How to get a baby to take pacifier: 6 steps<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Make sure you have the right pacifier<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not all pacifiers are designed for every baby. Each pacifier will be appropriate for a certain age and\/or stage of development, so make sure to pick the right pacifier for your baby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is usually indicated with a rating on the package of the pacifier. Don\u2019t be fooled by the expensive pacifiers, because if a cheap one works, then it\u2019ll work just fine!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ideal pacifier shape would have a thin neck, rounded top, and a scooped bottom. Again, make sure to check the rating of the pacifier, as it will indicate the appropriate age of the child and the size of the nipple. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Associate pacifier with playtime<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The key to getting a baby to take a pacifier is to reinforce it with a positive association. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means that the best time to offer your child a pacifier is when they are happy during playtime – the happiest time of their day! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is better than giving the baby the pacifier when they are sad or angry, as this will only reinforce their fussiness with it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to giving the pacifier to your baby, try touching their cheek with it at first. They need to know that the nipple of the pacifier is soft and won\u2019t harm them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Edge this slightly closer to their mouth, and as babies do, they should feel a natural reflex to put it in their mouth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: See what happens <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The next step is a waiting game. If you\u2019re lucky, your baby might suck on the pacifier for a couple of minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this is the case, you can repeat the following steps until the baby is comfortable with a pacifier regardless of what mood they are in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should the baby spit it out immediately, try to put it near their cheek again. If there\u2019s no luck again, we recommend putting formula or breast milk on the nipple of the pacifier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t put syrup or anything else too sweet on it, as that much sugar is unhealthy for your baby. Doing this might also make your baby fussier and expecting to receive syrup every time.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Reverse psychology – make your baby think they can\u2019t have the pacifier\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This step is only optional in the event that your baby is still refusing the pacifier. The minute your baby begins to suckle on the pacifier, gently (very<\/em> gently) pull it away from the baby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We all know that babies are mischievous and want what they can\u2019t have, so this reverse psychology could encourage the baby to suck even harder at the pacifier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best time to do this is straight after feeding, as your baby will want to continue the sucking motion while they are still full. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Step 5: Don\u2019t rush the steps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your baby still isn\u2019t taking the pacifier, it\u2019s best to leave it for a few days. Persistently trying to get your baby to suck on the pacifier will only reinforce a negative association. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just wait a few days, and then try again. Your baby might simply not be ready for a pacifier yet!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Step 6: Trick your baby<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hold your baby as if you are going to feed them, dip the pacifier into breast milk or formula, and then gently touch the nipple of the pacifier onto the baby\u2019s lips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In theory, this should trigger your baby\u2019s reflexes which will open their mouth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, gently push the pacifier into your baby\u2019s mouth and allow your baby to suck (if you\u2019re lucky).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why your baby won\u2019t take to a pacifier<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If your baby still isn\u2019t taking to a pacifier, here are some possible reasons why.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

It wasn’t introduced early enough\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is recommended that babies are introduced to a pacifier at around four to six weeks of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These weeks are essential for their development, as they will quickly begin to recognize your features and the surrounding things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Failing to introduce your baby to a pacifier this early could lead to them not wanting it in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re trying too much <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Babies will cry a lot, but this doesn\u2019t always mean that they will need a pacifier. If you\u2019re offering the pacifier more often than not, then the baby may become resentful of it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How would you feel if you had to suck on a binky all day? After all, a pacifier won\u2019t always be the answer to the problem the baby is crying about.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The baby might not be in the mood<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Your baby could simply not want a pacifier at that moment. This doesn\u2019t mean you should stop trying – instead, find a way to introduce it during an activity like playtime to associate it with happiness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The pacifier is too big<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve bought the wrong pacifier and the nipple is too large, your baby will not want to suck on it. Sure, they will outgrow pacifiers eventually, but they will get used to a particular size and shape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s best to replicate this each time you buy a new binky. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Your baby just doesn\u2019t want it <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, your baby might simply not want a binky. This shouldn\u2019t affect their development, so don\u2019t worry too much! You\u2019ve tried everything you could, but some things just cannot be forced.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n