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One of the easiest ways of soothing a fussy baby is by offering them a pacifier. So, here’s our list of the best baby pacifiers to help you choose the right one. They are helpful as they can comfort your baby as you get your household chores done. However, there are different pacifiers available, and it can be challenging to choose the right one. So, go through our list of quality pacifiers and explore their features to find one that suits your child’s needs and is safe for them.
Top Picks
15 Best Pacifiers For Babies In 2022
We have categorized the pacifiers as per the infant’s age group.
Best pacifiers for 0-3 months
These are some of the best pacifiers for newborn babies up to the age of three months. The nipple is specifically designed to fit into the tiny mouth of the young infant.
1. Best One-Piece: Nuk Newborn Pacifier
This tried-and-tested pacifier by Nuk has a one-piece design and is made of 100% sterile silicone that is soft on the baby’s palate. The orthodontic baby-friendly shape of the nipple ensures healthy oral development and prevents discomfort, making it one of the best baby pacifiers.
Pros
- Heart-shaped design prevents the nipple from sliding
- Bottom scoop for baby’s tongue
- Integrated ring to pull the pacifier
- BPA- and fragrance-free
- Easy to clean
- Top-rack dishwasher-safe
Cons
- May attract dirt and hair
- May be slightly heavy
"After trying different pacifiers, I have switched to these one-piece silicone pacifiers. They are easy to clean, and my baby loves them. They also don't leave marks on my baby's skin."
2. Best Unique: Mam Newborn Start Orthodontic Pacifier
The doctor-approved lightweight, silicone-based infant pacifier by Mam is designed to offer comfort to newborns. It comes as a pair in a microwave-safe sterilization box. Check out this video review to learn more about the newborn pacifier by exploring the tester’s experience.
Pros
- Curved shield snugly fits around the baby’s mouth
- Comfortable for extended use
- Large holes for proper air circulation
- Manufactured after research inputs by pediatric experts
- Free of BPA, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals
Cons
- Water may accumulate in the nipple region
- May be slightly large
"Initially, my newborn struggled to fit this pacifier in his mouth, but soon he got used to it. Its lightweight design lets him hold it in place, and he loved the nipple, as its design mimicked the nursing and bottle. This pacifier comes in various cute designs to make it look attractive."
3. Best For Newborn: Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier
This pacifier by the trusted brand Philips Avent comes with a one-piece design and is made of medical-grade silicone. This soothing pacifier for babies is safety-tested and recommended by medical professionals. Free of BPA, latex, fragrance, and other harmful chemicals, it makes a perfect pacifier for newborns and infants. Here’s a video that demonstrates how easy it is to use this mom-tested baby product.
Pros
- Specially designed for newborns
- Orthodontic design for healthy oral development
- Dishwasher-safe and sterilizable in water
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Free of BPA, latex, fragrance, and other harmful chemicals
Cons
- May be slightly stiff
- May have a weird smell when new
"My daughter used these durable pacifiers until they were lost. The shape of the pacifier works well for most babies, and they do not appear worn or chewed. These pacifiers are also easy to clean."
Quick tipNuk Newborn Pacifier Best One-Piece | Mam Newborn Start Orthodontic Pacifier Best Unique | Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier Best For Newborn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Silicone | Silicone | Silicone |
| Color | Pink/Purple | Unisex | Blue |
| Weight | 1.44 ounces | 0.96 ounces | 4.6 ounces |
| Dimensions | 1.35 x 4 x 6 inches | 6.5 x 3.5 x 2.5 inches | 15.43 x 6.38 x 12.44 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 19,379 | 16,132 | 42,756 |
| Price | $5.29 | $7.29 | $10.79 |
Best pacifiers for 3-6 months
Pacifiers ideal for babies growing to reach the sixth-month milestone of their life.
4. Best Latex-Free: The First Years Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers
Make bedtime safer and more comfortable for your little newborn with The First Years Gumdrop pacifiers designed for ages zero to three months. These baby-friendly contoured pacifiers for newborns fit your baby’s face without looking bulky. Each pack contains two pacifiers in green and blue.
Pros
- Made of latex-free silicone material
- Unique contoured pacifier shape
- Lightweight design for infants
- Pacifiers don’t hide the nose
Cons
- May be a bit hard
- May attract dust
"As a mom, I prefer these pacifiers for their one-piece design and ease of cleaning. My husband was concerned that the pacifier may interfere with our baby's nose shape, but there were no issues. They're sterilization-friendly and durable."
5. Best Stylish: Tommee Tippee Moda Pacifier
The Moda pacifier, by the baby care specialist brand Tommee Tippee, comes with an orthodontic nipple that features two differently-shaped ends. This dad-and-mom-approved orthodontic pacifier for newborns has a large shield guard with two big holes, ensuring maximum air circulation. It is an ideal pacifier for babies with tongue-tie or ankyloglossia, a condition where the tongue stays attached to the lower palate.
