Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is every new parent’s worst fear. It’s the unexplained death of a healthy baby, usually during sleep, and while its exact causes remain unclear, decades of research have identified several ways to reduce the risk. One surprising—and simple—tool that has emerged from this research? The pacifier.

Yes, that little silicone soother can do more than calm cries. Sleeping with a pacifier has been shown to significantly lower the risk of SIDS. Here's what every parent should know.

What Is SIDS?

SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, typically occurs in babies under 12 months old, most often between 1 and 4 months. It happens during sleep with no warning and no clear cause, even after a thorough investigation.

While we don’t know exactly why SIDS occurs, experts believe it may be related to problems in the baby’s ability to wake up or detect low oxygen levels during sleep.

The Pacifier-SIDS Connection

Multiple studies, including those cited by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), have shown that offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime can reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 90%. That’s a powerful statistic for such a small device.

So how does it help?

1. Keeps the Airway Open

Using a pacifier may help keep the baby’s airway more open or properly positioned, making it less likely for the baby to stop breathing during sleep.

2. Encourages Lighter Sleep

Pacifier use appears to keep babies in lighter stages of sleep, which may make it easier for them to wake up if something goes wrong—like difficulty breathing or overheating.

3. Improves Head and Tongue Position

Sucking on a pacifier can help position the tongue forward, preventing it from falling back and blocking the airway. It can also help keep babies sleeping on their backs—a position strongly recommended for safe sleep.

Best Practices for Using a Pacifier Safely

If you're considering using a pacifier to help reduce SIDS risk, here are some expert-backed tips to follow:

• Wait until breastfeeding is established. If you’re nursing, wait until around 3 to 4 weeks old before introducing a pacifier to avoid nipple confusion.

• Don’t force it. If your baby doesn’t want the pacifier, don’t try to push it in. The protective effect is present only when babies accept it willingly.

• Don’t reinsert after they fall asleep. It’s fine to offer the pacifier at sleep time, but there’s no need to put it back in if it falls out while your baby is sleeping.

• Avoid pacifiers with strings, clips, or stuffed animals. These can be strangulation or suffocation hazards in the crib.

• Keep it clean and intact. Regularly clean pacifiers and inspect for cracks or tears. Replace as needed.

Other Safe Sleep Tips to Combine with Pacifier Use

To maximize the protective effects, pacifier use should be part of a broader safe sleep strategy:

• Always place your baby on their back to sleep.

• Use a firm, flat mattress in a safety-approved crib or bassinet.

• Keep the sleep space free of pillows, blankets, toys, and bumpers.

• Share a room (but not a bed) with your baby for the first 6 to 12 months.

• Maintain a comfortable room temperature to prevent overheating.

Conclusion