Spit-Cleaning Pacifiers Could Help Ward Off Allergies
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Conventional wisdom has been to clean a baby’s pacifier using soap and water. But new research shows another method — that’s somewhat unconventional — could have unexpected benefits.
“If I have a sink on hand I’ll rinse it off in the sink or I’ll use a water bottle to sort of rinse it, but otherwise I’ll put it in my mouth and clean it that way if I have no other option,” said Katie Civitano, a mother.
Even though it sounds unsanitary, new research shows Civitano could be helping her child develop fewer allergies.
New research in The Journal Pediatrics looked at 184 kids, and found children whose parents sucked on their pacifiers to clean them had a lower risk of developing both eczema and asthma.
A parent’s healthy bacteria can pass on health benefits to baby.
Most experts say if your baby’s pacifier falls on the floor in your home, you should run it under hot water.
Pediatricians also say to throw a pacifier away if it has cracks or tears because those are perfect places for bacteria to grow.