We read an interesting article from the BBC yesterday that we thought you might find useful.
Apparently, the risk of ear infections in young children is greatly increased by the use of pacifiers (also known as dummies).
Nearly 500 Dutch children were studied for five years and those who used a pacifier had almost twice the risk of recurrent ear infection. Researchers believe that using a dummy might make it easier for bacteria to travel from secretions in the nose to the middle ear.
Of course, getting your little one to give up a pacifier is a painful task in itself – but Dr Maroeska Rovers, who led the research – suggests that it is worth the effort for children diagnosed with acute otitis media as it may prevent the misery of an ear infection from returning.