For babies to suck is very natural. It is how they nourish and soothe themselves. When a baby is not eating, the pacifier is better to use for soothing than a finger/thumb or a toy.

Pacifiers are less likely to cause a malocclusion and are usually discontinued at an earlier age than is thumbsucking. It is easier to take away a pacifier than a finger or thumb. Thumbsuckers typically continue the habit until 3-5 years of age.   

Thoughts on Pacifiers

• If you notice your child beginning to suck their fingers or thumbs during the first 3 months of life you can introduce your child to a pacifier
• To avoid any trauma to the gums, it's important to buy a pacifier with a nipple made of rubber
• Do not use the pacifier around the clock, only when necessary
• In rare instances, pacifiers may cause complications like abnormal swallowing patterns
• Check the pacifier daily for breakage. They do not last forever. The child could suck a "ripped" pacifier and choke on it
• Do not hang the pacifier around your baby's neck with a string. Your baby could be accidentally strangled

Choosing a Pacifier

• Do avoid improper breathing and abnormal molding of the baby's jaws, choose a pacifier that resembles the natural nipple and breast

Pacifier use can cause abnormal development of the jaws and teeth. Some reasons are:

• Improperly sized and shaped pacifier
• Strength of sucking action
• Length of time the pacifier is present within the mouth