A pacifier (dummy) is a soft, nipple-shaped object that satisfies a baby's natural urge to suck and can help them settle. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that offering a pacifier at sleep time may lower the risk of SIDS.
Key takeaways
- If breastfeeding, many experts suggest waiting until feeding is well established, often around 3 to 4 weeks.
- Do not force a pacifier if your baby does not want it.
- Never coat it in sugar or honey or hang it on a cord.
What you can do
- Offer it when putting your baby down to sleep; there is no need to reinsert it once asleep.
- Check pacifiers regularly and replace worn or damaged ones.
Frequently asked questions
Use in the first years is unlikely to cause lasting problems; long-term use beyond early childhood can affect teeth.