Step Number 9

Counsel mothers on the use and risks of feeding bottles, teats and pacifiers.

Protect mothers’ breastmilk supply by using alternative feeding devices and methods when necessary.

Why Step 9?

Images of baby bottles and pacifiers are deeply embedded in our culture, symbolizing a “new baby.” Pacifiers are used worldwide and many health care professionals and parents consider their use to be normal and even necessary. 

The use of pacifiers and artificial nipples with infants can interrupt or reduce the frequency of breastfeeding sessions, can indicate that the mother or baby is having problems with nursing and can interfere with establishing the mother’s milk supply. 

Research and clinical experience indicate avoiding pacifiers and artificial nipples or bottles for breastfeeding infants until nursing and the milk supply are well-established, which is typically around four to six weeks after birth.  Avoiding pacifiers and artificial nipples supports babies’ efforts to communicate their hunger, need for oral stimulation and bonding. It also encourages parents’ understanding of their baby’s “language” and promotes responsiveness to their baby’s needs.

Alternative feeding devices might include a small cup.
Quote from an Expert

“Given the documentation that early use of pacifiers may be associated with less successful breastfeeding, pacifier use in the neonatal period should be limited to specific medical situations.”

O’Connor NR, Tanabe KO, Siadaty MS, Hauck FR. Pacifiers and breastfeeding: a systematic review. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2009;163(4):378–382pmid:19349568 

Primary Goals of Step 9

  1. Educate mothers on the ways to maintain optimal breastfeeding when using bottles, pacifiers and artificial nipples.
  2. Teach parents alternative methods for soothing their infant and the appropriate time to introduce a pacifier. 
  3. Use alternative infant-feeding methods (e.g. syringe- or cup-feeding, spoon, etc.) when supplemental feeding is indicated.
  4. Educate mothers and family members on the proper cleaning of feeding utensils. 

Ten Step Self-Assessment

Use the Ten Step Self-Assessment to help you evaluate your progress for this step. This self- assessment document does not have to be submitted with application.

Download Step 9 Self-Assessment

New Applicants

  • Use document checklist (PDF) to ensure appropriate support documentation is included with application.
  • If your current practice does not meet these criteria, review the Ten Step Self-Assessment to assess how your facility might fully implement this step.

View Application and Support Documents

Re-Designation Applicants

  • Review your individual Ten Step Scorecard from the last designation for change recommendations.
  • Use the Ten Step Self-Assessment Tool to help plan for step-by-step improvement in any areas needed.
  • Review the Baby Friendly USA, Inc. Guidelines and Evaluation Criteria to view full standard for this step.

Download Baby Friendly Guidelines

Resources