05/12/2025
Pacifiers can be soothing—but prolonged use may quietly impact your child’s speech development. 🧠👶
As a Speech & Language Pathologist, I often see delays linked to reduced oral-motor movement. When a pacifier is in the mouth for long periods, the tongue has less opportunity to explore, elevate, and make the subtle movements needed for early speech sounds.
It also limits babbling and vocal play—essential building blocks for clear speech later on.
Pacifiers aren’t “bad,” but moderation and mindful timing matter. Use them for comfort, not as an all-day habit, to support healthy speech development. 💬✨