What are the pros and cons of using a pacifier?

5 min. read

It’s the question that’s on every new parent’s lips: ‘are pacifiers bad?’. From your neighbor to your doctor, and from your mom to your favorite blog, you’ve probably heard countless opinions on pacifier use. That’s why it’s time to cut through the noise and answer the really important questions: from ‘can baby fall asleep with a pacifier’ to ‘does a pacifier affect teeth?’.

You know better than anyone what’s right for your baby, but you can never be too informed. Here we’ll help equip you with all the essential facts, so you can make a decision on pacifier use with confidence.

What is a pacifier?

Let’s go back to basics: what is a pacifier? A pacifier is usually a silicone nipple given to an infant or young child to suck upon. The standard pacifier has a nipple, a mouth shield, and a handle. The mouth shield and handle are there to prevent the child from choking or swallowing it.

Why do many babies even use a pacifier to begin with? A pacifier’s primary purpose comes down to the fact that newborns are born with an instinct to suck. Whether they are bored, tired, or needing comfort, this sucking instinct is separate from their need to eat. Some babies prefer to suck on their thumbs or fingers, and others prefer pacifiers.

A pacifier’s effect on baby

A pacifier provides a very calming, soothing effect on your baby. Below are some reasons behind newborn pacifier use:

• Help your baby fall asleep
• Calm your frightened baby
• Aid in digestion

As you can see, these reasons all have one commonality: they keep your baby calm by satisfying their innate need to suckle.

Pacifier pros and cons

Whether you choose to give your baby a pacifier or to suck on one of his or her fingers, let’s have a look at the pacifier pros and cons.

Benefits of a pacifier

The following are some of the benefits of giving your baby a pacifier:

1. Satisfies the suck reflex

The first benefit of a pacifier is that it meets a baby’s need to suckle. While the breast or bottle can usually satisfy this need, pacifiers can help to soothe your baby in-between feeding sessions. But keep in mind that pacifiers are not to be used as a replacement or to delay meal times.

2. Encourages baby to self-soothe

Another benefit of pacifier use is that it can encourage your baby to self-soothe when he or she is crying or upset.

3. Soothes your baby during painful procedures

If your baby is due for a vaccination or for blood to be drawn, a pacifier is great way to reduce the pain and keep your baby calm at the doctor’s office.

4. Helps baby fall asleep

Parents often ask ‘can baby fall sleep with pacifier?’. The pacifier can definitely be used when helping your baby to fall asleep, right before nap time, or after a feed; most babies find sucking soothing. Stay close to your baby while the pacifier works its magic. Remember – never leave your baby with their pacifier unsupervised.

5. You can monitor your baby’s use

Unlike thumb sucking, you can monitor when your baby uses a pacifier. This gives you the ability to limit use or take it away at your disposal. It also makes breaking the habit easier when the time comes.