Patent Description:
A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is intended to provide intensive care for, for example, infants born prematurely, low birth weight infants, infants with respiratory distress from birth, and infants suspected of having congenital heart disease. For infants in the NICU (may be referred to as "NICU infants" hereinafter for explanatory convenience), for example, fluctuations in vital signs due to crying at the time of blood collection place a heavy burden on their bodies. Therefore, pacifiers are used in the NICU to soothe the NICU infants and control their crying.

In addition, unlike term infants, NICU infants cannot drink breast milk whenever they want. Thus, compared to term infants, NICU infants have less chance to activate sucking reflex. This raises concern about whether a smooth transition from tube feeding to oral feeding can be achieved or not. For this reason, pacifiers are used in the NICU to maintain or expedite the sucking reflex and oral cavity stimulation necessary in oral feeding. Furthermore, in NICU, recently pacifiers are often used for pain care.

PTL <NUM> and PTL <NUM> disclose pacifiers that include a nipple portion and a back plate portion. The back plate portion described in PTL <NUM> is formed of a material with a predetermined rigidity, such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyether sulfone, or polyamide, is arranged at a base portion of the nipple portion, and has a predetermined spread. The pacifier described in PTL <NUM> has a shape symmetric with respect to an axis extending in a vertical direction passing through the center of the nipple portion and connecting the nose and mouth of the infant in a state where the infant has the pacifier in his/her mouth. Specifically, the pacifier described in PTL <NUM> is formed in a symmetrical shape in a lateral direction (width direction) connecting the left and right cheeks of the infant in a state where the infant has the pacifier in his/her mouth.

However, the forces of NICU infants sucking the nipple portion are weaker than the forces of term infants sucking the nipple portion. This means that the NICU infants may not be able to keep in their mouths the pacifier, such as the one disclosed in PTL <NUM>, as term infants do. In addition, NICU infants often sleep on their sides (side-lying position) instead of sleeping on their backs. Since the pacifier used by term infants disclosed in PTL <NUM> has the back plate portion with a predetermined spread and is formed so as to be symmetrical in the lateral direction, when the NICU infants hold the pacifier in their mouths while in a side-lying position, the back plate portion of the pacifier often comes into contact with, for example, the mattress, pillow, towel, towel-like blanket, blanket, and the like. This means that the NICU infants may not be able to keep in their mouths the pacifier, such as the one disclosed in PTL <NUM>, as term infants do.

Further, various types of equipment and devices such as a vital monitor and tubes for feeding NICU infants with nutrients and oxygen may be attached to the NICU infants. In such a case, the back plate portion of the pacifier used by term infants that is disclosed in PTL <NUM> may become an obstacle to the equipment and devices attached to the NICU infants. This means that the NICU infants may not be able to keep in their mouths the pacifier, such as the one disclosed in PTL <NUM>, as term infants do. For these reasons, the pacifiers used by term infants have room for improvement in terms of the feature in which NICU infants cannot keep these pacifiers in their mouths.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the foregoing problems, and an object thereof is to provide a pacifier that an infant hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit can keep in his/her mouth.

According to the present invention, there is provided a pacifier according to claim <NUM>.

The pacifier according to the present invention includes the nipple portion held in the mouth of an infant hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU infant), and the back plate portion. The back plate portion is connected to the base portion of the nipple portion and has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the axis passing through the center of the nipple portion and extending in the vertical direction. The term "vertical direction" refers to a direction connecting the nose and mouth of the NICU infant in a state where the NICU infant holds the pacifier in his/her mouth. In other words, the back plate portion is formed in an asymmetrical shape in the lateral direction (width direction) perpendicular to the vertical direction. The term "lateral direction" refers to a direction connecting the left and right cheeks of the NICU infant in a state where the NICU infant holds the pacifier in his/her mouth. The back plate portion also includes the main body portion connected to the base portion of the nipple portion, and the extension portion. The extension portion is connected to the main body portion on only one of a left or a right side of the lateral direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and extends from the main body portion only on the one of the left side or the right side. Thus, compared to a pacifier used by a term infant, the pacifier according to the present invention can be made light. Accordingly, even the NICU infant, who has a weaker suction to suck the nipple portion than a term infant, can keep the pacifier in his/her mouth.

