Pacifier Usage Among Saudi Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background/Objectives: Pacifier use in infants has both beneficial and harmful implications, and dipping pacifiers in sweeteners is used by some parents to soothe infants. This study aimed to assess pacifier usage among mothers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and to examine its association with child demographics, maternal socioeconomic status (SES), and maternal knowledge of the risks associated with dipping pacifiers in sweeteners. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers of healthy children aged 2 to 4 years during community-awareness events in Jeddah. Participants completed a validated Arabic questionnaire covering pacifier use patterns, feeding practices, SES background, and knowledge regarding the adverse effects of pacifier sweetening. Results: A total of 1438 mothers participated. The mean age of children was 34.3 ± 10.7 months, with 441 children (30.7%) reported as pacifier users. Among them, 202 (45.8%) used pacifiers both during the day and at night. Most children (35.6%) discontinued use between 4 and 6 months of age. Only 6.1% of mothers reported adding sweeteners to pacifiers. Pacifier usage was significantly higher among first-born children (37.6%, p < 0.001), those who received both bottle- and breastfeeding (65.5%, p < 0.001), and children enrolled in nursery (62.1%, p = 0.007). Most mothers (75.6%) were aware of the link between sweetened pacifiers and dental caries, and 69.4% of those who had this knowledge avoided giving their child a pacifier (p = 0.077). Conclusions: Birth order, feeding practices, and nursery attendance are key predictors of pacifier use. Enhancing parental awareness and education may support early interventions to promote healthier oral and feeding habits in young children.