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A pacifier can be a total lifesaver. But paci pickiness is real, and it’s tough to know which one your baby will prefer. So where to start?
Here are some questions you may find yourself asking about pacifiers and our picks for the best pacifiers for newborns, older babies and more.
Babies are born with a sucking reflex. This need to suck is vital for eating, of course, but can also act as a soothing mechanism for most babies.
You can introduce a pacifier at any time. If you are breastfeeding, some experts recommend waiting three to four weeks after your baby is born to offer a pacifier in order not to disrupt your nursing routine. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, a study of pacifier use in healthy, full-term babies found no impact on the continuation of breastfeeding.
There is also some evidence that pacifiers may help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime is a good place to start.
The best pacifier is one that’s correctly sized for the age of your child and that meets the following safety guidelines:
Other safety tips to keep in mind while shopping for and using a pacifier:
Pacifiers come in different shapes. Some are more rounded, while others look more square. One shape isn’t recommended over another; instead we encourage you to try different kinds of pacifiers until you find one that your baby likes.
A buzzword you’ll frequently see on pacifier packaging is “orthodontic.” It means that both your baby’s top and bottom jaw are in the correct position when the pacifier is in their mouth, so it doesn’t interfere with jaw growth and development.
Silicone is firmer than natural latex, so silicone pacifiers are sturdy and long-lasting and won’t break down as quickly as latex pacis. But since silicone is a synthetic material and sometimes undergoes chemical treatments, some parents prefer a more natural material like latex rubber (made from the sap of rubber trees). Latex pacifiers are eco-friendly since they come from a sustainable source, and they’re softer than silicone ones, but latex also breaks down faster than silicone. Keep in mind that a latex allergy, although rare, is a possibility, so if you think your baby might be allergic to latex, you’ll need to stick with silicone pacifiers.
Pacifiers come in different sizes for babies of different ages. It’s important to always use the recommended age range on the pacifier you choose, as an older baby can sometimes fit a pacifier sized for newborns in their mouth and choke. As your baby grows, you’ll need to make sure the pacifiers do, too—a bigger paci is usually needed at three months and six months (you’ll see the age specifications on the packaging).
You’ll want to wean your child from the pacifier between ages two and four. That’s because extended pacifier use can affect the shape of your child’s mouth or teeth alignment.
Here are our top pacifier weaning tips:
This MAM pacifier is extra small and lightweight specifically for tiny newborn babies (it won’t fall out of their mouth like heavier pacifiers would). The butterfly-shaped shield leaves plenty of room for baby’s nose and chin, and the larger holes won’t let sweat, saliva or anything else build up around those squishy cheeks.
There’s a reason this soft, medical-grade silicone pacifier is used in most hospitals. The rounded nipple is the same shape no matter what side your baby sucks (no having to flip it over to be in the correct position). It’s safe to clean in the dishwasher or sterilizer, and at this low price, you don’t have to think twice about stocking up your diaper bag, nightstand and car.
Part pacifier, part snuggly stuffed animal, WubbaNubs are pure genius. With a stuffy attached to the pacifier to help weigh it down, the WubbaNub miraculously stays in your baby’s mouth for longer than half a second. (It’s also easy to grab and easy to spot in a diaper bag.) The pacifier is a Philips Avent Soothie, so this is a good choice for babies already familiar with the Soothie’s shape. This one doesn’t come apart from the stuffy, but WubbaNub does make a detachable pacifier if that’s your preference.
Designed in Denmark with a classic shape, these pacifiers are made from natural rubber and are 100% free from BPA, PVC and phthalates. The shield and nipple shapes are similar to a breast to help support breastfeeding, and the Bibs pacis come in a variety of neutral colours. Interested in seeing which one baby prefers? Bibs has a try-it kit for that.
A lighter pacifier often stays put better in baby’s mouth, especially a younger baby. This silicone paci from Tommee Tippee is their lightest pacifier ever. It’s soft, naturally anti-bacterial and has a curved shield that sits comfortably between baby’s chin and nose. It’s also reversible so there’s no “wrong” side.
Dr. Brown’s bottles are popular among babies who frequently switch from breast to bottle thanks to their natural nipple shape. These silicone pacifiers have the same nipples as Dr. Brown’s bottles, helping to avoid nipple confusion. They’re made from silicone and dip below your baby’s nose for easier breathing.
This orthodontic pacifier is made in Italy from 100% rubber with no BPA, phthalates or chemical softeners. The one-piece design is easy to clean and the orthodontic design is perfect for supporting the proper development of baby’s teeth, jaw and palate.
The Flexy pacifier’s design is more than just sleek and stylish—it’s also cleverly ergonomic. Unlike other pacifiers, the Flexy has a slightly curved shield that forms to your baby’s face, plus curves on the top and bottom to comfortably fit between baby’s nose and chin. The design helps the pacifier rest more naturally and snuggly against baby’s mouth, while the vents ensure airflow to prevent sweat and buildup. And just like with Nanobebe’s unique bottles, the pacifier’s nipple shape helps eliminate nipple confusion when breastfeeding.
These natural rubber pacifiers, made in Denmark, are about as cute as they come. They’ve available in a huge selection of stylish color combos and in several different shapes including round, rope and scalloped. The nipple is free from BPAs and phthalates and the shield has two air holes.
When babies start teething (around six months old), they turn into gnawing machines. Most pacifiers will start to tear and break down if gnawed on too much, but the Cutie PAT is made to do double duty as both a pacifier that your baby can suck for soothing and a teether they can safely chew on. Made from soft silicone, the beaded handle is perfect for gently releaving sore gums—just be sure to push the retractable nipple into the shield during teething time.
Pacifier weaning can be a struggle. Some babies quit cold-turkey, but for those gripping to their soothies a little more tightly, this paci weaning system from FridaBaby is a life saver. The step-by-step system comes with five orthodontic-shaped pacifiers with silicone nipples that get progressively shorter (and therefore less satisfying), helping to wean your baby from the paci for good. There’s even a chart included so you know exactly how long to do each step, and the whole process takes about five to nine days. Just keep in mind this system is most effective on babies under 12 months, and it only works for babies who are used to orthodontic (not rounded) nipples.
This Moroccan-inspired clip keeps your baby’s binky close at hand (and off the floor). The silicone beads are also perfect for teething and exploring textures. We also love the brand’s Darling Pacifier Clips, which feature brighter colours and cute characters like a llama, an avocado and sashimi.
Pacifier casualties are bound to happen while out and about (a paci tumbling from the stroller onto the street and into the gutter is not worth going back for), so you’ll want to have multiple on hand to keep any tantrums at bay. This compact paci holder attaches to your stroller or diaper bag so baby’s pacifier is always within easy reach, and it can hold up to two at a time.
Babies drop their pacifiers in dirty places at the worst times. This portable Mini Sterilizer uses battery-operated UV LED lights to sanitize in under a minute, so you can clean a pacifier while virtually anywhere. It safely eliminates 99.9% of germs, bacteria and viruses using just UV light—no chemicals, heat or water needed, and clips right onto your diaper bag or stroller.
If cleaning wipes are more your style, these disposable wipes are perfect for cleaning dropped, dirty pacis as well as bottles, cups, teething toys and more. The wipes don’t contain alcohol or harsh chemicals and the pack is small enough to easily fit into any bag.
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