How do we feel about pacifiers?
What are pacifiers?
Pacifiers, also known as soothers, teething rings, or binkies, are small devices designed to comfort your baby and satisfy their natural sucking reflex.
Some parents find them helpful, while others choose not to use them. Prolonged pacifier use can cause dental issues but most kids outgrow it before this happens.
Pros and cos
Pacifiers can be beneficial by providing comfort and soothing your baby during distress or when they need help settling down for sleep. Research suggests that using a pacifier during naps and bedtime can lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which is a major concern for many parents.
However, there are potential downsides to consider. If your baby uses a pacifier to sleep, they might develop a dependency on it, which could lead to a lot of crying during the night if it falls out - until they learn to put the pacifier back in their mouth independently.
Pacifier use may increase the risk of middle ear infections. However, these infections are generally less common from birth to 6 months—the same period when the risk of SIDS is highest and a pacifier may be most beneficial.
Lastly, regular pacifier use in the early years usually doesn’t cause long-term dental problems, but extended use might misalign your child’s teeth.
Baby’s temperament
As you prepare for your baby’s arrival, consider how your baby’s temperament might influence your decision about using a pacifier. Some babies have a strong need to suck and find comfort in a pacifier, which helps them self-soothe. These babies often have a robust sucking reflex and may naturally prefer a pacifier to calm themselves.
Other babies show little interest in sucking and might not readily accept a pacifier. They might find comfort through other means, like cuddling, rocking, or listening to soothing music. If your baby seems content without a pacifier, there’s no need to insist on using one.
While you may have preferences or plans, be open to being guided by your baby. If your baby rejects the pacifier, it’s perfectly okay to explore other soothing methods. Likewise, if you initially decide against using a pacifier but later think it could be helpful, don’t hesitate to reconsider.
I have a pretty illogical dislike of pacifiers, but our baby uses them - they help her sleep at night. It was a little tough for a bit because there was a period of time when she would wake up frequently in the middle of the night because her pacifier fell out, and she didn’t know how to replace it. But she learned how to do this pretty quickly.
Dos and don’ts
If you decide you’ll use a pacifier:
- Discuss how and when you'll introduce the pacifier to your baby. For instance, some experts suggest waiting until your breastfeeding routine is well-established—typically around 3-4 weeks—before introducing a pacifier. Others believe it’s okay to introduce it at any time.
- Agree on how you want to use the pacifier. Decide if you'll limit its use to certain times, such as during naptime or when your baby is fussy.
- Take some time to look into basic upkeep tips such as keeping pacifiers clean and safe; replacing them if you notice any wear or damage; using the correct size for your baby's age; and not putting sweet substances on them.
Weaning off the pacifier
As your baby grows, the potential risks can eventually outweigh the benefits of pacifier use. Most children naturally stop using pacifiers between 2 and 4, but some may need help breaking the habit. Although you have time before reaching this stage, talking about how you'll approach weaning your baby off the pacifier can be helpful.
Plan to encourage and praise your child when they choose not to use it. If your child has difficulty giving it up, you can seek advice from your pediatrician or dentist for additional support.
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