Why Use a Pacifier?

New parents often wonder whether to introduce a pacifier. Most babies have a strong sucking reflex, and pacifiers provide a safe way to satisfy it. Beyond soothing, pacifiers offer additional benefits:

• Comfort: Pacifiers calm fussy babies and help them fall asleep.
• Medical procedures: Using a pacifier during vaccinations or blood tests can help keep
  babies calm.
• Safer sleep: A pacifier is a safer option than falling asleep with a milk bottle, which can
  cause cavities.
• Travel comfort: Pacifiers ease ear discomfort during airplane takeoff and landing.
• SIDS prevention: Research suggests pacifier use reduces the risk of sudden infant
  death syndrome (SIDS) by improving airway function and increasing arousal. Some studies
  also suggest pacifiers boost saliva production, which contains antibacterial properties.
• Thumb-sucking alternative: Pacifiers are easier to manage than thumb-sucking since
  parents control when they are used.

Concerns include habit formation, increased risk of ear infections, and potential dental
effects. These risks can be minimized by limiting pacifier use.

Certain designs, such as the Calm and Clean Pacifier, also support proper tooth alignment.

Ultimately, the choice to use a pacifier is personal, and some babies may simply prefer not to use one.