Since the extension portion extends from the main body portion toward the left side or the right side, even in a case where the NICU infant sleeps in a side-lying position, a healthcare worker can place the extension portion on the left cheek or the right cheek of the NICU infant in the side-lying position, the left cheek or the right cheek facing up. Thus, the back plate portion can be prevented from coming into contact with, for example, the mattress, pillow, towel, towel-like blanket, and blanket. Accordingly, even when the NICU infant sleeps in a side-lying position, the NICU infant can keep the pacifier in his/her mouth.

The healthcare worker can also allow the left cheek or the right cheek of the NICU infant in a side-lying position to support the extension portion, the left cheek or the right cheek facing up. Consequently, the NICU infant can stably keep the pacifier in his/her mouth.

Since the NICU infant can keep the pacifier in his/her mouth as described above, not only is it possible to reduce the physical stress of the NICU infant by soothing the NICU infant and controlling his/her crying, but also the sucking reflex and oral cavity stimulation necessary in oral feeding can be maintained or expedited.

In the pacifier according to the present invention, the main body portion has a shape extending in the form of a flange from the base portion to a periphery of the base portion.

In the pacifier according to the present invention, the main body portion has a shape extending from the base portion of the nipple portion to a periphery of the base portion of the nipple portion in the form of a flange. That is, the main body portion functions as a flange portion that comes into contact with the lips of the NICU infant holding the nipple portion in his/her mouth, to stop the tip of the mouth of the NICU infant near the base portion of the nipple portion. This keeps the NICU infant from swallowing the pacifier.

In the pacifier according to the present invention, preferably, the extension portion is provided with a through hole.

In the pacifier according to the present invention, the extension portion is provided with a through hole. By providing the through hole, the pacifier can be made lighter. Thus, the NICU infant can keep the pacifier in his/her mouth. In addition, in a state where the NICU infant holds the nipple portion in his/her mouth, the healthcare worker can check the movements of the lips and mouth of the NICU infant through the through hole.

In the pacifier according to the present invention, preferably, the nipple portion includes a hollow portion formed inside the nipple portion so as to extend from the base portion to a tip portion of the nipple portion, and an opening portion formed as an end portion on one side of the hollow portion in the base portion.

In the pacifier according to the present invention, the nipple portion includes the hollow portion and the opening portion. The hollow portion is formed inside the nipple portion so as to extend from the base portion of the nipple portion to the tip portion of the nipple portion. The opening portion is formed in the base portion of the nipple portion as an end portion on one side of the hollow portion. That is, the hollow portion formed inside the nipple portion is opened as the opening portion at the base portion of the nipple portion. Therefore, in a state where the NICU infant holds the nipple portion in his/her mouth, the healthcare worker can check the movements of the tongue inside the oral cavity of the NICU infant through the opening portion and the hollow portion of the nipple portion.

The pacifier according to the present invention preferably further includes a grip portion extending from the extension portion toward a side opposite to a direction in which the nipple portion extends.

In the pacifier according to the present invention, the grip portion extends from the extension portion toward the side opposite to the direction in which the nipple portion extends. Therefore, by grabbing the grip portion, the healthcare worker can hygienically remove from the mouth of the NICU infant the pacifier held in the mouth of the NICU infant.

The present invention can provide a pacifier that an infant hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit can keep in his/her mouth.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is now described hereinafter in detail with reference to the drawings.

Since the embodiments described below are suitable specific examples of the present invention, various technically preferable limitations are applied to the present invention. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless it is stated in the following description that the present invention is particularly limited. In addition, in each drawing, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals; detailed descriptions thereof are omitted accordingly.

A pacifier <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference to <FIG>. The pacifier <NUM> according to the present embodiment is a pacifier used by an infant hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (may be referred to as "NICU infant" hereinafter for explanatory convenience). As illustrated in <FIG>, the pacifier <NUM> includes a nipple portion <NUM> and a back plate portion <NUM>. The pacifier <NUM> may further include a grip portion <NUM>.

The pacifier <NUM> is entirely made of the same material. In consideration of the hardness, thickness, and the like, the nipple portion <NUM> is formed to have the same hardness as the nipple portion of a baby bottle. Examples of the material of the pacifier <NUM> include a thermoplastic elastomer made of silicone rubber, isoprene rubber, natural rubber, polypropylene, or the like. Currently, silicone rubber that can withstand high-pressure steam sterilization is a more preferred material of the pacifier <NUM>.

