{"id":26894,"date":"2023-02-07T22:08:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-07T22:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/?p=26894"},"modified":"2023-05-04T15:56:13","modified_gmt":"2023-05-04T15:56:13","slug":"baby-sleeping-with-pacifier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/baby-sleeping-with-pacifier\/","title":{"rendered":"Can a Baby Sleep With a Pacifier?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As a new parent<\/a>, there\u2019s a lot you have to navigate, including whether or not it\u2019s safe to use a pacifier to help your baby sleep. You probably have heard all sorts of things about pacifier use, both good and bad, and it\u2019s tough to sort out the facts from your cousin\u2019s friend\u2019s opinion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, we\u2019ll explore the world of pacifiers and if and when you should let your baby sleep with one. We\u2019ll also answer some of the most commonly asked questions about pacifier use so you can make the best decision for your family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When should you introduce a pacifier to a baby?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your baby drinks formula or breastmilk from a bottle, you can give them a pacifier as early as you\u2019d like. Yes, even a 4-day-old baby can use that pacifier, including for sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, sometimes there are medical reasons to give a baby a pacifier. Babies have to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing in order to eat. For premature babies, babies separated from their mothers, or those who have a medical condition, this ability may be delayed<\/a>, and pacifier use can help strengthen the muscles they need in order to suck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For babies who are breastfed, the answer has been historically more controversial. For Jessica Madden<\/a>, MD, medical director at Aeroflow Breastpumps, her usual answer used to be to wait until at least three to four weeks when breastfeeding<\/a> has been well-established before introducing a pacifier to a breastfeeding baby. After all, that\u2019s what\u2019s recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics<\/a> (AAP). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, she no longer gives these blanket recommendations. \u201cIn reality, many infants can go back and forth from breast to pacifier without a problem at all,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her stance has been backed by research<\/a> indicating this concept of nipple confusion pertains more to the nipples on baby bottles and not necessarily to pacifier use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bottom line seems to be, if your baby is able to latch and is getting enough milk, you can introduce a pacifier\u2014but it\u2019s always a good idea to run any questions you have by your child\u2019s healthcare provider or lactation consultant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the benefits of sleeping with a pacifier?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your baby has a natural reflex to suck until they’re about a year old<\/a>. Not only does this help your baby get nutrition from a breast or bottle but sucking has other non-nutritive benefits as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Babies can suck using a pacifier for comfort if they\u2019re stressed or to help them fall asleep<\/a>. You may notice, if your baby doesn\u2019t have a pacifier, they will end up sucking their fingers anyway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pacifier use is associated with a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), according to research<\/a>. Experts aren\u2019t sure exactly why, but some have suggested pacifiers can help keep a baby\u2019s airway open or keep them from sleeping too deeply. These effects are still there even if the pacifier falls out of your baby\u2019s mouth in the night while they\u2019re sleeping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the risks of sleeping with a pacifier?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are things to keep in mind when using a pacifier safely. \u201cIn order for a pacifier to be used safely during infant sleep it should never be attached to a baby or a crib by a cord or ribbon as this creates a choking hazard,\u201d explains Madden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pacifiers can also carry bacteria and increase the chance of oral yeast infections<\/a>. Make sure to regularly wash pacifiers with soap and warm water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There has been\u00a0research<\/a>\u00a0indicating pacifiers can increase the chances of your baby developing ear infections. However, the AAP\u00a0suggests\u00a0weaning your baby from the pacifier by six months to decrease this risk.\u00a0(Learn whether weighted sleep sacks are safe for babies<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for introducing a pacifier to your baby<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to try a pacifier for your baby, keep these tips in mind when beginning:<\/p>\n\n\n\n