Should I Give My Newborn a Pacifier? Pros, Cons & Timing

You know the scene: it’s the middle of the night, the baby’s crying, and you could cry too from exhaustion given the hour. It’s enough to have you considering pacifiers, isn’t it?

Pacifiers are among the most debated baby items. Some parents swear by them while others avoid them. 

Ultimately, there may be no one-size-fits-all answer to this topic. However, understanding the pros, cons, and timing may help you make the best choice in your specific case.

In this guide, we provide information that can help you specifically with the question “Can I give pacifier to newborn?” as well as when and how to do so. This should help you make a choice!

The Pros of Giving Your Newborn a Pacifier

So, can you give a pacifier to newborn? Yes, and it may even offer several benefits:

• Soothes and comforts babies - Sucking is a natural reflex for babies, and pacifiers encourage it. It helps them calm down, self-soothe, and settle down to sleep. 

• May reduce SIDS risk - Studies suggest pacifier use during sleep may lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping the airway open and preventing deep sleep. 

• Helpful during flights - Pacifiers help equalise air pressure in babies' ears during takeoff and landing when on flights.

• Eases discomfort during stress - Babies often find comfort in the sucking motion during stressful situations.

• Gives parents a break - Pacifiers may help caregivers calm the baby between feeds or during difficult transitions (e.g. during car rides or bedtime).
  

The Cons or Risks of Pacifier Use

Pacifiers have risks too, of course, like all other things. The key to using them for your baby is to be aware of the right timing and safety procedures.

• Breastfeeding interference - Introducing a pacifier too early (before breastfeeding is well established) can cause nipple confusion. The sucking motion differs from nursing, which can affect the baby’s latch and feeding patterns.

• Dependency - Some babies may rely on pacifiers to fall asleep, causing them to wake up frequently when it falls out. 

• Dental issues - Long-term or excessive pacifier use beyond the toddler years can lead to misaligned teeth or bite problems.

• Ear infections - Prolonged pacifier use is associated with a slightly higher risk of middle ear infections. 

• Hygiene concerns - Pacifiers must be cleaned and sterilised frequently to prevent bacterial buildup, just like baby bottle nipples.

When to Introduce a Pacifier to Your Newborn

As for when to introduce a pacifier to a newborn, it depends on whether you’re breastfeeding your baby or not.

For breastfed babies, wait until breastfeeding is established. This usually takes 3 to 4 weeks of breastfeeding. By that time, your baby can latch and feed effectively, so you won’t be likely to affect breastfeeding by introducing a pacifier.

For formula-fed babies, you can introduce the pacifier earlier. This is because nipple confusion is less likely to be a concern.

A good rule for figuring out if you can introduce the pacifier to your little one yet is to observe readiness clues. Your baby may show signs of comfort sucking, for example. This may happen after feeding or when you know your baby isn’t hungry.

You can also offer the pacifier to your baby during nighttime, after feeding, to help settle them down into sleep.

Tips for Safe Pacifier Use

Not all pacifiers are ideal for safe usage. If you’re not sure what to get, here are some tips for choosing and using pacifiers: 

• Choose the right design. Orthodontic, BPA-free pacifiers are best, especially those designed specifically for your baby’s age.

• Clean it regularly. A pacifier needs to be sterilised at least once daily. Replace the pacifier every 4 to 6 weeks or when damaged.

• Do not add flavour. It’s not necessary, and you may risk issues like early tooth decay or infant botulism if you add sugar, syrup, or honey to the pacifier.

• Use a pacifier clip. Short and safe clips are better than strings or ribbons, which may be choking hazards.

• Don’t force it. Babies sometimes reject pacifiers. You can try offering the pacifier again later, but never push it into your baby’s mouth forcefully.

• Inspect it regularly. Pacifiers need to be replaced as soon as they’re damaged. Check them at least once a day for cracks, tears, or discolouration.

How to Transition Away from the Pacifier

The recommended weaning-off time for pacifiers is around 6 to 12 months. This can prevent dependence on the pacifiers.

The idea is to achieve a gradual reduction in their usage. Limit use to naps and bedtime, for example, then slowly phase out usage altogether. 

You can try offering comfort alternatives at this time to make it easier. Soft toys, singing, or even gentle rocking may be suitable. 

And remember to praise your baby for sleeping or self-soothing without a pacifier whenever it happens! It can reinforce your child’s self-comforting habits.

Pacifier Myths Parents Should Stop Believing

There are a lot of pacifier myths worth addressing, but these are probably the top ones: 

• “Pacifiers cause speech delays” - False. Speech development only becomes a concern if pacifier use extends into toddlerhood, which is rare. 

• “All pacifiers are the same” - This isn't true, as some pacifiers are made of safer materials than others. There are also orthodontic designs that support healthy jaw and teeth development.

• “Pacifiers make babies lazy feeders” - Again, this is false and only applies if the pacifier is introduced too early to breastfed babies, i.e. before breastfeeding is established.

Get More Parenting Advice from Other Mums!

Ultimately, pacifiers are neither “good” nor “bad”, as we showed in this guide. Many mums have successfully used them with their own little ones!

If you want to get more tips and insight, take a look at our other articles. In them, we explore more practical parenting tips, from sleep routines to newborn care guides!