Cutie FAQ
We promise to guarantee delivery of all orders placed within the United States.
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Standard processing time is 1-2 business days, M-Th. This is the time it takes for your order to be processed before it ships. Please note, processing times might be extended during sales or large releases.
Standard/Free US Shipping: 2-5 business days
Expedited US Shipping: 2 business days
International Shipping: 15-30 business days
International Expedited Shipping: 7-21 business days
At the current time, we are not experiencing any shipping delays. However, that is subject to change at any moment.
Customer service can be reached through email at info@ryanandrose.co. Emails are answered within 48 hours, however, response times might be extended during sales or large releases.
No, please contact us through email with any questions or concerns at info@ryanandrose.co.
First make sure you’ve completed all steps necessary to activate your customer account on the Ryan And Rose website. If you are still unable to access your account, please email at info@ryanandrose.co.
For sanitary reasons, Ryan And Rose does not accept returns or exchanges. All sales are final.
Due to speedy shipping, we are not able to combine orders at this time.
We guarantee all priority orders placed before noon CST will be shipped out the same day, Monday through Thursday.
We use USPS or FedEx to shop orders.
Yes we offer FREE shipping on US orders of $25 or more and free shipping to Canada on orders $75 or more. All other international orders are subject to shipping charges. Please note the threshold must be met before taxes and after discounts are applied. Shipping charges are subject to change.
No. Ryan And Rose does not guarantee shipping times.
Yes. If your package gets pulled for additional fees, duties, and/or taxes at the border, you are responsible for those charges. We do not have control over which packages get pulled for these extra costs. The purchaser acknowledges at checkout that Ryan And Rose is not responsible for any additional charges such as fees, duties, and/or taxes which might be incurred.
Due to the Wayfair Act of 2018 we collected sales tax in most (but not all) states. We are required by law to collect sales taxes in those states, either because of our physical presence (in the case of Tennessee) or economic nexus (a certain threshold of business, determined by each state). The total tax rate is the exact same as you would pay in a local store (in the same tax jurisdiction as the order’s delivery address).
Once you place an order, you will receive an order confirmation email. Once your order is processed (1-2 business days), a shipping label will be created and an email will be sent to the email address that you provided during checkout. This email will contain a tracking number and additional shipping information. Please allow approximately 24 hours for tracking information to become available. PLEASE NOTE that shipping times are NOT guaranteed.
Due to the high volume of orders being processed, especially during launch days, confirmation emails may be delayed. We recommend waiting 24 hours for your confirmation email to be received. If after 24 hours you have still not received your confirmation email, please check your spam folder or login to your Cutie Account to verify that your purchase went through. If you are still not able to find proof of order, please email us at info@ryanandrose.co.
Due to our fast shipping speeds, we cannot guarantee this if your order has already been processed for shipment. Please email info@ryanandrose.co immediately with subject line CHANGE ADDRESS and your order #. Please double check your address prior to ordering!
Due to our fast shipping speeds, we cannot guarantee this if your order has already been processed for shipment. Please email info@ryanandrose.co immediately with the subject line CANCEL ORDER and your order #. Once an order is cancelled, we cannot guarantee those products will be available for repurchase. Once a return is initiated, funds will be released immediately, but depending on your bank it may take 3-10 days for the credit to post to your account.
Please see the Cutie Promise for more information.
If your package is returned to Ryan And Rose, you will receive a refund of the SUBTOTAL of your order. To reship, additional postage will need to be purchased. That listing can be found under “other” under the shop’s main menu. Please contact info@ryanandrose.co with any questions.
I’m sorry, we cannot honor any exchanges at the current time. All sales are final.
For new customers, click here for $5 off your first order of $12 or more!
We currently offer:
- US orders over $25 receive FREE USPS first class shipping
- Canadian orders over $75 receive FREE first class shipping. All other international orders are subject to shipping charges. Shipping charges are subject to change
- For new customers, click here for $5 off your first order of $12 or more!
