Are pacifiers safe for babies, and when can prolonged use affect teeth?
A pacifier can soothe a baby, and offering one for sleep is associated with lower sudden infant death risk without eliminating it. Wait until breastfeeding is established when breastfeeding. Prolonged use can affect teeth and jaw development; non-nutritive sucking should end by age three.
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Safer use during sleep
Offer rather than force it, and do not reinsert it if it falls out after the baby falls asleep. Never attach a neck cord, toys or other items during sleep. Back sleeping and a safe sleep space remain essential.
Protect feeding and equipment
Choose an appropriate size, clean it and check for damage. Do not dip it in sugar or honey or use it to postpone feeds when the baby is hungry. Seek feeding support if latch or weight gain is concerning.
Plan gradual weaning
Reduce reliance as the child grows and discuss the habit during preventive dental visits. Effects depend on duration and intensity; do not wait for a visible bite change before addressing prolonged use.
Related reading: When should a baby sit without support, and when is assessment needed?.