The nipple portion <NUM> is a part held by an NICU infant <NUM> in his/her mouth (see <FIG>). In other words, the nipple portion <NUM> is a part inserted into the oral cavity of the NICU infant <NUM>. The nipple portion <NUM> is connected to the back plate portion <NUM> at a base portion <NUM>. The nipple portion <NUM> includes a flat portion <NUM> formed between the base portion <NUM> and a tip portion <NUM>. The cross-sectional shape of the flat portion <NUM> on a cut section in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the nipple portion <NUM> extends, is in a flat shape. Specifically, the length of the flat portion <NUM> in a vertical direction is shorter than that of the flat portion <NUM> in a lateral direction (width direction).

In the present specification, as illustrated in <FIG>, the term "vertical direction" refers to the direction connecting a nose <NUM> and a mouth <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM> in a state where the NICU infant <NUM> holds the pacifier <NUM> in his/her mouth. Also, in the present specification, as illustrated in <FIG>, the term "lateral direction" refers to the direction that is perpendicular to the vertical direction and connects a left cheek <NUM> and a right cheek <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM> in a state where the NICU infant <NUM> holds the pacifier <NUM> in his/her mouth.

Since the nipple portion <NUM> includes the flat portion <NUM>, the NICU infant <NUM> can easily hold the nipple portion <NUM> in his/her mouth <NUM> without opening his/her mouth <NUM> wide to put the nipple portion <NUM> into his/her mouth <NUM>. The flat portion <NUM> can then be fit snugly into the small mouth <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM>. Furthermore, even when, for example, naturally closing his/her mouth <NUM> to fall asleep, the NICU infant <NUM> can easily close his/her mouth <NUM> while holding the flat portion <NUM> therein. As such, the NICU infant <NUM> can keep the pacifier <NUM> in his/her mouth.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the nipple portion <NUM> includes a hollow portion <NUM> and an opening portion <NUM>. The hollow portion <NUM> is a spatial part formed inside the nipple portion <NUM> so as to extend from the base portion <NUM> of the nipple portion <NUM> to the tip portion <NUM> of the nipple portion <NUM>. The opening portion <NUM> is formed in the base portion <NUM> as an end portion on one side of the hollow portion <NUM>. That is, the hollow portion <NUM> formed inside the nipple portion <NUM> is opened as the opening portion <NUM> at the base portion <NUM> of the nipple portion <NUM>.

The back plate portion <NUM> is connected to the base portion <NUM> of the nipple portion <NUM> and has an asymmetrical shape with respect to an axis <NUM> passing through a center <NUM> of the nipple portion <NUM> and extending in the vertical direction connecting the nose <NUM> and the mouth <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM> in a state where the NICU infant <NUM> holds the pacifier <NUM> in his/her mouth. The back plate portion <NUM> includes a main body portion <NUM> and an extension portion <NUM>.

The main body portion <NUM> is connected to the base portion <NUM> of the nipple portion <NUM>. The main body portion <NUM> has a shape extending from the base portion <NUM> to a periphery of the base portion <NUM> in the form of a flange. That is, the main body portion <NUM> functions as a flange portion that comes into contact with the lips of the NICU infant <NUM> holding the nipple portion <NUM> in his/her mouth, to stop the tip of the mouth <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM> near the base portion <NUM> of the nipple portion <NUM>.

The extension portion <NUM> is connected to the main body portion <NUM> at either side of the lateral direction that is perpendicular to tdirection and connects the left cheek <NUM> and the right cheek <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM> in a state where the NICU infant <NUM> holds the pacifier <NUM> in his/her mouth. As illustrated in <FIG>, in the pacifier <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the extension portion <NUM> is connected to the main body portion <NUM> on the right side of the lateral direction that is perpendicular to the axis <NUM> extending in the vertical direction.

The extension portion <NUM> also extends from the part thereof connected to the main body portion <NUM> to either side of the lateral direction connecting the left cheek <NUM> and the right cheek <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM>. That is, in a case where the extension portion <NUM> is connected to the left side of the main body portion <NUM>, the extension portion <NUM> extends from the part thereof connected to the main body portion <NUM> to the left. In a case where the extension portion <NUM> is connected to the right side of the main body portion <NUM>, the extension portion <NUM> extends from the part thereof connected to the main body portion <NUM> to the right. As illustrated in <FIG>, in the pacifier <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the extension portion <NUM> is connected to the right side of the main body portion <NUM> and extends from the part thereof connected to the main body portion <NUM> to the right.

