a tiny tear or unhealthy stuff can be dangerous. The MAM pacifiers are manufactured using silicone that is free of BPA and natural rubber and are constructed to be light and hygienic. They are one-piece constructed and soft shielded which makes them less likely to choke or cause discomfort and the parents like me rest easy.
Safety also entails aiding good oral development besides averting risks. The MAM pacifiers are manufactured in such a way that they are orthodontically shaped such that they fit conveniently in the mouth with no impact on the teeth and jaw development. It is important to choose a pacifier which facilitates healthy oral development, particularly at the early months of life when sucking habits are being developed.
How to select a Right MAM pacifier to your baby
The initial action I made towards the use of pacifiers safely is by choosing the right size and type. MAM pacifiers are age-specific, i.e., 0-6 months, 6-18 months and 18+ months. In the case of infants, I would use the format of 0-6 months which was not only easy to wear but also soft on fragile gums. The wrong size may result in discomfort or even a safety risk and I have made a habit of checking the packaging twice.
The shape also matters. The MAM pacifiers are symmetrical and orthodontic, meaning that they fit in the mouth, no matter how my baby suckled. The infants find the soft silicone nipple comfortable and this minimizes fussiness and confusion of the nipples. The correct size and shape were selected and this made sure that my baby was not scared of the pacifier.
The first step involves checking the pacifier prior to usage
The first habit that I had adopted was checking the pacifier prior to use. Although MAM pacifiers are long-lasting, normal chewing, pulling and even drops may wear them out with time. I inspected a crack, a discoloration or any kind of weakening. In case anything was amiss, I would change it immediately. This was a mere act that helped me greatly decrease my fear of choking dangers.
The handle and shield are as well. The MAM pacifiers have shields which are either securely attached as one piece or have a securely attached shield that does not release any small parts. It became habitual to take a few moments and check my baby before use and I was always sure that my baby was using a safe and reliable pacifier.
Cleaning and Sterilization
I was very hygienic-wise about pacifiers. MAM pacifiers can be washed without any problems, yet infants are particularly susceptible to micro-organisms, and therefore, I placed sterilization in the first place. I cleaned the pacifier using warm and soapy water, rinsed it and then boiled it several minutes. Another product that was very convenient to me in terms of travel and everyday use is the MAM self-sterilizing pacifier box.
I never reuse the pacifier but always make the pacifier cool before handing it to my baby. Hot silicone may cause burns to the gums and boiled silicone should not be used immediately. I was used to cleaning and sterilizing things so that my baby always had a hygienic pacifier.
The introduction of the use of the Pacifier
The introduction of the pacifier takes time and patience. I got to know that it was better to offer when my baby was calm or immediately after a feed. At times during crying fits, my infant would not take the pacifier and I would wait until she is calm and willing. She could take it in more naturally when I put it close to her lips and left her sucking her own pace.
It was important to watch her to her reactions. When she appeared impatient or bored, I took it off and put it on again later. Gradually she started to connect the pacifier with comfort. Bringing in a pacifier does not only mean putting the pacifier in the hands of your baby but making a comfortable place and letting your baby make his own pace.
Pacifier Responsibly
The urge to have pacifiers always and everywhere is very convenient, though soon I got the habit of not being addicted. I applied the MAM pacifier when I had to take a nap or when going to bed. Restricting my baby to use during certain times enabled the baby to use the self-soothing method, yet he/she was able to explore other types of comfort, such as blankets or cuddling.
The pacifier as a reward or punishment was another thing that I did not do. Maintaining a neutral position meant that my baby did not develop negative associations. It was a crutch turned into a helpful tool through the deliberate and infrequent use of the pacifier.
Storing and Handling
Safe storage is highly essential. I would reserve the pacifiers of my baby in a clean dry container where they would not be exposed to germs. Protective cases are usually provided with MAM pacifiers and they were very convenient to me particularly when traveling. This was such a basic routine that the pacifier was kept hygienic and safe.
Handling additionally implies that it should not be tied to strings around the neck and this may lead to a risk of strangulation. It is also a safe practice to use pacifiers by handling and storing them in a smart way so that they are accessible yet safe.
Oral Development monitoring
The orthodontic shape of MAM pacifiers that help to promote good oral development is one of the reasons that made me select this particular brand. I would check the mouth of my baby every so often and make sure that the pacifier was not interfering with feeding and developing of the teeth. Although pacifiers are beneficial, the continued use or an improper kind can influence the tissues of the teeth and jaw structures. Safe use of the pacifier was supplemented with regular checkups of my baby by a pediatrician, which provided me with certain confidence regarding the oral health of my baby.
The soft silicone material and ergonomic design of MAM pacifiers was also a factor that minimized nipple confusion. My baby still kept on breast feeding without any problem and this is in as much as when it is used carefully it can give comfort without disrupting the feeding habits of the baby.
When the Pacifier has to be replaced
The toughest pacifiers even become weaker. I changed the MAM pacifier of my baby after every 2-3 months or as soon as I saw any cracks, softening, and discoloration. Replacement of the pacifier on a regular basis ensured hygiene and safety.
Frequent change, cleaning, and inspection resulted in the formation of a complete routine that reduced the risks and increased the comfort. These little practices have helped me and my baby to get used to them and therefore they were not stressful.
Travelling by use of a pacifier.
Traveling is also associated with new difficulties, such as hygiene and backup. I never forgot an additional MAM pacifier in its sterilizing casing and that was easy to handle once out of the house or on the excursions. The heavy-duty construction meant that it could be used on many occasions without the fear of becoming worn out.
I also developed a habit of rinsing the pacifier after going out to eliminate germs. Good organization made us have comfort always despite the location. After observing these safety measures, it became easy to travel with a pacifier.
FAQs : How to Use MAM Pacifiers
Final Thoughts
Pacifier use does not need to be pressurized and with MAM pacifiers, I felt comfortable, secure and relaxed. By taking the right precautions, inspection, cleaning, introduction at the right time and observing well, your newborn or the infant can spend their time in a soothing presence and not in any danger. The orthodontic, ergonomic design assists oral growth as well as aids babies to self-soothe in an effective manner. To the parents, MAM pacifiers are a good way to provide a secure, safe, and convenient way to get through the everyday parenting problems and to make dealing with the fussy times a lot easier and enable the baby and the parent to sleep much more calmly.
