Is your baby waking up all night because their pacifier keeps falling out? Or are you wondering if a pacifier is even necessary in the first place? Let’s break it all down—so you can stop guessing and start getting sleep.
The Role of Pacifiers in Newborn Sleep
Newborns are born with a strong natural sucking reflex, and many find comfort in the sucking motion. Pacifiers can be a great tool to:
Soothe fussiness – Sometimes babies just need to suck for comfort, not hunger.
Prevent overfeeding – If your baby is using the breast or bottle to fall asleep when they aren’t hungry, a pacifier can prevent discomfort from overfeeding.
Reduce the risk of SIDS – The AAP recommends pacifier use at sleep times to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
Help with sleep training (temporarily) – A pacifier can be a useful soothing tool in the newborn stage when babies haven’t yet learned independent sleep skills.
When a Pacifier Becomes a Problem
While pacifiers can be helpful early on, they can start disrupting sleep between 3-6 months when babies become dependent on them to fall asleep. Here’s how you know the pacifier is causing more harm than good:
You’re replacing it all night – If your baby wakes frequently just for the pacifier, it’s no longer helping them self-soothe.
It’s delaying sleep training progress – If your baby needs the pacifier to fall asleep but can’t replace it themselves, it might be time to wean.
Frequent wake-ups that weren’t there before – If your previously good sleeper suddenly struggles, the pacifier could be interfering with self-settling.
How to Wean the Pacifier While Sleep Training (Without Sleepless Nights)
If the pacifier is becoming a sleep crutch, here’s how to transition away:
Cold turkey or gradual? – Some babies do well with an immediate stop, while others need a slow transition (only using it at naps before removing it entirely).
Give your baby space to self-soothe – When the pacifier is gone, your baby will naturally develop other ways to settle, like sucking on their hands, rocking their head, or finding a comfortable sleep position.
Use a sleep training method – If your baby struggles without the pacifier, a structured sleep training plan can teach them to self-settle without it.
What About Older Babies & Toddlers?
If your child is over 18 months and still using a pacifier, consider a more direct approach to weaning:
Talk to them about letting it go.
Have a “goodbye pacifier” moment (some families do a “Pacifier Fairy” swap).
Offer another comfort item instead.
Be consistent—once you decide to remove it, don’t go back!
Need Help Navigating Sleep Training?
If you’re exhausted from sleepless nights and need a clear, direct sleep plan that works, I’m here to help. My Premium Support Plan offers 1-on-1 guidance, a personalized sleep strategy, and ongoing text support so you never have to second-guess. No more guessing, no more stressing—just sleep solutions that work.
