Many people ask me what I think about pacifiers, especially as they relate to sleep. To me, it's all about survival and from birth to 5 months you have to do what you have to do. 

I believe that some children need to suck and some don't, but if you can it's best to wait to introduce the pacifier until breastfeeding has been established. If your child is over 5 months and you seem to have to pop a pacifier back into your child's mouth hourly all night long it may be time to bid it farewell. Dr Harvey Karp does suggest that the best time to get rid of a pacifier is around 6 months, as that is the time they become more dependent on the tools that they have chosen to soothe with.

When modifying your child's sleep habit, I would leave it in the crib and if the child is able to put it in their own mouth then it can be kept around for sleep. If they can't, chances are they will choose another object to self-soothe with.  I sometimes think that we as parents are more dependent on pacifiers then even our children. You will be pleasently surprised by your child's ability when you give them the opportunity. Sweet Dreams.

Get more helpful tips for bedtime problems by joining us for on July 13 for a webinar with Tracey.

July 13 - The ABZzzz's of Sleep Training

Tracey Ruiz is The Sleep Doula, committed to providing physical, emotional, and educational support to families with sleep problem solving. For more information on The Sleep Doula's services visit www.TheSleepDoula.com