Can a baby sleep with a pacifier? 

As a parent, you want your baby to be comfortable and happy while sleeping, and sometimes that can mean using a pacifier.

A question we often hear is whether a baby can sleep with a pacifier. Let's take a closer look at the benefits and considerations of pacifier use during sleep.

Benefits and potential risks

Let's start with the benefits of using pacifier while sleeping:
 

Pacifiers can soothe and calm your baby
 

Many babies find sucking on a pacifier to be soothing and comforting, which can help them fall asleep and stay asleep longer. The act of sucking can also help relieve discomfort from teething or ear infections.

Pacifiers may reduce the risk of SIDS
 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends offering a pacifier at naptime and bedtime, as studies have shown that a pacifier used during sleep can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

However, there are also some potential risks to consider:

Pacifiers can cause dependency

If your baby becomes too dependent on the pacifier to fall asleep, it may become a sleep crutch that's difficult to break. Some babies may also experience discomfort or irritation from prolonged pacifier use.

Pacifiers can interfere with breastfeeding

If you're breastfeeding, offering a pacifier too early may cause nipple confusion and interfere with your baby's ability to latch properly.

So... should my baby sleep with pacifier? 

With all the above, we can conclude two things: 

1) Pacifiers can be used safely during sleep  

If your baby is struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, offering a pacifier during sleep may be a helpful tool. Just be sure to follow safe sleep practices, such as placing your baby on their back to sleep and avoiding loose bedding or soft objects in the crib. 

2) Monitor pacifier use and be prepared to wean  

While pacifier use during sleep can be helpful, it's important to monitor your baby's use and be prepared to wean them from the pacifier when the time is right. Most babies are ready to give up their pacifiers by 6-12 months of age. 

Visit us
 
 

At Limonada, we understand the importance of keeping your baby comfortable and happy while sleeping. We offer a wide range of products for newborns, including pacifiers holders, hair clips, blankets, slippers, and headbands.

Visit our stores in Florida to shop our latest collections. We hope this information on pacifiers and sleep has been helpful for new parents. Sweet dreams!