Once, twice, three times... At first, it’s a chance for an extra goodnight kiss. Then, it becomes more difficult, and finally, it might end up making you completely grumpy. Night wakings because of a lost pacifier can quickly become exhausting and—let’s be honest—a little annoying. As parents, many of us look for THE solution to help our baby keep their pacifier all night, find it, or do without it. While there’s no miracle cure, some "good night" tricks do work better than others: here they are.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- Children’s night wakings are just like yours
- Baby loses their pacifier at night, wakes up and wakes you up: what to do?
- Three simple tips for pacifiers falling out at night
Children’s night wakings are just like yours
There are many reasons why newborns, babies, and children may wake up in the middle of the night: hunger, pain, a sudden noise, excitement from the day that hasn't faded, a nightmare…just like you. You can add teething or the discomfort of a very full diaper. And since a night is made up of several phases of sleep of varying depth, it’s perfectly normal for your child to wake up at times. The real challenge is getting them back to sleep—and ideally, without waking you. This is where sucking and the sense of comfort it brings play a big role.
Need to suck and sleep cycles
Soothing the need to suck in babies can help reassure them and give their falling asleep a rhythm. That’s why many parents opt for pacifiers: it’s a safe way to help guide them—over and over—into dreamland.
But here’s the catch: once your baby is drowsy and relaxed, the pacifier often falls out of their mouth. At the next light sleep cycle, they’re likely to wake; sometimes just 30 minutes after a nap begins, and sometimes multiple times a night. A wake-up (with fanfare) that pulls you out of bed—quickly!—so you can put the pacifier back in. It’s an interruption you could do without.
Sleeping with a pacifier: for or against?
For a long time, pacifiers were discouraged for babies, but in recent years they have evolved to be a natural part of a newborn’s must-haves. Physiological, ultra-thin, and 100% natural silicone, today’s options respect their needs and health.
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However, if used incorrectly or at the wrong time, pacifiers can interfere with successful breastfeeding, create weaning difficulties, and lead to night wakings.
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But, pacifiers are also comforting. They satisfy a baby’s need to suck, help them let go and fall asleep, and according to several studies, may even offer extra protection against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
According to multiple studies conducted in New Zealand, Norway, the Netherlands, the UK, and the United States, babies used to sleeping with a pacifier show lower risks of SIDS. Less easy awakening, less tummy-sleeping, the tongue being held forward, airway clearance, reduced gastroesophageal reflux, and better breathing drive—all have been identified as positives linked to pacifier use during the night.
When should you start giving your baby a pacifier?
To prevent nipple/pacifier confusion, pediatricians recommend waiting at least until your baby is 6 weeks old before offering a pacifier, but you may wait much longer—up to 3 or even 6 months. When introducing it, wait until your baby wants something to suck outside feeding times, and simply bring the pacifier to their lips.
Baby loses their pacifier at night, wakes up and wakes you up: what to do?
If you use a pacifier to help your baby fall asleep, you know that night wakings can be frequent, especially in the first few months, often because of a lost pacifier. Accustomed to falling asleep with it, your little one feels helpless without it. If this happens too often, it results in fatigue and frustration, not to mention a cranky baby and at minimum grumpy parents after a disrupted night.
The goal, then, is to find a solution—your solution—so your baby can keep their pacifier all night, do without it if they lose it, or learn how to find and put it back in themselves.
Three simple tips for pacifiers falling out at night
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Encourage your baby's independence
Not planning to wean your baby off the pacifier anytime soon? That means you might have to be a bit patient until they can grab it on their own and put it back in their mouth easily, day or night. This good news usually happens around 6 months old.
💡 As soon as you spot the first signs of fine motor skill development, place several pacifiers in your baby’s crib! You can pick glow-in-the-dark ones for easier finding, but even just 4 or 5 in the bed should be enough for your child to find one without searching too hard. If they toss them or scatter them, wait until they’re asleep to place them close to their hands.
💡 As they get older, you can also attach their favorite pacifier to a comfort blankie or plush. Pacifier-blankies are easy to spot in bed and very practical, with their safe, baby-friendly clasp systems.
During sleep, it’s recommended not to use traditional pacifier clips, cords, or strings that could pose a hazard for your child.
Also, reduce as much as possible anything that can disturb their sleep. Favor a calm and relaxing environment, avoid overstimulation before bedtime, and create a bedtime routine that helps reassure your baby and set them up for a restful night.
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Teach your baby to fall back asleep without their pacifier
Thinking of weaning your baby off the pacifier? Once again, patience is key—take it step by step.
💡 Start by gradually reducing pacifier use during the day. Set it aside and only offer it for naps and nighttime. Once your child is happily putting down their pacifier in the morning—and no longer asking for it—use a gentle approach like the "Pacifier Fairy" to finally say goodbye to it.
The "Pacifier Fairy" is a friend of the Tooth Fairy! In this book written and illustrated by he child chooses the day to part with their pacifier. At bedtime, they place it in a little box. Overnight, the "Pacifier Fairy" takes it away and leaves a small gift in its place.
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What can you use instead of a pacifier at night?
💡 In the middle of a transition, to comfort your child, offer a blanket or swaddle with your scent on it and see if that calms them. There are also plush toys designed to mimic the movement and rhythm of natural breathing to help lull your child to sleep.
💡 If they cry or are having trouble falling back asleep, offer your little one a water bottle to distract them. And if they’re old enough to manage independently, consider a silicone training cup. Unbreakable and leak-proof, they can keep it with them without worry.
If nothing works, don’t forget that cuddling, humming, or telling a story—especially their favorite—is always a great way to soothe your baby.
To sum up, 4 pacifier & sleep tips
For your baby, choose a quality pacifier—safe, extra-soft, ergonomic, thin, compliant with safety standards, and suited to your baby’s mouth size and age.
If your baby often wakes up because they’ve lost their pacifier, try replacing it with a comfort object or a piece of cloth with your scent (or go for some variety), offer a water bottle, or soothe your baby with a lullaby.
To lessen pacifier-related wakes, as soon as your baby knows how to put their pacifier back themselves, place several pacifiers in the crib so there’s always one within reach. You can also attach them safely to a pacifier-blankie specially designed for that purpose. Finally, set up a calming environment with a bedtime ritual and quiet time to promote wake-free nights.
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