Many parents introduce a pacifier to their baby in the beginning to help them soothe. Newborns are often very fussy and need help to fall asleep. There is a lot of debate on whether pacifiers should be used at all. If you have questions about the AAP’s guidelines on pacifier use, please refer to this publication.
We are going to go over the pros and cons of using a pacifier and whether or not we recommend sleep training and keeping the pacifier handy.
Depending on where you live, the pacifier can also be referred to as a binky, nuk, soother or a dummy. Keep reading to find out whether or not we believe you can successfully sleep train while having the pacifier in the picture.
Is the Pacifier “Bad” for Sleep?
In my opinion there are no “bad” habits when it comes to sleep. It is more about what is working for your family and if it is sustainable. The pacifier can sometimes be called a “dependent sleep association” meaning that baby requires an action from you (the parent) for falling asleep.
For example, if a young baby is put down to sleep with the pacifier in his or her mouth and is unable to replace it themselves, they then require you to replace it for them to fall back to sleep (dependent sleep association). Some parents don’t mind this at all. But others may feel like they are being held hostage until the next time the pacifier falls out of their baby’s mouth. An independent sleep association is one that does not require you to be present for it to still be there/accessible (I.e. white noise, dark, cool sleep environment, sleep sack). We like those!
When are Pacifiers most Useful?
Using the pacifier is the most helpful during the newborn stage (0-3 months). Due to the development of sleep cycles the pacifier falling out doesn’t usually disrupt sleep in newborns like it can in older babies and toddlers. Some babies really find comfort in sucking, and the pacifier can provide a quick, effective way for them to settle down for sleep without needing to be rocked or fed to sleep. This can make the process smoother for both you and your baby during the newborn period.
Once your baby is older, around 4-6 months old, the sleep cycles have matured, and the pacifier can actually begin to cause extra night wakings. This is due to your baby expecting the same conditions to fall asleep each time they wake up overnight in between sleep cycles.
Things to Consider if you are Sleep Training with a Pacifier
If you are going to sleep train and use the pacifier, consider the following:
Pacifier as a Tool, not a Crutch: You can use the pacifier as part of the sleep training process, but the key is to not let it become a crutch that your baby cannot sleep without. You’ll want to gradually reduce the dependence on it as part of the training. At Tweet Dreamzz we suggest keeping the pacifier around for doctor’s appointments and car rides- ideally not for sleep.
Set them up for Success without the Pacifier: Focus on other factors that you can control that will allow your baby to get a better night’s rest. For example, using white noise, a completely blackout sleep environment and establishing a consistent bedtime routine.
Replace the Pacifier: If your child is 12 months or older, consider replacing the pacifier with a comfort object, like a small blanket or lovey.
Nighttime Strategy: If your baby has a habit of waking up to find the pacifier, you can consider scattering a few pacifiers around the crib in hopes that they find one in the middle of the night. If you are keeping the pacifier and your baby needs help replacing it, try the trick of placing it in their hand where they can insert the paci themselves. This will help your child become more efficient!
I would use caution with this approach though as there is no guarantee that they will be able to find it and replace it. Also, they are not sleeping “independently” if still relying on the pacifier to help get them back to sleep, which for some babies, leaves room for a level of unpredictability with their sleep.
How to use the Pacifier during Sleep Training?
If you’re comfortable with the idea of using a pacifier and are prepared for the potential dependency, it can be a fine tool in the short term for sleep training. Just make sure you’re actively working on helping your baby develop other self-soothing skills as well. Over time, you may want to phase it out as they grow older and more capable of sleeping independently. In our professional experience, the longer you wait, the harder dropping the pacifier becomes. Read about our suggested strategies to drop the pacifier at any age.
If your main goal is to avoid dependence on external aids entirely, you might want to explore sleep training techniques that don’t rely on a pacifier, such as using a consistent sleep routine and gradually reducing your involvement with a sleep training method.
Ultimately, it comes down to your parenting style and what feels right for you and your baby’s needs!
At Tweet Dreamzz we will always give you our best advice on what we know will help your baby or twins sleep train the quickest with the least amount of crying possible. A lot of parents are very apprehensive about sleep training without the pacifier and are then shocked to discover how quickly their child adapts without it.
Sleep training without the pacifier means that you can truly get to a place of 100% independent sleep. Your baby or twins will feel secure in their environment and you will feel secure knowing your child has developed a strategy of their own to fall asleep quickly and soundly 😊
Stellina Ferri is a Boston area sleep consultant and parent coach who helps families worldwide.
Stellina is here to help you navigate your baby’s sleep and show you how a sleep consultant can truly be worth every penny!
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