Your Pacifier and You
Hello, all! Whether you call them pacifiers, pacis, binkies, dummies, suckees, or anything else, a lot of regressors use them, and I know that sometimes, it's hard to find information about them and how to take care of them, disassemble them, etc etc. Most of the information I've found has been from confused people asking questions. So I thought, since I've had to learn this all by myself, I'd make a comprehensive guide to help out regressors and caregivers alike! Hopefully, someone finds this helpful!
What makes up a pacifier?
Let's start with the basics! A standard adult pacifier is made up of 4 parts; a shield, a button, a ring/handle, and a teat/nipple.
There's some unique designs out there, of course, but this is the typical one you'll find for sale.
The teat is the part that, since it goes into your mouth, will be worn out the fastest, so it's worth learning about it, in case you need to replace it. The one pictured here is a latex Nuk 5 (my mouth is a little smaller). TYPICALLY, you will receive a silicone Nuk 6. They come in many different sizes, and you can get some REALLY big ones! Between the two, silicone is more durable and lasts much longer, but latex is a bit softer, so neither is better, it's up to personal preference and what's available in the size you want! Obviously also be wary of latex allergies.
Where do I find one?
Unfortunately, these aren't usually something you'll find in a store. But fortunately, you'll find lots of places online selling them! My personal favorites are Etsy (all kinds of small business with something unique), My Inner Baby (good variety and actually has Nuk 5s for sale), and Pacifier Addict (good variety and almost exclusively pacifiers), but there's tons more websites online! Though, I always recommend to look at them when you aren't regressed, or getting someone else bigger to look for you if you can, because sometimes they have NSFW things, too. Always be careful! Most will have discreet shipping, but it's always worth a quick message or email to check if you're not sure!
I have my pacifier now! How do I take care of it?
Pacifiers are something that, to a regressor who uses them, are very special. And it's always good to take care of something you care about! The best ways (besides being careful with any paint or decorations) to take care of it are cleaning it, and storing it.
Ideally, you should clean it before and after you use it every time. Buuuuuut that's not always possible, and sometimes just tedious and boring. So, I would recommend getting some pacifier wipes, or even just baby wipes (just make sure they are fragrance free, and ideally without any lotions), giving it a quick wipe, and then using it, and just taking it apart to clean once a week or so, or if you drop it or notice it's really dirty. As long as you do that, and store it well when you aren't using it, you should be a-OK!
Alternatively, as long as there's no decorations held in place by glue, you CAN boil it. But that's not really necessary, just warm water and dish soap is enough!
How should I store it?
Storing a pacifier is important to keeping it safe when you aren't using it! There's lots of ways to do it, but I'll just share a few, as well as what's good and bad about them all!
1: Denture case. These are usually cheap and easy to find (I got mine at Walmart), and come with a little dunker that can make for easy cleaning! You can also paint them to look however you want, like I have here! (just make sure it's non-toxic paint and has some sort of clear coat to seal it if it'll get wet). The downside is that it's bulkier and less discreet, but can still be passed off as something to hold small trinkets
2. A commercial pacifier holder. You'll find this in the baby section of stores. This is helpful to clip on the outside of a bag. This one says it holds 2 pacifiers, and is juuuust big enough to hold 1 adult sized one. The downsides are that it'll bend the teat, making it wear out quicker, and isn't a great seal, so dust might still get in
3. Folding sunglasses case. I found this at Dollar Tree, and it's the perfect size! It zips completely closed, so no dust will get in. You will have to bend the teat, though, which wears it out faster.
4. Secret pocket in a stuffed animal. By far the cutest option, I've got Koibito-chan here modeling this option! This can be a fun way to hide one, and most people don't think to look in a stuffed animal, so it's the sneakiest! And you can make the pocket as big or small as you like, so no worries about bending anything! But you may need to use a mesh bag or something to prevent fibers and hairs from getting all over the teat, and it can be stressful to do surgery on a stuffed animal. But if this one appeals to you, I'll link a tutorial. I used velcro for the pocket on mine. Just be careful when sewing!
There's lots more ways to store them, but hopefully, this gives you a good idea of what to look for in a storage space. Some Etsy stores even offer to include a storage box with one!
I want to clean it/the teat deflated/I need to replace the teat, etc! How do I take it apart?
This is the one I've seen the most confusion on, but don't worry! It's got a trick to it, but once you know the trick, it's really easy to do! Generally, you'll only need to take it apart to clean or if the teat deflates (which happens sometimes!)
Step 1: Pull on where the ring connects to the button on one side, until it pulls free. BE GENTLE, there are very tiny plastic parts that can snap if you aren't
Step 2: Move it away from the hole, and now pull the OTHER side. BE GENTLE AGAIN, those little plastic tabs can snap, and they hold the whole thing together!
Step 3: Once the ring is free, pull on the button, and it should come right out.
Step 4: Pull the teat off the button. And now it's completely apart!
To reassemble, just follow the steps backwards! Putting the teat back on the button might give you a little trouble until you're used to it, but just use a long fingernail or a thin, blunt tool to push it into place, as long as it isn't sharp!
How to know when something needs to be replaced
Generally, the plastic parts of your pacifier should last you forever! Only replace those if something is broken on them. The teat, however, gets a LOT of use, especially if you use your pacifier often. If you use it every day, it's not a bad idea to plan to replace the teat every year. But regardless of timing, make sure to replace the teat if:
-You notice any discoloration
-There's a weird smell
-There's a weird taste
-There's a weird texture
-The shape doesn't seem right
For example, these are 3 of mine. The left is brand new latex, just came in today and hasn't even been used. Some are already cloudy, and some are clear, so just keep in mind what's normal for yours. The middle one is one I've had for a bit, so it's a little cloudy, but it's still fine, it just needs to be replaced soon, in the next month or two. And the right is an older latex one. It's a lot cloudier, and feels rough when I suck on it, so it needs to be replaced before I should use it again.
Anything else to keep in mind?
-If you fall asleep with yours, or drop it a lot, look into a pacifier clip! It'll keep it from falling on the ground and getting too dirty, and it looks cute!
-Be careful with any materials you use to decorate it, and then be careful with the decorations! Make sure it's non-toxic since it'll be close to your mouth, and don't use too much heat when cleaning it if there's glue!
-You can have as many or as few as you like. If you only want one (or none!), that's okay! If you want a new one every day, that's okay, too! There's no rules about it. Just make sure you take care of yourself before worrying about getting one! You don't wanna buy one and then not have enough money for yummy snacks!
-Be careful if you live with family, roommates, or anyone else who wouldn't approve or you just don't want to know. Make sure it's well hidden if you need to, or skip out on one until you live somewhere else if it wouldn't be safe. Worry about your safety first and foremost!
-You CAN use ones for actual babies, but it can hurt your teeth if you do, so I still recommend getting an adult sized one, or at least one you can swap the teat with.
That's all I have on a guide! Hope this was helpful, and I hope you have a good day today!
