Utility is an economic term for a person's overall well-being and satisfaction. Consumers play a role in the economy by maximizing utility, which means allocating their scarce resources, such as limited time or money, most efficiently. Utility maximization is different for every person.
You can start using it right away but it was suggested to us by our midwives to hold off until 6 weeks as pacifier use can mess with their breastfeeding latch (it's a different kind of sucking).
Background. A pacifier is a form of an artificial nipple on which the baby or child sucks. Fluids do no pass through the pacifier, rather, the action of sucking on the nipple is thought to soothe or calm the baby, quieting the baby, and even alleviating the burning and itching of the gums during teething.