How to Safely Use a Pacifier
Read and learn more about how to properly use a pacifier, and why they aren’t as bad as you may think.
By Dr. Stephanie Vera, DDS
Every new parent wants to do what’s right for the child. Unfortunately, that can lead to undue stress and concern about whether you’re making the right decisions. Enter pacifiers. The pacifier debate has been going on for years, and it can be difficult to sort through all the conflicting information. As a mom and a dentist, my approach is simple – there’s a time and place for pacifiers in your child’s life, and if you know how to use them correctly, they can be beneficial to both you and your baby.
Warning: Pacifier in Use
Prolonged pacifier use is notorious for causing changes to the growing jaws and teeth. And, if introduced too early, they can also lead to challengers with latching and nursing. But rather than dwell on the negatives, let’s acknowledge that there are considerable benefits to giving your baby a pacifier.
First things first, let's acknowledge the benefits of pacifiers. The biggest benefit to pacifiers is that in the first year of life, they reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by 90%. That is huge. And as any new parent can attest to, anything to keep your little ones safe is not really up for debate. Pacifiers have also been shown to strengthen jaw muscles, prevent mouth breathing, and provide emotional comfort to your baby (giving new parents much needed support!).
When is it a Good Idea to use a Pacifier?
As a dental professional and a parent, I don't judge if you want to use a pacifier from time to time. In fact, if you’re looking for some guidelines on when you may want to introduce a pacifier, I would recommend the following:
IF NURSING: After a strong breastfeeding latch has been established – to avoid nipple confusion I recommend waiting to introduce a pacifier until after you and your baby feel confident nursing
IF BOTTLE FEEDING: if you are bottle feeding you can introduce pacifiers earlier – pacifiers can strengthen the muscles used for sucking and allow your baby to feed more easily from a bottle
NICU BABIES: Babies in the NICU need pacifiers for self-soothing. Without other forms of comfort, like skin to skin contact, pacifiers can help them feel safe and calm
WHEN YOUR CHILD IS INCONSOLABLE: If your child is undergoing a painful procedure or you’ve exhausted all other methods to soothe and comfort them, don’t be afraid to grab that pacifier. Babies will use their pacifier to self-soothe before they’ve learned other techniques.
The most common time parents will use a pacifier is when they are trying to get their little ones to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that pacifiers should be limited to when an infant is going to sleep – either at bedtime or for a nap. If an infant doesn’t want to use a pacifier, it should not be forced. And if a pacifier falls out while a baby is sleeping, it does not need to be reinserted.
How to Pick the Best Pacifier?
Full disclosure, as long as your child has stopped using their pacifier by age 2, it really doesn’t matter what kind you use! If you do end up using a pacifier, make sure to choose one that can limit the potential consequences of pacifier use if it ends up being a prolonged habit. Orthodontic pacifiers like MAM Baby and Smilo are recommended by moms and dentists alike (the general consensus is that narrow, round pacifiers cause the most damage – especially the adorable Wubbanub).
Tips for Safe Pacifier Use
If you do end up using a pacifier, make sure to follow these simple tips for safe pacifier use:
Make sure the pacifier is one single piece
Never hang the pacifier on a string around your baby’s neck
Clean pacifiers with soap and water or by boiling them for a few minutes
Use silicone, latex, or BPA free plastic pacifiers
Don’t force it – pacifiers are not necessary and not every child will want to use one. And if it falls out while your baby is asleep, there is no need to put it back in their mouth
When to Stop Using a Pacifier
As your baby grows, you may wonder when it's time to stop using pacifiers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends weaning your child off of pacifiers between 6 and 12 months of age. This is because prolonged use of pacifiers can lead to dental problems such as misaligned teeth and bite issues. In fact, all non-nutritive sucking habits (thumb or finger sucking and pacifier use) can have a significant effect on the development of the mouth, jaws, teeth and face and the longer your child uses a pacifier, the worse it will be.
If you're looking for more tips on stopping pacifier use or infant oral hygiene, check out our other posts. And remember, you're doing great as a parent - don't let the pacifier debate stress you out!
Dr. Stephanie Vera is a general dentist practicing in Murphy, Texas. She is a graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry and believes education and prevention are essential to a happy, healthy smile.
