Whether to offer your infant a pacifier or not is a personal decision. There are pros and cons to both sides of the pacifier argument. The Mayo Clinic points out that a pacifier helps soothe a baby's strong reflex to suck, it can help them fall asleep and it may help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). They also point out that using the pacifier before breast-feeding can interfere with proper suckling and it may increase the risk of middle-ear infections. You may have decided that a pacifier is a great option for you and for your infant but he may not readily accept it. Getting your baby to take a pacifier requires a simple technique and some patience.
Step 1
Choose a pacifier wisely. There are plenty of fancy or well-decorated pacifiers on the market but your infant needs one that is appropriate for his developmental stage. Look on the packaging for a rating of newborn or infant and for some indication that the nipple is made to resemble a synthetic nipple or a breast nipple. Many pacifiers have wide bases, so look for one with holes that allow your baby to breathe while using it.
Step 2
Don't wait until your baby is crying hard to introduce the pacifier. Instead, when he is fairly calm or content, touch the pacifier to his cheek. This should encourage him to turn towards the pacifier and suckle. This is a natural reflex that babies are born with.
Step 3
Allow your baby to suck the pacifier for several minutes the first few times you introduce it. If he rejects it, try dipping it in breast milk or formula or warm it in your hand before trying to get him to take it.
Tips and Warnings
- Once your baby has accepted a specific pacifier you will want to have several on hand in case one gets lost. An infant can become accustomed to one style and reject all others.
- Don't force your baby to take a pacifier. Some infants may never accept one.
