What Parents Should Know About Infant PacifiersPaci, binky, nookie – whatever you choose to call it, pacifiers can be a helpful tool for soothing babies. Many parents have questions about when to use them, how to use them safely, and what to do when it’s time to stop.
Why Do Babies Like Pacifiers?Babies are born with a natural urge to suck. This is called non-nutritive sucking, and it helps them feel calm and secure.
When Should You Introduce a Pacifier?If you are breastfeeding, it’s best to wait until breastfeeding is well established before offering a pacifier. This is usually around 3 to 4 weeks after birth.
If you are formula feeding, you can offer a pacifier earlier, as long as your baby is feeding well and gaining weight.
Introducing a pacifier too early may make it harder to recognize hunger cues. It may also interfere with building milk supply if you’re breastfeeding.
Pacifiers and Safe SleepUsing a pacifier at sleep time (naps and bedtime) has been linked to a lower risk of SIDS. In fact, studies suggest it may reduce the risk by 50% to 90%. While the exact reason is not fully understood, it’s believed they may help because when a baby sucks on a pacifier, it brings their tongue forward, which opens their airway a bit.
How to Use a Pacifier Safely 
Can Pacifiers Cause Problems?Pacifiers are safe when used appropriately, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Using a pacifier too often or too early may mask hunger cues and lead to fewer feedings.
Frequent pacifier use (especially after 6 months) has been linked to a higher risk of ear infections.
Long-term pacifier use can affect how teeth grow and align. This is more likely if use continues past toddler years.
When Should You Wean
from a Pacifier?
How to Wean from a PacifierGiving up a pacifier can be difficult and emotionally challenging for both babies and parents. It may make sleep time more challenging for a few days or weeks, but weaning can be a gradual process.
Slowly reduce use over time instead of stopping all at once.
Every time your child chooses not to use the pacifier, offer praise and remind them how proud you are that they’re becoming such a “big” boy or girl.
Follow Your Baby’s Lead Every baby is different. Some love pacifiers, while others aren’t interested at all. Pacifiers can be a helpful tool, but they are not required and are not intended to be used long-term.
The most important thing is responding to your baby’s needs with care and consistency.
If you have questions about pacifier use, or are having trouble with weaning, WIC staff or your healthcare provider can help you decide what works best for your family.
American Academy of Pediatrics. HealthyChildren.org. (2026, January 20). Baby Pacifiers & Thumb Sucking: What Parents Need to Know.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/crying-colic/Pages/Pacifiers-and-Thumb-Sucking.aspx?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=69654055&gbraid=0AAAAADyMpZGF9h9ErLZOObYPtilh8wjFs&gclid=CjwKCAjwnN3OBhA8EiwAfpTYepht0PiKFrI_FFSw3GB6fAPrkoM-_CAKw7HdfZqR5LJDJxNes1lAbRoCu_8QAvD_BwE
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Sleep-related infant deaths: Updated recommendations for a safe infant sleeping environment. Pediatrics, 150(1).
https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2022-057990
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, September 17). About SUID and SIDS.
https://www.cdc.gov/sudden-infant-death/about/index.html
Community Care Physicians. (2022, February 12). Updated AAP Recommendations for Preventing SIDS and Other Sleep Related Infant Deaths.
https://communitycare.com/updated-aap-recommendations-preventing-sids/
Mayo Clinic. (2025, July 23). Pacifiers: Are they good for your baby?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/pacifiers/art-20048140
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2026). Ways to Reduce Baby’s Risk.
https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/reduce
Safe Sleep Academy. (2026). Pacifiers & Safe Sleep.
https://safesleepacademy.org/pacifiers/
Author: Amanda Hojnacki
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If you have questions about pacifier use, or are having trouble with weaning, WIC staff or your healthcare provider can help you decide what works best for your family.