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All babies are born with the need to suck. This is important because babies need the sucking reflex to eat and drink. Sucking for some babies also can have a soothing and calming effect.
What do I need to know before offering a pacifier?
Image from healthychildren.org..
Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime. This helps to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
If you are breastfeeding, wait until breastfeeding is going well before offering a pacifier. This usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks.
Do not use a pacifier to replace or delay meals. Only offer it when you are sure your baby is not hungry.
Do not force your baby to take the pacifier if they don’t want it.
Never tie a pacifier to your child’s crib, or around their neck or hand - this can lead to serious injuries and even death.
If your child depends on a pacifier to fall asleep at night, they might wake up when the pacifier falls out.
What should I keep in mind when shopping for a pacifier?
Pacifiers come in different sizes. You will also find a variety of nipple shapes. Try different kinds until you find the one your baby prefers.
Look for a pacifier that is all one piece and has a soft nipple.
The shield of the pacifier should be made of firm plastic, have air holes, and be at least 1½ inches across so a baby cannot put the entire pacifier into their mouth.
Make sure the pacifier is dishwasher-safe. Follow the instructions on the pacifier and boil it or run it through the dishwasher before your baby uses it. Clean it this way frequently until your baby is 6 months old. After that you can just wash it with soap and rinse it in clear water.
Pacifiers fall apart over time. Some manufacturers have expiration dates for pacifiers. Do not keep pacifiers past that time. Inspect them every once in a while to make sure there are no color changes or tears.
A few of the many pacifier options available.
When do pacifier use and thumb and finger sucking become a problem?
from healthychildren.org
After 2 to 4 years of age, this behavior may affect the shape of child’s mouth or how their teeth are lining up.
These behaviors can interfere with normal babbling and speech development.
They can also interfere with learning normal facial expressions.
Older children will strongly resist weaning. Habits become harder to break as children get older.
How can I help my child stop using a pacifier or sucking their fingers?
As a first step in dealing with your child’s sucking habits, ignore them! Most often, they will stop on their own.
Praise and reward your child when they do not suck their thumb or use the pacifier.
If your child uses sucking to relieve boredom, keep their hands busy or distract them.
Help your child pick a date to give up the pacifier.
Ensure your child is not coping with other changes or fears at the time you are trying to stop this habit.
Make the transition as pleasant as possible.
You can tell your child that their dentist or doctor said it was time to stop.
You can say "it will make your teeth happy”.
Do not use punishment to force your child to give up the pacifier.
Use Incentives
Encourage your child to trade the pacifier for something they really want.
They can give the pacifier to the clerk at the toy store to pay for something they want.
They can help you pack it up in a box to send back to Amazon (or other online store).
Some children will agree to just throw it out.
Others may want to leave it out for Santa Claus or the "pacifier fairy".
If you have tried all of these and still are having trouble, talk with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist. There are devices that can be put in the mouth that make it uncomfortable to suck on a finger or thumb – but these are not frequently used.
This publication was adapted from information from American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education materials.
Reviewed by: AT M.D., AR D.O. | 08/2024