Pacifiers for Babies: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Weaning Off

As new parents, we face endless decisions that can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to our baby’s needs. One of the most debated choices is whether to introduce a pacifier. When should we offer it? How long should we let our little ones use it? And what happens when it’s time to say goodbye?

For some, pacifiers become a comforting ally that soothes their baby, while others might find themselves unsure about whether the benefits outweigh the risks. Let’s take a deep dive into the world of pacifiers—why babies love them, how they can support development, and how to use them safely, so you can make the most informed decision for your family.

Why Do Babies Suck?

From the moment they’re born (and even before), babies are wired for sucking. It’s not just about feeding, either—sucking is instinctual, comforting, and soothing. In fact, some babies even suck their thumbs or fingers before they’re born! This behavior isn’t just cute; it’s deeply connected to their development.

So, what’s the big deal about sucking? Sucking triggers the release of the hormone cholecystokinin, which signals fullness and sleepiness, setting off a cascade of reactions in the baby’s body. That, in turn, releases oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” which reduces stress, encourages bonding, and fosters a sense of security. So, whether it’s during a peaceful nap or to distract from a less-than-pleasant moment (like a needle prick for blood work), sucking serves an important role in comforting your baby and supporting emotional development.

The Pacifier: Friend or Foe?

Now, while the natural sucking reflex is essential, parents often turn to pacifiers as a tool to meet this need. Let’s break down the basics of pacifiers—what they are made of, how they vary, and what to look for.

Types of Pacifiers

Pacifiers generally fall into two categories based on nipple design: orthodontic and non-orthodontic.

Orthodontic pacifiers are designed to accommodate the baby’s “tongue thrust”—that natural motion babies use to pull milk from the breast. The nipple is typically flatter and square-shaped. While these are often marketed as “better” for oral development, some experts caution that while they do promote more natural tongue movement, they still aren’t a perfect replica of breastfeeding.
Non-orthodontic pacifiers have a more traditional shape—round and bulbous. They don’t necessarily mimic the natural breast shape but can still satisfy the sucking urge.

What about the material? Pacifiers come in various options: latex, silicone, natural rubber, and flexible plastic. Each has its pros and cons. Silicone is easy to clean and less likely to harbor bacteria, while natural rubber is non-toxic and biodegradable—an environmentally friendly choice. If you choose a pacifier made from multiple pieces, however, always check that it’s well-constructed to avoid any choking hazards.

Finding the Right Fit

Here’s where things get tricky: not all pacifiers are created equal. The shape of the shield (the part that rests on your baby’s face) and the nipple can vary greatly. Some shields curve towards the mouth, while others are flat or even curve away from the face. What’s important is that the shield should be wide enough to prevent your baby from getting the whole pacifier in their mouth, which could be a suffocation hazard. Also, it should be designed to avoid covering their nose, so airflow is not disrupted.

Pacifier nipples also come in various shapes, from cylindrical (think tiny Tootsie Roll) to cherry-shaped (round at the tip) and anatomical (a flatter, square tip). Each style has its benefits, depending on your baby’s needs, but a bulb-shaped nipple often mimics a mother’s nipple the best, which can be especially helpful in the early days.

Does Size Matter?

Yes, yes, and yes! Choosing a pacifier that fits your baby’s mouth is crucial. A pacifier that’s too big or small can negatively affect oral development. The size normally corresponds to your baby’s age, but more importantly, it should match their mouth size. This is where modern tech comes into play: there’s even an app, called Pacified, that uses facial biometrics to recommend the perfect pacifier size for your little one. It’s a simple tool that takes the guesswork out of sizing and ensures your baby gets the most comfortable fit possible.

The Benefits of Pacifiers

When used thoughtfully, pacifiers offer a variety of benefits. Here’s a rundown:

Soothing and Comfort: As we mentioned earlier, sucking is incredibly soothing. It helps babies calm themselves, especially between feedings. It can also provide comfort during medical procedures, such as getting a shot or having blood work done, offering a distraction and reducing stress.
SIDS Prevention: Some research has shown that pacifiers may reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Though the exact mechanism is unclear, it’s thought that pacifiers may keep the baby’s airway open, prevent them from rolling onto their stomach during sleep, or even keep them from being smothered by blankets. It’s also been suggested that sucking on a pacifier helps with brain and nerve development, particularly in regulating heart rate and breathing.
Helping Babies Learn to Suck and Swallow: Premature babies, in particular, benefit from pacifiers because they help develop the sucking and swallowing reflexes, essential for feeding. Introducing a pacifier in the hospital can help premature babies develop those reflexes before they’re ready to breastfeed or bottle-feed on their own.

The Risks of Pacifiers

Of course, nothing comes without its challenges. While pacifiers are wonderful tools, they can pose a few risks if not used with care.

