Can my newborn use a pacifier for sleep?
The AAP recommends offering a pacifier for sleep, with separate guidance for breastfeeding and safe use.
The short answer
The AAP recommends offering a pacifier at naps and bedtime as one way to reduce SIDS risk. For breastfed babies, wait until breastfeeding is firmly established. Don’t force a pacifier or attach it to the baby during sleep.
Offer it at sleep times, with breastfeeding guidance
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends offering a pacifier when placing a baby for naps or nighttime sleep as one measure to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. It doesn’t replace the other safe sleep steps or remove all risk.
For babies who are directly breastfed, the AAP says to wait until breastfeeding is firmly established. It defines this as enough milk supply, a consistent, comfortable and effective latch for milk transfer, and appropriate weight gain. The time varies. The AAP says babies who aren’t directly breastfed can begin pacifier use when desired. Ask the doctor or breastfeeding specialist supporting your family if you have concerns about feeding.
Use it without attachments during sleep
Don’t hang a pacifier around your baby's neck or attach it to clothing when placing them for sleep or while they are sleeping. Don’t attach blankets, stuffed toys or other items that could cause choking or suffocation to a pacifier. Follow the pacifier maker's care and replacement instructions.
If the pacifier falls out after your baby falls asleep, the AAP says it doesn’t need to be put back in. If your baby refuses it, don’t force it. Place your baby on their back on a firm, flat sleep surface and keep loose bedding and other objects out of the sleep area.
Keep the question connected to feeding support
If you’re working through latch, milk supply or weight concerns, ask the doctor or breastfeeding specialist helping you before changing how you offer a pacifier. This article is general information and can’t check how feeding is going.
If you’re working through feeding questions, see how often newborns may feed.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 12 October 2026. This page doesn’t replace advice from your own doctor.