Pacifiers

Deciding to use a pacifier or not is completely up to your discretion. There is a ton of dogmatic opinions on the subject. I completely respect the decision either way. It is important to do your research and choose what you feel most comfortable with. Here is some helpful guidelines/info to get you started.

Here is the policy from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry-

“The AAPD supports parents in the decision to introduce a pacifier based on their infant’s needs and parental preference as pacifiers may be beneficial during the first few months of life in helping premature infants develop the sucking reflex, offering comfort and soothing, providing an analgesic effect during minor invasive procedures, decreasing the incidence of SIDS, and preventing a persistent finger-sucking habit. The AAPD encourages parents to establish a dental home for their children by 12 months of age to allow time-critical opportunities for anticipatory guidance on preventive health practices including the discontinuance of nonnutritive sucking habits by 36 months of age. The AAPD supports consistent messaging by medical and dental providers when educating parents on the risks of a prolonged pacifier habit as usage after 12 months of age can increase the risk of acute otitis media and beyond 18 months can influence the developing orofacial complex, leading to anterior open bite, posterior crossbite, and Class II malocclusion. Furthermore, the AAPD encourages additional research regarding pacifier selection to minimize disturbances of the developing orofacial complex.”

There are some concerns and conflicting information about the relationship between exclusively breast/bodyfeeding and the use of pacifiers. Many organizations suggest waiting to introduce a pacifier until breast/bodyfeeding is established, around 1 month.

Each baby is different, some are much more interested in pacifiers than others. I have had success with families that use them and equal success with families that don’t. Here are some things I noticed.

-If you are swaddling a baby for a nap/sleep a pacifier can be helpful since they dont have access to their hands for soothing. In general I have seen pacifiers be beneficial for over tired babies as long as its not being used as snooze button on another need. IE hunger, discomfort.

-I have noticed some anxiety about the process of weening a baby off of a pacifier in the future and completely understand the concern. I think its a good question to ask if you are up to the extra effort now (extra soothing, maybe more contact naps) or later (weening off a pacifier). The latter may be slightly easier dependent on their temperament but, at this time they will have access to fingers and teethers to hopefully make the process easier. Again, every baby is different and will respond in their own way, I think being flexible is key!

-There are different types of pacifiers of varying shapes, some claim to be more breast/bodyfeeding friendly. Ive found whichever the baby likes is great as long as it is age appropriate.

-I dont recommend using a pacifier with a “lovie” attached, and only use the pacifier clips during awake time.

-Pacifiers are beneficial in relieving tension in babies and developing their oral function. Keep in mind there are other ways to do this as well.

Whatever you decide, I fully support! You know what is best for your baby and its also okay to change your mind if you need to.