How to Use a Pacifier

Co-authored by Denise Stern

Last Updated: August 8, 2025

Although it's a mother's instinct to know how to use a pacifier, new mothers may need a fresh helping hand when it comes to letting them know the process. When this mother needs this type of help, this article can be there.

How to Safely Use a Pacifier

Parenting specialist Denise Stern says pacifier use during sleep can protect babies from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Coax your baby to take the pacifier by rubbing it on their lips, then gently push the pacifier into their mouth. Never put your baby down to sleep with a lanyard or other attachment on their pacifier.

Steps

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1
Understand why your baby might be crying and fix the items that may be quickly taken care of (besides using the pacifier). Make a mental checklist in your mind of reasons why your baby might be crying that using a pacifier won't help fix.
- The reasons are pretty endless. Perhaps it's the baby who feels it's time for a new diaper and doesn't want to feel that way, or perhaps it's hungry and it's coming due time for a fresh baby bottle of formula, the baby could be sick or the room is not the right temperature-wise.
- Realize that these aren't the only reasons, but are two of the more common ones.
Although your system is different than anyone else's system, some of the more common places the pacifier could be kept could include on a shelf on the changing table underneath the changing station, on top of a dresser, or even in a cup-holder of the nearest baby stroller. The possibilities are endless and you know your house and organization style best.

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5
Rub the pacifier gently along the child's lips. They will eventually open their mouth just a little bit, enough for you to insert the pacifier into their mouth.
- If they are wailing at the top of their lungs, you may skip this step - nothing will help them clench down to start using the pacifier until something else is solved.
7
Wait for the baby to accept the pacifier. Some babies are natural acceptors (accepting anything that's given to them) to soothe them into a calmer state. Other babies aren't, and will immediately push the pacifier back out - rejecting it.
- The baby may reject the pacifier, if theirs another reason for their crying such as their diaper needs to be changed, or that they want food/formula/milk/etc. Or for some other reason, that may be more urgent. Prepare a mental list of things the baby may need for you to complete and try giving the pacifier again.
- Hold your baby upright for at least 20 minutes after they eat to ensure they digest properly.^{[1]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Denise Stern
  Parenting Specialist
  
  Expert Interview}
- Replace your pacifier every 2-3 months as your child wears out the old one and they develop new needs.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Denise Stern
  Parenting Specialist
  
  Expert Interview}

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I open a pacifier to put honey or something else in it?

Kammyisawesome

Community Answer

With most pacifiers you don't open it; instead, you put the substance (like honey) on the sucking part of it.

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What can I put in my 5 months old baby's pacifier?

Zack

Top Answerer

Never put anything in a pacifier. This could weaken the pacifier and endanger the baby.

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When can I start using a pacifier for my baby?

Christopher

Top Answerer

You can use a pacifier for your baby right from birth. There is no specific starting age.

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Tips

Babies can feel anything their parental figure feels. Always release any emotions before attending to your baby.

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Make sure both the pacifier and your hands are clean.

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After checking for problems and before putting the pacifier into the baby's mouth, try holding the baby and cuddling them in your arms. Sing lullabies and sweet, calming music which always seems to work. Not all situations need your baby to use a pacifier.

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