Newborns and Small Babies: The Benefits of Sleeping with Pacifiers
Why I Absolutely Adore Pacifiers for Newborns and Breastfed Babies
Pacifiers often spark a myriad of questions from parents, especially regarding their use with newborns during sleep. I’m here to share my enthusiasm for pacifiers and provide guidance on their introduction and what to do if they tend to fall out of your baby’s mouth.
Should Your Baby Use a Pacifier?
The decision to use a pacifier is entirely up to you and your baby. There’s no universal right or wrong choice when it comes to pacifiers. While some babies may never accept one, others find pacifiers to be soothing and calming tools. Here are two primary reasons I advocate for offering a pacifier to aid newborn sleep:
Non-Nutritive Sucking: Beyond feeding times, newborns often exhibit a natural urge to suck. This non-nutritive sucking—sucking that doesn’t involve nutrition intake—has multiple benefits:
It triggers the release of endorphins in the brain.
Encourages relaxation.
Offers comfort and a sense of security.
Serves as an effective sleep aid.
SIDS Prevention: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has found that pacifier use during sleep significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). They recommend offering a pacifier to infants at all sleep times, including naps and nighttime rest.
Are Pacifiers Suitable for Breastfed Babies?
Concerns about nipple confusion can often deter parents from introducing pacifiers. However, research indicates that breastfeeding success is not diminished by pacifier use. In fact, mothers who introduce pacifiers while nursing have similar success rates to those who don’t, debunking the myth of nipple confusion.
Introducing a Pacifier to Your Baby
Offer the pacifier when your baby is calm, not hungry or tired, and comfortably swaddled.
Gently apply pressure to the middle of the baby’s tongue.
Rotate the pacifier in their mouth to encourage sucking.
If frustration arises, pause and retry later.
Persist with daily attempts for a week; if your baby still resists, it’s perfectly fine to move on.
Pro Tips:
A pacifier is not a substitute for feeding when your baby is hungry.
Experiment with various shapes and brands to find the one your baby prefers.
Applying a small amount of breast milk or formula to the pacifier’s tip might entice them.
Don’t be alarmed by a tongue thrust or gag reflex; these are normal and shouldn’t discourage you from offering a pacifier.
When the Pacifier Falls Out
Ensure the pacifier’s size and shape are suitable for your baby. Trying different designs might help your baby keep it in place more effectively. When giving the pacifier, lightly tug on it to prompt a stronger sucking response, which can prevent it from falling out.
For babies over 4 months experiencing pacifier challenges, consider booking an SOS call or a discovery call with me or my team for personalized assistance.
