Pacifiers Promote Safe Sleep
By Jennifer Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer MAM North America, Maker of Pacifiers and Other Baby Products
Pacifiers have long been used to soothe babies, and studies have shown that their use when putting a baby down to sleep can help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Offering a baby a pacifier at naps and bedtime is among the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for infant sleep safety, which also include placing the infant on his or her back on a firm surface, removing loose bedding and soft objects from the crib, and breastfeeding.
At MAM we are the market leader for pacifiers in the nation, with more than 19 million MAM pacifiers sold in the U.S. each year. Safety is our priority. During Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month this October, we are partnering with First Candle, an organization dedicated to reducing infant mortality by educating caregivers and families and supporting research. Our work with them includes a campaign to promote safe sleep through a series of videos and safety messages. We’re looking forward to participating in a roundtable discussion at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck on October 1 that focuses on the issue of reducing infant mortality, particularly in minority communities.
Pacifiers have proven a part of the toolkit in promoting safe sleep. A pacifier should never supplant nursing or bottle feeding, the AAP says, but can safely satisfy a baby’s desire to suck. If parents have chosen a pacifier, they are recommended for use every time a baby goes to sleep during the first year of life. They should never be tied to a child’s crib, or around their neck or hands.
Safety, functionality and comfort are paramount in the design of our products, which go through a rigorous testing process. MAM pacifiers are subjected to 40 different testing methods before sale. Our bottles also must pass 28 different tests. All MAM products meet or exceed U.S. government standards and ASTM international standards. We use materials that are BPA, BPS and PVC free.
Our website and social channels feature safety information on our range of products, including the regular inspection of pacifiers and instructions on a ‘pull test’ for parents to make certain pacifiers are fit for use and being used properly.
The most important thing to us is the safety and good health of our MAM babies. By providing parents with this ongoing information and knowledge along with the best product solutions possible, they can relax, enjoy their babies and focus on the everyday joy of being a parent.
Jennifer Mitchell was born at Holy Name Hospital and is Chief Executive Officer for MAM North America. A world leader in innovating and developing top quality baby care products for more than 40 years, MAM products are used by families in more than 60 countries and on six continents.
