Should You Remove the Pacifier When Your Baby Is Sleeping?

Many parents wonder if they should take their baby’s pacifier out once they’ve fallen asleep. Pacifiers can be a soothing tool for babies, especially during naps and nighttime. The good news is that, generally, you don’t need to remove it. In fact, allowing your baby to sleep with a pacifier has some surprising benefits, including a potential reduction in the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Let’s explore why it’s safe for babies to use a pacifier while sleeping, the benefits, and tips for ensuring safe pacifier use.

Why It’s Safe for Babies to Sleep with a Pacifier

The main concern for parents is whether a pacifier could cause issues if left in the baby’s mouth while sleeping. However, most experts agree that it’s safe and even beneficial to allow babies to sleep with a pacifier. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using a pacifier at sleep times, as it has been associated with a decreased risk of SIDS. If the pacifier falls out while your baby is sleeping, there’s no need to put it back in unless they become unsettled.

Pacifier and SIDS Risk Reduction

The exact reason isn’t fully understood, but researchers believe that sucking on a pacifier helps maintain an open airway, reducing the likelihood of a baby’s airway getting obstructed during sleep. The pacifier might also keep your baby from sleeping too deeply, which can play a role in reducing SIDS risk.

Tips for Safe Pacifier Use at Night

While it’s safe to let your baby sleep with a pacifier, following these safety tips will ensure the best practices for nighttime use.

1. Choose the Right Pacifier

Always select a pacifier that meets safety standards and has a shield of at least 1.5 inches in diameter. This helps prevent the pacifier from being fully inserted into your baby’s mouth, reducing the risk of choking.

2. Avoid Attaching Cords or Clips

Never attach the pacifier to your baby’s crib, clothing, or bedding with cords, clips, or strings, as these can be strangulation hazards. Instead, simply place the pacifier in your baby’s mouth before they fall asleep and let it stay loose.

3. Keep Pacifiers Clean

Regularly clean your baby’s pacifier to avoid introducing bacteria or germs, especially if it falls on the floor. For young babies, sterilize pacifiers regularly. For older infants, washing with soap and water will typically suffice.

What to Do If the Pacifier Falls Out

It’s common for pacifiers to fall out during sleep, and this is entirely normal. If your baby continues to sleep peacefully, there’s no need to reinsert it. However, if your baby wakes up or seems fussy, gently putting the pacifier back in can help them self-soothe and fall back asleep.

When to Consider Phasing Out the Pacifier

Although pacifiers are a great tool for soothing babies, many parents start thinking about weaning them off around the one-year mark. Extended pacifier use can sometimes impact dental development or create a habit that can be tough to break. However, phasing out the pacifier is a gradual process that can be managed according to your child’s needs and preferences.