Camilla Jessen
Experts warn the trend may do more harm than good.
From insomnia to work anxiety, thousands of young adults in China are biting down on baby pacifiers for relief.
But experts warn the trend may do more harm than good.
This was reported by the Chinese news site Sohu.
Grown-Ups Use Pacifiers to Deal with Modern Life
In a country where long working hours and financial pressure are part of daily life, a new stress-relief trend is gaining popularity in China: adult pacifiers.
Once seen only in nurseries, these silicone suckers are now being used by thousands of stressed-out adults as a way to relax, calm anxiety, or fall asleep more easily.
Price and Availability
Priced between 10 and 500 yuan (approx. $1.40 to $70), the pacifiers are popping up all over Chinese e-commerce platforms—many marketed as anti-anxiety or sleep aid products.
Some stores report selling thousands of units per month.
Why Adults Are Turning Back to Baby Habits
According to Chinese psychologists, this odd behavior can be explained by something called the “regression phenomenon.”
The theory suggests that under intense stress, adults may unconsciously revert to childlike behaviors—in this case, using pacifiers to replicate the comfort and security of infancy.
Many users report feeling immediate relief, with social media comments like “I definitely feel less stressed when I bite on it while working,” and “I sleep better with it.”
Experts Warn of Serious Health Risks
Dr. Tang Caomin from Sichuan University’s Huaxi College of Stomatology warns that adult mouths aren’t built for pacifier use,
“The oral structure of adults is completely different from that of babies,” said Dr. Tang. “The design and material of these products may not suit adult use.”
Symptoms
According to Dr. Tang, prolonged use of an adult pacifier may lead to:
- Jaw joint disorders, including pain, popping sounds, or difficulty opening the mouth
- Oral tissue damage, such as ulcers and mucosal injuries
- Breathing problems during sleep, with a small but real risk of suffocation
Online Craze, But Real Concerns
Online marketplaces in China are riding the wave of this strange trend, offering pacifiers in various shapes, sizes, and colors.
Some are marketed as “office stress busters,” others as “bedtime relaxers.”
But while the trend may seem harmless or even funny, experts caution that relying too heavily on such coping mechanisms might distract from healthier, long-term strategies for managing stress—like exercise, therapy, or social support.
One of the Strangest Trends Yet
From cow cuddling to rage rooms, the world has seen some strange ways to cope with pressure. But adult pacifiers may now rank among the most bizarre.
As one netizen put it, “Life is hard. If sucking on a pacifier makes it a little easier, who’s to judge?”
Still, doctors say: Think twice before making baby gear your go-to stress relief.
