Can I give my baby a pacifier? There's a reason why they're called pacifiers — and nicknamed “soothies.” Those little plugs work wonders in the comfort department, especially if your little one is colicky or has a strong need to suck between feeds...but hasn't quite figured out how to get her fingers in her mouth. What's more, besides soothing your sweetie, binkies come with another big benefit: safer sleep.
Pacifiers cut SIDS risk. A pacifier can protect your baby against SIDS by opening the air space around her nose and mouth while she sleeps. That's why pediatricians routinely recommend offering a pacifier at bedtime and naptime. But don't worry if your baby doesn't take the binky bait — it's definitely not a must-do.
Use in moderation. Worried that your baby will start a paci habit she won't be able to shake? To let your little one cash in on the comfort now without paying a price later, use the binky in moderation right from the start. Instead of popping it in at the first sign of fussiness, try other soothing strategies, like a cuddle, a song, a feed, a diaper change, a massage, or a burp. Use it consistently at naps and bedtime but only as needed in between. And consider pulling the plug on non-snooze paci use by the time your little sucker is six months old.
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