PSA: pacifiers and colds

SweetPeaK26

I'd posted this in another bump board a couple of years ago when it happened, and had many moms thank me, because its not something that people think of. So, I thought I'd share now too, since I think its worth knowing.

When your baby has a cold, or at least a stuffy nose, be careful about pacifiers. A couple of years ago, a woman in our town gave her 4 month old a pacifier to comfort her. The baby had a cold, and was quite stuffed up. The baby ended up suffocating because she couldn't breath through her nose (at least not enough to get adequate oxygen) , but had suctioned the pacifier into her mouth.

I know this is a sad post, but if it keeps one of our little September babes safe, its worth it to me.

llybeck

I honestly never thought about that. It seems like common sense but it's one of those things that isn't always your first thought, thank you very much for sharing.

blondii428

llybeck said:

I honestly never thought about that. It seems like common sense but it's one of those things that isn't always your first thought, thank you very much for sharing.

Agreed

tfinn29

the nurse that taught our newborn class said babies don't breath through there mouths for awhile.. they are strictly nose breathers

AppleMuffins

So how does breast or bottle feeding work then? I think they're going to have a hard time no matter what, and I'd probably rather be safe than sorry, but I also think it's probably not that common for something like that to happen.

llybeck

AppleMuffins said:

So how does breast or bottle feeding work then? I think they're going to have a hard time no matter what, and I'd probably rather be safe than sorry, but I also think it's probably not that common for something like that to happen.

I think giving your baby a pacifier at night is pretty different than you being right there feeding them, don't you think? Obviously you would notice if they were having trouble breathing if they were right there in your arms but at 4 months old a lot of parents give kids pacifiers when they go down for a nap or at night, you may not notice a problem in that case.

coraggiosa

Thank you for sharing. This is something I've never really thought about. 

SweetPeaK26

llybeck said:

AppleMuffins said:

So how does breast or bottle feeding work then? I think they're going to have a hard time no matter what, and I'd probably rather be safe than sorry, but I also think it's probably not that common for something like that to happen.

I think giving your baby a pacifier at night is pretty different than you being right there feeding them, don't you think? Obviously you would notice if they were having trouble breathing if they were right there in your arms but at 4 months old a lot of parents give kids pacifiers when they go down for a nap or at night, you may not notice a problem in that case.

I think this was the case. She had put the baby in a bouncy chair to help keep her upright (to help with congestion) while she took a shower.