Therefore, the extension portion <NUM> extends from the main body portion <NUM> to only either the left side or the right side, is not connected to the main body portion <NUM> on the other side, and does not extend from the main body portion <NUM> toward the other side. In other words, the back plate portion <NUM> is connected to the base portion <NUM> of the nipple portion <NUM> and has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the axis <NUM> passing through the center <NUM> of the nipple portion <NUM> and extending in the vertical direction. Specifically, the back plate portion <NUM> is formed in an asymmetrical shape in the lateral direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. Note that the back plate portion <NUM> has a symmetrical shape with respect to an axis passing through the center <NUM> of the nipple portion <NUM> and extending in the lateral direction (see the one-dot chain line representing the cut section A-A shown in <FIG>). Accordingly, the pacifier <NUM> according to the present embodiment can conform to either side of the lateral direction connecting the left cheek <NUM> and the right cheek <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when viewed along the direction in which the nipple portion <NUM> extends, the extension portion <NUM> is larger than the main body portion <NUM>. Specifically, the length of the extension portion <NUM> in the vertical direction is greater than that of the main body portion <NUM> in the vertical direction. Also, the length of the extension portion <NUM> in the lateral direction is longer than that of the main body portion <NUM> in the lateral direction.

The extension portion <NUM> includes a reinforcing portion <NUM>. The reinforcing portion <NUM> can ensure the strength of the extension portion <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the reinforcing portion <NUM> is provided in a part surrounded by a rim of the extension portion <NUM>, and is formed in the shape of a thin film. Specifically, the reinforcing portion <NUM> is thinner than the rim part of the extension portion <NUM>. That is, a step is provided between the reinforcing portion <NUM> and the rim part of the extension portion <NUM>. Therefore, the reinforcing portion <NUM> can be made light while ensuring the strength of the extension portion <NUM> by means of the reinforcing portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the pacifier <NUM> can be made light.

Furthermore, a through hole <NUM> is provided in the part surrounded by the rim of the extension portion <NUM>. Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the through hole <NUM> is provided between the reinforcing portion <NUM> and a connection part <NUM>. The connection part <NUM> is a part where the main body portion <NUM> and the extension portion <NUM> are connected to each other.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the pacifier <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the extension portion <NUM> is connected to the right side of the main body portion <NUM> and extends from the main body portion <NUM> to the right. In this case, the extension portion <NUM> is inclined toward the side of the tip portion <NUM> of the nipple portion <NUM> as the extension portion <NUM> extends from the main body portion <NUM> to the right. That is, in a state where the NICU infant <NUM> holds the pacifier <NUM> in his/her mouth, the extension portion <NUM> extends in a direction toward the right cheek <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM> as the extension portion <NUM> extends from the main body portion <NUM> to the right. Consequently, as illustrated in <FIG>, in a state where the NICU infant <NUM> holds the pacifier <NUM> in his/her mouth, the extension portion <NUM> is stably supported by the left cheek <NUM> or the right cheek <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM>. In the state illustrated in <FIG>, when the NICU infant <NUM> holds the pacifier <NUM> in his/her mouth, the extension portion <NUM> is stably supported by the right cheek <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM>. Accordingly, the NICU infant <NUM> can keep the pacifier <NUM> in his/her mouth while having the pacifier <NUM> supported stably by the left cheek <NUM> or the right cheek <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM>.

In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, in the vicinity of the end portion on the side to which the extension portion <NUM> extends (the end portion on the right side, in the present embodiment), the extension portion <NUM> extends substantially parallel to a peripheral part of the base portion <NUM> extending in the shape of a flange. That is, in the state where the NICU infant <NUM> holds the pacifier <NUM> in his/her mouth, the end portion on the side to which the extension portion <NUM> extends, extends in a direction away from the left cheek <NUM> and the right cheek <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM>. Accordingly, the entire extension portion <NUM> can be prevented from coming into close contact with the left cheek <NUM> and the right cheek <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM>. Therefore, sweatiness of the left cheek <NUM> and the right cheek <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM> can be suppressed. Further, since the step is provided between the reinforcing portion <NUM> and the rim part of the extension portion <NUM>, the entire extension portion <NUM> can be further prevented from coming into close contact with the left cheek <NUM> and the right cheek <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM>, thereby further suppressing the occurrence of sweatiness in the left cheek <NUM> and the right cheek <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM>.

