What tool would be most beneficial for the comfort of a preterm infant with no complications?

A developmentally appropriate pacifier is a valuable tool for providing comfort to a preterm infant who has no complications. It serves multiple purposes that benefit the infant's physical and emotional well-being. Sucking on a pacifier can help a preterm infant meet their natural developmental need for oral stimulation, which can promote the development of oral motor skills. Additionally, using a pacifier can provide non-nutritive sucking, which is known to have soothing effects and can help reduce stress for the infant, potentially leading to improved physiological stability, including heart rate and oxygen saturation.

Though other options, such as a soft blanket, music therapy, and a swaddle wrap, also contribute to comfort, a developmentally appropriate pacifier specifically addresses both the oral sensory needs and calming responses crucial for preterm infants. The unique benefits of a pacifier, particularly in facilitating self-soothing behaviors and fostering security, make it the most advantageous choice in this context.