Soothe Your Little One With the Best Baby Pacifier
As a new parent, you might be overwhelmed by a lot of things. From feeding schedules to diaper changes and everything in between, it's easy to feel like you're drowning in the ocean of parenting. And, if you have a fussy baby on hand, things can get even more complicated. Even though babies are born with seven reflexes, they can't soothe themselves until they're about six months old. That's where pacifiers come in.
Baby pacifiers are one of the easiest ways to calm your baby down when they're upset or just feeling fussy. They can also help your baby sleep better at night, meaning both you and your little one will get some much-needed rest. There are many different types of pacifiers on the market today, with some designed for newborns and others to help toddlers with their oral development. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite baby pacifiers of 2024. Let’s take a look.
Buyer’s Guide: Baby Pacifiers
The importance of a pacifier is undeniable; it helps your baby fall asleep, stay asleep, and soothes them when they’re upset. Baby pacifiers are also great for keeping your little one occupied when you’re busy with other things, like cooking dinner or cleaning the house. We’ve put together a guide with all the information that’ll make it easier for you to find the right pacifier for your baby.
Safety Comes First
When it comes to feeding your baby, safety should always come first. You’ll want to make sure that the baby pacifier is made from food-grade silicone or plastic that is free from BPA and PVC. The nipple should be soft for easy sucking and can’t have sharp edges or crevices where bacteria might grow.
Your baby’s pacifier should also be flexible so that it can fit comfortably in their mouth without causing discomfort or injury to their delicate gums or cheeks. To prevent skin irritation, make sure that the pacifier shield has holes in it that allow for maximum air circulation.
Pick the Right Size and Shape
The shape and size of a pacifier can affect how well it works for your child. If the nipple is too large or too small, it might cause problems such as constipation or ear infections.
If you plan on using a pacifier during breastfeeding, make sure the nipple’s design mimics the breast so your little one doesn’t get confused while using it. Also, if you want something for your teething baby, look for an orthodontic design — it will help them with healthy oral and gum development.
Pay Attention to the Design
Some baby pacifiers come with handles that make them easier to pass from one person to another without being dropped or getting your fingers bitten by an angry baby! Other styles include pacifiers with little clips that make attaching them to a baby’s clothes easier.
Ensure Durability
If you want a baby pacifier that’s going to last through months, look for one made of durable material that can stand up to lots of chewing. It should be able to handle being dropped countless times, chewed on, and dragged around the house with little or no damage done.
How Easy Is It To Clean?
If you don’t want to spend all the time in front of your kitchen sink, pick an anti-static pacifier that is easy to clean. Some baby pacifiers are dishwasher-safe, while others come with a sterilization case, making cleaning hassle-free.
Comparing the Highest-rated Baby Pacifiers of 2024
Philips AVENT Baby Pacifier – Best Overall
Need a way to calm your baby down? Philips AVENT’s Baby Pacifier is the solution. It is made of hospital-grade, BPA-free, and latex-free silicone, so you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals affecting your baby’s health. Specially sized and shaped for babies 0 to 3 months old, this pacifier features a one-piece construction that makes it easier for your little one to grasp and latch onto.
What’s more, it adheres to the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, ensuring it’s a safe option for your baby. And, featuring an orthodontic design, this pacifier helps with healthy oral development while reducing pressure on your baby’s palate and tongue. Available in a set of four, this pacifier comes in a range of colors, so you’ll have fun while choosing one for your newborn. The unique design of this baby pacifier supports bonding and sets it apart from the rest of the products on our list as the best option.
Pros
- One-piece construction for maximum durability
- Wide nipple top to soothe babies
- Promotes optimal gum and teeth development
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
Cons
- A little stiff
Bibs Baby Pacifier – Best Grip
The Bibs Baby Pacifier is the ideal solution for your baby’s comfort. Made with high-quality PP material, this pacifier’s shield features a hole that allows maximum airflow around the nose and keeps the skin irritation at bay. The round rubber nipple is reminiscent of a mother’s breast, making it preferable for breastfeeding infants.
