Is it OK to let my newborn sleep with a pacifier?

The Comfort of Pacifiers for Newborns
As new parents navigate the myriad of decisions surrounding their newborn’s care, the question of whether to allow a baby to sleep with a pacifier often arises. While the initial instinct may be to embrace the soothing qualities of a pacifier, concerns about safety and proper usage can lead to uncertainty.
Understanding the Benefits
Pacifiers can be a source of comfort for many infants, helping them satisfy their natural sucking reflex and promoting self-soothing. For newborns, the act of sucking can be calming, and pacifiers can serve as an effective tool to help them settle down for sleep. According to experts, it is generally safe for newborns to sleep with a pacifier, provided certain guidelines are followed .
Safety Guidelines to Consider
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) endorses the use of pacifiers during sleep times, suggesting that they may even reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, safety is paramount. Parents should ensure that the pacifier is a one-piece design without any attachments that could pose a choking hazard. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid using pacifiers that are connected to stuffed animals or other objects, as these can increase the risk of suffocation.
Timing and Introduction
Introducing a pacifier can be a personal choice for families. Some parents may opt to wait until breastfeeding is well established before introducing a pacifier, particularly for breastfed babies, to avoid potential confusion. However, many experts advocate for the early introduction of pacifiers, as they can help babies learn to self-soothe and may provide parents with much-needed breaks.
Conclusion: A Personal Decision
Ultimately, the decision to let a newborn sleep with a pacifier is a personal one, influenced by individual family dynamics and comfort levels. While the benefits of pacifiers are well-documented, adhering to safety guidelines is essential to ensure a peaceful and secure sleeping environment for your baby. As with many aspects of parenting, staying informed and making choices that feel right for your family is key.

Why does a pacifier prevent SIDS?

The pacifier may also prevent the infant from rolling into the prone position (Franco 2004). One case‐control study showed that sucking a pacifier enhanced neural pathway development, which controls the patency around the upper airway (Li 2006).

What is active sleep for a newborn?

Newborns sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles. Sleep cycles are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. Sleep cycles consist of active sleep and quiet sleep. During active sleep, the newborn may move, groan, open their eyes, cry out or breathe noisily or irregularly.

Can I give my 3 day old a pacifier?

It’s generally recommended to wait until breastfeeding is well established before introducing a pacifier to a baby, which usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks after birth. This waiting period helps to avoid potential nipple confusion and ensures that the baby is feeding effectively.

How long can a newborn sleep with a pacifier?

Yes, newborns can sleep with pacifiers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies use pacifiers at nap time and night to reduce their risk of SIDS. If you’re breastfeeding, wait until that’s established – give it about 3 weeks – before giving your baby a pacifier.

Can babies breathe through the mouth with a pacifier?

Prolonged pacifier use can change the shape of the roof of the mouth, making it narrower which can make it difficult for your child to breathe through their nose. This promotes “mouth breathing” which can contribute to sleep problems, ADHD, receded jaw, and future TMJ and headache issues.

When to stop swaddling?

‌You should stop swaddling your baby when they start to roll over. That’s typically between 2 and 4 months. During this time, your baby might be able to roll onto their tummy but not be able to roll back over. This can raise their risk of SIDS.

Will baby spit out a pacifier when sleeping?

They don’t always keep sucking while they’re sleeping. So the fact that it comes out of her mouth is totally normal and you don’t have to do anything different as long as it’s working while she’s awake and it helps her get to sleep then that’s fine and it’s doing its job.

Can I give my newborn a pacifier at night?

Can a newborn sleep with a pacifier? Yes, newborns can sleep with pacifiers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies use pacifiers at nap time and night to reduce their risk of SIDS. If you’re breastfeeding, wait until that’s established – give it about 3 weeks – before giving your baby a pacifier.

How to close baby’s mouth while sleeping?

With infants, if you notice them sleeping with their mouth open, gently push their chin up so the lips touch, and hold for a moment to allow the lips to seal.

Should I remove pacifier when newborn is sleeping?

Should I remove the dummy once my baby is asleep? No, you don’t have to take it out once they have fallen asleep. Still, if the dummy falls out during sleep, which is very common, there’s no need for you to reinsert it.