WATCH: Adult pacifiers - the new trend for stress relief?
Is there a more interesting time to be alive?
As adults, we often dream of a simpler time - childhood.
With more responsibility, bills, 'adulting', and bodily pains, it feels like we're constantly stressed out and anxiety-ridden.
While many people use methods like running, hiking, sports, gym, and other forms of movement to decompress, it seems that some adults are turning to their childhood—literally.
If you thought the world is getting weirder by the day, it's about to get a whole lot more bizarre.
LISTEN: Gauteng residents admit to hilarious accidental crimes
In the new trend taking off in China; millennials are now infantilising to self-soothe. According to the latest trending videos, some adults say that using dummies can help with quitting smoking and getting better sleep.
Here's why some adults are making use of adult pacifiers:
-
Anxiety management: offering a simple, tactile way to self-soothe
-
ADHD coping: providing sensory stimulation that helps with focus
-
Sleep improvement: relaxing the jaw and signaling the brain to wind down
-
Quit smoking: acting as an oral substitute during nicotine withdrawal
LISTEN: The most popular fast food choices in SA, is yours on the list?
Watch some videos on the adult pacifier trend on TikTok below:
@thebeat925 Would you ever try an adult pacifier?! 👀 @Natasha Gargiulo @Lee Haberkorn @claudiamarquesonair #adultpacifier #radiostation #funnytiktok #reducingstress #fyp ♬ original sound - The Beat 92.5
@thebentist Why Using a Binky as an Adult SUCKS! 🦷🚫 #binky #teeth #adult ♬ original sound - The Bentist / Orthodontist 🦷
The hashtag, #adultpacifier, has gained millions of views, with influencers showing off pacifier designs, “stress-buster” bedtime routines, and humorous takes on the habit.
In some parts of China and South Korea, the adult pacifier market is even being marketed as a wellness accessory.
READ: Study reveals what kids really want... it's not what you think
Dentists and psychologists have raised some concerns, encouraging adults to be cautious about using pacifiers.
Prolonged use can lead to dental misalignment, jaw issues, or an overreliance on a comfort object for stress regulation. Some experts warn that while pacifiers may provide short-term relief, they should not replace healthier coping mechanisms like therapy, exercise, or mindfulness.
@dougiesharpe Adult pacifiers are the newest trend in China for people to manage the stress of everyday life #chinatrends #viraltrends #china #adultpacifier #interestingfacts #interestingfactsforyou #amazingfacts #amazingfactsforyou #amazingfactsministries #randomfacts #randomfactstiktok #randomfactsforyou #coolfacts #coolfactsyoudidntknow #coolfactz #factsdaily #factsoftheday #facts #factz #factsoftiktok #funfacts #funfactstoknow #funfactsoftheday #funfactsoftiktok #funfactsyoudidntknow ♬ original sound - Dougie
Tune in to 'The Drive with Rob & Roz', on weekdays from 16:00 – 19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media:
Image: Unsplash