Pacifiers (soothers): A user's guide for parents

Sucking on a pacifier is better than a thumb or finger because it causes fewer problems with future tooth development. A parent can control the use of a pacifier but it’s harder to control thumb sucking. When it’s time to stop using a pacifier, you can throw it away. You can’t throw away a thumb! Also, the latest medical research finds that using a pacifier may decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or crib death.