Anticipatory Guidance (continued)

Non-Nutritive Sucking

Sucking is a natural reflex for children. Most children require some amount of
additional sucking beyond that needed for nourishment. This type of sucking, known as non-nutritive sucking, provides emotional benefits, enabling the child to calm himself/herself and focus attention. If parents choose to have their child suck a pacifier, health professionals can advise them to take certain safety precautions. The following precautions are recommended:

• Never attaching a pacifier to a ribbon or string around the child’s neck.
• Making sure the pacifier is of sturdy, one-piece construction and that the material is flexible, firm, and not brittle.
• Keeping the pacifier clean.
• Not dipping a pacifier in sweetened foods (e.g., sugar, honey, syrup) to encourage sucking.
• Never orally cleaning a pacifier before giving it to a child.