Image: MomJunction Design Team
The best preemie pacifiers can go a long way in trying to calm down and soothe your crying baby. Sometimes babies cry when they are not hungry, sleepy, or need a diaper change. Pacifiers work great to soothe these babies and are helpful during traveling or outdoors. They might be slightly differently designed to suit the specific needs of preemies. Here, we have curated a list of some tried-and-tested preemie pacifiers that are trusted choices of parents. Keep scrolling and choose one for your baby.
Top Picks
7 Best Pacifiers For Preemies
1. Best Dishwasher-Safe: Philips Avent Soothie
The Philips Avent Soothie is a calming and soothing device widely available in hospitals. This safety-tested pacifier for premature babies features a unique form that fits a baby’s mouth comfortably without obstructing natural growth. The silicone neonatal-friendly pacifier is made to be durable and is free of BPA and latex. It is recommended for infants of age zero to three-month babies.
Material: Silicone | Color: Pink/Purple | Item Weight: 0.01 ounces | Product Dimensions: 15.43 x 6.38 x 12.44 inches.
Pros
- Trusted by medical professionals
- Dishwasher-safe
- Easy to sterilize
Cons
- Might need constant cleaning
Did you know?
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 43,080 positive reviews on Amazon.
2. Best Plastic-Free: Zoe B Organic Simply Rubber Pacifier
The plastic-free and rubber-based pacifier by Zoe B Organic has a shorter nipple that keeps the babies from gagging. Featuring two vent holes and a rounded cherry-like nipple, this safety-tested neonatal pacifier is suitable for preemies as well as newborns. This pacifier for babies is made of natural rubber and has a heart-shaped shield for the baby’s nose. Moreover, the orthodontic pacifier for premature babies is designed to ensure it doesn’t leave marks on the baby’s face.
Pros
- BPA-, phthalate-, and nitrosamine-free
- Handcrafted
- Easy to clean
- One-piece design
Cons
- Might have a peculiar smell when new
3. Best Orthodontic: RaZbabyJollyPop Baby Pacifier
The JollyPop pacifier is made of medical-grade silicone specifically designed for babies from zero to three months. The naturally shaped pacifier nipple promotes healthy tooth and gum development while causing no discomfort for breastfeeding babies. This small pacifier has been tested for safety and is comfortable for babies because of its single-piece construction and curved design.
Material: Silicone | Color: 2 ct teal | Item Weight: 1.13 ounces
Pros
- Orthodontic
- Dishwasher-safe
- BPA-free
Cons
- Might be easy for babies to remove it
Philips Avent Soothie Best Dishwasher-Safe | Zoe b Organic Simply Rubber Pacifier Best Plastic-Free | RaZbabyJollyPop Baby Pacifier Best Orthodontic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | - | Rubber | - |
| Weight | - | 0.774 ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 43,080 | 198 | 6,111 |
| Price | $8.99 | $11.99 | $4.99 |
4. Best BPA-Free: Ryan & Rose Cutie Preemie
The Ryan and Rose preemie kit is designed for premature babies and newborns for an easy transition. The mommy-approved kit contains two pacifiers in different newborn sizes: one tiny pacifier for babies under 35 weeks with a small nipple and one for infants over 35 weeks. The notched top makes it easy for the babies to breathe, and the lightweight beaded design and small, slim, circular shield make it easy for preemie babies to use it.
Material: Silicone | Color: White | Item Weight: 0.634 ounces
Pros
- Made of medical-grade silicone
- Latex-free pacifier for premature babies
- Soft and easy to use
Cons
- Might be bigger than required
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 3,374 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
5. Best Ergonomic:Medela Baby Pacifier
The transparent Medela pacifier for babies made of BPA-free materials is suitable for zero-to-two-month-old babies. Equipped with SensoPearls, the preemie-sized baby-friendly pacifier provides enhanced airflow and comfort to your baby, and the small teat easily fits in their mouth. Moreover, the tried-and-tested mini-pacifier has an ergonomic shape and large air holes that allow the mother’s comforting scent to reach the babies. These mommy-approved pacifiers are a trusted choice of many parents for their babies.
Material: Silicone | Color: Transparent (Newborn) | Item Weight: 1.13 ounces | Product Dimensions: 2.95 x 1.97 x 6.3 inches.
