Jessica Dean's Healthy Living: Problems with Pacifiers
By: KARK 4 Today
Updated: November 6, 2012
Parents out there -- How many times have you popped a pacifier back into the mouth of a crying infant after it's dropped onto the ground?
It's very common, but new research shows those binkies can be covered in bacteria.
Doctors did a small study of 10 used pacifiers. They looked clean, but under a microscope -- they found microbial contamination -- mold and staph bacteria. The doctors said that pacifier can act as a sponge for bacteria.
No studies have proven that a dirty paci can lead to actual illness. But most experts agree parents should replace them at least monthly -- even if they're cleaned and sterilized after every use.
One doctor said it's cheap medicine to throw out your pacis every two weeks.
It's very common, but new research shows those binkies can be covered in bacteria.
Doctors did a small study of 10 used pacifiers. They looked clean, but under a microscope -- they found microbial contamination -- mold and staph bacteria. The doctors said that pacifier can act as a sponge for bacteria.
No studies have proven that a dirty paci can lead to actual illness. But most experts agree parents should replace them at least monthly -- even if they're cleaned and sterilized after every use.
One doctor said it's cheap medicine to throw out your pacis every two weeks.
