When life gets overwhelming, some adults are turning to an unexpected stress reliever: pacifiers. The trend is booming in China, where young professionals are swapping out melatonin, meditation apps, and even cigarettes for adult-sized binkies. On e-commerce platforms like Taobao and JD.com, sales are skyrocketing, with prices ranging from $1.40 to $70.
Sellers market them as sleep aids, stress relievers, and tools for quitting smoking, and some report selling thousands each month. Fans say the comfort is real. “When work gets stressful, it gives me a comforting sense of childhood security,” one user explained. But experts warn of risks. Sichuan dentist Dr. Tang Caomin cautions that prolonged use can shift teeth, strain the jaw, and even restrict airflow during sleep, creating potential dangers.
The fad has already jumped to TikTok, where American users show off their pacifiers during commutes, study sessions, and work breaks. Some claim they help with ADHD or stress relief, while others admit long-term dependence. Critics, meanwhile, suggest alternatives like gum or lollipops.
Psychologists see the craze as part of a bigger picture: young adults struggling to cope with modern pressures and seeking comfort in childlike habits. Similar trends, like “Adulting 101” classes that teach basic life skills, highlight the same anxieties. For some, growing up is tough — and the solution might just be a pacifier.
