Best Way to Keep Pacifier in Baby's Mouth?

Hello everyone,

My name is Elli, and I'm reaching out for some advice on the best ways to keep a pacifier in my baby's mouth. As a mom of four, I know how essential pacifiers can be for soothing our little ones, but I often find that my baby spits it out during naps or while sleeping. I've tried a few methods, including pacifier holder bib from giggly tots and different types of pacifiers, but I'm still struggling to find a reliable solution. I would love to hear what works for you.

Are there any specific brands, techniques, or products that you recommend? Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance for your help!

Hello Elli,
I understand how challenging it can be to keep a pacifier in place during naps and night-time, especially when you've tried multiple options. Many parents face this same struggle, so you're definitely not alone. Here are a few tried-and-true ideas that might help:
Firstly, many parents swear by pacifiers with a slight curve or contour, like those from Philips Avent or MAM. These shapes often help the pacifier stay in place a bit better as they fit more naturally in a baby’s mouth. It sounds like you’ve tried a few types already, but if you have not tried these specific brands, they might be worth exploring.
You could also consider plush pacifier holders like the WubbaNub. These small stuffed animals attach to the pacifier and add a bit of weight, which can sometimes help keep it in position. Plus, they’re easy for babies to grab if they start to reach for objects.
Some parents place several pacifiers in the cot for older babies, which can help them learn to find and reinsert a pacifier on their own if it falls out. For younger babies, a short pacifier clip attached to sleepwear can also help, but make sure it’s secure and short enough to avoid any wrapping.
If the Giggly Tots Pacifier Holder Bib is helping to some extent, it could still be a useful tool for reducing how often it falls completely out of reach. Over time, as your baby’s sucking reflex strengthens, they may also start to hold onto the pacifier a bit longer on their own.
I hope some of these ideas work for you. All the best in finding what helps your little one stay soothed!

Hi Elli,
You're definitely not alone—keeping a pacifier in during naps can be a real challenge! A few things that have worked for us:

•  Try orthodontic or lightweight pacifiers – Brands like Philips Avent Soothie or MAM tend to stay in better, especially for newborns.
•  Use a pacifier with a stuffed animal attachment – like the WubbaNub. It gives a bit of weight and support that helps keep it in place.
•  Gently hold it in while baby is falling asleep – Just for a few minutes until the sucking reflex kicks in properly.
•  Consistency – Sometimes it just takes a few tries for babies to get used to a new pacifier shape or feel.

Also, if your baby keeps spitting it out after falling asleep but isn’t upset, it’s totally fine to leave it out—they’ll likely find comfort in other ways.
Hope this helps a bit! You're doing great, mama.
Best,
Sophia

One of the best ways to keep a pacifier in your baby's mouth is to gently hold it in place for a minute or two while they suck, especially in the early weeks as they learn how to use it. Make sure the pacifier is the right size and shape for your baby’s age—sometimes switching brands can make a big difference. Try offering it when your baby is calm and relaxed, not when they’re already upset, as they’re more likely to accept it. Avoid forcing it, though—some babies just aren't interested, and that’s totally normal too. With time, many babies naturally get better at keeping it in on their own.

The best way to keep a pacifier in your baby’s mouth is to first make sure they actually want it—some babies just aren’t into pacifiers, and that’s okay! If they do like it but keep dropping it, try gently holding it in place for a minute while they suck, especially during calm moments or right before sleep. Offering it when your baby is relaxed (not crying) helps too. You can also experiment with different pacifier shapes or brands—some babies find certain ones easier to keep in. Just avoid trying to prop it or hold it in unnaturally, as that can be unsafe. With time and practice, most babies get the hang of it on their own.