Pacifier Use
Babies are born with a suck reflex needed for survival. The rooting reflex, along with this suck reflex, work together for a newborn to find the breast and breastfeed. Sucking is more than a way to get nutrition. It can also be soothing and calming for your baby. In this way, breastfeeding is a natural way to feed and calm your baby. However, some parents turn to pacifiers as an additional way to soothe their baby.
When Can I Introduce a Pacifier to My Baby?
Wait until breastfeeding has been well established. Your baby should be gaining weight appropriately and latch well to your breast. This is usually around 3 to 4 weeks after birth. A pacifier should not be given to replace, limit, or delay a feeding.1,2,3,4
What Type & Shape Are Best?
Pacifiers were created to soothe and comfort a baby by mimicking a mother’s nipple. Most pacifiers are made of a BPA-free silicone material. The soft texture resembles a human nipple. There is a wide range of pacifier sizes and shapes. Choose a pacifier with a wide base- the part of the pacifier that touches your baby’s lips. This will encourage a deep latch similar to the latch at the breast.1,2,3,4
- Can be used for suck training in preterm infants. Linked to shorter hospital stays and better breastfeeding outcomes.
- Helps reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) when used during sleep. Breastfeeding also helps reduce the risk.
- Helpful during travel. Provide a distraction for car rides and airplane travel relieving painful ear pressure.
- Sucking on a pacifier can provide pain relief when receiving vaccines, routine exams, or other medical procedures.
- Allows other caregivers to provide comfort if you are not nearby to nurse. It should not replace feeding but briefly soothe a fussy baby.
- Early pacifier use (before 3 to 4 weeks) can make latching to the breast more difficult or shallow. This can lead to a shorter duration of breastfeeding, sore nipples, and engorgement.
- Time spent sucking on a pacifier leads to less time sucking at the breast. This may lower your milk supply and affect baby’s weight gain.
- Prolonged use can increase the risk of ear infections and thrush.
- Associated with poor dental development if used after 2 years old.
- Overuse and extended use may delay speech development. Your baby is less likely to engage and communicate while using a pacifier.
More to Consider
- Clean pacifiers often. Sterilize at least once a day if your baby is less than 3 months old.
- Never dip a pacifier in sugar, honey, or any other sweet substance.
- Replace a pacifier that is torn, cracked, or broken.
- Offer the breast first. Breastfeeding is a natural way to calm your baby.
- Wean from the pacifier when the baby is a year old. This helps prevent long-term problems with speech and teeth.
- Try limiting use to bedtime and naptime.
- Never use a pacifier on a necklace or with a clip or strap. This can be a strangulation hazard.
- Never force the pacifier into a baby’s mouth.
- If your baby is happy and relaxed, there is no need to introduce a pacifier.
What If I Have Questions?
If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:
- Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep
- Babycare for the Breastfed Baby
To register for these classes, log into your portal or click here.
Want More Info?
For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:
Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical evaluation or consultation. Please seek advice from your own healthcare providers for individualized recommendations.
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