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Infant care guide

The big three—feeding, soothing and sleep—take up all our time and energy as new mamas, but we’re all about making life easier.

In partnership with

MAM

FEATURED ARTICLE

We love MAM’s pacifiers (and so do pediatric dentists): Here’s why

It’s not *just* the fact that their glow-in-the-dark version means less scrambling after lights out.

Read more

FEATURED ARTICLE

New mom must-haves: Here’s what we love about MAM’s bottles and why they top our list

For one, they couldn’t be easier to clean.

Read more

MotherlyLoves: Feeding and soothing essentials

MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle, 5 OZ, 2 Pack, Girl
MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle, 5 OZ, 2 Pack, Girl
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MAM Comfort Pacifier, 2 Pack, Boy
MAM Comfort Pacifier, 2 Pack, Boy
SHOP NOW
MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle, 5 OZ, 2 Pack, Boy
MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle, 5 OZ, 2 Pack, Boy
SHOP NOW
MAM Night Pacifier, 0-6 Months, 2 Pack, Girl
MAM Night Pacifier, 0-6 Months, 2 Pack, Girl
SHOP NOW
MAM Night Pacifier, 6+ Months, Boy
MAM Night Pacifier, 6+ Months, Boy
SHOP NOW
MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle, 9 OZ, 2 Pack, Girl
MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle, 9 OZ, 2 Pack, Girl
SHOP NOW
MAM Original Start Matte Pacifier, 0-3 Months, 2 Pack, Boy
MAM Original Start Matte Pacifier, 0-3 Months, 2 Pack, Boy
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MAM Comfort Pacifier, 2 Pack, Girl
MAM Comfort Pacifier, 2 Pack, Girl
SHOP NOW

Top tips for bottle feeding & pacifier soothing

Use pacifiers for sleep safety

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends giving your baby a pacifier at sleep time (both for naps and at night!) to help reduce the risk of SIDS.

Wake up for feedings

Start by unswaddling your baby and lightly stroking their face to help them wake up and make sure they’re alert for feeding time.

Fend off colic

MAM's anti-colic bottle is a game-changer thanks to its unique vented base that reduces gas. Unlike other bottles that have tricky small parts, MAM's design makes cleaning a breeze with large, easy-to-clean components.

Stay slow and steady

For younger babies, use a slow-flow nipple to avoid gulping. This is especially important if you're breastfeeding, as it mimics the natural letdown and encourages a more paced feeding.

Take burp breaks

Aim to burp your baby after every feed, though some babies may need to take breaks every few minutes during a feeding—watch for cues that your baby is gassy.

Soothe tummy troubles

Pacifiers can help ease stomach discomfort and aid in digestion for your little one by encouraging relaxation and calming the nervous system.

Hunt for the perfect pacifier

Not all pacifiers are the same. If your baby doesn’t like the first one (or two, or three), keep trying! We recommend MAM's Newborn Variety Pack, which includes three pacifiers, each developed alongside pediatric dentists, giving you multiple options to find the right fit.

Make introducing the pacifier fun

To introduce a pacifier, gently stimulate your baby’s lower lip and tip of the tongue and wait for the suckling reflex. It might take a few tries, so make it fun and playful to get your baby excited.

Encourage self-soothing with a pacifier

Pacifier use can be a safe and effective way for babies to self-soothe, reducing stress through the natural suckling action. Unlike thumb-sucking, which can be difficult to stop, pacifiers are easier to phase out since they’re not attached to your baby, giving you more control over the habit. Aim to wean off pacifier use before age 4 to support proper tooth development.

Learn more

This dedicated resource is packed with expert tips and practical products to help you every step of the way. From dentist-approved pacifiers to bottles that keep babies more comfortable, we want to make it simple for you to get the essentials you need — so you can focus on the sweetness of your little one (and maybe a little time for yourself).

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