While pacifiers are a great tool for many parents, my experience with my son was very different. Despite my plans for using pacifiers, we ended up using pacifier alternatives for babies. Here’s my story of why…
This article is written by Judith Madrid
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New Mom Overwhelm
I’m sure every mom can relate to this when I say that when you’re pregnant everyone wants to give their two cents of pregnancy through postpartum advice… Which for a new mom this is all so wonderful and so overwhelming at the same time. Everyone’s babies are so different. So everyone’s experiences and recommendations are vastly different as well.
When I walked into Babies R Us to do my registry I didn’t even know where to start! (Thank goodness for the checklist they give you.) I got to the pacifiers and all the muttering of people’s suggestions flooded back. But how did I know which would work for MY baby? Needless to say I registered for just about every brand of pacifier.
And what did I get for my baby shower? Every brand of pacifier. Again for a new mom, this is so wonderful! I had a variety to try out when my little boy arrived.
My Baby Won’t Take a Pacifier
My sweet son arrived, and the day came when I was ready to try to give him a pacifier. He was not having it! I tried every single one. I would give it a week or two and try again… but nothing! He is 5 months old now and still will not take one. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s experienced this, so I am here to give you some tips that worked for me to help soothe him in place of a pacifier…
Pacifier Alternatives for Babies
Swaddling
This is probably one of my favorite pacifier alternatives for babies! I wish I would’ve done this more when my son was newborn. But in that postpartum haze I somehow forgot I had swaddling blankets. Once I (re)discovered them in my closet, I couldn’t get enough. And I was amazed at how long he would actually sleep as a newborn. I used Aden + Anais blankets until he started moving around, and now I use a Sleep Sac.
Bottle nipple
This is kind of a poor man’s pacifier. But for some reason he took to it much better than a pacifier. I would suggest holding your finger in the nipple so that the air doesn’t get in and give him gas bubbles.
A special blanket or stuffed animal
I bought a bear that has essential oil beads in it. You warm it up in the microwave, and the essential oil smell comes out. This was awesome because it had lavender in it. Lavender has a calming effect, and can aid in falling sleep. It also was warm and a bit heavier than normal stuffed animals. So if I laid him down with it up against his back, he felt like he was still being held.
Lavender oil
Can you tell I’m a big advocate of oils? Lavender if my favorite. So often babies are just fussy because they are overly tired and fighting sleep, or overstimulated. As I mentioned above, lavender is very calming. I even use it for myself a lot too when I need to relax. There are so many options with this. Rub just a drop or two on the bottom of baby’s feet. Get a diffuser and let it fill your room/house with the aroma. Or you can make a lotion to rub on baby, and put a couple drops in his bath.
Soothe Your Baby with Pacifier Alternatives
I hope these tips can help you to soothe your baby without a pacifier. I know how daunting it can be when you have a to-do list a mile long, and a baby who seems to just want you. But soak up those moments, because they go too quick! And don’t feel bad for needing to put your baby down for a little while when needed. You deserve some alone time too!
If your baby ends taking to their pacifier later on, check out these free helpful resources:
Easy Steps for Pacifier Weaning without Frustration and The Pacifier Fairy – A Fun Way to Get Rid of the Pacifier
For more on this topic, check out the full Potty Training & Pacifiers collection
Featured Contributor: Judith Madrid
I’m Judith, I’m from Columbus, OH, and mama to my perfect baby boy. I’m a coffee addict, wine enthusiast, book-worm, photographer, and lover of anything that takes me outside! I’ve started working alongside my best friend, Alexa, to create an online community (thriving mamas) for fellow moms to uplift and support one another!
- Website: ThrivingMamas.Wordpress.com
- Instagram: @Thriving_mamas
- Email: Thrivingmamas2@gmail.com
