Whether you call it a pacifier, a soother, or a big pain in the butt—soothers are often a significant part of a baby’s life. Recent figures from the Academy of Pediatrics suggest that 3 out of every 4 newborns use a pacifier until they are at least 18 months old. In the early stages of life, soothers offer many benefits; however, extended use beyond the first few months can lead to emotional and physical challenges.
Information about SIDS indicates that soothers can play an important role in maintaining a normal breathing rhythm in newborns. Until around six months of age, babies experience periodic bouts of apnea during sleep. When they are sucking on a pacifier, they are more likely to maintain a regular breathing pattern. Additionally, babies who are born prematurely or who have trouble latching onto the nipple or bottle can benefit from a soother to help build jaw and mouth strength. However, offering one too soon can cause nipple aversion, which is extremely difficult to reverse during the first few months. If you plan to exclusively breastfeed, ensure your baby is nursing well before introducing a pacifier. This usually takes anywhere from 1 to 5 weeks.
For many parents, the soother becomes their best friend during infancy. Babies are naturally inclined to suckle and will do so even while sleeping—whether or not something is in their mouth. One reason suckling is so essential is that it helps babies eat at a pace that feels natural to them. If you have a newborn, you’ve likely noticed that they sometimes gulp milk or choke and gag when a nipple deteriorates or when a breastfeeding mom is engorged. Suckling allows them to regulate fluid flow and supports proper digestion. It is also a natural method for falling asleep and self-soothing. Since suckling mimics nourishment and comfort, it can easily become a ‘pleasure’ habit that is reinforced by the use of a soother.
When to Say Goodbye to the Pacifier
However, be forewarned—there comes a time when the pacifier needs to go. How many times have you seen a 3-, 4-, or even 5-year-old walking around with a pacifier in their mouth? Clearly, they no longer need it. If you choose to use a soother, aim to discontinue it by around the 6-month mark. There are two main reasons for this: First, by then, babies are likely eating solid foods, may have their first tooth, and no longer need to suckle to self-soothe. Second, they are still in the “out of sight, out of mind” stage, meaning they won’t remember the pacifier just a few hours after it’s gone. This makes the transition much easier. Wait too long—beyond the one-year mark—and you’re in for a tough week that may test your patience like nothing else. Both you and your child will feel miserable, and the likelihood of success decreases.
There are other drawbacks to soother use as well. For one, they are dirty—filthy, even. Did I mention germy? Kids drop them on the floor, they roll under car seats, toddlers share them or dip them in questionable substances (like toilet water) just for fun, and they become breeding grounds for bacteria. Soothers also raise the temperature inside the mouth and trap germs, sugar, and acids close to the teeth and gums. In fact, the American Dental Association estimates that $1 million is spent annually to correct dental issues in children under 5 caused by excessive pacifier use. While the sucking motion is beneficial in infancy, once your child starts growing teeth, prolonged use can impede proper dental development and reshape the mouth’s interior. This can lead to orthodontic issues later in life or early dental problems that impact the formation of adult teeth.
Excessive use of soothers can also cause speech delays. Many toddlers don’t remove the pacifier to speak and aren’t encouraged to articulate clearly, resulting in speech problems. While you might understand them, others won’t—which can create social challenges. Constantly handing a child a pacifier to keep them quiet also prevents them from learning how to manage their emotions, use language to navigate situations, or develop other self-soothing strategies.
The social and health implications of excessive pacifier use are far-reaching. While soothers have a valid place in early life, they often become just as much of a habit for parents as they do for children. Two-year-old throwing a tantrum? Pacifier. Eighteen-month-old overtired? Pacifier. Can’t fall asleep? Pacifier. The list goes on. This dependency forms on both sides. What’s more, many babies don’t stay asleep at night because they wake up each time the pacifier falls out—resulting in even more disrupted sleep.
By now, you might feel completely overwhelmed. The best advice? Let your newborn decide whether they’re a pacifier baby. If they take to it and it helps them, great—but make a firm commitment not to replace them, upgrade to larger sizes, or continue use past a specific milestone. A good rule of thumb: once the first two teeth emerge, it’s time to say goodbye. Babies at this age are incredibly resilient. They may cry for a few hours or a day, but it won’t last. Wait too long, though, and the battle to take it away—and the long-term consequences—may not be worth it.
