pacifier /pas″ifī′ər/ [L, pacificare, to bring peace] , 1. an agent that soothes or comforts. 2. a nipple-shaped object used by infants and children for sucking. The safest pacifiers are constructed in one piece, are large enough that only the nipple fits into the mouth, and have a handle that can be easily grasped. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting to introduce a pacifier until a baby is 1 month old and breastfeeding is well established.
