Do Pacifiers Cause Gas In Babies?

A gassy, uncomfortable baby can be stressful for everyone in the house, especially when you're already running on small amounts of sleep. If you give your baby a pacifier in hopes it will soothe them, this may not work since sucking on a pacifier can lead to tummy troubles as well. While using pacifiers may cause gas in babies, this uncomfortable trapped air is a normal part of infanthood. In fact, a pacifier is just one of several ways babies can get gas.

When babies swallow small amounts of extra air through eating, crying, or using a pacifier, they often experience discomfort in their digestive tracts. Yet it's often less about the pacifier itself and more about the sucking and swallowing motion. If the baby doesn't have a good latch on the nipple, they can accidentally ingest air. Luckily, having a gassy baby is usually just a stage. Gas is most common during a baby's first few months, as their digestive systems mature.

If your baby adores their pacifier but struggles with gas, you can help them feel better with the same techniques you might use after feeding, such as burping them or bicycling their legs. Experts also recommend giving your little one plenty of tummy time, which can provide gentle pressure that dissolves gas bubbles. If gas is disrupting your baby's bowel movements, sleep, or feeding, reach out to your pediatrician. You can then decide together whether pacifiers are a good choice for your child.

While the pacifier type may not be to blame, it's still a good idea to make sure the one your baby is using is the best fit. Be sure to follow the age range listed on the packaging to ensure the size is correct for your baby's stage. Choose a pacifier that has a shield that extends at least 1½ inches from edge to edge, keeping it too large for your baby to fit entirely in their mouth. It's also smart to inspect pacifiers every so often and swap out any that have turned a different color or have torn, since pacifiers do not last indefinitely, especially if they're used heavily.