Safe even when you're out and about! A thorough explanation of how to disinfect and store pacifiers, as well as tips on how often and when to do so
Should I sterilize pacifiers? For how long?
What happens if you don't sterilize your pacifier?
If you fail to disinfect pacifiers, the risk of bacterial and viral infection increases. Pacifiers are placed directly in the baby's mouth, and are exposed to the external environment, making them susceptible to bacteria and viruses. In particular, pathogens such as respiratory syncytial virus can grow on them, and neglecting to disinfect them increases the risk of the baby contracting an infectious disease. Therefore, it is important to disinfect pacifiers.
Reference: RS virus infection Q&A (revised May 31, 2024) | Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare
How long should I disinfect the pacifier?
As long as you use a pacifier, you should always disinfect it. The development of your baby's immune system is a major factor in deciding when to graduate from a pacifier. IgG, the main antibody inherited from the mother, gradually decreases by 6 to 8 months of age. During this period, the baby's own IgG antibodies begin to be produced, reaching the same level as adults around 7 to 8 years of age. Therefore, it is important to always disinfect pacifiers while they are in use.
Reference: [Attachment 1] Factors of vulnerability among children | Ministry of the Environment
How to disinfect pacifiers?
Liquid cleaning
Liquid cleaning can also sterilize spore-forming bacteria that cannot be completely removed by heat, making pacifiers more hygienic. This disinfection method is easy to perform, so you can easily disinfect pacifiers even when you are busy raising children. By using liquid cleaning, you can keep your baby's pacifier clean at all times, allowing you to use it with peace of mind.
Boiling disinfection
Sterilizing in boiling water for 3-5 minutes will kill most harmful bacteria and viruses. To do this, fill a large container with water, completely immerse cleaned feeding or preparation equipment, then bring to a boil. Boiling is a simple and effective method that is extremely useful for keeping baby equipment clean.
UV sterilization
By irradiating ultraviolet light with a wavelength of around 254 nm, germs can be effectively sterilized. This ultraviolet light destroys DNA genes, preventing bacteria and viruses from multiplying normally, resulting in a powerful sterilization effect. Furthermore, this method is non-heating, non-contact, and non-chemical, and is safe and environmentally friendly as it does not use heat or chemicals. This allows various items to be effectively kept clean.
How often and when should pacifiers be disinfected, and how should they be stored?
How many times a day should I disinfect my pacifier?
It is important to disinfect anything that infants lick at least once a day. This is because there is a risk that pathogens can enter the body and cause infection by licking something that has pathogens on it. Disinfecting it every day will keep it clean and protect it from infectious diseases. This preventive measure is an essential habit to protect the health of infants.
Also, if your baby drops their pacifier on the ground while you're out and about, be sure to disinfect it or use a spare, clean pacifier instead and avoid using the dropped one.
When should I disinfect my pacifier?
If you use liquid cleaning or boiling disinfection, it is recommended that you wash the bottles together, and if you use microwave disinfection, you should do it at your own pace. This is because it is an efficient disinfection method that does not require much effort on the part of the mother. Liquid cleaning and boiling disinfection allow you to disinfect multiple items at once, while microwave disinfection is quick and convenient, reducing the burden on busy mothers.
How should I store pacifiers after disinfecting them?
Regarding how to store pacifiers after disinfection, it is important to store them in a cool place out of direct sunlight. If they are not used immediately, they should be stored in a clean place, such as in a cover or case. This will minimize the risk of the pacifier becoming contaminated again. Following proper storage methods will help keep pacifiers clean after disinfection and protect your baby's health.
What is the Pixel Mini Pacifier Sterilizer? It's also useful for sterilizing pacifiers on the go!
The Pixel Mini Pacifier Sterilizer is a convenient device that allows you to easily sterilize pacifiers anytime, anywhere.
This sterilizer can effectively sterilize by simply irradiating it with UVC LED for 3 minutes. With a design that fits into your daily life, it can be easily used as a portable sterilizer for babies, both on the go and at home.
The Pixel Mini pacifier sterilizer allows you to keep your baby's pacifier clean and safe. It can also be used as a storage case for sanitized pacifiers.
summary
Disinfecting pacifiers is an essential step to keep your baby healthy. Not disinfecting pacifiers increases the risk of bacterial and viral infections, especially as pathogens like respiratory syncytial virus can thrive.
Microwaves are a quick and easy way to disinfect. They can be effectively disinfected in about 5-6 minutes, and can be used as storage cases after disinfection. If you use liquid cleaners, they can be easily disinfected and can eliminate bacteria that cannot be removed by heat. Boiling is also effective, and most pathogens can be killed in 3-5 minutes of disinfection with boiling water.
Disinfect pacifiers at least once a day and store them in a cool place out of direct sunlight after disinfecting.
The Pixel Mini pacifier sterilizer can be easily sterilized anytime, anywhere by simply irradiating it with UVC LED for 3 minutes. Its portable design fits into your daily life and can be used easily on the go or at home.
Use these tips to keep pacifiers clean and your baby's health in good condition.