How to Make a Pacifier a Healthy Sleep Tool (and NOT a Bad Habit!)

Should you use a pacifier or not? Will it cause “nipple confusion” or interfere with breastfeeding? I hear these questions a lot and many new parents are made anxious and uncertain by conflicting information that they hear. So let's talk about pacifiers...

I'm 100% pro pacifier when used as a healthy sleep tool in the correct way. Is it possible to use a pacifier “incorrectly”, sure – if it's being used to stifle the baby's hunger cues.

Most of the time when people are saying “don't use a pacifier” they are trying to ensure that the baby gains weight properly, assuming that parents might use the pacifier instead of the breast or bottle when the baby is crying. I'm sure some parents do/have done this out of ignorance and inexperience. But that certainly doesn't mean that we need to ditch this helpful tool.

Nipple confusion is also not a thing with a pacifier, as it is considered non-nutritive sucking (sucking for comfort and pleasure rather than to drink milk).

Babies are born with a natural, strong sucking reflex. They are built with the desire to suck, almost constantly. This is how they ensure survival by frequently eating! So that's a great thing. (I actually don't really like the phrase “my baby is using me as a pacifier” but I do use it sometimes because people are familiar with it and it resonates with them)

However, moms also need to eat, sleep, shower, and take breaks. They also need breaks from sore nipples after cluster feeding all evening. This is where the paci comes in.

Pacifier Rule #1: Use after feeding, not to stave off hunger

Watch your baby for feeding cues! Crying is typically a little baby's last resort siren blast to get fed. Turning their heads from side to side and opening their mouths, grunting, and bringing their hands to their mouths are some signs they are ready to eat. Rather than grab a paci at this time, make sure they get a full feeding in. Then, you can use the paci to help them have a calm and enjoyable wake time before laying them down in their crib or bassinet.

Pacifier Rule #2: Use as a sleep tool

Once your baby has been fed, burped, changed, and swaddled, it's likely time for their next nap (a newborn's wake window might only be about 45 minutes). Use the pacifier to help them become calm and drowsy as you lay them down in their crib or bassinet in a dark room with a sound machine on.

Pacifier Rule #3: Only replace the paci once per time you lay your baby down

This is how we avoid creating a paci monster ;) Regardless of age, even through the toddler months, you can replace their paci once per time you lay them down in bed. If they spit it out, too bad! You are not going to teach them that you will come running back in 20 times to put it back in their mouth. We are in charge of using the pacifier as a helpful tool, not a crutch.

I hope this helps clear up any questions about whether a pacifier is helpful or harmful when it comes to infant feeding and sleep issues. Thanks for reading and be sure to come over to The Baby Is Asleep on Instagram and tell us: did your baby like a paci and if so, how long did they use it?

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