When Do Babies Learn to Put Pacifier Back in Mouth

Development of Self-Soothing Skills in Infants

Babies are born with a natural instinct to suck, and pacifiers are often used to soothe and comfort infants. However, as babies grow and develop, they begin to learn new skills, including the ability to put their pacifier back in their mouth. This developmental milestone is an exciting moment for parents, as it signals their baby\'s increasing independence and problem-solving abilities. Understanding when babies typically learn to put their pacifier back in their mouth can help parents support and encourage this important skill development.

Babies typically start to learn how to put their pacifier back in their mouth around 6 to 10 months of age. This skill is known as pacifier retrieval and is a sign of increasing hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills in infants. At around 6 months of age, babies begin to develop the ability to grasp objects and manipulate them with their hands. This newfound dexterity allows them to start exploring their environment and practicing different actions, such as putting a pacifier back in their mouth. By around 10 months of age, most babies have mastered the skill of pacifier retrieval. They are able to pick up their pacifier from the floor or from a nearby surface and bring it back to their mouth without much difficulty. This ability not only helps babies soothe themselves when they are feeling fussy or upset, but it also gives them a sense of independence and control over their environment. It is important for parents to encourage and support their baby\'s development of pacifier retrieval by providing plenty of opportunities for practice and praise when their baby successfully puts their pacifier back in their mouth. This can help boost their confidence and reinforce their growing independence and fine motor skills.