WHEN DOES BABY NEED A PACIFIER?

The benefits of pacifiers are well known to include soothing and comforting babies. That said, there are a few potential side issues associated with them.

- 

Babies have an instinct to suck without receiving milk and this reflex is incredibly soothing for them. You may have noticed your little one sucking a thumb on the ultrasound or you might even see them attempting to put a finger or thumb in their mouth as a newborn.

A pacifier can be given to your baby as something safe to suck for comfort. As a parent, it’s important to know that there is no right or wrong choice. Some people hate pacifiers, others love them. Some babies refuse them, others never want to give them up! It’s a matter of personal preference - but it’s good to understand both the positive and negative effects so you can make the decision that’s best for your child.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A PACIFIER?

Pacifiers have a number of obvious benefits in helping babies feel relaxed and helping you keep things manageable as a parent. However, let’s take a look at some of the more specific ways a pacifier can be useful. These are:

Bedtime routine

Pacifiers can be very useful for reducing how much your baby cries. This is particularly good if your baby needs help calming down or falling asleep at bedtime. It also encourages your little one to self-settle by providing them with enough comfort to be able to go to sleep alone.

Emergencies