Adult Pacifiers: A Growing Trend for Stress Relief
When life feels overwhelming, some adults are reaching for an unexpected comfort: pacifiers. What once seemed purely a child’s object is now a rising stress-relief fad among young professionals in China—and the trend is spreading.
On major platforms like Taobao and JD.com, sales of adult-sized pacifiers have surged, with prices ranging from $1.40 to $70. Sellers market them as aids for sleep, anxiety relief, and even smoking cessation. Reports suggest that thousands are sold each month.
Why the Appeal?
For many, the comfort is less about novelty than nostalgia. One user explained that during long, stressful workdays, the pacifier evokes a childhood sense of safety and calm. Others claim it eases tension, replacing melatonin tablets, meditation apps, or cigarettes.
On TikTok, the fad has gained traction among American users too—some showcasing pacifiers during commutes or study sessions. A few even suggest it helps with ADHD-related restlessness or stress management, though such claims remain anecdotal.
The Warnings
Experts urge caution. Dr. Tang Caomin, a Sichuan-based dentist, warns that prolonged use can shift teeth, strain the jaw, and limit airflow during sleep—posing real risks if adopted long-term. Critics suggest safer oral substitutes, like chewing gum or lollipops, which provide similar comfort without significant dental or respiratory hazards.
A Symptom of Larger Pressures
Psychologists view the trend as part of a broader reality: many young adults are seeking ways to cope with relentless social and economic pressures. Turning to objects of childhood comfort may symbolize both vulnerability and resilience. Like the rise of “Adulting 101” classes teaching basic life skills, the pacifier trend reflects deeper anxieties about responsibility and the demands of modern life.
Beyond the Surface
While some dismiss the practice as strange, its popularity points to a universal truth: people crave spaces of safety when the world feels heavy. For a few, that safe space takes the form of a pacifier—a reminder of simpler times, and of the human need for relief in the face of mounting pressure.