The grip portion <NUM> extends from the extension portion <NUM> toward the side opposite to the direction in which the nipple portion <NUM> extends. For example, in a state where the NICU infant <NUM> holds the pacifier <NUM> in his/her mouth, the nipple portion <NUM> extends toward the oral cavity of the NICU infant <NUM>, and the grip portion <NUM> extends in the direction away from the mouth <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the grip portion <NUM> is provided at the end portion on the side to which the extension portion <NUM> extends (the end portion on the right side, in the present embodiment). In other words, the grip portion <NUM> is provided at the end portion opposite to the nipple portion <NUM>.

Note that an installation location of the grip portion <NUM> is not limited to the end portion on the side to which the extension portion <NUM> extends. For example, as shown by the two-dot chain lines in <FIG> and <FIG>, the grip portion <NUM> may be provided at the connection part <NUM> between the main body portion <NUM> and the extension portion <NUM>, and may extend from the connection part <NUM> toward the side opposite to the direction in which the nipple portion <NUM> extends. That is, the grip portion <NUM> shown by the two-dot chain lines in <FIG> and <FIG> is provided in the vicinity of the nipple portion <NUM>.

According to the pacifier <NUM> of the present embodiment, the back plate portion <NUM> is connected to the base portion <NUM> of the nipple portion <NUM> and has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the axis <NUM> passing through the center <NUM> of the nipple portion <NUM> and extending in the vertical direction. Specifically, the back plate portion <NUM> is formed in an asymmetrical shape in the lateral direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. Specifically, the extension portion <NUM> of the back plate portion <NUM> is connected to the main body portion <NUM> of the back plate portion <NUM> on either side of the lateral direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and extends from the main body portion <NUM> toward either side of the lateral direction. Specifically, the extension portion <NUM> extends from the main body portion <NUM> toward only either the left side or the right side, is not connected to the main body portion <NUM> on the other side, and does not extend from the main body portion <NUM> toward the other side. Thus, compared to a pacifier used by a term infant, the pacifier <NUM> according to the present invention can be made light. Accordingly, even the NICU infant <NUM>, who has a weaker suction to suck the nipple portion <NUM> than a term infant, can keep the pacifier <NUM> in his/her mouth.

Also, as illustrated in <FIG>, since the extension portion <NUM> extends from the main body portion <NUM> to the left or right side, even in a case where the NICU infant <NUM> sleeps in a side-lying position, a healthcare worker can place the extension portion <NUM> on the left cheek <NUM> or the right cheek <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM> in the side-lying position, the left cheek <NUM> or the right cheek <NUM> facing up. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the extension portion <NUM> is arranged on the right cheek <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM> sleeping in a side-lying position, the right cheek <NUM> facing up. Therefore, the back plate portion <NUM> can be prevented from coming into contact with the bedding <NUM> such as the mattress, pillow, towel, towel-like blanket, or blanket. Therefore, even when the NICU infant <NUM> sleeps in a side-lying position, the NICU infant <NUM> can keep the pacifier <NUM> in his/her mouth.

The healthcare worker can also allow the left cheek <NUM> or the right cheek <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM> sleeping in a side-lying position to support the extension portion <NUM>, the left cheek <NUM> or the right cheek <NUM> facing up. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the extension portion <NUM> is supported on the right cheek <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM> in a side-lying position, the right cheek <NUM> facing up. Therefore, the NICU infant <NUM> can stably keep the pacifier <NUM> in his/her mouth.

Since the NICU infant <NUM> can keep the pacifier <NUM> in his/her mouth as described above, not only is it possible to reduce the physical stress of the NICU infant <NUM> by soothing the NICU infant <NUM> and controlling his/her crying, but also the sucking reflex and oral cavity stimulation necessary in oral feeding can be maintained or expedited.

Furthermore, the main body portion <NUM> functions as a flange portion that comes into contact with the lips of the NICU infant <NUM> holding the nipple portion <NUM> in his/her mouth, to stop the tip of the mouth <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM> near the base portion <NUM> of the nipple portion <NUM>. This keeps the NICU infant <NUM> from swallowing the pacifier <NUM>.

