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How To Keep Pacifier In Mouth
Babies have a natural instinct to suck, and pacifiers are a popular tool to soothe and calm them. However, keeping the pacifier in the baby’s mouth can be a challenge, especially when it falls out repeatedly, causing the baby to cry or have difficulty falling asleep.
This article will explore various strategies to help keep the pacifier in the baby’s mouth when the baby resists taking it, and look into factors such as the baby’s age and motor development, sleeping patterns, and preferences.
We will also discuss alternative soothing techniques and address potential issues such as poor suction, tongue tie, and difficulty breathing.
Here are some strategies on how to keep the pacifier in the mouth :
Give Them a Pacifier When They Are Happy And Awake
Pacifiers can be a lifesaver when your little one is unhappy and inconsolable. But the truth is, the pacifier should only be used when your baby is happy and awake.
Giving them pacifiers when they are in distress and bad mood will only get them have a negative association with pacifiers.
Whenever possible, it’s best to use a pacifier in order to calm your baby down when they’re in a good mood – otherwise, there’s a chance that you’ll end up with a cranky baby on your hands.
This tip may feel counter-intuitive at first, but there are so many benefits to pacifier usage that you’ll get used to it quickly!
Using the pacifier can be a good sleep association, and help your baby to get to sleep, but don’t make a habit of going back into the room to put the pacifier back in
Use A Different Pacifier
Give them a pacifier they can pick up and put back in their mouth themselves when the pacifier falls.
There are so many different types of pacifiers available these days that you probably won’t have trouble finding one that fits your baby’s facial structure perfectly!
From orthodontic nipple shapes to anti-colic features, there is something for every type of baby. Instead of only using one type, consider rotating through several different types of pacifiers to add variety – and you might even find a perfect pacifier match!
You can get pacifiers that can rest on your baby’s chest like the end of a stuffed animal but make sure to check they have passed all the safety requirements.
However, sometimes babies resist taking the pacifier or the pacifier falls out despite these strategies. In such cases, parents can try a bait-and-switch technique where they offer a pacifier that the baby doesn’t like at first and then switch it with the right pacifier once the baby starts sucking.
Get A Pacifier Clip
If you are using the pacifier in the daytime or if you are out and about consider getting a pacifier clip that can keep the pacifier attached to your baby’s clothing so that they can put it back in their mouth when needed.
It also helps to prevent the pacifier falling to the ground and getting dirty.
Use Reverse Psychology
Use reverse psychology and rather than putting it back in every time they spit it out try pulling it a bit when they are sucking hard on it.
After every nursing when the sucking is a bit slow, slide the pacifier immediately and when it’s snuggly in their mouth and they are sucking on it pull it back slightly. They will suck vigorously on it,
Play this game for about 5 minutes and a few times a day, and within a matter of a few days, they will learn to keep the pacifier easily in their mouth.
Here is a video from Intermountainmoms giving you a tip:
Find Other Ways To Soothe Them
Pacifiers should be a part of their sleep routine but not the only part. Try something different to soothe them like swaddling, cuddling, stuffed animals, or soothing strokes on their face.
If you prefer to keep the pacifier in their mouth during naps and bedtime, make sure they get a good hour of playtime before sleeping.
It might mean waking them up from a nap earlier than necessary, but it will be worth it if your baby falls asleep without having to cry for the pacifier.
If you follow these tips, your baby will soon learn to keep their pacifier in the mouth and it will be a lot easier for both of you!
Pros And Cons Of Using A Pacifier
Pros
It can be used to calm young infants when they are agitated
They might sleep better with a pacifier in their mouth.
A child will eventually phase it out, so don’t worry about having an addiction on your hands!
Cons
If you use one during naps and nighttime, make sure there is at least an hour in between.
It can be difficult for some children to break the habit of using a pacifier during naps and nighttime, so make sure you are ready!
Pacifiers aren’t recommended past age two because they might cause future dental problems.
If your child is unable to fall asleep without their binky, it will become frustrating for both of you. It may be a good idea to night wean them from pacifiers so that you don’t have to keep going back to put them on.
Pacifiers are a simple and effective way to soothe babies, as they help with non-nutritive sucking and can assist with falling asleep. However, the use of pacifiers should be matched with a baby’s age and motor development to avoid any breathing issues or poor suction.
Additionally, it is important to use the right pacifier and avoid bait-and-switch tactics.
While pacifiers can be a helpful sleep association, other strategies such as good sleep hygiene and establishing a consistent bedtime routine may also be beneficial.
Ultimately, it is important to try different approaches and strategies to accurately meet a baby’s needs and promote good sleep habits.
FAQ’s
When should I use a pacifier?
A good time to introduce the paci is when your baby begins sleeping through the night. This could be anywhere from three months to six months, depending on the baby.
Should I use a pacifier during sleep time?
Yes, you should try to keep your child’s pacifier in their mouth when they are sleeping. If it falls out and wakes them up in the middle of the night and you hear your baby cry, then that will make for an unhappy baby (and parent!)
Will my baby sleep better with a pacifier?
If your baby has trouble falling asleep without the paci, it might help them sleep better. However, if they are able to fall asleep on their own but keep waking up at night looking for the binky, it will be frustrating for everyone involved.
How long should I use a pacifier?
Babies who use pacifiers typically stop around the age of two, but it can vary depending on the child.
What should I do if my baby won’t take a pacifier?
If your child doesn’t like their binky, you might need to try something different. Some babies don’t like certain brands or shapes of pacifiers while others just hate having anything in their mouth!
Does The Pacifier Cause Gas?
According to the doctors and studies done No, the binky does not cause gas. Intense sucking can cause some air bubbles but it’s not noticeable and will not cause any gas. However, if your child is particularly gassy they might be more likely to spit their paci out in an attempt to try and get some relief.
How do I keep my baby’s pacifier clean?
It is important that you wash any new items before giving them to your baby. The easiest way to clean the pacifier is by boiling it for five minutes, washing it in hot soapy water until all soap residue has been removed, and then air-drying completely before using it on your child again.
How do I stop my baby from chewing their binky?
If you notice that your infant is sucking on their pacifier so much that it is falling apart, you might want to consider switching brands.
What do I need for my baby when using a binky?
There are a few items that you will want to have on hand when your baby is using their binky. You should keep extra pacifiers in the diaper bag, bedside table, and stroller so that if they do drop it or lose it while out of the house, you can grab another one quickly! It’s also helpful to have a zip-top baggie on hand for dirty pacifiers.
What if my baby won’t stop sucking their binky?
If you notice that your child is not able to fall asleep without the pacifier, then it might be time to help them break the habit. In order to do this successfully, start by putting a few extra pacifiers in their crib. Once they get used to having pacifiers scattered nearby, make a big show of removing one from the room and then cut down on the extras until you are only giving your child one at bedtime.
When Should I Stop Using a Pacifier?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends stopping pacifier use between 6 and 12 months of age. Prolonged pacifier use can lead to dental problems and affect speech development.
Can Pacifiers Help Reduce SIDS Risk?
Yes, it has been proven that using pacifiers while sleeping lowers the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, to prevent SIDS, it’s important to follow safe sleep practices rather than relying only on pacifiers alone
What if My Baby Refuses the Pacifier?
If your baby refuses the pacifier, don’t force it. Some babies simply don’t like pacifiers, and that’s okay. You can try different pacifiers with different shapes and sizes to see if your baby prefers one over the other.
Additionally, you can try other soothing techniques such as swaddling, rocking, or singing to your baby. Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another.