Our largest sales of the year happen in June (our anniversary) and in November (Black Friday). We also have specials such as surprise listings, clearance listings, Cutie Deals of the Week, etc.
Cutie Clips are multifunctional clips that can attach to pacifiers, teethers, toys, sippy cups, snack containers, and/or anything with a hole in which you can loop through. We like to say, “Don’t want to lose it, Cutie Clip it.”
Short + Safe + Stylish + Multifunctional
Cutie Clips are durable, tested for safety, easy to clean, and multifunctional. Cutie Clips are all handmade with high quality materials in North America and are prayed over before being shipped!
Yes, safety is a top priority at Ryan And Rose. All Ryan And Rose products, which include Cutie Clips, are sent to CPSC approved labs and meet US safety standards. Only use Cutie Clips with a pacifier or teether that is CPSC compliant.
No. Never allow a child to use while sleeping. Do not use without adult supervision.
Inspect Cutie Clips before each use. Discard immediately if signs of damage.
We recommend replacing Cutie Clips after 2 months of continued use.
Thread the loop through the item of your choosing, then feed the metal clip through the loop and pull tight. Cutie Clips attach to any item with a hole.
Yes. Cutie Clips are universal and attach to all pacifiers as well as teethers, toys, sippy cups, snack containers and more.
All Cutie Clips (excluding leather) can be hand washed/spot cleaned with warm water and mild soap. Absorb excess water with a towel and dry off metal clip. Let the Cutie Clip air-dry, with the metal clip open. Cutie Clips should not be boiled or put in the dishwasher or sterilizer; doing so may affect the integrity of the product.
Watch A How To Video
We recommend wiping leather Cutie Clips with a baby wipe or slightly damp cloth. If a spill or spit up occurs, wash the clip as soon as possible. You may want to run the clip under cool water, dab lightly with a soft cloth and dry off metal clip. Lay flat to air-dry, with the metal clip open. Exposing leather to excessive water may cause faster wear. Cutie Clips should not be boiled or put in the dishwasher or sterilizer; doing so may affect the integrity of the product.
Watch A How To Video
If your leather Cutie Clips are stiff or dry, use a small amount of coconut oil to soften them. Apply, wipe off the excess, and let air-dry. Please note, coconut oil will darken the leather.
NO! Do not boil, sterilize, or put in a dishwasher or microwave. Exposure to high heat may compromise the integrity of your Cutie Clip.
Cutie Clips are assembled strategically to ensure that beads cannot come loose. The only way for beads to come off would be if our double cord was intentionally cut with scissors or a knife, or the top knot was intentionally untied.
We were the first to shorten the pacifier clip back in 2013. Cutie Clips are made shorter for both safety and sanitary reasons. Not only do shorter clips eliminate the risk of strangulation, they also help a crawling baby keep their pacifier from dragging on the ground.
Cutie Clips are divided into 2 categories for length: Mini and Maxi. It’s truly a personal preference when it comes to which length is right for you and your little one!
Mini: Approximately 6.5”-7.5”
Maxi: Approximately 7.5”+
6.5"
7.5"+
Where we believe that all sizes are safe for newborns, when asked, we suggest mini clips with smaller beads for newborns because they are sweeter and a little more dainty. Some of Lindsey’s favorites are Luna, Gentry, Hollis, and Jack.
Where we believe that all sizes are safe for crawlers, when asked, we suggest mini clips because they are shorter and less likely to drag the floor. Some of Lindsey’s favorites are Jane, Quinn, and Gentry.
We believe that the Maxi Cutie Clips are better for attaching teethers, toys, sippy cups, snack containers because they are longer. Some of Lindsey’s favorites are Charley, Georgia, Brooke, Ella, Olivia, and Fisher.
We use 100% food grade silicone beads that are FDA approved, non-toxic, and free of lead, latex, phthalates and BPA.
We use natural beech wood and schima superba beads that are pretreated with beeswax. The beeswax has also been tested and meets US safety standards.
Even though our wooden beads are pretreated with natural beeswax, coconut oil can be used to extend their longevity. Apply, wipe off the excess, and let air-dry. Please note, coconut oil will darken the wood beads.
Yes. It has taken us years to perfect our metal clip. Now made out of stainless steel, we believe that it is the best on the market! Our metal clips are free of lead and chrome, and stay securely attached to clothing, blankets, etc.
Cutie Clips are handmade by women across the United States and Canada. A majority of our beaded Cutie Clips are manufactured locally through our headquarters in Bartlett, Tennessee. We also have a team of stringers, who connect strings for us daily and are a major part of our operation.
Many of our non-local makers were once competitors. We value the true meaning of originality and community over competition. By bringing them on to the Ryan And Rose team, we’ve been able to rise to the top and bring our customers the best of the best.
We are currently not hiring any local makers, but always encourage pacifier clip makers of original designs to email us at info@ryanandrose.co and to send in designs for approval and testing.
Customer satisfaction is a top priority. Please see the Cutie Promise for more information.
Cutie Clips should only be used by one child for safety and hygienic reasons. We do not recommend selling or giving away used Cutie Clips.
We recommend following us on Instagram @RyanAndRose and joining the Cutie Community on Facebook for all things Cutie.
You can also sign up for text alerts here to stay up to date on all things Cutie.
Named for its function, a Cutie PAT is a 2-in-1 Pacifier-And-Teether. It was created with a dual purpose in mind: the pacifier side was created to soothe while the beaded-teether was developed to aid with teething relief.
Watch The Cutie PAT Video
Yes, safety is a top priority at Ryan And Rose. All Ryan And Rose products, which include Cutie PATs, are sent to CPSC approved labs and meet US safety standards. Only use Cutie PATs with clips that are CPSC compliant.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends pacifiers at nap and bedtime to help reduce the risk of SIDS(1). Please note that Cutie Clips are not sleep safe.
Before each use, complete the pull test inspection, pulling the nipple in all directions. Check for damages such as cracks, tears, and/or excessive wear. If damaged, discard immediately.
Watch The Pull Test Video
For safety and hygiene, it’s recommended to replace after 4 weeks of continued use.
We truly believe all babies are different. We have 6 different nipple styles for Cutie PATs, all with the same shield/teether handle. We offer the most popular pacifier nipple options: round, flat, bulb, slant, and smile.
We know that all babies are different and develop teeth at different ages. We are the first baby brand to categorize pacifiers into stages according to the presence of teeth and not by month/age.
We recommend our Cutie PAT Starter Kit! It includes five Cutie PAT styles: Round Stage 1, Round Stage 2, Bulb Stage 1, Flat, and Slant.
If your baby has teeth, we recommend using a Cutie PAT Round Stage 2 or a Cutie PAT flat. Babies with teeth should never use a Round Stage 1, Bulb Stage 1, or Slant Stage 1 Cutie PAT.
We recommend the Cutie PAT Starter Kit! It includes five different nipple styles to figure out which one would be best for your baby. Just because your little loved Round Stage 1, it does not mean they will prefer a Round Stage 2 once they have teeth. We have seen a lot of babies move from a Round Stage 1 to a Flat once they developed teeth.
Yes. The difference between Cutie PAT Round Stage 1 and Round Stage 2 is the thickness of the nipple, not the size of the nipple itself. Stage 1 is for babies without teeth. Stage 2 has a thicker nipple that is bite resistant for babies with teeth.
Cutie PATs are made with 100% medical grade silicone that is free of BPA, PVC, Phthalates and latex. Cutie PATs are FDA approved, non-toxic and are CPSC compliant.
Yes, Cutie PATs are free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, and latex.
Yes! Cutie PATs are a one-piece design that is seamless, from end to end. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends purchasing pacifiers that are one-piece designs to prevent a choking hazard!(2)
Lindsey designed/invented the Cutie PAT in 2017 out of a need for her daughter Charley Ruth, who would not take any other pacifier on the market. Lindsey drew out her first sketch of the Cutie PAT from her home in Lakeland, Tennessee.
The Cutie PAT is manufactured in China.
Cutie PATs can be cleaned three ways; with warm water and mild dish soap, in the dishwasher, top rack only, or they can also be boiled for 3 minutes. We recommend washing before each use. Cutie PATs should not be placed in a sterilizer; doing so may affect the integrity of the product.
Watch The Cleaning Video
Yes. Before first use, sterilize Cutie PATs in boiling water for 3 minutes and let air-dry. Allow the product to cool before giving it to the baby.
Cutie PATs should not be placed in a sterilizer; doing so may affect the integrity of the product. Please note that Cutie Teether Rattles and Cutie Clips cannot be sterilized.
Yes. Cutie PATs are dishwasher safe, top rack only. Please note that Cutie Teethers Rattles and Cutie Clips are not dishwasher safe.
No. Only the Cutie PAT Stage 1 nipple can be popped in. We recommend popping the nipple in when using the Cutie PAT Stage 1 as a teether.
Yes, colorful foods, dyes, and/or other liquids may cause discoloration and staining.
Customer satisfaction is a top priority! Please see the Cutie Promise for more information.
Cutie PATs should only be used by one child for safety and hygienic reasons. We do not recommend selling or giving away used Cutie PATs.
We recommend following us on Instagram @RyanAndRose and joining the Cutie Community on Facebook for all things Cutie.
You can also sign up for text alerts here to stay up to date on all things Cutie.
References
1: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx
2: https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/aap-press-room-media-center/Pages/Pacifiers.aspx
2022
Black, Blue, Charcoal, Clear, Grey, Pink, Tan, Ivory, and White.
No, but you can search here by color and all products made in that color will appear.
Limited edition colors are seasonal colors that are launched year round. Once limited edition colors sell out, they will not be restocked.
Colors are released every month!
We never say never!! We have had many colors make a return!
We announce all new colors and products via social media. Be sure to follow @RyanAndRose on Instagram and join the Cutie Community on Facebook!
All Cutie Clips (excluding leather) can be hand washed/spot cleaned with warm water and mild soap. Absorb excess water with a towel and dry off metal clip. Let the Cutie Clip air-dry, with the metal clip open.
Watch A How To Video
We recommend wiping leather Cutie Clips with a baby wipe or slightly damp cloth. If a spill or spit up occurs, wash the clip as soon as possible. You may want to run the clip under cool water, dab lightly with a soft cloth and dry off metal clip. Lay flat to air-dry, with the metal clip open. Exposing leather to excessive water may cause faster wear. If your leather Cutie Clips gets stiff or dry, a small amount of coconut oil can be used to soften them up. Apply, wipe off the excess, and let air-dry. Please note, coconut oil will darken the leather.
Watch A How To Video
Cutie PATs can be cleaned three ways; with warm water and mild dish soap, in the dishwasher, top rack only, or they can also be boiled for 3 minutes. We recommend washing before each use. Cutie PATs can be sterilized in boiled water for 3 minutes. Allow the product to cool before giving it to the baby. Cutie PATs should not be put in the placed in a sterilizer; doing so may affect the integrity of the product.
All silicone Cutie products can be washed with warm water and mild dish soap. Cutie Tensils can be washed in the dishwasher, top rack only. Cutie Clips and Cutie Teethers should not be put in the dishwasher or boiled; doing so may affect the integrity of the product.
All Ryan And Rose products are sent to Consumer Product Safety Commision (CPSC) approved labs and meet US safety standards. Cutie Clips go through rigorous testing and must pass Small Parts and Use & Abuse tests before being put into production.
Ryan And Rose uses products that are FDA approved, non-toxic, and are CPSC compliant. We use both Food grade Silicone and Medical Grade Silicone which are free of BPA, PVC, Phthalates and latex.
Current product certification includes Small Parts, Use & Abuse and CPC.
Before each use, complete the pull test inspection, pulling the nipple/product in all directions. Check for damages such as cracks, tears, and/or excessive wear. If damaged, discard immediately.
