[<33]

it seems obvious with blankets, overheating, but i dont get how the pacifier reduces the risk, does anyone know?

[Jillian]

because the constant sucking reminds them to breath and they typically dont fall into a level 3 sleep ( deep sleep where apnea is more likely to occur) when they have one. i never used one with ym son but i co-sleep and nurse on demand, which also reduces the risk for sids

[Coco L]

I think it encourages them to use their sucking reflex, which sort of wakes their brain up a bit.

[carebear]

The sucking does help. Also it helps keep the baby happy on their back. Which keeps them from wanting to roll over or parents wanting to pu them on their tummies.

It has to deal with keeping the babies in a certain level of sleep. If a part of your body is continually being used (even if it's just a natural sucking instinct), it keeps their brain somewhat active and doesn't allow them fall into the deep deep level of sleep (can't remember what it's called). I was anti paci until the dr told me that AAP recommends them at nap and bedtime. I tried to introduce one to my 7 week old and she won't have anything to do with it and we've been trying for a couple weeks for her to take it.

It's not the pacifier, it's the suckling.Babies who nurse on demand have lower rates of SIDS, that's WHY the scientists found a link between pacifiers and a decrease in the instances of SIDS, but they didn't look at the underlying cause. When a baby suckles they don't fall as far into a deep sleep as when a baby is left alone. It's not the pacifier, it's the suckling. Think about it.