# Impact of pacifier use and parenting characteristics on toddlers’ vocabulary development

## TL;DR

This study found that using pacifiers does not harm toddlers' vocabulary growth between 18 and 36 months.

## Contribution

The study challenges the assumption that pacifier use delays vocabulary development in toddlers.

## Key findings

- Pacifier use was not linked to smaller vocabulary size in toddlers.
- There was no negative effect on the acquisition of abstract words.
- Pacifier use correlated with feeding type and higher paternal efficacy.

## Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between pacifier use and early vocabulary development, specifically hypothesizing that pacifier use would correlate with a reduced overall vocabulary size and a specific underrepresentation of abstract words.

We recruited a sample of 98 typically developing children aged 18-36 months. Data collection included information on pacifier use, feeding habits, parenting styles, parental satisfaction, and vocabulary. Vocabulary was assessed using the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory.

Contrary to our initial hypotheses, we found no significant association between pacifier use and either overall vocabulary size or the acquisition of abstract words within this age range. However, we observed a correlation between pacifier use and feeding type, as well as an unexpected positive association with a higher paternal sense of efficacy. Pacifier use did not show a link to specific parenting styles.

Our findings suggest that pacifier use in children aged 18-36 months does not negatively impact early vocabulary development. While these results offer valuable insights, further research is warranted to explore the complex factors influencing language development and the potential long-term impact of pacifier use beyond 36 months of age.