Choosing to Use a Pacifier

Deciding to use a pacifier

For babies that are breastfeeding only, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting to give your baby a pacifier until breastfeeding is well established. This can take up to 4 to 6 weeks. 

It is normal for babies to need to suck, especially in their first weeks. Breastfeeding helps babies satisfy their need to suck and helps to increase milk supply.  Using a pacifier to satisfy baby’s sucking needs may slow down your milk from increasing. Using a pacifier may also lower your milk supply.

The choice to use a pacifier for your baby is up to you.

Calming your baby

Babies cry for many reasons. Besides giving a pacifier to your baby, other things you can try to calm them are:

• Breastfeeding
• Changing their diaper
• Gentle rocking
• Swaddling
• Briefly having them suck on your clean finger

Lowering the risk of SIDS

Babies who are fed breast milk only have a lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also called SIDS. The longer a baby is fed breastmilk only, the lower the risk of SIDS.

Using a pacifier at night has also been shown to lower the risk of SIDS.  This is because a pacifier can bring your baby’s tongue forward, opening their airway a bit. Using a pacifier at night may be helpful for babies who are not breastfeeding.

If you are thinking about using a pacifier for your baby and would like to learn more, talk to your hospital care team or your baby’s doctor.