Want to help your baby learn to soothe with the mōmi pacifier? We have gentle, research-backed tips

Pacifiers can be more than a soothing tool—they support important developmental skills when introduced with care. The mōmi pacifier was designed to encourage the same oral mechanics babies use at the breast, making it a thoughtful option for families who want to protect breastfeeding. Here’s how, when, and why to offer it, plus gentle, therapist-informed tips for success. 

why babies benefit from pacifiers

Even after a full feeding, babies often crave sucking for comfort. This is called non-nutritive sucking, and it comes with real benefits:

• releases endorphins, which help baby feel calm and satisfied
• promotes relaxation for a smoother transition to sleep
• supports healthy oral motor development

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has also found that pacifier use during sleep can reduce the risk of SIDS when offered consistently for naps and bedtime. (1)(2)

pacifiers and breastfeeding

Research shows that introducing a pacifier does not negatively affect breastfeeding outcomes.(3) In fact, when the right pacifier is used appropriately, it pacifier can complement breastfeeding by reinforcing the natural suck pattern babies use at the breast.

The mōmi pacifier is designed with this in mind. Its soft silicone material and gradually-tapered nipple help babies practice a wide, breast-like latch instead of a shallow one. Some parents have reported that baby's latch at the breast improved after introducing the mōmi pacifier, or that it assisted in overcoming bottle refusal.

the best time to introduce a pacifier

Timing makes a difference. For most babies, it's recommended to wait until breastfeeding is well established. However, with preemies or babies who have oral motor dysfunction, providers may recommend starting earlier.

Ideal times to try include:

• after feeding, when baby is not hungry
• when baby is. most calm and alert
• in a quiet setting with dim lights and minimal distraction
  

  how to offer the mōmi pacifier

  Consider what it means to invite your baby to practice a new skill. Pacifiers should never be forced. 

  • position gently. Rest the tip in baby's philtrum (the small indent in the middle of baby's top lip, just under the nose), and position the base near baby's chin to encourage a wide-open mouth.
    
  • angle upward. Lean the pacifier toward the roof of the mouth, just as is recommended for breast and bottle feeding. 
  • follow baby's cues. If baby is resistant, take a pause and try again another time. 
    

    what if baby isn't taking to a pacifier?

    If baby seems unsure at first, that's normal. Here are some expert tips to encourage healthy introduction of the pacifier. 

    • offer cheek support. If baby is repeatedly chomping, instead of sucking, use your thumb and middle finger to very gently support baby's cheeks. 
    • play a game. Once baby has the pacifier in their mouth, give it a very light tug. This can trigger baby's sucking reflex (an automatic reflex in babies causing them to respond to stimulation on the roof of their mouth).
    • encourage baby's rhythm. If baby stops sucking and immediately loses the paci, you can softly touch their chin to help them reengage. Continue to follow baby's cues (especially if you're also offering cheek support). Baby may tire more quickly at first, and won't respond well to feeling forced.
    • check baby's latch. Baby's top and bottom lips should both be flanged outward, and their jaw should be relaxed. If baby is struggling with both pacifier and breast, or both pacifier and bottle feeding, consider consulting with a pediatric feeding  therapist or an IBCLC. These professionals can assess oral function and habilitate where there may be oral-motor dysfunction. 
    • try familiar positioning. How is baby accustomed to sucking? Babies who feed in a cradle hold may be primed to suck when held in that familiar position. Whatever position you are using with baby, make sure to offer baby neck support, which helps them feel secure. 
    • go skin to skin. Skin to skin can help baby regulate their breathing and organize their movements. Feeling your warmth while surrounded by your familiar smell also allows baby to relax, which is helpful when they're facing something new. 

    remember:

    Babies learn best through short, calm practice sessions. Repetition and frequent practice helps, but forcing doesn’t.

    The mōmi pacifier isn’t just a tool to soothe—it’s designed to nurture breastfeeding skills and oral development. With patience, practice, and gentle encouragement, even babies who refuse other pacifiers learn to accept mōmi in a way that supports comfort, provides safe sleep and reinforces healthy feeding behaviors.

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    (1) Goldwater, P. N. (2024). Why do pacifiers/dummies have a protective effect in sudden infant death syndrome? A new hypothesis. Medical Hypotheses, 168, Article 111517. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2024.111517
    

    (2) Fern R. Hauck, Olanrewaju O. Omojokun, Mir S. Siadaty (2005). Do Pacifiers Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome? A Meta-analysis. Pediatrics 116 (5), e716–e723. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2004-2631

    (3) Wellington, L., & Prasad, S. (2012). PURLs. Should breastfeeding babies be given pacifiers?. The Journal of Family Practice, 61(5), E1–E3.

    Want to know more about on how to introduce a pacifier to a breastfed baby, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics?