Leanne Sherred, M.S., CCC-SLP
Research does not clearly link pacifier use to language delays. But long-term use of pacifiers may raise the risk of speech-sound problems, such as lisps and dental changes that affect speech. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends stopping pacifier use by age 3. Many speech therapists recommend starting the weaning process closer to age 2 to protect clear speech. In this article, we discuss how pacifiers may affect speech development and share tips for weaning your child.
Key takeaways
Pacifier use is not clearly linked to language delays. However, a recent study found that more pacifier use was associated with lower vocabulary scores, so more research is needed in this area.
Long-term pacifier use may raise the risk of speech-sound problems. Changes to the teeth, palate, and tongue may affect how clearly some children produce speech sounds.
Many speech therapists recommend starting to wean a child from the pacifier around age 2. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends stopping pacifier use by age 3.
Pacifiers can have benefits for babies. They can provide comfort and are linked to a lower risk of SIDS when offered during naps and bedtime.
If you're concerned about your child's speech, support is available. A speech-language evaluation can help you understand whether your child may benefit from speech therapy.
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Screener for childrenCan a pacifier cause a speech delay?
The short answer: Using a pacifier during early infancy is unlikely to cause a speech delay. However, research suggests that prolonged pacifier use, especially past age 2 to 3, may be linked to a higher risk of speech-sound problems. This is different from a language delay.
Speech-sound problems affect how a child says sounds and words. One example is a lisp, which affects the way a child produces “s” and “z” sounds. Long-term pacifier use may also affect how the teeth, palate (roof of the mouth), and tongue develop and move, which can affect speech-sound production.
“That doesn't mean pacifiers are all bad!” says Expressable speech therapist Alexis Irazoque, M.S., L/SLP. “They can be a helpful tool in early infancy.” In fact, pacifier use has been linked to a lower risk of SIDS in babies when offered during naps and bedtime. The key, Irazoque says, is knowing when and how to wean your child off the pacifier to support their speech skills. We explain more below!
Learn the differences between a speech delay and a speech sound disorder and how to know if your child might need speech therapy.
How can a pacifier affect your child’s ability to talk?
Pacifiers can affect a child's speech and oral development. A child's communication skills and oral structures change quickly during the first few years of life. It’s important to understand the potential effects of long-term pacifier use, so you know when to begin weaning your child off.
Here are 4 ways a pacifier may affect your child's speech development:
1 Lisps
Frequent pacifier use in young toddlers may affect the way the tongue rests and moves in the mouth. Over time, changes in the teeth and oral structures may affect how a child pronounces certain speech sounds, including “s” and “z.” This can lead to a lisp or other speech-sound errors. You can read more about lisps here.
2 Limited speech
As your child learns to communicate, you want to give them plenty of chances to use words, join in conversation, and put their new skills into practice. When a pacifier is in their mouth, it can make it harder to talk clearly or practice speaking.
For example, one 2024 study of more than 1,100 toddlers found that greater pacifier use was associated with a smaller vocabulary. The researchers found that pacifier use later in infancy and early childhood was more strongly linked to lower vocabulary scores than pacifier use earlier in life. While these findings do not show that pacifier use causes language delays, they suggest that long-term or frequent use may be linked to language development.
The expert guide to speech delays in toddlers and children. Learn the signs and causes of a speech delay and how you can help your child at home.
3 Mouth structure
Sucking for long periods of time may affect the way your child's teeth and palate develop. These changes can affect the way the tongue moves and rests in the mouth, which may influence speech-sound production. Long-term pacifier use has also been linked to changes in oral structures, including an open bite or changes to the roof of the mouth.
4 Swallowing
Long-term pacifier use may also affect the way the tongue and other muscles of the mouth develop and work together. These changes may affect how some children learn to swallow, which can cause feeding problems as well as trouble pronouncing certain sounds or words.
"Many parents don’t realize that a pacifier can serve a different purpose at different ages,” Irazoque says. “For a 6-month-old, it can be a helpful way to soothe. But as children get older, frequent pacifier use can affect how the mouth and teeth develop and may increase the risk of speech-sound problems. That’s why we encourage families to start weaning during the toddler years."
When should I stop the pacifier?
There’s no single age that works for every child. But it’s a good idea to start weaning your child from the pacifier during the toddler years. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends stopping pacifier use by age 3 to help protect your child’s teeth and oral development.
Many speech therapists recommend starting the weaning process closer to age 2, especially as children begin using more sounds and words. “If your child is older than 2 and still uses a pacifier, don’t panic,” Irazoque says. “Instead, start cutting back on pacifier use, especially during the day. You can work toward using it only at naps and bedtime before stopping it completely.”
As children get older, the pacifier can become a harder habit to break. Long-term use may increase the risk of dental problems and ear infections. It may also affect the way the teeth, tongue, and mouth develop, which can play a role in speech-sound production.
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Find a speech therapistWhat should I do if my child’s speech is affected by a pacifier?
One of the most important steps is to gradually reduce, and eventually stop, pacifier use. As children grow, the risks of extended pacifier use can start to outweigh the benefits. While some children naturally give up their pacifier, others may need a little extra help.
