At birth, a baby will reflexively suck any object placed in its mouth; this is the sucking reflex responsible for breastfeeding. From the very first time they engage in nutritive feeding, infants learn that the habit can not only provide valuable nourishment, but also a great deal of pleasure, comfort, and warmth. Whether from a mother, bottle, or pacifier, this behavior, over time, begins to become associated with a very strong, self-soothing, and pleasurable oral sensation.
At birth, a baby instinctively sucks any object placed in its mouth; this is the sucking reflex necessary for breastfeeding. From their first feeding experience, infants realize that this behavior can provide essential nourishment and great pleasure, comfort, and warmth. Over time, regardless of whether it comes from a mother, bottle, or pacifier, this action becomes strongly associated with a self-soothing and pleasurable oral sensation.