Of course, a pacifier is not compulsory. But even so, they can be very useful. Because, from birth, most babies have a strong need to suck. Because it soothes them and helps them sleep, and because, according to several studies, it could reduce the risk of cot death. But your baby refuses the Pacifier all together.
CONTENTS :
- Upstream, the sucking needs of infants
- Why does baby refuse the pacifier?
- How do you (re)introduce Pacifier successfully?
- Pacifiers and breastfeeding: finding the right balance
- Choochoo: the physiological teat adapted to baby's needs
Upstream, the sucking needs of infants
If baby needs a pacifier (or his thumb), it's to satisfy the need for non-nutritive sucking, which soothes him and reinforces his sense of security. Nutritive sucking, on the other hand, is an innate reflex developed during pregnancy to suck milk from the breast or bottle.
Depending on the baby, the need to suck may be more or less pronounced, which explains why some babies need a Pacifier less, but not why others refuse it.
Why does baby refuse the pacifier?
- Unsuitable shape : the chosen teat doesn't suit baby; he doesn't like it because it's too big, too thick or because of its smell.
- Unpleasant smell: the teat smells of something. This is often the case with rubber. On the other hand, the medical silicone used to manufacture the Choochoo has the advantage of being totally odorless.
- Pain in the mouth: teething, mouth ulcers, irritations... can make sucking painful.
- Respiratory discomfort : a cold or blocked nose may make sucking difficult.
- Breastfeeding: what if he simply prefers the breast?
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD ): because of GERD, the pacifier can be associated with the pain of acid reflux.
- Poor sucking reflex: an immature sucking reflex can lead to poor tongue positioning. Here, extra-thin physiological teats, such as the Choochoo, can make learning to suck easier thanks to their flexibility.
And the unexpected refusal?
Suddenly, baby no longer wants his Pacifier ? Tonight, it's impossible to give him his Pacifier, even though just this morning he couldn't do without it? This sudden refusal can have several explanations.
Some babies enjoy their Pacifier for a while, then develop other preferences, particularly between 3 and 6 months when they may turn to their thumb, a doudou or a diaper for comfort.
A change that can also be linked to a new routine, such as starting nursery school or changing nanny, situations to which babies react in their own way.
Between 4 and 6 months, a period of intense exploration, your little one may also be less interested in sucking, in favor of discovering the world with his hands and through his toys.
Finally, sometimes it's simply the start of a natural weaning process: baby finds his own soothing strategies and no longer needs to suckle to reassure himself. If this refusal is voluntary and does not generate frustration, simply leave the Pacifier available and offer it occasionally, without insisting.
As parents, managing without stress
Sleeping is where refusing a pacifier is likely to cause problems. If baby is used to falling asleep with his Pacifier, he may cry. If he's not yet using it, this may be why you want to give it to him.
Why stay zen?
- Babies are very sensitive to their parents' stress. If they sense that you're worried or frustrated, it can upset them even more.
- If he refuses the pacifier, it's not necessarily because he has a problem, but perhaps just because he's changing, because he's growing up. Think of it as a good thing!
Life with a baby is one stage after another. Don't panic at each one. Wait, observe, and don't immediately imagine that there's a problem (but stay alert). Disturbances can be temporary.
How do you (re)introduce Pacifier successfully?
If your baby refuses the Pacifier , or has recently abandoned it, and you'd like to (re)introduce him to it, we have several practical tips to suggest.
Testing different teats: the right choice is essential 🍼
Just as you may prefer small oval spoons to round ones, and forks with not too long tines, your baby probably has a shape preference, of material and size for its Pacifier.
✅ What you can try:
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Change shape : Some teats are more round and close to the nipple, others are flatter and more symmetrical (anatomical), and still others (orthodontic and physiological) like the Choochoo, offer a curved side adapted to the shape of the palate, and a flatter side to rest on the tongue.
- Vary the material : soft, transparent silicone or rubber, which is more natural but also more fragrant.
- Check the size: 0-6 months, 6-12 months or 6-18 months, depending on the brand. A Pacifier that's too big or too stiff can be uncomfortable.
Élhée tip: if your baby is bottle-fed, choose a Pacifier that resembles his bottle nipple.
Offer him the Pacifier when he is calm 🕊️
To avoid your child associating Pacifier with a moment of stress or pain, avoid giving it to him or her when he or she is crying or agitated. If these are good times, after a pacifier refusal, it's best to adapt a little.
