Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, including details on sids, causes, prevention, statistics.

Should pacifiers be recommended to prevent sudden infant death syndrome?

Mitchell EA, Blair PS, L'Hoir MP

Department of Paediatrics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. e.mitchell@auckland.ac.nz

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to review the evidence for a reduction in the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) with pacifier ("dummy" or "soother") use, to discuss possible mechanisms for the reduction in SIDS risk, and to review other possible health effects of pacifiers. RESULTS: There is a remarkably consistent reduction of SIDS with pacifier use. The mechanism by which pacifiers might reduce the risk of SIDS is unknown, but several mechanisms have been postulated. Pacifiers might reduce breastfeeding duration, but the studies are conflicting. CONCLUSIONS: It seems appropriate to stop discouraging the use of pacifiers. Whether it is appropriate to recommend pacifier use in infants is open to debate.

Published 2 May 2006 in Pediatrics, 117(5): 1755-8.
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