How to Use Pacifiers With a Baby That Is 4 Weeks Old
Though many argue against using pacifiers, you might feel that the positives outweigh the negatives. After the first month, your milk supply should be established and baby might be ready for a pacifier. Babies have a natural need to suck, and a pacifier can help comfort baby while giving you the time you need to get things done. Still, you don't want to keep a pacifier in baby's mouth all the time. Be sure to use the pacifier only when you need it or baby wants it.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Avoid nipple confusion by waiting until your baby is successfully breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding your baby, you'll want to be sure that baby is having success latching on and getting the food that he needs. Some young babies have a hard time switching between the nipples used in bottles and pacifiers vs. real nipples, which are more difficult to suck on. If you start your baby on a pacifier before he feeds well, you might have a hard time getting him back on the breast.
-
2
Choose a pacifier that is designed for newborn infants. Pay attention to the age limits on the pacifier's packaging. A pacifier that is too large might block baby's nose, making it hard for her to breathe. Look for pacifiers for young babies, which are smaller.
-
-
3
Give your baby a pacifier after a feeding but before sleeping. If your baby has finished eating, but still wants the comfort of sucking on something, this is the right time to give him a pacifier. A pacifier at this time can help him fall asleep.
-
4
Clean your baby's pacifiers regularly. Babies often drop their pacifiers onto the floor. Be sure to wash it off every time she drops it. When leaving the house, you might want to have several pacifiers on hand in case baby drops one and there is no sink available.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
When offering your baby a pacifier, be sure that he is still eating well. Some babies are so happy to suck on the pacifier that they don't ask for food when they are hungry. Before six months, babies should be eating every 2-3 hours, so make sure that you continue to feed your baby on schedule.
Don't give your baby a pacifier every time she cries. Try to determine the reason for crying-she could be hungry, cold, or wet.