Moreover, the reinforcing portion <NUM> for ensuring the strength of the extension portion <NUM> is provided in the part surrounded by the rim of the extension portion <NUM>. Therefore, even in a case where the extension portion <NUM> extends from the main body portion <NUM> to the left or right side and is made of a material having the same flexibility and low hardness as the nipple portion <NUM>, the strength of the extension portion <NUM> can be ensured. Furthermore, the through hole <NUM> is provided in the part surrounded by the rim of the extension portion <NUM>. Therefore, while ensuring the strength of the extension portion <NUM> by means of the reinforcing portion <NUM>, the pacifier <NUM> can be made lighter by the through hole <NUM>. Accordingly, this can allow the NICU infant <NUM> to keep the pacifier <NUM> in his/her mouth, while keeping the NICU infant <NUM> from swallowing the pacifier <NUM>. In addition, in a state where the NICU infant <NUM> holds the nipple portion <NUM> in his/her mouth, the healthcare worker can check the movements of the lips and mouth <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM> through the through hole <NUM>.

Moreover, the hollow portion <NUM> formed inside the nipple portion <NUM> is opened as the opening portion <NUM> at the base portion <NUM> of the nipple portion <NUM>. Therefore, in a state where the NICU infant <NUM> holds the nipple portion <NUM> in his/her mouth, the healthcare worker can check the movements of the tongue inside the oral cavity of the NICU infant <NUM> through the opening portion <NUM> and the hollow portion <NUM> of the nipple portion <NUM>.

Also, the grip portion <NUM> extends from the extension portion <NUM> toward the side opposite to the direction in which the nipple portion <NUM> extends. Therefore, by grabbing the grip portion <NUM>, the healthcare worker can hygienically remove from the mouth <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM> the pacifier <NUM> held in the mouth of the NICU infant <NUM>.

As described above, the grip portion <NUM> may be provided in the connection part <NUM> between the main body portion <NUM> and the extension portion <NUM>. In this case, the center of gravity of the pacifier <NUM> can be brought close to the nipple portion <NUM> as compared to when the grip portion <NUM> is provided in a position relatively far from the nipple portion <NUM>. Thus, the NICU infant <NUM> can keep the pacifier <NUM> in his/her mouth more stably, the pacifier <NUM> having its center of gravity set near the nipple portion <NUM>.

Also, when viewed along the direction in which the nipple portion <NUM> extends, the extension portion <NUM> is larger than the main body portion <NUM>. Thus, the healthcare worker can allow the left cheek <NUM> or the right cheek <NUM> of the NICU infant <NUM> in a side-lying position to stably support the extension portion <NUM>, the left cheek <NUM> or the right cheek <NUM> facing up, and allow the NICU infant <NUM> to keep the pacifier <NUM> in his/her mouth more stably. In addition, since the main body portion <NUM> is smaller than the extension portion <NUM>, the healthcare worker can attach, to the NICU infant, various types of equipment and devices such as a vital monitor and tubes for feeding the NICU infant <NUM> with nutrients and oxygen, through the vicinity of the main body portion <NUM>. Consequently, the back plate portion <NUM> of the pacifier <NUM> can be prevented from becoming an obstacle to the equipment and devices attached to the NICU infant <NUM>. Accordingly, even the NICU infant <NUM> having various types of equipment and devices attached thereto can keep the pacifier <NUM> in his/her mouth.

Claim 1:
A pacifier (<NUM>) for use by an infant hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit and comprising:
a nipple portion (<NUM>) for being held in a mouth of the infant; and
a back plate portion (<NUM>) that is connected to a base portion (<NUM>) of the nipple portion (<NUM>) and has an asymmetrical shape with respect to an axis passing through a center of the nipple portion (<NUM>) and extending in a vertical direction connecting a nose and the mouth of the infant in a state where the infant holds the pacifier in its mouth, wherein
the back plate portion (<NUM>) includes:
a main body portion (<NUM>) connected to the base portion (<NUM>) and having a shape extending in the form of a flange from the base portion (<NUM>) to a periphery of the base portion (<NUM>); and
an extension portion (<NUM>) that is connected to the main body portion, characterised in that:
the extension portion is connected to the main body portion (<NUM>) on only one of a left side or a right side of the main body portion (<NUM>) in a lateral direction, wherein the lateral direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction and connects left and right cheeks of the infant in the state where the infant holds the pacifier in its mouth,
the extension portion extends from the main body portion (<NUM>) in the lateral direction only on the one of the left side or the right side of the main body portion (<NUM>), and
the extension portion (<NUM>) is inclined toward the side of a tip portion (<NUM>) of the nipple portion (<NUM>) as the extension portion (<NUM>) extends from the main body portion (<NUM>).