Non-nutritive Sucking in Preterm Infants-simple Intervention with Substantial Benefits

Preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality globally. One of the developmental challenges in preterm infants is the immaturity of the sucking-swallowing-breathing triad, which hinders successful oral feeding. Non-Nutritive Sucking (NNS) is an innate reflex in neonates that involves sucking motions without the intake of nutrition. This behaviour, often facilitated by pacifiers or a gloved finger, plays a vital role in neurodevelopment, feeding maturity, and physiological regulation in preterm infants. Recent studies also highlight its psychological and lactational benefits for mothers. This review presents a synthesis of current evidence supporting NNS as a low-cost, non-invasive intervention with multidimensional benefits for both preterm infants and their mothers.