Putting your baby to sleep with a pacifier may also help prevent SIDS, though researchers aren't sure why. There are a few tips to follow when using a pacifier:
- If you're breastfeeding, wait until your baby is breastfeeding regularly (at least 1 month old) before starting to use a pacifier. Introducing a pacifier too soon can lead to nipple confusion and cause your baby to prefer the pacifier's nipple over your own.
- Don't force your baby to take the pacifier if he or she doesn't want it.
- Put the pacifier in your baby's mouth when you put him or her down to sleep, but don't put it back in your baby's mouth after he or she falls asleep.
- Keep the pacifier clean, and buy a new one if the nipple is damaged.
- Don't coat the pacifier with honey, alcohol, or any other substance.