Helping preterm babies learn to feed using scheduled pacifier use
Official title: The Effect of Routine Versus Random Pacifier Administration Methods on Feeding Maturity in Preterm Infants
Run by Acibadem University · NCT07273266 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether giving preterm babies a 5-minute pacifier before each feeding versus a 30-minute pacifier at random times helps them develop feeding skills faster and leave the hospital sooner.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 0 Days to 28 Days |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 62 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Acibadem University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Ataşehir) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 4, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 9, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07273266 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Clinically stable preterm infants who are within the first day of starting enteral feeding and who have no contraindication to pacifier use are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Infants who are intubated, have significant comorbid medical conditions, congenital anomalies, or any contraindication to pacifier use are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Preterm infants who are clinically stable and just starting enteral feeds are randomly assigned to one of two non-nutritive sucking (NNS) strategies: routine 5-minute pacifier use immediately before each feeding or a single 30-minute pacifier session at random times. The trial measures feeding maturity and related clinical outcomes including discharge weight, length of hospital stay, and gestational age at discharge. Infants with contraindications, major comorbidities, intubation, or congenital anomalies are excluded. The single-center study is conducted in the NICU at Acıbadem University in Istanbul and applies the assigned pacifier protocol during the transition from tube to oral feeding.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, routine brief pacifier use before feeds could speed feeding skill development, improve weight gain, and shorten hospital stays for preterm infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research supports that non-nutritive sucking often helps preterm infants transition to full oral feeding and improves sucking organization, but head-to-head comparisons of specific timing and duration protocols are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Preterm * who are clinically stable, and * who are within the first day of initiating enteral feeding. Exclusion Criteria: * Newborns who have a contraindication to pacifier use * have comorbid medical conditions * who are intubated * have congenital anomalies
Where it's running
-
Acıbadem University
Istanbul, Ataşehir, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Serdar Beken — Acibadem University
- Study coordinator: Zehra Kan Öntürk, Assoc.Prof.
- Email: zehrakan@gmail.com
- Phone: 0265004163
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.