Pacifiers: many babies love them… but when it comes to sleep training, they can become a major source of frustration. If you’ve ever played the endless “pacifier pop game” in the middle of the night, you know exactly what that means.

In this episode of How Long ’Til Bedtime?, pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi breaks down how pacifiers impact sleep, why you don’t necessarily have to ditch them, and the key shift that can make nights smoother for everyone.

What you’ll learn:

• Why pacifiers can both help and hinder sleep training

• The truth about whether you need to give them up completely

• How to end the exhausting “pacifier pop game” once and for all

• When (and how) babies can learn to replace their own pacifier

• Simple ways to encourage independence and better sleep

Allison also shares practical tips for helping babies practice finding their pacifier — and why a few extras in the crib can be a total game-changer.

💡 Want to know when it’s time to ditch the pacifier altogether? Be sure to listen back to Episode 20: Breaking Up With The Pacifier for step-by-step guidance.

🎧 Tune in now and learn how pacifiers can support — not sabotage — your child’s sleep.

Click here to listen to the episode on YouTube

From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep training—How Long ’Til Bedtime? is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips they can actually use.

Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, each episode delivers real solutions for every stage—from navigating newborn sleep struggles and weaning night feedings to helping your 3-year-old fall asleep independently (and stay asleep!). Whether you’re trying to make sense of daycare sleep patterns, craving your evenings back, or simply need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, you’re in the right place.

Want more from Allison? Sign up here to get her weekly email with podcast updates and other helpful parenting topics.

Looking for expert guidance on your child’s sleep? Allison offers two free age-specific guides to help you discover how much sleep kids need to thrive—at any age. Get your free copy now: 0-2 Years Old or 3 to 10 years old

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