Handout

Pacifiers: Finding Balance as a Parent

Therapy Insights Member Exclusive
Print Resource — US Letter — 1 page

Population:

Pediatric

Discipline:

OTSLP

Diagnosis:

Feeding and SwallowingLanguage DevelopmentSensory

References:

  • Hauck, F. R., Omojokun, O. O., & Siadaty, M. S. (2005). Do pacifiers reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome? A meta-analysis. Pediatrics, 116(5), e716–e723.
  • Jaafar, S. H., Ho, J. J., & Jahanfar, S. (2016). Effect of restricted pacifier use in breastfeeding term infants for increasing duration of breastfeeding. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016(8), CD007202.
  • Pinelli, J., & Symington, A. J. (2005). Non-nutritive sucking for promoting physiologic stability and nutrition in preterm infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2005(4), CD001071.
  • Uhari, M., Mäntysaari, K., & Niemelä, M. (1996). A meta-analytic review of the risk factors for acute otitis media. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 22(6), 1079–1083.
  • Larsson, E. (1994). Dummy- and finger-sucking habits with respect to oral development. Swedish Dental Journal, 18(4), 139–143.

This handout offers a balanced, compassionate overview of pacifier use, helping parents understand both the benefits and considerations without overwhelming them with conflicting advice. It’s a supportive tool for therapists to guide conversations about infant soothing, feeding, and developmental choices in a judgment-free way. This printable handout is for occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists working with pediatric patients, covering Feeding and Swallowing, Language Development and Sensory. Print Resource, US Letter, 1 page. Members can view and print it.

Use this resource when a patient, family, or colleague asks:

  • Are pacifiers safe for babies?
  • Do pacifiers affect speech or development?

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