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Keeping track of your baby’s pacifier can feel like a full-time job. One minute it’s in their mouth, and the next it’s on the floor of the car, the stroller, or the grocery store aisle. Pacifier clips are designed to make everyday parenting a little easier by keeping pacifiers within reach and off dirty surfaces.
But like any baby essential, they need to be used and cared for properly. From choosing thoughtfully-made materials to cleaning and storing them the right way, understanding pacifier clip safety helps you build a routine that supports your baby’s wellbeing. Here’s what you need to know about using and cleaning pacifier clips safely.
What Pacifier Clips Are and Why Safety Matters
Pacifier clips, like those from Loulou Lollipop, help you keep track of your baby’s pacifiers, and prevent the pacifier from ending up on the floor. To use one, attach one end of the cord to the pacifier via a snap closure or a loop. You can then secure the other end to the baby’s clothes using a clip that is usually made out of either plastic or metal.
Because poorly-made clips can pose dangers such as choking hazards to your child, it’s important to buy them from trusted sources that meet required safety standards.
What Makes a Pacifier Clip Safe for Everyday Use
A pacifier clip attaches to your baby’s clothes via a short chord. Pacifier clips not only help you keep watch of your baby’s pacifiers, but also protect pacifiers from falling on the floor and getting too dirty.
How Materials and Moisture Affect Pacifier Clips
Many pacifier clips use metal because it’s a sturdy material. However, some types of metal rust when exposed to moisture; as a result, you will need to clean the clip regularly to ensure your baby is not exposed to rust. When it comes to metal and pacifier clips, the best type of metal to use is stainless steel; it’s both long-lasting and will not rust.
Moreover, continued exposure to moisture can cause mold. As with preventing rust, regular cleaning and proper drying of pacifier clips is the best way to reduce the chance of mold growing on them.
How to Clean Pacifier Clips Safely
First, remove the pacifier from the pacifier clip; these are two items that should be cleaned separately. Rinse the pacifier clip with warm water. Then, using a cloth, soft-bristled brush, or your hands, gently scrub the pacifier clip clean with mild soap. If you choose to wash them with your hands, make sure your hands are clean. Dry the pacifier clip by patting it with a clean towel, and then let it air dry completely.
Keep in mind that the above instructions are for general cases. Be sure to check your pacifier clip’s instructions for any specific directions on how to clean.
How Often Pacifier Clips Should Be Cleaned
Try to clean the pacifier clip, along with the pacifier, daily. This practice is important, particularly if your baby uses these items as a teether.
When to Replace a Pacifier Clip
Pacifier clips should be replaced every 2 to 3 months, or when they start to look worn down. Silicone teethers tend to last longer than other materials, as the material is quite resistant to daily wear and tear.
How to Store Pacifier Clips Between Uses
Because moisture can cause mold, never store damp clips or pacifiers in closed containers. Store clips and pacifiers separately. Allow clips to fully air dry before putting them away. In between uses, store them in secure, sealed, and easy-to-clean containers. Place the stored pacifier clips in a cool, dry place that is away from direct sunlight and any heated surface.
Common Pacifier Clip Safety Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t let your baby sleep with it: Never let your baby wear the clip if you aren’t watching them, which includes when they’re sleeping.
Be aware of choking hazards: A clip cord should not be longer than 7 to 8 inches. Any longer and it can be a choking hazard.
Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach to clean clips: Doing so can expose your baby to toxic substances. Instead, clean your clip with mild soap and water. Be sure to follow the cleaning guidelines of the manufacturer.
Buy quality materials: Buying poorly made clips can put your toddler at increased risk of being exposed to choking hazards and harsh chemicals. Try to buy your products from companies that use baby-safe materials, and test their designs to meet CPSC standards: Small Parts and Use & Abuse testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Pacifier Clips Do I Need?
The number of pacifier clips you need depends on what works best for you and your child’s habits. Generally, it’s good to have two to three clips on hand, allowing you to easily switch them out if one gets dirty. You can also store clips in different places (i.e. at home, in your stroller, in your travel bag), so that you always have an extra one nearby.
Are Pacifier Clips Safe for Newborns?
Yes, provided that you buy toddler-safe clips, wash and store them properly, and use them on your newborn only when they are under your supervision.
Can You Use Pacifier Clips at Night?
No. Only use pacifier clips on your child when you can keep watch over them. Do not let them use it unsupervised, such as when they’re napping during the day or sleeping at night.
Are Pacifier Clips Safe?
Yes, they are safe, as long as you buy pacifier clips made using toddler-safe materials and meet the necessary regulations. Also, you must clean them regularly and let your baby use them only under your supervision.
Ready to Build a Safer Pacifier Routine with Loulou Lollipop?
Pacifier clips are handy devices that can help prevent misplacing your baby’s pacifiers, in addition to keeping them off the floor. Be sure to follow safety procedures when using them, such as washing them after each use and never letting your child have them while they are unsupervised.
Also, be sure to buy quality clips from trusted brands that meet regulations. Loulou Lollipop’s pacifier clips are made of FDA-approved, food-grade silicone, and are 100% free from harmful chemicals. Parenting is hard, and buying the right products for your kids can be even harder. Luckily, we have done the research on how to make products that safely meet your baby’s needs, so you can focus more on spending quality time with your little one.
