Does your newborn use a pacifier? why or why not?

Question

My newborn is 3 weeks old. She hasn't used a pacifuer yet. I can't decide if I want to use one... I don't want her to get dependent on it. your thoughts/experiences?

Answer 1

my son's dentist prefers a pacifier to a thumb because you can take the pacifier away.  neither of my kids sucked their thumb or would take a pacifier, so it didn't really matter.  you can offer it if you want and see what happens.

Answer 2

my daughter would not take one. i would give her one but she would just spit it out so now she just plays with them and throws them around the house. but she does suck her thumb, nasty habit. but once she gets old enough were going to do something about that. oh she is 7 months.

Answer 3

if your baby doesn't need one then don't bother- it's not as if pacifiers are essential for all babies.

That said I've used one on my son since he was very little. It became clear that he just liked sucking! It calms him down better than anything else and it generally just keeps him nice and happy (along with being cuddled, played with and being talked to of course!)

Answer 4

I have never used a pacifier for my 4.5 month old for several reasons: (1) She has never fussed for one, well, because she's not use to it, because I've never given her one, (2) I don't want to have to always keep them sanitized, (3) My pediatrician recommends they don't use them that early because it may confuse them as far as breast nipple/pacifier, and (4) it's just another habit that may be hard to break.  I read an article a few weeks ago that said babies who use pacifiers have a greater chance of getting ear infections and/or colds.  Congratulations on your newborn!

Answer 5

My son has had one since about 4 days old - we started using it when we changed his nappy because he found the experience traumatic at first.  We then started giving it to him at other times, especially sleep as it helps soothe him.

Newborns have a natural instinct to suckle, it's what they have been practicing in the womb for months, and it calms and relaxes them.  Lots of people see it as poor parenting, but until 12 weeks it is allowing your baby to do what it knows how to do, and providing him/her with some comfort.

Finally, putting baby to sleep with a dummy has been proven to reduce cot death/SIDS.