We encourage you to visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for additional education for any questions you might have!
YES! Each Cutie Product has an approximate lifespan of use. Each Cutie product should be discarded at first sign of damage or after the product has reached its estimated lifespan; whichever comes first.
An authentic Ryan And Rose product has been thoughtfully designed and produced with safe materials. Each Ryan And Rose product is manufactured, packaged, and shipped to the consumer with recognizable branding.
Each Cutie Product showcases the Ryan And Rose logo {RR}. Additional information may also be visible; Cutie PAT stages and/or washing instructions.
Look for the distinctive markings which make each product an authentic Ryan And Rose item.
Ryan And Rose products come individually packaged in resealable plastic bags. Each item is identified by the details on the package, which also includes cleaning instructions and general information/disclaimers.
A knockoff is a counterfeit item which has been produced to resemble, or mimic, the appearance of our products. Knockoffs are a huge safety concern, as many are not safety tested and use unknown materials in their construction. When purchasing Ryan And Rose products, we encourage you to purchase them directly from Ryan And Rose, Amazon, Target, and other certified retailers. If you have any questions in regards to the authenticity of a product, please email info@ryanandrose.co.
Giving has always been a top priority at Ryan And Rose. To date, over $570,080 has been given to local charities. We support Engage Memphis, Memphis Family Connection Center, POI Global, Keesha Warrior Princess, Donors Choose, and other various organizations. We also match the giving of our employees!
We love being able to give back to our customers and their respective communities. At this time, we do not offer monetary donations. If interested in having Ryan & Rose donate to an organization, charity, non-profit, or hospital, please reach out via email to info@ryanandrose.co. For non-profits, we’ll need to see a copy of the organization’s 501 3 c form. For hospitals, a letter of acceptance from HR will need to be received.
Yes! We offer 5% Cutie Cash back (on the whole dollar) on all www.ryanandrose.co purchases! We also have a referral program. When referring a first-time customer to our site, they will receive $5 off their first purchase of $12 or more and you will receive $5 once they’ve completed their purchase!
Create a Ryan And Rose customer account here. Once your account is set up, your referral information can be found on your account page!
You can access your personalized referral link from your account page or the refer tab on the website homepage. We recommend sharing your link with your friends across social media!
You can text, FB share, FB messenger, email, tweet, or copy your link/copy directly from your account page and share with friends, family, or on social media. Referral links/codes can NOT be shared on coupon sharing sites. Doing so will result in your link/code to be deactivated.
YES! If you refer a few friends, and they all make a first-time purchase using your link, your customer profile will reflect the total amount; combined. You can choose as little, or much, as you’d like. Simply slide the bar at checkout to select the desired amount you’d like to apply to your purchase.
Unfortunately, Shopify will not allow customers to stack discount codes at checkout. You cannot combine a shop credit with any other offer.
No, Cutie Cash cannot go towards shipping charges.
Your referral link can be used by first-time customers.
Lindsey Ferrell is the CEO and Founder of Ryan & Rose! Read more about Lindsey
No! We have many remote team members that work all around the country!
Makers make all of our Cutie Clips! They’re both local and non-local! Many of our non-local makers were once competitors. We value the true meaning of originality and community over competition. By bringing them on to the Ryan And Rose team, we’ve been able to rise to the top and bring our customers the best of the best.
Cutie Clips were originally made by Lindsey out of her home. When Lindsey needed help making Cutie Clips, she reached out to local friends, previous students and others to help! Continuing to provide jobs to the local community has always meant a lot to Lindsey. Additionally, continuing to make beaded Cutie Clips locally saves on shipping costs, allows makers to receive hands on training and for thorough quality control within each step of making Cutie Clips.
Stringers connect and test string for Cutie Clips and are a major part of our operation!
To learn more about each team member visit the Meet The Team page.
Dr. Trey Fellers
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
The Cutie PAT Smile is an Orthodontic Pro pacifier that was patented and designed to prevent orthodontic issues such as anterior open bite, posterior crossbite, and increased over jet.
