Health Tip: Offering Baby a Pacifier

(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.