Is it safe to let my baby sleep with pacifiers that have stuffed animals or a ribbon attached to them?
Those pacifiers with little toys on them are adorable. But their safety when your baby is sleeping really depends on your little one’s age and the product. If your little one is less than 12 months old, then, no – it may not be safe for your baby to sleep with pacifiers that have those things attached to them. Overall, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against having anything like stuffed toys (or ribbons) in the sleeping environment as these things can increase the risk of suffocation or choking.
Regardless of your little one’s age, be sure that no part of the pacifier (ribbons, toys) can come off and become a choking hazard. Many products have information either on the packaging or online regarding sleep safety and the appropriate age that they can be used.
About Dr. Erin Leichman
