More young adults are turning to pacifiers as a form of self soothing in China. Photo credit: AJR Photo/Shutterstock
In China, a surprising new stress-relief trend is emerging among young adults: the use of baby dummies. Once exclusively associated with infants, these small comfort objects are now being embraced by grown-ups seeking a way to manage anxiety, relax, and find a moment of calm in their hectic lives.
Social media platforms in China have become hubs for this unusual coping mechanism, with videos and images showing adults quietly sucking on dummies while working at their desks, commuting on public transport, or relaxing at home. Many participants describe it as a soothing ritual that helps them cope with mounting pressures from work, relationships, and financial strain.
The trend reflects deeper issues within Chinese society, particularly the mental health challenges faced by younger generations. Long working hours, competitive job markets, and the rising cost of living have created a climate where stress levels are at an all-time high. For some, turning to a dummy is a simple, inexpensive, and instantly accessible comfort, similar to how others might reach for a stress ball, fidget toy, or comfort food. Psychologists note that the physical act of sucking can trigger a calming response in the nervous system, lowering heart rate and easing anxiety. This mechanism, known as the “suck reflex,” is a primal comfort behaviour rooted in infancy. While some critics dismiss the practice as immature or socially inappropriate, supporters argue that it’s simply another form of self-soothing, no different from other personal coping strategies.
Retailers have noticed the growing demand, with online marketplaces offering adult-sized dummies in various designs, colours, and materials. Some products even feature humorous or stylish designs to make them more socially acceptable in public.
Although the practice is still niche, it raises questions about how modern adults are finding unconventional ways to cope with stress and emotional fatigue. Whether this trend will fade or become a lasting part of stress-relief culture in China remains to be seen, but for now, a growing number of young people are finding comfort in an object once reserved for the nursery.