Ergonomics is key. My design, realized now as the Cutie PAT Smile, is preformed to the shape that other pacifiers must conform to in the child’s mouth. The preformed shape allows a more passive shape and not one that wants to rebound back to its original form. This promotes the most natural shape of a child’s developing palate and bite helping to reduce the three most common orthodontic malocclusions: anterior open bite, posterior crossbite, and increased overjet.
Yes! The Cutie PAT Smile is an Orthodontic Pro pacifier. This signifies that the pacifier was designed by a professional in the care of pediatric patients with the sole intent attempting to reduce negative orthodontic effects in your child’s mouth.
Anyone can label a pacifier as an “orthodontic pacifier” and it means nothing. The question is, does the pacifier that is labeled “orthodontic pacifier” thoughtfully attempt to reduce negative orthodontic effects in your child’s mouth? The Cutie PAT Smile does… so this would be what I would consider THE orthodontic pacifier.
Orthodontic Pro signifies that this pacifier was designed by a professional in the care of pediatric patients with the sole intent of helping children in their development.
What is special about the Cutie PAT Smile’s patented neck? The three most common orthodontic issues related to pacifier use are: anterior open bite, posterior lateral restriction (ultimately producing posterior crossbite), and increased overjet. I began to consider what a pacifier would look like if those three issues were the primary design motivators.
I began with an anterior open bite, which in my opinion, is the most harmful as it can lead to a tongue thrust habit and can get big quickly. The wider the mouth is opened during prolonged pacifier use, the more the posterior teeth will super erupt and the more potential for anterior open bite
The patented shape that I created is designed to allow the most “closed” position that a child can have with a pacifier. This alone will help to significantly reduce the potential of anterior open bite and subsequent tongue thrust.
Anterior open bite is when a bite where the posterior teeth are touching, and the anterior upper and lower teeth are not overlapping or have space between them.
The Cutie PAT’s wide nipple was designed to help prevent posterior restriction leading ultimately to posterior crossbite.
When a child is actively sucking on the pacifier, the Masseter Muscles are constricting. The constricting Masseter Muscles are overlying the upper arch but not the lower. In turn, the upper arch is often inhibited from growing laterally as quickly as the lower arch thus making the circumference of the upper arch smaller and most often a narrower v-shaped arch than the lower.
The frequency and the force of the pacifier sucking plays the largest role in this malocclusion however by offering a wide nipple that presses outwardly on the upper arch, the Cutie PAT Smile is thoughtfully reducing the potential for this issue.
Posterior crossbite is a malalignment of the teeth and occlusion in such a way the upper posterior teeth are not hitting the lower posterior teeth in their natural occlusion. The upper arch is smaller in circumference than the lower arch..naturally it should be the opposite.
I was convicted to try and help a common problem that I saw every day in my office with children affected negatively by the pacifier. I started working on the Smile nipple in 2015, patented in 2020 and reached out to Ryan & Rose soon after! Patent # US D887,566 S
The Cutie PAT Smile was designed to be the only pacifier that your baby should need; it was designed for babies with and without teeth. The Babies can start and end with a Cutie PAT Smile during their use of a pacifier. As the intent of the Cutie PAT Smile is to promote natural retention of the baby’s oral anatomy, I would certainly recommend this pacifier to be the starting point. If the baby enjoys it, stay with it. If your child prefers another style of pacifier, I would recommend having a Cutie PAT Smile that you could continue to introduce in hopes that they will accept and switch to it as early as possible. I do understand that babies can be very picky and that all babies are different. Often, babies will stay with the first pacifier that they are given but, certainly not always. In my opinion, it’s worth a periodic introduction of the Cutie PAT Smile to see if your child accepts a change.
The Cutie PAT Smile aims to help retain the child’s natural oral hard tissue shape, which is ideal for both breastfed and non-breastfed babies.
