Pacifiers are one of those things parents either swear by… or swear off. Some babies love them from day one, others spit them out like “nope.” So what’s the deal — should you use a pacifier or not?
The Pros of Pacifiers
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Soothing: Sometimes babies just need to suck for comfort, not food. Pacifiers can help calm fussiness in seconds.
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Sleep helper: For some newborns, a pacifier helps them settle at night and even lowers the risk of SIDS (when used during sleep).
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Distraction tool: Shots, car rides, long stroller walks — pacifiers can make them easier on baby (and you).
The Cons of Pacifiers
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Nipple confusion (sometimes): Especially in the first few weeks of breastfeeding, a pacifier may confuse some babies if introduced too early.
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Dependence: Some babies wake up every time it falls out at night. Hello, 3am paci patrol.
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Dental impact: Not an issue right away, but long-term heavy pacifier use can affect teeth alignment.
Types of Pacifiers
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One-piece silicone: Easiest to clean, less parts to trap bacteria.
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Orthodontic pacifiers: Designed to reduce dental issues down the line.
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Novelty/cute ones: Fun but not always practical for cleaning or comfort.
Every baby has a preference, so you may go through a few before finding “the one.”
Do Pacifiers Affect Feeding?
This is the million-dollar question. Research is mixed. For breastfeeding babies, most experts suggest waiting 3–4 weeks before introducing a pacifier so milk supply and latch are established. For formula-fed babies, it’s usually less of a concern.
The key is: don’t use a pacifier to replace a feeding. If your baby is hungry, they need milk, not just comfort sucking.
Making Feeding & Soothing Easier Together
Pacifier or no pacifier, you’re still doing a ton of feeding in the early weeks. That’s where the Comia Pillow comes in again — it keeps baby at the right height whether you’re nursing or bottle feeding, so your arms don’t ache. It will also give you tons of great info about each feeding session. And honestly, if you do decide to use a pacifier, pairing it with comfy feeding sessions is a win-win: you get both smoother feeds and a calming tool in your pocket.
Bottom Line
Pacifiers aren’t good or bad — they’re just a tool. Some families love them, some skip them, and both are fine. If you choose to use one, try different styles, introduce it thoughtfully, and remember: it’s not a substitute for feeding. And if you’re looking to make feeding itself easier, the Comia Smart Nursing Pillow is one of those small things that makes a very big difference in those first months.