When Do Babies Learn to Put Pacifier Back in Mouth

Published on 4/19/2025 • 5 min read

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.

Benefits of When Do Babies Learn to Put Pacifier Back in Mouth

Increased independence: Learning to put their pacifier back in their mouth allows babies to soothe themselves without needing constant assistance from a caregiver.
Improved sleep: Babies who can put their pacifier back in their mouth on their own may have an easier time self-soothing and falling back asleep if they wake up during the night.
Reduced frustration: Babies who are able to independently replace their pacifier may experience less frustration and distress when it falls out of their mouth.
Enhanced motor skills: Learning to put their pacifier back in their mouth requires coordination and fine motor skills, which can help babies develop these abilities.
Encourages self-regulation: By learning to put their pacifier back in their mouth, babies are practicing self-regulation and developing important self-soothing skills.

How-To Guide

Babies typically start to develop the ability to put their pacifier back in their mouth around 6-9 months of age. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to encourage this skill:
Start by offering your baby a pacifier that is easy for them to grasp and hold onto. Choose a lightweight and easy-to-grip pacifier that is the right size for your baby's mouth.
Show your baby how to put the pacifier back in their mouth by gently guiding their hand to the pacifier and helping them place it in their mouth. Encourage your baby to mimic this action by praising and rewarding them when they successfully put the pacifier back in their mouth.
Practice with your baby regularly by offering them the pacifier and allowing them to try putting it back in their mouth on their own. Be patient and supportive, as this skill may take some time for your baby to master.
Use positive reinforcement to encourage your baby to put the pacifier back in their mouth. Praise and reward your baby when they are able to successfully put the pacifier back in their mouth on their own.
Be consistent in your approach and give your baby plenty of opportunities to practice putting the pacifier back in their mouth. With time and practice, your baby will develop the coordination and dexterity needed to independently put the pacifier back in their mouth.
Remember that every baby develops at their own pace, so be patient and supportive as your baby learns this

Conclusion

In conclusion, babies typically begin to learn how to put their pacifier back in their mouth around 6-9 months of age. This developmental milestone is an important step in their growing independence and problem-solving abilities. By practicing and mastering this skill, babies are able to soothe themselves more effectively and develop a sense of control over their environment. As parents and caregivers, it is important to offer support and encouragement as babies navigate this learning process, ultimately helping them to become more self-reliant and confident individuals.

Similar Terms

Baby pacifier skills
Infant pacifier development
Pacifier self-soothing
Baby pacifier milestones
Infant self-soothing techniques
Pacifier independence in babies
Baby pacifier habits
Pacifier use in infants
Baby self-soothing behaviors
Pacifier training for babies

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