After I was awarded the patent for my design, I was counseling a mother on appropriate pacifier use and told her that I had a pacifier that I believed would be beneficial to all children, but I did not have a clue how to get it out there. She raved about the company Ryan & Rose, their products, and their company philosophy. At the end of the day, I looked them up and knew that that was who I should contact. Their values, focus on innovation, care for children and families and love of the Lord is what set them apart.
I recommend getting your child off the pacifier at 2 years old or when negative orthodontic changes are noted. The ADA and the AADP do not recommend pacifiers past the age of three. In my experience over the years, the cold turkey” method is the best. (don’t keep one in the drawer or they will smell it out!) With the patented design, my hope is that the Cutie PAT smile may offer a “buffer” to those parents that can’t seem to go cold turkey at 2 years of age.
Cara Dumaplin
Founder of Taking Cara Babies
Babies often have the drive to suck even after a full feeding. This is called “non-nutritive sucking.” In other words, babies want to suck even without gaining nutrition and calories from food. You may be wondering, “Does this benefit my baby in any way?”
Non-nutritive sucking does benefit your little one in several ways, such as promoting relaxation, providing comfort, releasing endorphins in the brain, and for many parents, it can be a helpful tool to encourage your little one to sleep.
Many new parents are concerned about breastfeeding success and nipple confusion; however, I do have good news for you! Research shows us that nursing mothers who offer a pacifier to their baby are just as successful with breastfeeding as those who don’t.
If you are concerned about nipple confusion and the myths surrounding it, there is research that addresses this myth directly. The research actually shows that there is no evidence for pacifier use causing a decrease in breastfeeding success. Studies show that limiting pacifier use actually resulted in decreased rates of exclusive breastfeeding.
Bottom line: Whether you are breast or bottle feeding, it’s okay to offer your baby a pacifier in the first few weeks of life. You don’t have to fear nipple confusion.
Yes! The American Academy of Pediatrics reports a significant reduction of SIDS with pacifier use.
Yes, pacifiers are safe during sleep and are even recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for daytime naps and nighttime sleep.
First, know that some babies love a pacifier and will take to it immediately. Others will not take a pacifier ever, and that’s okay too. My experience indicates that if a baby won’t accept a pacifier by 10 weeks of age then they may not ever accept one, but you can certainly keep trying.
To offer a pacifier, apply firm pressure on the top middle section of your baby’s tongue. Move the pacifier in firm circles around your baby’s mouth. (Avoid the tip of the tongue as this will elicit the tongue-thrust reflex.) If you’re not having success, try applying a bit of breast milk or formula to the pacifier nipple. Don’t let a gag scare you or convince you that your baby hates the pacifier. Remove the pacifier briefly and try again in the middle of the tongue with a firm, but gentle downward pressure.
Expert Tip: If your little one is refusing a pacifier, offer it when your baby is calm rather than upset. Consider swaddling his/her arms so your baby feels secure. Try different nipple shapes and sizes before deciding that your baby isn’t interested. Babies may refuse one type, but have a strong preference for another size or shape.
Once your little one is about 5-6 months of age, I have a fun game to play with your baby to help teach and reinforce the skill of independently replacing the pacifier.
It’s called “The Binky Game.”
It goes like this:
1. Place 4-5 pacifiers around your baby.
2. Help her get a pacifier to her mouth.
3. Clap and praise her once she places it in her mouth.
4. Repeat these steps multiple times a day to teach her to replace the pacifier on her own.
With practice and repetition, your baby will soon be able to use this skill during the night and at naps to replace the pacifier all by herself.
Expert Tip: Place several pacifiers in the crib to make it easier for your baby to find them in the dark.
Eliminating the pacifier is a personal decision to be made by parents based upon what is best for each individual baby. Some find that the pacifier causes undue stress and frustration and these parents choose to eliminate it in the first few months. Others love the pacifier and maintain it well into the toddler years.
What do doctors and dentists say?
Some pediatricians recommend weaning the pacifier at 6-9 months. Others say it is beneficial to wait until after the first birthday when the need to suck decreases. Still others say it’s best to wean at age 2 or later when children have a better understanding of why it is no longer available.
