Sucking Loudly: The Benefits of a Pacifier for Babies

I might be tiny, but I’ve got big thoughts, and today I’m sharing the real scoop on one of my favorite little lifesavers: the pacifier. From soothing me when I’m feeling fussy to helping me snooze like a pro, the benefits of a pacifier are way more awesome than you might think.

I love my pacifier. Babies like to suck things. If it’s not a pacifier, then anything else will do. Our feet, our toys, the buttons on your shirt, your nose, our hands, your hands, and anything that comes within grabbing distance. If we can get our hands on it, it’s going in our mouths.

1. It Protects Me From Yucky Things

Some of the things that can fit into a mouth are not as clean as a pacifier, and others don’t hold up well to being covered in drool. Mommy prefers that I have my pacifier when I’m out and about exploring because it blocks my hands from putting other things in my mouth. Or, at least it slows me down.

Sometimes I forget that my pacifier is in my mouth, and I try to get something else in there, like a tissue or some leaves that I found in the yard. It takes me a minute to figure out why I can’t get the new object in there. Then I have to decide if the new thing is worth the effort of pulling my pacifier out of my mouth. Sometimes it is, and sometimes it isn’t.

2. It Makes Mommy Laugh

When I smile, my pacifier makes a loud sucking sound come out of my mouth. The sound makes Mommy laugh. That makes me smile more, and the sucking sounds get even louder. Mommy thinks that’s so funny. She laughs more, and it makes me laugh too.

3. Part Pacifier, Part Toy

My pacifier doubles as a fun toy too. I pull it out of my mouth, look at it, turn it this way and that way, look at it some more, and then I try to get it back in my mouth. I used to have a lot of trouble with that last part, but I’m getting really good at it now.

4. Pacifiers Prevent SIDS

Mommy likes my pacifier too. She always makes sure that my pacifier is in my mouth at bedtime because she says it .helps reduce the risk of SIDS. Something about helping me sleep just light enough to wake up if I need to and making sure my mouth and tongue stay in the right spot so I can breathe better.

I don’t know how much it’s helping me. It always falls out of my mouth once I fall asleep. In the morning, while I wait for Mommy to come get me, I keep busy by trying to find it in my bed. By the time Mommy comes in, it’s usually in my mouth again.

Why the Benefits of a Pacifier Go Beyond the Binky

Whether it’s keeping mystery objects out of my mouth, giving Mommy some laughs, or being my trusty bedtime buddy, the benefits of a pacifier go way beyond just sucking. It’s my sidekick through the ups, downs, giggles, and sleepy time snuggles of baby life.

So if you ever wonder if pacifiers are worth it, take it from a pro drooler like me: they make my little world a whole lot comfier. And let’s be honest, anything that helps me (and Mommy) get more sleep deserves a round of applause… or at least another loud, sucky noise.