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Re-activateQ: Other new parents I've met insist that it's OK to give my baby a dropped pacifier without washing it first if I pick it up within five seconds because that's not enough time for it to get germy. Is that true?
A: No, it's not. "The five-second rule," which is what you're referring to, turns out to be an urban myth. That's because large numbers of illness-causing bacteria that survive on the floor, a table, or even a kitchen counter that hasn't been disinfected can transfer to a soft, sticky food almost immediately on contact, according to a recent Clemson University study.
The researchers dropped pieces of bologna on the floor, but the results would apply to a sticky, gooey pacifier too. So no matter how fast you are on the uptake, you should wash a pacifier that has been dropped with at least water if you don't have access to soap, and dry it thoroughly, before giving it back to your baby.
When you're on the go, keep a water bottle in your diaper bag so you always have the ability to give your baby's paci a quick rinse if he drops it (he will).
Also see our post on how to boost your child's immunity for more information.
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