What sets it apart from other baby pacifiers on the market is that it has a small ring at the end, making it easier to grasp and less likely to slip out of your baby’s mouth. Free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates, this product has high bite endurance and tensile strength, so you can use it for your teething baby without any worries.
Pros
- Soft and flexible material
- Doesn’t cause skin irritation
- Available in a range of sizes
Cons
- Size might be an issue for some
NUK Comfy Baby Pacifier – Best for Breastfed Babies
NUK Comfy Baby Pacifier is designed to help soothe your baby’s sore and irritated gums. This comfy pacifier has a nipple shape that’s very similar to a mother’s breast, so there’s no confusion when your baby transitions from breastfeeding to bottle and back again. Its orthodontic design helps promote healthy oral development in babies, while the 100% medical-grade silicone makes it safe and easy to clean.
Featuring a heart-shaped shield, this baby pacifier allows maximum airflow to reduce heat build-up and help prevent soreness. Thanks to their premium material and unique design, these pacifiers are suitable for babies of all ages, from birth up to 18 months.
Pros
- Heart-shaped base for a secure fit
- Soothes irritated gums
- Available in a set of three
Cons
- Nipple material attracts dust
MAM Baby Pacifier – Most Durable
For over 45 years, the MAM brand has been manufacturing high-quality baby products and their pacifiers are no exception. Featuring a symmetrical design, this baby pacifier is designed to mimic the shape of a mother’s breast, helping soothe the baby and promoting the natural development of oral motor skills. The curved shield and airflow holes reduce the risk of soreness and, with its anti-slip texture, you don’t have to worry about it getting out of your baby’s mouth — even when they’re sleeping.
Made from high-quality silicone, this baby pacifier is highly flexible and very safe for your little one. And, if you’re worried about sanitizing your baby’s binky, rest easy; this product comes with a microwaveable self-sterilizing case that does all of the work for you!
Pros
- Skin soft silicone for maximum comfort
- Come with sterilizing case for hassle-free cleanup
- Available in gender-specific colors
Cons
- Might leave indentations around the nose
Tommee Tippee Baby Pacifier – Best Value
Featuring a skin line texture, Tommee Tippee Baby Pacifiers are 100% medical-grade silicone, BPA-free, and hypoallergenic material, so you can rest easy knowing they’re safe for your little one. It has a curved shield and large holes that allow extra airflow, eliminating the risk of moisture build-up and skin irritation.
Because it’s anti-static, rest assured that this baby pacifier won’t attract dust bunnies and cat hair. But. what makes this pacifier truly one-of-a-kind is its symmetrical one-piece design, which means there are no seams for bacteria to hide in or latch onto. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleanup.
Pros
- Medical-grade material for maximum safety
- Comfortable and easy to clean
Cons
- Can’t be attached to a baby’s clothes
People Also Asked
A: Some experts suggest waiting until your baby is at least 1 month old while others recommend using it after 2 to 3 months, as this can reduce the risk of ear infections and other problems associated with pacifier use. But if you're going to introduce one at all, it's best to start early because it will take time for your baby to get used to the pacifier. Remember that the longer you wait, the more likely that your baby will reject it altogether!
A: Yes! Baby pacifiers are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as a way to help promote breastfeeding, reduce crying, and prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). They also help with the oral development of the babies, making it easier to soothe the baby as they teeth.
A: The AAP recommends limiting your child's use of a baby pacifier to two hours during the day and three hours at night. This can help prevent otitis media and dental issues like overbite and malocclusion later in life.
A: If your baby is not latching on well or seems fussy without reason, it may be time to try a pacifier. A late-term pregnancy or premature birth may also make it necessary to give your baby a pacifier sooner than expected. If you’re worried about nipple confusion or interfering with breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before introducing the pacifier into your baby’s routine.
