As a follow-up to our pacifier post last week, we asked a few of our sitters turned moms, “How do you clean the baby’s paci when it falls to the floor?”

Each sitter turned mom read the following article prior to sharing their feedback.

Brittany S. (first time mom of 6-week old boy)

Funny that this was a topic you are writing about because it has been a topic of conversation in our house. I spent money on wipes specifically to clean pacifiers and have yet to use them. My husband of course questioned the purchase and since he was born I have too. We both believe that some germs are good for the baby, especially the ones in our house. The pacifier has yet to be something he enjoys, so it usually ends up on the ground shortly after we have given it to him. Before reading the article I was literally cleaning it myself by putting it in my mouth! I was laughing when I read that this was something other people are doing. If the paci dropped on the subway platform I maybe would whip out those wipes, but for most situations I think a simple clean in mommy or daddy’s mouth is a-okay. It is a little like the five second rule, right?

Monica M. (first time mom of 6-month old)

Personally, if I am home and the pacifier falls, I do suck it clean and then give it back to the baby, so I’m relieved to hear that it has benefits. It’s only in my home that I do this, because I am in control of the conditions there. If I am out of the house I run it under water to clean it off or even swap it out for a new one and deep clean the other one later.

Lindsey S. (mom of toddler and one on the way)

When my little guy was an infant, I often carried paci wipes with me in his diaper bag. When I didn’t have a paci wipe on me, I would suck the paci to clean it. On a weekly basis (still), I boil all paci’s, especially the ones that come from his daycare. If he is sick, I find myself cleaning the paci’s more often (similar to changing pillow cases or sheets when you are sick).

The study and article is interesting.. and I 100% agree that some degree of exposure to germs at an early age benefits children. I never got neurotic about cleaning the paci’s; it really depends on where it would fall. For example, if it fell on the floor at the airport or grocery store, I would generally stash it away for a deeper clean. However, if it fell at home somewhere or in the car, I would either use a paci wipe, regular wipe, or suck clean.

Leave a comment and share with us what you do!

Written by our Founder & CEO, and new mom, Lindsay Bell!