Get the Pacifier In

1. 1

   Place a pacifier in your baby’s hand while they are lying comfortably and let them try bringing it to their mouth.

2. 2

   Wait before helping. Your baby may reach, turn their head, or touch the pacifier with their lips or tongue. More than one attempt is fine.

3. 3

   Watch for their hand to close around the pacifier and begin moving it toward their mouth.

4. 4

   They may tilt their head, lick the pacifier, or change their grip. These variations are different attempts to solve the problem.

5. 5

   If the pacifier remains just out of reach, move it a little closer while leaving the final movement for your baby.

6. 6

   When they place it in their mouth, respond warmly: “You did it!” Then stay nearby as they settle.

What to notice

• Puts the pacifier in their mouth in different ways Cognitive Self-Regulation (Executive Functioning)
• Looks to you for help when they cannot get the pacifier into their mouth Relationships with Adults

Tips

• When your baby pauses and tries again, they may be working out another approach. Give them time to concentrate without interrupting.
• Success is not the only thing that matters. Each new attempt gives your baby practice changing their approach when the first one does not work.

Developmental benefits

• Cognitive: Trying different hand and mouth movements to place a pacifier gives your baby experience adjusting an approach when the first attempt does not work.