Pacifier yes or pacifier no?

A clear look at the pros and cons to help you make the right choice

Some people are in favor of the pacifier, while others are against it, leaving parents unsure about what’s best. With this article, we hope to help you understand the right solution for your child.

“Give him the pacifier if he can't calm down!”, “Did you give him the pacifier? Are you crazy!”, “It will ruin his palate!”, “If you give him the pacifier, he won't latch onto the breast anymore!”—and parents’ heads start to spin.

The pacifier is one of the most controversial topics for parents, who are often bombarded with conflicting information from relatives, friends, and anyone who feels entitled to voice an opinion about its use.

The solution? Rely on the experts, who can provide the right guidance on using the “notorious” pacifier!

Sucking, an innate instinct


In fact, as early as the end of the first trimester of pregnancy—around 11–12 weeks—the fetus shows the first sucking and swallowing movements. About two weeks later, little ones begin to put their thumb in their mouth.

There are two types of suction. : non-nutritive and nutritive.

The first is triggered by placing a little finger in the mouth and has incredible functions:

  • regulates heartbeat, oxygenation, breathing, and digestion;

  • helps regulate wakefulness and sleep states;

  • helps the little one release tension and regulate stress, as well as manage pain.

That’s why, whenever a child is upset and finds a pacifier, finger, or any other object to suck on, they often calm down as if by magic.


Nutritional sucking , instead, is coordinated with breathing and is associated with swallowing and movements of the tongue and the entire mouth.



Use of the pacifier: the disadvantages

What you most often hear is that a pacifier—or a finger in the mouth—damages the palate and dental arch. This is true, but only partially.


First of all, it depends on the frequency and duration of pacifier use or on how often a child puts their finger in their mouth. Secondly, up to a certain age, this deformity—which can be more or less mild—can correct itself once sucking stops. While it was once thought that the pacifier could be used until permanent teeth appeared, now .


It’s different for children who are still nursing: for this type of sucking, there is no contraindication at all. Breastfeeding , in fact, does not deform the palate or the dental arch; on the contrary, it protects against mouth malformations because it is natural.

The second disadvantage concerns using the pacifier as a way to regulate stress or to help a baby fall asleep, especially in the first months of life.

With a finger, for example, a child can self-regulate. A pacifier, on the other hand, is usually given by parents, who may also misinterpret the baby’s need to relax… and as a result, the pacifier can become the go-to solution to stop every cry and tantrum.



Parents, stay calm! Over time and with experience, you will learn to understand why your child is crying. You’ll recognize when they are hungry or sleepy, and you’ll gradually learn to use the pacifier only when your baby truly needs it—to calm down and relax before falling asleep.



Use of the pacifier: the supporting elements

  • Using the pacifier at night reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or cot death).

    The pacifier would, in fact, serve a preventive function by protecting the baby from involuntary obstructions of the pharynx, preventing suffocation and reducing the risk of sleep apnea.

  • When used correctly and up to three years, it does not cause any significant harm to the child's mouth.

    New-generation pacifiers are designed to avoid damage to the teeth, mouth, and palate. There are also orthodontic and anatomical pacifiers available on the market that support the proper development and functioning of the jaw and teeth, and promote sucking and swallowing.

  • It provides valuable support during the most difficult times.

    If your little one is crying and you no longer know how to soothe them because you’ve tried everything, or you’re still breastfeeding but can’t offer your baby the breast, a pacifier might be an ideal solution for you.

So, can the pacifier be used?

Ultimately, yes—the pacifier can be used, as long as, like with all things, it’s used correctly and not overused. It’s up to you, as a parent, to decide—by observing your own child—whether it helps you manage your little one or whether its use is unnecessary. Above all, keep in mind the usage limit of three years .

Ma come fare per togliere il ciuccio raggiunti i fatidici 3 anni?

Experts now all agree on two rules:

  • After the first year of life, gradually reduce its use until the child uses it only when they truly need to relax, such as when falling asleep.

  • Trust your child and don’t force them to give up the pacifier. It’s better to offer positive examples, such as stories or pretend play featuring other children or adults as protagonists, so your child can identify with them and, through imitation, understand on their own that they no longer need the pacifier.

In short, the decision should come from the child, supported by a parent’s encouragement. Only in this way will it avoid becoming a traumatic change, and your child won’t constantly ask for it back.