Pros
- Packaged in a self-cleaning case
- BPA- and BPS-free silicone
- Available in multiple sizes and colors
- Lightweight pacifier for premature babies
Cons
- Might discolor after extended use
Point to consider6. Best Comfortable: Nuk Newborn Orthodontic Pacifiers
The pack-of-two pacifiers by the trusted brand Nuk are recommended for babies from zero to two months. This tried-and-tested neonatal-sized pacifier is asymmetrically and orthodontically designed. It has a scooped bottom that is flat, slim, and narrow to allow more room for natural sucking motion, relieve pressure on the jaw and teeth, and prevent teeth misalignment. For comfortable breathing, a heart-shaped shield fits beneath the baby’s nose, making it a gentle pacifier for premature babies.
Pros
- Reusable storage case
- BPA-free
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Size may be too small
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 4,724 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
7. Best Durable: Ryan & Rose Cutie PAT Pacifier Teether
A trusted choice of many parents, the PAT pacifier from Ryan and Rose is made of medical-grade silicone. Its flexible design can be used like a pacifier and a teething toy for growing babies. The one-piece pacifier can be easily attached to a pacifier clip when required, and the nipples can be tucked away when used as a teether. While the soother feels pleasant on the baby’s gums, the soft nipple on the silicone pacifier for preemie infants gently mimics breastfeeding for normal palate growth.
Pros
- Durable
- Dishwasher-safe
- BPA-free
Cons
- Nipple is shorter
Do rememberHow To Choose The Right Premature Baby Pacifier?
When buying a preemie pacifier, look for the following features.
- Size: Start with small-size pacifiers because not all pacifiers are the same. Look for pacifiers for newborns aged zero to six months, and some brands will also specifically manufacture for preemies.
- Shape: Some brands include an orthodontic nipple designed to aid in the development of a baby’s teeth. Other brands have the nipple look more natural in a baby’s mouth. You may need to try a few brands to figure out which pacifier shape is right for your child.
- Easy to clean: Choose easy-to-sterilize pacifiers. Dishwasher-safe choices, which should fit on the same cleaning rack as the bottle parts, are useful.
Remember to read through the detailed description of each product and consult your child’s pediatrician before buying pacifiers for your preemie
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of pacifier is best for preemies?
A BPA-free and orthodontic pacifier with a venting system is ideal for preemies. Pacifiers help enhance sucking skills in preemies (1).
2. When should I wean my baby from a pacifier?
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends parents or caregivers reduce or stop pacifier use when a baby is around six months to prevent dental issues and otitis media (2).
3. What makes a pacifier preemie-specific?
Preemie-specific pacifiers are small in size and have an orthodontic shape.
4. Can a preemie use a regular pacifier?
No, preemies need a preemie-friendly pacifier, as a regular pacifier may be big for them. You can switch to newborn pacifiers once the preemie has outgrown preemie pacifiers.
5. How long should a preemie use a pacifier?
Preemies can use pacifiers until they turn six months old. A pacifier helps in lowering the risk of SIDS. However, prolonged use of pacifiers may have adverse effects on breastfeeding (2).
6. Do pacifiers help with gas and hiccups?
Hiccups are signs of gas reflux. The sucking action when using a pacifier may help relax the diaphragm and stop the hiccups.
7. Should I remove the pacifier once my baby is asleep?
You may let your baby sleep with the pacifier because you could wake them up when trying to remove it.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathana, our in-house writer and reviewer of baby products, recommends safe and quality products after analyzing numerous consumer reviews and product listings. Here, she brings you this list of the best pacifiers for preemies with specifications such as dishwasher-safe and easy to sterilize. In addition, these pacifiers are non-toxic, made of durable materials, and some have been medically approved.
Pacifiers are excellent options for when you want to calm a crying preemie. They also help you soothe your little one when traveling, as they might get fussy in new places and need something to comfort them. They might also help soothe reflux in newborns, as the sucking action helps keep fluids down, preventing them from entering the esophagus.The best pacifiers for preemies are ergonomically designed for your baby’s mouth and are lightweight, easy to use, durable, and highly portable. Consider using this baby essential every time you wish to soothe your fussy and crying preemie baby.
Infographic: Correct Use Of Pacifiers
Pacifiers, also known as soothers or dummies, provide instant relaxation to infants and toddlers, facilitating self-soothing. However, it is essential to follow certain safety norms to maintain their hygiene and ensure a healthy environment for your little one. Check out the infographic below to learn how to clean and use pacifiers to ensure safe use.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- The effects of giving pacifiers to premature infants and making them listen to lullabies on their transition period for total oral feeding and sucking success
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21668549/ - Risks and Benefits of Pacifiers
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2009/0415/p681.html
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