Should I give baby a pacifier on flight?

[User1983]

I’m taking a 7 hour flight with my will be 10 month old. He has never had a pacifier as I have actively avoided it. I’m worried he is going to cry especially during take off and landing but at the same time don’t want him to a- want a pacifier all the time (although I imagine this is unlikely after 2 flights) or b- not find it soothing and still cry because he hasn’t had one before.

Any suggestions for alternatives? Can I just give him a bottle during take off and landing?

Thanks

Sucking on a dummy /bottle can prevent little ears from popping on take off /land!

Just give him a bottle.

No idea why people are so snobby about dummies though when they are thought to help reduce the SIDS risk and can be excellent at settling colicky babies.

Thanks. The reason for not giving it is it is just another thing I didn't want to wean him off and he has never been colicky or a particular crier so has never needed one. Although the sids prevention was the only upside I could see.

I seriously doubt he’d take a dummy at 7 months if he’s never had one before. Most likely he’ll just spit it out. Just give him a bottle (or boob if breastfeeding) during take off/landing as swallowing can help the ears. Mine always passes out as soon as the engines start though and always sleep through take off even if it’s not nap time, it must be the white noise!

Yes to the bottle.
Agree with pp that he is highly unlikely to accept a dummy for the first time at his age.
Hope it goes well!

Why don’t you breastfeed him during takeoff and landing? Then he gets the comfort and it will help his ears.

Thanks for the tips. I'll make sure to give him a bottle for take off and landing