Pros
- Available in a bright, attractive color scheme
- Free of BPA, harmful chemicals, and fragrance
- Soft and durable nipple
- Easy to clean–top-rack dishwasher-safe
Cons
- May be slightly big
- Colors may vary from those advertised
"My munchkin quickly took to these pacifiers thanks to their similarity with bottle nipples. They tend to retain water after cleaning, but apart from this minor hiccup, they are worth it."
6. Best Dishwasher-Safe: Dr. Brown Silicone Pacifier
Dr. Brown brings you this silicone pacifier for babies in a one-piece design for comfortable use. It includes a pack of two, and the nipple is shaped like a bottle nipple to make pacifier adoption smooth.
Pros
- Curved shield lets the baby breathe freely
- Made of 100% medical-grade silicone
- Top-rack dishwasher-safe
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May not be ideal for teething babies
- Nipple may be slightly long
"My little one favored these Dr. Brown pacifiers over others, as they mimic their bottle nipples. These pacifiers are easy to clean, and their handle is slightly bulky, which assists with grasping. However, the pacifiers attract dust easily because of their soft and static texture, so be careful about that."
Quick factBest pacifiers for 6-12-month-olds
Six-12-month-old babies start eating solids, which means you can introduce some interesting pacifiers to your little one. Here are the best pacifiers for babies in this age group.
7. Best For Teething: Ashtonbee Baby Fruit Feeder Pacifier
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 7,042 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
This feeder pacifier by Ashtonbee is innovatively designed with a pacifier and a lid to let you fill it with foods or purees for your baby to squeeze. The baby-friendly nipple is soft and squishy, which means it also relieves teething pain. A sieve in the nipple allows small bits of food to trickle into the baby’s mouth, which makes introducing semi-solid food easy and safe.
Pros
- Doubles as a food strainer
- Made of stain-resistant material
- Free of BPA, latex, phthalates, and lead
- BPA-free pacifier for infants
- Convenient handle
- Mess-free feeder
Cons
- May not be stain-resistant
- May not be freezer-safe
"My little one has become less fussy after I introduced this teether. Though it can show some wear after extended use, cleaning and assembling it is a breeze. It has also come in handy for introducing frozen fruits and veggies in different sizes. Hence, it is a good product for those cranky teething days."
8. Best Sleep-Inducing: Philips Avent Nighttime Pacifier
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 7,961 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
This robust silicone nipple by Philips does not lose its shape even when the baby chews it while teething, making it a trusted choice. The pacifier handle glows in the dark, which makes it easy for the parent to spot it at night. Also, it will quickly become dad-and-mom-approved as it includes two sterilizable carrying cases.
Pros
- Made of BPA- and odor-free material
- Dishwasher- and sterilize-safe
- Includes a nipple cap to keep it clean
- Extra large ventilation holes
- Comes in cute designs
Cons
- Might be a bit large
- May not be easy to clean
"These pacifiers are bright and easy to find during sudden night wake-ups. They are available in various sizes to accommodate different growth stages, and their glow-in-the-dark feature helps when they fall while my baby is asleep."
9. Best Funny: Cluckyu Pacifier
If you’re looking for a funny pacifier to go with your baby’s outfit for a costume party or Halloween, the Cluckyu Pacifier can be a trusted choice. The nipple of this mustache pacifier is both soft and optimally tough to ensure your baby finds it familiar and easy to latch on to. It is an ideal solution for inducing sleep and helping your baby self-soothe at night. Each pack includes two airflow pacifiers for newborns which are suitable for babies aged zero to six months.
Pros
- Made of BPA-free silicone material
- Orthodontic nipple
- Comes with airflow holes
- Dishwasher-safe
- Ergonomic shape
- SGS-certified
Cons
- Might be a bit heavy
- May be huge on the infant’s face
"I have gifted this to a few expectant parents, and it has been a hit every single time. They are easy to clean, and while my son found them a bit long, they have turned out to be great props for humorous photo shoots."
Best pacifiers for 12-18-month-olds
Even toddlers can be soothed with the help of a pacifier. Here are some pacifiers that are best for toddlers.
10. Best Plush: WubbaNub Infant Pacifier
Encourage self-soothing with the Wubbanub Infant Pacifier, which features an adorable plush giraffe. The mom-tested and baby-friendly pacifier is easy for little hands to grasp and is suitable for babies aged from zero to six months.
Pros
- Doubles as a toy
- One-piece construction
- Phthalate- and PVC-free
- Latex- and BPA-free
Cons
- Pacifier is not detachable
- Stuffed animal may be a little too lightweight
"The Wubbanubs pacifiers are incredibly useful. They stick around even if your baby spits them out, aiding in self-soothing. The giraffe is longer than you expect it to be. My child found it quite easy to grasp, which I appreciate."
11. Best With Sterilizing Case: Chicco PhysioForma One-Piece Pacifier
The Chicco PhysioForma pacifier comes in a set of two with a sterilizing case. These sterilizable pacifiers for babies feature ventilation holes to ensure air circulation and prevent saliva from gathering. