Many babies and toddlers find comfort in objects like soft comforters, pacifiers, or stuffed animals. But are there any concerns about using these items during sleep?
We've written this guide to help you learn more about pacifiers and other comfort items and their relation to baby sleep.
Can babies sleep with a pacifier?
Sucking is a natural way for babies to self-soothe. While pacifiers can't replace the comfort that you can offer when cuddling or feeding, they can be beneficial for calming and relaxing babies.
If your baby enjoys sucking, offering a pacifier at naptime and bedtime can help them sleep better.
Bottle-fed babies can use a pacifier from birth. If you're breastfeeding, it's generally recommended to wait until your baby is around 6 weeks old and has established a good breastfeeding routine before introducing a pacifier.
Pacifiers and sleep: The benefits
Some studies suggest that giving your baby a pacifier when putting them down to sleep might reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
However, it's not clear exactly how a pacifier might help. Research has also found that if a baby used to a pacifier doesn't have one on a particular occasion, the protective effect may be reduced.
So, if your baby uses a pacifier as part of their general routine, you should aim to offer it each time you put them down for sleep, day or night.
Whether or not you give your baby a pacifier at bedtime, you should always follow safe sleep guidelines (such as not smoking and placing your baby on their back to sleep) to significantly lower the risk of SIDS.
A pacifier at bedtime can also help your baby self-soothe and fall back asleep. However, you might find yourself getting up in the middle of the night to retrieve a lost pacifier. If you want to avoid nighttime searches, consider offering them a glow-in-the-dark paci.
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- Choose BPA-free pacifiers designed for your child's age.
- Never force your baby to take a pacifier.
- Don't attach a neck cord to your baby's pacifier.
- Never dip your baby's dummy in food or drink, this can lead to tooth decay.
- Check your baby's soothers regularly for cracks, splits, and holes, and replace their pacifiers every month or right away at the first signs of any damage or weakness.
- Clean and sterilize your baby’s pacifiers regularly.
- Prolonged pacifier use after the age of 24 months may interfere with dental development. We recommend stopping pacifier use entirely when your child is older than 36 months.
Baby comfort items, what are they?
Comfort objects can be valuable tools for helping older babies and toddlers settle and sleep. Things like soft blankets and stuffed animals can help them feel more secure when they're not with you.
These items are known as transitional objects because they help your child transition between different states (like waking to sleeping) and provide comfort and security when they're away from familiar people and surroundings.
Since these comforters help your child feel safe, calm, and happy, you shouldn't discourage them. When used and loved, they're a sign that your child is becoming a little more independent, day by day.
Choosing a safe comfort object
Babies under 12 months old should not sleep with blankets. If your child uses a soft blanket or stuffed animal to help them sleep, it's important to ensure it's safe.
Follow safe sleep guidelines and remove the comfort item from their crib or bed once they're asleep. Never leave your baby unattended with anything that has a cord or ribbon or any toy with detachable parts that could be a choking hazard.
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When do children pick their favorite comforter?
Many babies and toddlers will gravitate towards their favorite comfort item around 6 months old. While babies and toddlers often choose their comfort item early, you may notice they need it more between 18 months and 2 ½ years old.
They typically choose something soft and familiar, like a stuffed animal toy or a small blanket with a cute character.
If your child doesn't choose one on their own, there's no need to force it, but a comfort object might be helpful if they're having trouble sleeping.
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Can babies become too attached to a comfort item or pacifier?
Some parents worry their child might get too attached to a blanket or stuffed animal and losing a favorite toy can be stressful!
If your baby or toddler is really into a comfort item, it's a good idea to have a backup. Switch them around so both feel the same and smell the same.
Most kids will gradually stop using their comfort items as they grow up.
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