✅ The best times to try :
- Just after feeding, when baby is calm, relaxed and perhaps ready to go to sleep.
- During a cuddle or if you wear it skin-to-skin.
- Before napping or lying down for the night, especially if you see him seeking help to soothe himself.
Tip: introduce him to the pacifier by placing it gently against his bottom lip and see if he catches it himself.
The Pacifier feels good 🌸
It's quite possible that baby won't accept the Pacifier because it seems pointless. You can therefore try to awaken his interest.
✅ How to get baby to accept Pacifier ?
- Place a few drops of breast or infant milk on top (never sugar or jam).
- Use the pacifier yourself for a few sucks. Maybe baby will want to imitate you?
- Offer it by rocking or singing a nursery rhyme, to associate Pacifier with a soft, pleasant, comforting moment.
Play with the pacifier to encourage him 🎭
With children and adults alike, everything is best done through play. So why not try making Pacifier fun? Who knows, it just might work.
✅ A few tips to make your baby laugh :
- If he takes it and holds it in his mouth for a while, gently pull on the teat (smiling, laughing, talking) to stimulate his sucking reflex.
- Pretend to take his Pacifier and give it back to him, so he'll claim it on his own.
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Try placing baby in front of a mirror with his Pacifier. Maybe he'll have fun looking at himself in it?
Be patient and observe 🩷
Can your child do without Pacifier , or does he dislike it? To find out, observe him, especially when he's tired. If he refuses to take it, give him his comforter and accompany him by rocking or carrying him, while he discovers his own soothing strategies.
Pacifiers and breastfeeding: finding the right balance
Using a pacifier with a breast-fed baby often raises questions. In fact, it is regularly discouraged, notably because of the risk of breast-nipple confusion and the alternation between the two sucking modes, which could disrupt breastfeeding.
However, this confusion is not systematic.In Denmark, for example,where 90% of babies are breastfed, pacifiers are widely used. What's more, various studies show that the correct introduction of a pacifier (once breastfeeding has been fully established) does not interfere with maternal suckling.
- Wait until breastfeeding is fully established, usually after 4 to 6 weeks.
- Observe your baby and learn to separate the need for nutrition from the need to suck.
- Choose a pacifier that doesn't affect sucking.
- Offer a pacifier in moderation, at bedtime or to soothe your child.
- Encourage good positioning at the breast to facilitate baby's suckling.
By adopting these few precautions, it's perfectly possible touse a Pacifier without compromising the success of breastfeeding. The key? Treat it as a comforting supplement and use it sparingly.
Choochoo: the physiological teat adapted to baby's needs
For the well-being of all babies, Élhée designs its physiological pacifiers in France, with particular attention paid to their well-being and development. Supple, soft and particularly fine, the ChooChoo offers optimum comfort for infants from their very first days.
- Baby-friendly design
- Physiologically asymmetrical shape: domed on the palate side and flat on the tongue side, to prevent tooth gap.
- Ultra-thin nipple for natural mouth closure.
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Ventilated collar for easier breathing and less skin irritation.
- Available in 2 sizes: 0 - 6 months for newborns and 6 months and over for slightly older babies.
- Safety and quality
- The first Pacifier made entirely of medical silicone, in one piece and with no detachable parts.
- Free from BPA, BPS and controversial substances.
- Complies with the most stringent safety standards.
Thanks to its unique, orthodontist-approved design, the Choochoo can perfectly complement breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Ready to try a physiological Pacifier designed for baby's comfort?
When to stop insisting and give up the pacifier? 😭
Despite several attempts, changes of pattern, games, pauses... your baby adamantly refuses to take or resume the pacifier? Perhaps it's time to accept that it simply doesn't suit him or that he doesn't want it anymore (yes, it's sad)... and that's perfectly normal!
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3 signs that baby no longer needs a pacifier
- He spits it out every time and seems unreceptive to its touch.
- He prefers to soothe himself in other ways, with a cuddly toy, skin-to-skin contact, baby-carrying or by sucking his fingers.
- He easily falls asleep without sucking to reassure himself.
Your baby is unique, with his own preferences and the little habits that make him so special. As a parent of siblings, you're well aware that, while some find happiness in pacifiers, others prefer to do without. The important thing is to let your child explore his or her own sources of comfort, whether it's snuggling up to you or simply drifting off to sleep in his or her own cocoon. Trust your child's instincts to show you what really reassures him.
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