You've put your child to sleep with the pacifier tucked safely into their mouth, but within an hour or 2 the pacifier is on the ground. Keeping pacifiers in the crib is a dilemma that many parents go through, and there are several solutions you can try out. Whether you decide to install a mesh crib liner or use a stuffed animal pacifier holder, there's a method for keeping those pacifiers in the crib that's right for you and your child.
EditSteps
EditSecuring the Crib
- Install mesh netting inside the crib to create a bumper. There are many different types of mesh crib liners you can buy to keep pacifiers and other things inside of the crib. These mesh liners serve as a type of bumper and are very easily installed. They come in a variety of different colors and patterns from several different companies. Simply position the lining against the walls of the crib and tie the ends to the crib's bars. [1]
- Mesh crib liners typically cost $20-$50, and buying a breathable one is recommended.
- While most mesh bumpers are marketed for children ages 0 to 3, it's safer not to use them with newborns to reduce the risk of suffocation.
- Put the crib in a corner or up against a wall to safely block 2 sides. To help prevent pacifiers from falling out of a crib, place the crib up against a wall or in a corner of the room. This way, you’re making it harder for a pacifier to escape the crib. Having a crib up against the wall sometimes also gives a child a sense of security.[2]
- Don’t put the crib near a window or near any hanging fixtures or decorations.
- If the crib isn't flush against the wall due to baseboards or other obstructions, move it away from the wall. Leaving a small amount of space between the crib and the wall poses a danger to your child, as their arms or legs could become trapped.
- Avoid placing blankets or stuffed animals along the edges of the crib. While placing blankets along the bars of a crib might keep the pacifiers in, it's not a safe option for your child. Blankets, toys, pillows, or certain other items in the crib with your baby can cause suffocation. When it comes to crib safety, an empty crib is better.[3]
EditAttaching the Pacifiers
- Use a pacifier clip to keep the pacifier attached to your child. There are many different pacifier clips you can buy to help keep the pacifier from falling to the ground. You simply snap the clip onto your child’s clothes and attach the pacifier to the other end. Pacifier clips come in a variety of patterns and colors, costing anywhere from $5-$15 for a pack.[4]
- Pacifier clips are marketed as being useful for all ages, from a newborn to a toddler. However, there is always a suffocation hazard, so be wary when using a clip for a newborn.
- When purchasing a pacifier clip, make sure that it’s not too long — it only needs to be long enough for the pacifier to reach your child’s mouth. A long clip could cause suffocation or other harm.
- Try to choose pacifier clips that have a flat structure. If your child rolls around a lot, you don’t want the clip to hurt them.
- Purchase a stuffed animal with a pacifier attached for a comfort object. Plush pacifier holders are popular options when trying to keep the pacifier from leaving your child’s bed. Pacifiers are attached at the mouth of the stuffed animal while the stuffed animal's legs provide stability, keeping the pacifier in your child's mouth. Not only is it difficult for these stuffed animals to fit through the bars of the crib, but they often become comfort objects for your child.[5]
- Stuffed animal pacifier holders come in a variety of different animals, usually costing $8-$15.
- Attach a pacifier to a soft toy that you already have for a DIY solution. If your child has a soft little blanket, animal, or other toy that they love to sleep with, you can attach a pacifier to it yourself. Use a pacifier with a handle so that you can attach a ribbon to it. Attach the ribbon to the pacifier by tying a strong knot or sewing the ribbon tightly around the handle. Tie the other end of the ribbon to the toy using a strong knot or sew it on. [6]
- There shouldn't be any large loops on the toy — this is a suffocation hazard. Use a short piece of ribbon so that it isn't able to wrap around the child's neck.
EditTips
- To reduce the amount of times you have to go in and pick up pacifiers from the floor at night, try placing multiple pacifiers in the crib when putting your child to sleep. This way, they’ll still have a pacifier if one falls to the ground.
- If you child throws their pacifiers out of the crib, wait until they fall asleep and then sprinkle pacifiers around their crib for them to find if they wake up.
EditSources and Citations
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