When choosing a soother, remember that it will always depend on your baby's acceptance. One of the things to look out for when choosing a soother could be material: latex (rubber) or silicone.
Latex is an 100% natural product, amber in colour and has a soft and elastic texture that most resembles the feeling of the mother's breast. It is a hygroscopic material, meaning it absorbs water and retains odour. It is a natural material therefore it wears down faster than silicone. It is recommended for infants who already have teeth, from 6 to 12 months.
Medical silicone is a transparent white chemical product. It is a durable material and does not absorb odours or flavours. Its size does not change with use, although it may adopt the colour of the food it comes into contact with. It is less resistant to biting and pulling by the baby, so it is usually recommended for new-borns, from 0 to 6 months.
It is advisable to replace the soother with a new one every one or two months and/or discard as soon as it shows signs of deterioration such as: changes in colour, alterations in shape and/or material deterioration.
It is important to note that sterilising the soother every time the baby uses it is not necessary unless it falls to the floor or gets dirty. In cases when sterilising is not available, you can simply wash it under running water and avoid cleaning it with your own saliva as it may contain antibacterial substances.
