How to Encourage a Baby to Use a Pacifier

Babies need to suck to soothe and comfort themselves. Parents can help babies feel comforted early on by offering a pacifier when appropriate.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pacifiers

1. Wait until breast-feeding is well established before offering a pacifier, to avoid "nipple confusion."

2. Choose a smaller pacifier for a newborn and gradually increase size as baby grows.

3. Collect a variety of nipple shapes and features (preemie, round, orthodontic, elongated, gel-filled) as your baby may have a distinct preference.

4. Opt for an orthodontic shaped nipple which can be oval or angled, if concerned about oral development.

5. Familiarize yourself with latex, rubber and silicone pacifiers. Rubber and latex nipples tend to be softer but not as durable. Silicone nipples are firmer and more durable, and will conform to your baby's unique palate.

6. Pick a pacifier with a firm base. It should be 1 1/2 inches across, with ventilated holes so that the nasal passages are not obstructed. This also prevents rashes on your baby's face.

7. Select a pacifier with one-piece construction to avoid pieces breaking free and posing a choking hazard.

8. Place pacifier, for the first time, gently in baby's mouth when she is in a good mood. Offering a pacifier when your baby is hungry or upset will only frustrate her further.

9. Expect baby to push it out initially.

10. Ignore advice to sweeten the pacifier taste with sugar water, honey or any other sweet substance.

11. Try another time but respect baby's reaction. Some babies like the pacifier and others prefer their thumbs or nothing at all.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy and store extras if baby accepts the pacifier. They are easily lost.
• Offer pacifier to baby to satisfy the need to suck but avoid the temptation to plug up baby every times she cries. This may create a habit that you will regret when you are getting up at night to put a pacifier back in her mouth, or when she is 3 and still walking around with a pacifier.
• Do not hang your baby's pacifier around her neck or fasten to a crib, playpen or stroller with a ribbon or string; this poses a strangulation risk.
• Avoid using a bottle nipple for a pacifier (even in dire situations) as the nipple may come apart from the bottle ring and create a choking hazard.
• Inspect pacifiers routinely for signs of wear; tears pose a choking hazard.

Who Can Help:

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[Allandra]

on 7/21/2007 I generally dislike using a pacifier... simply because I know how attached a toddler can get to one but if you choose to have one, then it should be up to you. My one caution when choosing one is NEVER EVER smear honey or anything sweet on it before giving it to your child. I am constantly amazed at mothers who come into our office who claim to have done these things. Not only is it bad for baby's teeth but it may cause allergies in them as well.