Ear Infections: After the first six months, there is an increased risk of middle ear infections, also known as otitis media. Prolonged pacifier use can cause fluid buildup in the ears, which may lead to infections. However, the risk is relatively low if pacifiers are used appropriately.
Nipple Confusion: If you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to wait at least three to four weeks before introducing a pacifier. Why? Babies need time to develop proper latch techniques, and introducing a pacifier too early can lead to nipple confusion, making it harder for your baby to nurse effectively.
Dental Issues: Prolonged pacifier use, especially beyond 12 months, can affect the development of your child’s teeth and jaw. It can lead to issues like crossbite, crooked teeth, and misalignment of the jaw. Experts generally recommend weaning your baby off the pacifier by the time they are 18 months old to avoid these long-term dental problems.
Speech Development: Here’s where it gets interesting—around six months, babies enter an important oral exploration stage known as discriminative mouthing. This is a critical period for both feeding and speech development. During this time, babies explore their world with their mouths, trying different shapes and textures. This exploration is crucial for developing the motor skills needed for feeding, and, importantly, for producing speech sounds.
- Around this same age, babies experience significant milestones in consonant production. As they begin to experiment with new mouth movements, their ability to produce a wider range of consonant sounds increases, and they start to correlate these mouth movements with different sounds. This is where pacifier use can be a concern—having a pacifier in their mouth for long stretches of time might hinder their ability to practice articulating these sounds. If they spend too much time sucking on a pacifier, they miss out on opportunities to develop the fine motor skills necessary for speech.

My Personal Experience with Pacifiers

Oddly enough, I feel very strongly about pacifiers. I didn’t buy any and didn’t put them on my registry because I didn’t want my baby to rely on one, especially if it became more of a habit than a tool for soothing. My goal was to have her completely off pacifiers by six months to avoid any potential issues, like speech or dental problems, later on.

When she was about nine weeks old, a family member offered her a pacifier while I was working. She wasn’t crying—just a bit fussy—and I asked if she might be hungry. The response was, “She’ll let you know when she’s hungry,” followed by, “Look how cute she is,” as the pacifier rested in her mouth. I gently explained that I didn’t want her using a pacifier when I was available because I wanted to better understand her hunger cues. Some might think I overreacted, but I had only a couple of ‘rules,’ and limited or no pacifier use was one of them.

That being said, there were moments when a pacifier could be a lifesaver. My daughter hated car rides. She’d cry the entire time, and nothing seemed to calm her down. In those instances, a pacifier was often the only thing that could soothe her enough to make the ride bearable—for both of us.

I knew that if I phased the pacifier out early, she wouldn’t need it later. For me, it was about finding the right balance between offering comfort and avoiding unnecessary dependence.

This post may contain affiliate links. When you buy through links or my site, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Also, the information on this site is NOT intended to be medical advice. Please seek professional medical care if needed. See disclosures for more information.

Tips for Pacifier Use

Use It Sparingly: Pacifiers should be used to soothe or help babies fall asleep, but they shouldn’t be in your baby’s mouth all day. Allowing your baby to explore different textures and shapes with their mouth is important for their oral and speech development. After six months, when the discriminative mouthing period begins, it’s even more important to limit pacifier use to avoid interfering with their speech exploration.
Pick the Right Pacifier: Choose one that fits your baby’s mouth properly and consider options that are designed to promote healthy oral development. Don’t just go by age recommendations; pay attention to your baby’s individual needs and facial features.
Clean Regularly: Make sure to clean pacifiers regularly, especially if they’re made from latex or rubber, to prevent bacteria buildup. It’s also a good idea to regularly check for wear and tear—if the pacifier is cracked or damaged, replace it.
Gradual Weaning: Many babies will naturally phase out the pacifier around ages 2 to 4, but if you’re concerned about long-term use, it’s a good idea to start weaning them off around 12-18 months. Try to limit use to naps and bedtime to help make the transition smoother.
Look for Signs: Every baby is different. Watch for signs of pacifier dependency—if your baby wakes up crying when it falls out or seems overly attached, it might be time to start limiting its use.

Final Thoughts

As with many parenting choices, the pacifier decision isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are clear benefits to using a pacifier, but there are also risks. The key is balance and knowing when and how to use it. As your baby grows, they will naturally outgrow the need for the pacifier, but until then, it can be a valuable tool for soothing, sleep, and development.

Just keep in mind that around six months of age, as babies enter a vital phase for oral and speech development, it becomes even more important to be mindful of pacifier use. This period is critical for feeding, mouth exploration, and the early stages of speech development, and over-reliance on a pacifier could potentially interfere with your baby’s ability to practice articulating sounds and words.

Parenting is a journey—there’s no one “right” way to do it, and what works for one baby may not work for another. Trust your instincts, listen to your baby, and know that you’re doing your best to give them the tools they need to grow, thrive, and explore the world around them.

Pacifiers for Babies: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Weaning Off

Why Do Babies Suck?