Before becoming a mother, you dreamed of breastfeeding your child. Since your baby's birth, you share this wonderful moment every day. In fact, nothing could make you leave your bubble—it's precious to you. Except, perhaps, for the introduction of the pacifier. You know that nipple-confusion is a real phenomenon, and it's something you're wondering about. Which pacifier is right for a breastfed baby? When should you introduce it, and what precautions should you take to protect breastfeeding?
CONTENTS:
- Nipple-confusion: understanding it to better avoid it
- Which pacifier should you choose for your baby while breastfeeding?
- At what age should you give a breastfed baby their first pacifier?
- How to introduce the pacifier without disrupting breastfeeding?
- Breast-pacifier harmony in daily life
Nipple-confusion: understanding it to better avoid it
In reality, a baby does not “confuse” your nipple with the teat of their bottle or with their pacifier; they can clearly tell the difference.
However, bottles and pacifiers offer your baby an "easier" way to suck. So, when returning to the breast, your baby may feel unsettled: the pacifier was softer, the milk from the bottle flowed faster. The nipple now seems harder to latch on to, and breastfeeding becomes a frustrating effort. The result? A baby who gets upset, cries, and screams out of hunger and frustration.
- If your child struggles to maintain effective and regular suction, latching on and off the breast repeatedly;
- If they are constantly sucking on their pacifier;
- If they refuse the breast after a bottle feed;
- Or, if sucking becomes painful, they may be experiencing what’s known as “nipple confusion.”
In this situation, don’t hesitate to talk to your pediatrician, consult your midwife, or make an appointment with a lactation consultant. Keep in mind, too, that your baby might be uncomfortable for other reasons, such as an ear infection or mouth ulcer.
That said, if breastfeeding is well-established and going smoothly, offering a pacifier at the same time poses no risk to your baby.
Which pacifier should you choose for your baby while breastfeeding?
So, here we are: which nipple, which pacifier should you choose for your breastfed baby? The shape, size, and materials should be designed for your infant's comfort. Ideally, it should be:
- as soft as possible for easy use without putting on pressure,
- ultra-thin so as not to interfere with baby’s natural oral physiology,
- of a size appropriate for their age,
- made from safe, healthy materials that pose no health risk.
The first medical-grade silicone physiological pacifier
Based on this ideal list, Élhée developed the Choochoo! A one-piece pacifier, so flexible it offers almost no resistance, entirely designed for babies’ comfort, and suitable from birth.
- The only pacifier made of 100% medical-grade silicone (nipple and shield), pleasant and soft to the touch, tasteless, and odorless.
- Guaranteed plastic-free.
- Physiological shape to adapt to babies’ palates, whether bottle-fed or breastfed, and not disturb their suction reflex.
- Very hygienic thanks to its one-piece design.
- Extra-thin and ultra-flexible to help reduce the risk of dental open bite and misalignment.
- Additionally, the ChooChoo pacifier is entirely made in France.
💡 What’s the difference between an anatomic and a physiological pacifier?
The physiological pacifier, recommended by orthodontists, follows the shape of the mouth and palate, reduces pressure on the gums and palate, and is suitable for both breastfed and bottle-fed babies. The anatomic pacifier always has a round, symmetrical nipple.
At what age should you give a breastfed baby their first pacifier?
Most healthcare professionals recommend waiting at least 3 to 4 weeks after birth, the time needed for breastfeeding to become well established. Healthy, established breastfeeding can be recognized by:
-
For the infant:
- Steady weight gain
- Diapers that are full and wet
- Active alertness
- Effective latching
- Calm attachment to the breast
- Signs of satisfaction after feeding
-
For mom:
- A strong let-down reflex
- Breasts that empty well
- A growing sense of confidence
- A routine that feels natural
However, since every mother-baby relationship is unique, you may prefer to wait a little longer. So how do you know when the time is right? Observe your baby. If they feed well, gain weight, and seem content... these are positive signs that you can consider offering a pacifier.
The pacifier—or "binky"—can then have its place as a temporary ally for naps, calm nights, or soothing moments.
💡 Can the pacifier help reduce nighttime feedings?
Yes! Often, nighttime awakenings in babies are triggered by a need for comfort and security, which a pacifier can help soothe more easily, without putting baby to the breast. Still, remember that feeding at night is also important for stimulating breast milk production.
How to introduce the pacifier without disrupting breastfeeding?
Once breastfeeding is well established, wait for your baby to show a need to suck between feedings before offering a pacifier when they're calm and relaxed, content, at naptime, in the evening, or when upset.
The first time, introduce it gently, without forcing. Lightly brush your baby's lips with the nipple and see if they open their mouth. If your baby seems uninterested, doesn't want it, or is curious about what it is, just try again another time—there’s no rush.
Also consider other ways to comfort your baby, with or without a pacifier: babywearing, skin-to-skin contact, gentle massage, singing lullabies, telling stories, a favorite lovey—all can be used from birth.
Most importantly, never use a pacifier in place of a feeding, don't dip it in honey or jam to make it more appealing, don't freeze it, avoid giving it too often, and don’t leave it available at all times.
Finally, once your baby accepts the pacifier, monitor to make sure that breastfeeding behavior remains normal, that your baby is nursing well, and breastfeeding frequency is maintained. If things remain harmonious, the pacifier can join the happy family of comfort objects for your baby.
Does using a pacifier reduce the need to suck during breastfeeding?
No, when used properly, the pacifier does not alter a breastfed baby's natural sucking needs. Here’s why:
- Nutritional vs. non-nutritive sucking: At the breast, babies meet two needs—feeding and comfort. The pacifier only addresses the latter.
- A variable need to suck that changes naturally. It can increase during growth spurts when baby wants to nurse very frequently, and decrease at other times. These variations are normal and are not caused by pacifier use. They are simply part of your baby’s development.
- Comfort at the breast: Even with a pacifier, comfort feeding at the breast remains important for many babies.
However, it's a good idea to prioritize on-demand breastfeeding and only offer the pacifier as a supplement if your baby demonstrates continued need to suck after being fed and comforted at the breast.
Can using a pacifier affect my milk production?
Regular, effective feedings at both breasts are essential for maintaining milk supply. If overused, the pacifier can have a negative impact on breast milk production.
However, when used thoughtfully, the pacifier will naturally finds its place in a breastfed baby's daily life. Offered occasionally to soothe your baby between feedings, it provides moms with a much-needed break—without hindering lactation.
Breast-pacifier harmony in daily life
Trust the unique bond you have with your baby. Follow your baby's own rhythm and enjoy breastfeeding together as long as you wish. Every mother-baby duo is different and there’s no universal answer about when or how to introduce a pacifier.
🩷 If you see the pacifier as a helpful tool for your baby’s comfort and it gives you restful moments, feel free to introduce it gradually.
Breastfeeding and pacifiers can truly coexist without conflicting. The key is to offer the pacifier between breastfeeds, as an additional comfort. Pay attention to your child’s cues and adjust as needed.
And, if you ever have doubts or difficulty, remember there are always other ways to soothe your little one: babywearing, skin-to-skin, massage, lullabies… So many loving gestures to explore.
Keep in mind that your baby will grow, and around ages 2 or 3, they will naturally let go of their pacifier. Until then, enjoy these moments of connection and tenderness—you will find your unique balance.
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