i’m Breastfeeding. When Should I Introduce the Pacifier?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends delay of the pacifier until breastfeeding is well established at approximately 4 weeks of life.

Some babies have no “nipple confusion” on day 1 and can take a paci without a problem then go right back onto the breast. The average newborn nurses 8-12 times per day, so there is not a whole lot of room for the paci before 4 weeks.

When the frequency of nursing slows down slightly and the time it takes to complete a feed gets shorter, you can introduce a pacifier.  There is also a recommendation that young babies be offered the paci as they fall asleep as it may offer some additional protection against SIDS.

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