Why Does My Baby Keep Spitting Out Their Pacifier?

If your baby keeps spitting out their pacifier, only to cry two seconds later because they want it back, welcome to one of the most frustrating baby games ever invented. You put it in. Baby spits it out. Baby cries. You pick it up, clean it, put it back in…and somehow this becomes your entire evening.

So why does your baby keep spitting out their pacifier? Usually, it's completely normal. Babies are still learning how to coordinate sucking and swallowing, and younger babies don't have the ability to grab their pacifier and put it back in when it falls out. Sometimes your baby simply doesn't like the shape or size of a particular pacifier, too.

All three of my kids were pacifier kids. They absolutely loved them, and honestly, I loved that they loved them…until the pacifier fell out. Then I'd hear that little cry from the crib and think, “Come on! I just need a freaking break. Keep it in there!”

The problem wasn't necessarily that they needed a different pacifier. They just couldn't keep it in their mouths all the time, especially while sleeping or moving around.

What Can You Do When Your Baby's Pacifier Keeps Falling Out?

Start by making sure you're using an age-appropriate pacifier and that your baby actually likes the shape and size. Babies can be surprisingly opinionated about pacifiers, so sometimes finding the right one takes a little trial and error.

Then there's the bigger issue: what happens when the pacifier inevitably hits the floor?

I never used traditional pacifier clips because I wasn't comfortable with the potential safety concerns. The CPSC warns against tying pacifiers around a child's neck, and parents should always follow the manufacturer's safety instructions for any pacifier accessory.

So for a long time, I was just constantly picking up and sanitizing pacifiers.

And then came baby number three.

The Pacifier Solution I Wish I'd Had Sooner

With my third baby, we had the Ingy Bingy Band, and it was a total lifesaver.

It's a buttery-soft band that attaches to your baby's pacifier and keeps it nearby instead of letting it disappear onto the floor every five minutes. When the pacifier falls out, it's still right there instead of requiring you to crawl around the nursery at 2 a.m. looking for it.

And honestly, that's what I loved most. It didn't magically make my baby stop dropping the pacifier. It just made the inevitable pacifier drop way less annoying.

Because sometimes motherhood isn't about eliminating every little problem. Sometimes it's about finding the thing that makes one of those problems easier.

If your infant pacifier keeps falling out, you're definitely not alone. Your baby is learning, and you're doing your best to survive the endless cycle of feeding, changing, rocking, sanitizing, and putting that darn pacifier back in.

Anything that gives you one less thing to worry about?

I'll take it.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my baby spit out their pacifier?

Babies may spit out pacifiers because they're still developing their sucking skills, don't like the pacifier's shape or size, or simply can't keep it securely in their mouth yet.

How do I keep my baby's pacifier from falling out?

You can't always prevent it from falling out, especially with younger babies. Choosing an age-appropriate pacifier and using a safe product designed to keep the pacifier nearby can make things much easier.

Can my baby sleep with a pacifier?

Pacifiers can be part of a safe sleep routine, but never attach a pacifier to your baby's neck, clothing with unsafe cords, or the crib. Follow current safe-sleep recommendations and the product's instructions.

When should I replace my baby's pacifier?

Inspect it regularly and replace it if you notice cracks, tears, discoloration, stickiness, or other signs of damage. Always follow the manufacturer's replacement recommendations.

Is the Ingy Bingy Band a pacifier clip?

The Ingy Bingy Band is a pacifier wristband designed to keep your baby's pacifier nearby. Unlike a traditional clip, it is worn around the baby's wrist and attaches directly to the pacifier.

 

 

The Ingy Bingy Band is not your everyday pacifier clip! This game-changing pacifier wristband helps babies self-soothe at a younger age than ever before! Instinctively, babies gnaw on their hands in an attempt to soothe. The Ingy Bingy pacifier wristband keeps their pacifier right where they’ll find it, allowing your baby to comfort and calm themselves while you do whatever it is you need to do!

Our buttery soft wristband comes in two styles to accommodate every pacifier.

Our Pacific style should be used when your baby’s pacifier holes are near their nose and chin when in use. It is most commonly used with Avent, BIBS, Dr. Brown’s, MAM, Nuby, NUK, Medela, FRIGG, Nanobébé, Tommee Tippee, and Chicco pacifiers. 

Our Sequoia style should be used when your baby’s pacifier holes are near their nose and chin when in use. It is most commonly used with Itzy Ritzy, Ryan & Rose, and The Dearest Grey pacifiers.  

If you are still unsure which pacifier wristband style is right for you, check out our style guide or text the name and/or picture of your preferred paci & we’ll let you know which style is right for you!