(HealthDay News) -- A pacifier can soothe a baby, satisfying baby's natural instinct to suck.
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these guidelines for new parents:
- It's OK to give baby a pacifier to help soothe, but don't offer it when baby wants to eat.
- Try several types of pacifiers to see what your baby likes.
- Babies may not accept a pacifier at first, but try offering it several times. Gently rub the side of baby's mouth and hold the pacifier so baby doesn't spit it out.
- Don't worry if baby doesn't want a pacifier at all.
