INTERVENTION:
To avoid cleaning the pacifier with water, or soap and water, rather clean the pacifier by placing in parent mouth.
INTERVENTION GOAL:
To alter the infant microbiome, the community of healthy bacteria, in the infant mouth and gut. In turn, to decrease risk of allergies and eczema.
EVIDENCE supporting INTERVENTION:
Based on a study published in 2013, children whose parents “cleaned” their pacifier by sucking on it were less likely to have asthma, eczema and allergies when tested at 18 months.
Many studies have shown that healthy bacteria are important in “teaching” a maturing immune system tolerance.
POTENTIAL RISK:
The authors speculate that saliva transfer could increase the risk of dental cavities in the infant.
INTERVENTION SPECIFICS:
Avoid cleaning the pacifier with soap and water, or water alone, instead clean the pacifier by placing inside parent mouth. This will allow bacteria in the parent mouth to be transferred to the infants mouth and gut.