Many dentists say to eliminate pacifier use by the time adult teeth are emerging to prevent any sort of tooth damage.
Remember, YOU are the parent and YOU know this child best, so YOU get to decide when the time is right to wean the pacifier.
When it comes to using (or not using) a pacifier, there truly isn’t a right or wrong way to approach it. I believe it can be an incredibly helpful tool for many babies in the first months (or years) of life, with benefits that far outweigh the drawbacks. For other babies, a pacifier might not ever be appealing...and that’s okay too!
It ultimately comes down to the personal preferences of both parents and babies. Whether your little one loves the pacifier or you choose to do without it, it’s possible to have a happy, healthy, and well-rested baby.
Speech Sisters - Brooke and Bridget
speechsisters
speechsisters.com
Pacifiers can affect speech development for babies and toddlers if a pacifier is used too frequently. When toddlers have the pacifier in their mouths during “talk time” it can negatively impact the way they produce sounds which may lead to articulation problems down the road.
We have more specific recommendations in our blog post here: https://www.ryanandrose.co/blogs/ryan-rose-blog/pacifiers-and-speech
The most effective thing you can do for speech development is make sure the pacifier is taken out of their mouth when they are talking. A pacifier can limit opportunities to talk and can also cause unnatural position of the tongue, lips and jaw, which can distort a child’s speech.
If thumb sucking does occur, both pacifier use and thumb sucking are essentially the same in the way they affect speech development. Therefore, the same elimination plan applies.
Read more about pacifier elimination in our blog post here: https://www.ryanandrose.co/blogs/ryan-rose-blog/pacifiers-and-speech
If your baby has an oral motor weakness, there would be other signs as well. He or she would likely have motor weakness or be considered low-tone throughout their body, also causing feeding problems.
Hannah Reed
Hannah currently works with Matrix Rehab in Germantown, Tennessee, as well as LeBonheur Children's Hospital through the Methodist Healthcare system. She specializes in oral motor feeding therapy & has been working in the medical field for the last 8 years! She has 2 little boys, one that has Down syndrome & has worked through a lot of oral motor/sensory feeding issues & she has a baby girl on the way! Her family loves to travel, swim, play outside & visit their favorite place often, Walt Disney World!
Yes! There are many other people that can benefit from using the Cutie Spoovel!
Here are a few to mention:
- Those with diseases like Alzheimer’s that are unfortunately losing/or have lost some of their range of motion with their mouth/tongue muscles.
- People that have been in accidents where their mouth, lips, tongue, neck have been affected and may need assistance
- Kids with genetic disorders: Down syndrome, noonan syndrome, and other chromosomal abnormalities
- Preemies with continued delays
- Kids with autism that have oral motor and/or sensory deficits
I love the size and feeling of the spoovel for kids with sensory needs. This is often a more preferred material than a hard plastic spoon. I also love that it is flat, so it gives our kids with reduced oral motor skills the ability to remove the food from the Spoovel more easily than a child's traditional spoon that has a large "lip" on it.
Yes! Transitional spoons scoop upward making it difficult for people to take the food off the spoon. The open front design of the Cutie Spoovel helps aid in bolus extraction!
As Lindsey often says, "all babies are different." I work with a lot of babies that have difficulty with bottle feeding and breast feeding. One thing I've learned through my work is that some babies will go through 5 different bottles before we find the right one to work with their lips/tongue/jaw structure, offers the right latch & that the baby prefers. The variety of Cutie PAT options allows the same idea
The Cutie Tensil is one of my favorite products on the market. I tend to start spoon feeding with my babies around 6-8 months of age. At this age, my goal is not volume or perfection on getting the food in the mouth. My goal is “exploration.” The Cutie Tensil is the perfect size for our little ones to hold and explore. As they become more curious, the design of the Cutie Tensil that allows them to “scoop, shovel, & stab” is brilliant. So many skills to work on with one little tool improving oral motor skills & fine motor skills.