Design, Sizing, and Ergonomics of Infant Pacifiers: A Biometric Basis for Pacifier Fit.

PACIFIERS (Infant care); SPEECH disorders; ORTHODONTICS; ORAL habits; PRODUCT design; ERGONOMICS; MALOCCLUSION; SOFTWARE architecture; CHILDREN'S health; COMMERCIAL product evaluation; BIOMETRY; JAWS; CHILDREN

With the filing of a class action lawsuit claiming NUK Orthodontic Pacifiers harm oral development in children older than 24 months, it is now more important than ever to assure that recommendations for pacifier use are based in science. Often overlooked is the importance of proper size selection and design characteristics of the bulb and shield of the pacifier itself. Pacifier companies are now being asked for validation of the packaging claims made to the consumer in an age where quantifiable biometric parameters can be analyzed with technologies that are readily available. The use of a free smart phone application (app) currently in development can guide parents when selecting the right size pacifier for their baby. This article reviews the science behind pacifier use, ergonomics, facial anthropometrics, physical parameters of the infant, and the use of biometrics in pacifier selection. It enforces the importance for all stakeholders to understand how the development of the face and jaws are affected by non-nutritive sucking with a pacifier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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