Pacifiers can help calm babies and support their growth, but it’s important to use them the right way. Here are some easy tips:

Why Use a Pacifier?

  • Helps Calm Your Baby: Pacifiers can make fussy babies feel better.
  • Safer Sleep: Using a pacifier at nap or bedtime may lower the chance of SIDS.
  • Satisfies Sucking Needs: Babies like to suck, and pacifiers help when they’re not feeding.

How to Use a Pacifier Safely

  1. Pick the Right Pacifier:
    • Choose a pacifier that fits your baby’s age.
    • Make sure it’s in one piece and safe for babies.
  2. Keep It Clean:
    • Wash pacifiers with warm, soapy water.
    • Don’t let kids share pacifiers.
  3. Don’t Use It Too Much:
    • Use pacifiers during specific times, like bedtime, not all day.
    • Hug, talk, or sing to comfort your baby too.
  4. Stop Using It Early:
    • Start weaning off pacifiers around 6-12 months.
    • Don’t use pacifiers after age 2 to avoid dental and speech problems.
  5. No Changes or Add-ons:
    • Don’t tie strings or ribbons to the pacifier. These can be dangerous.
    • Don’t dip pacifiers in sweet stuff; it can harm teeth.

What Therapists Say

  • Occupational Therapy: Using pacifiers too long can make it harder for babies to learn to chew and eat well. It’s important to stop so their mouth and tongue can get stronger.
  • Speech Therapy: Pacifiers can slow down talking skills if used too much. Babies need to babble and practice sounds to learn to talk.
  • Physical Therapy: Pacifiers can affect how muscles in the face and jaw grow. This can make chewing and posture harder as they grow.

How to Stop Using a Pacifier

  • Offer Something Else: Give your baby a small blanket or favorite toy for comfort.
  • Slowly Use It Less: Only give the pacifier at bedtime or naps before stopping completely.
  • Celebrate Success: Praise your child when they don’t need the pacifier.

When to Ask for Help

Talk to your doctor or a therapist if:

  • Your child won’t stop using a pacifier after 12 months.
  • You see changes in how they talk or how their mouth looks.
  • They seem to need the pacifier all the time.

Pacifiers can be helpful if used wisely. By stopping at the right time, you’ll help your child grow and develop in healthy ways.

For more advice, reach out to our therapy team. We’re happy to help!