10/27/2026
“My baby just doesn’t like the pacifier”… but sometimes there’s more to the story. 👀
Non-nutritive sucking is an important skill in early infancy. It can help babies soothe, regulate their nervous system, and support physiologic stability, helping their bodies feel calm and organized. 🤍
Pacifier refusal alone doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong. But persistent refusal, difficulty keeping it in, gagging, or struggling to establish a comfortable sucking rhythm; especially alongside feeding challenges or difficulty settling, can be a red flag worth exploring.
The goal isn’t to force a pacifier. It’s to understand what your baby is communicating and whether oral function, coordination, or discomfort may be making sucking harder.
Worried your baby’s pacifier refusal may be part of a bigger picture? Schedule a consult with Giggle and Grow today. Let’s look beyond the refusal and support the skills underneath it! ✨
