How does baby accept a pacifier?

A pacifier is a natural comfort tool for some babies, while others don't warm up to it at all. Getting your baby to accept a pacifier usually requires trial-and-error and a few days of patience.

A few methods to try:

• Choose the right time: Try when your baby isn't hungry, is satisfied and calm. Offering a pacifier when very hungry can cause frustration.
• Heat and taste: Dip the pacifier in a few seconds of boiled, cooled water — sometimes the coolness catches their attention. Some parents brush it with breast milk, but don't make it a habit.
• Try different shapes: Round, flat-centered (orthodontic), silicone or rubber — every baby's palate structure and sucking preference is different. If you have several types, try a few.
• Don't be pushy: If they immediately spit it out, don't force it; try again a few hours or the next day. The more you stress as they reject it, the more they sense it.
• Try during drowsiness: A pacifier works best when drowsy but not yet asleep. Gently place it in their mouth during the bedtime routine; if they spit it out on their own, that's fine.

If your baby firmly rejects the pacifier after a week of regular tries, there's no need to force it — every baby's needs are different, and thumb-sucking or other soothing methods can be just as healthy.