Sleep Consultant Vancouver FAQ: Should my baby use a pacifier?
A common question I often get asked from parents is if their baby should stop using a pacifier. This is completely a parental preference as there are many benefits of using soothers. Pacifiers are a great way to help your baby sleep, and they can also help reduce the risk of SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends pacifier use until at least 12 months of age, if not longer.
Sucking on a pacifier could reduce SIDS risk.
Pacifier use has been shown to reduce SIDS risk by up to 95%, according to a study published by Matern Child Health Journal (2012). Pacifier use decreased the risk of SIDS even more when the infant was sleeping in the prone/side position, bedsharing, and when soft bedding was present.
Pacifiers can help babies calm down.
Pacifiers can also help babies calm down. Pacifiers have been shown to reduce crying during painful procedures like vaccinations or blood tests. This benefit has led some hospitals to offer a soother after certain medical procedures--a practice called "soothing."
Pacifiers can be used to comfort fussy babies at night.
Babies who use pacifiers may fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and sleep better during the night. When choosing a pacifier for your baby, look for one that is soft and pliable so it's easy for them to suck on. The nipple should also have holes in it so air can flow through as they suckle.
If you're using a pacifier at bedtime, try placing it in your child's mouth right before putting them down for naps or bedtime; this will help them associate sucking on their binky with falling asleep. If you are concerned with your baby losing their soother at night, try a “glow in the dark” soother so that they can find it in their crib. Alternatively, you can place a handful of soothers around them so there is always one close.
Pacifiers can soothe colicky or teething babies.
Soothers can be a lifesaver for babies who are teething or colicky. Babies who are uncomfortable will often suck on a pacifier as a way to self-soothe, and this can help them sleep better at night.
Conclusion
Pacifiers are an excellent tool for soothing your baby. They can be used to comfort fussy babies at night, soothe colicky or teething babies, and reduce SIDS risk. Remember that the best way to select a pacifier is by trial and error. If your baby has never been interested in taking a soother, don’t sweat it! Often babies will instead suck their thumbs or fingers. That said, all babies are different and will figure out other ways to self-soothe as well. If you have questions about whether using a pacifier is right for your baby, let me know.