Tips for weaning your child off a pacifier
Here are some ways to ease the transition and naturally help your toddler stop using their binky:
Limit pacifier use: If you’ve been giving your child their pacifier at every waking moment, begin to slowly pull back on its use. You can save the pacifier for times of stress. Or you can set a schedule when the pacifier is allowed, such as before bedtime.
Find other ways to soothe: Help your child learn that they can feel calm and comforted without a pacifier. Offer extra cuddles, read a book together, sing a favorite song, or spend a few quiet minutes together when they need comfort.
Reading with your baby has big benefits for their language and speech development. Try these tips to make the most of storytime.
Be persistent: When a child is upset or having a meltdown, usually our first instinct is to reach for the pacifier. Weaning them off takes persistence. Plus, there could be many other reasons your child is crying: maybe they're hungry, or need a diaper change, or they're simply bored.
Use praise: Make sure to praise your child’s progress each time they choose not to use their pacifier. Compliment them and show how proud you are. You can even give them a small reward, like a small toy or sticker.
Go cold turkey: The verdict is still out on whether taking your child’s pacifier away (and never returning it) is an appropriate method. You have to decide what you think is best for your child. If you do remove their pacifier permanently, give your child a fair warning ahead of time, and get ready for tears and tantrums. What’s important is that you remain firm and not give in.
Pacifier alternatives for older toddlers
If your toddler is over 2 and having a hard time giving up the pacifier, try offering something that meets the same need for comfort and soothing. The best choice will depend on when and why your child wants their pacifier.
For sleep: Offer a soft lovey, small blanket, or favorite stuffed animal as part of your child's bedtime routine.
For comfort: Try a hug, sitting together, reading a book, or listening to a favorite song. These activities can give your child comfort without putting something in their mouth.
For busy or stressful times: Bring a small toy, sticker book, coloring activity, or another favorite activity for car rides, errands, or waiting rooms.
Some children enjoy activities that keep their hands busy, such as Play-Doh, coloring, or blowing bubbles. If your child seeks a lot of oral input (wants to put things in their mouth), talk with your pediatrician or speech therapist about safe options that may meet those needs.
Irazoque recommends against replacing the pacifier with another item that stays in your child's mouth for long periods, such as a bottle or sippy cup. Instead, offer comfort and connection in ways that give your child's mouth a break and support healthy oral development.
Our speech therapists explain the red flags for speech delay by age, key speech milestones to know, and when to schedule an evaluation.
When to seek support
Even after your child stops using a pacifier, you may still have questions about their speech development. Every child develops at their own pace, but if you're concerned about how your child communicates, it's OK to ask for help!
For a broader overview of expected milestones, speech delay causes, and next steps, see our guide on speech delay in toddlers, and read about other causes of speech delay beyond pacifier use.
How speech therapy helps toddlers
If you're worried about your child's speech, a speech evaluation is a great first step. A licensed speech therapist can assess your child's communication skills and create a personalized plan to help them thrive. Whether your child needs support with oral motor development, speech sounds, or using more words, early intervention can make a big difference. Research shows that the earlier children receive speech therapy, the better their long-term outcomes.
Remember, a speech delay doesn't define your child's future. With the right support, they can grow into a confident, expressive communicator. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
If you're concerned about your child's speech, don't hesitate to reach out. Get matched with a speech therapist who's the right fit for your family. We're here to help!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Not directly. Research is mixed on whether pacifier use is linked to language delays, such as a smaller vocabulary or slower language growth. Some research suggests that long-term pacifier use, especially past age 2, may be linked to speech-sound problems, such as a lisp. Prolonged pacifier use may also affect the teeth, palate, and tongue position, which can affect how your child pronounces speech sounds. Experts recommend weaning your child from the pacifier by age 3.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends stopping pacifier use by age 3 to help protect your child's teeth and oral development. Many speech therapists recommend starting to wean closer to age 2, especially as children begin using more sounds and words. You can start by limiting daytime use, then work toward using the pacifier only for naps and bedtime, before stopping it completely. If your child is older than 3 and still uses a pacifier, don't panic! Talk with your pediatrician or speech therapist about a plan that works for your child.
No type of pacifier has been proven to prevent speech-sound problems. Some parents and dentists prefer flat or orthodontic-shaped pacifiers. But how often and how long your child uses a pacifier is likely more important than its shape. If your child has a lisp, changes in their front teeth, or other speech concerns, switching to a different pacifier may not make a difference. Weaning from the pacifier and talking with a speech therapist can help you decide whether your child needs more support.
How Expressable Can Help
Concerned your child isn't reaching age-expected milestones? Looking for communication support from a professional? Expressable is a national online speech and occupational therapy practice serving children and adults. We treat all major areas of communication, feeding, and developmental skills, offer flexible hours including evenings and weekends, and accept most major health insurance plans. We’re proud to have earned more than 4,500 5-star reviews from our clients (4.83/5 average).
Our therapy model is centered on parent and caregiver involvement. Research proves that empowering caregivers to participate in their loved one’s therapy leads to better outcomes. That’s why we combine live, 1-on-1 speech and occupational therapy with personalized education and home practice activities for faster progress.
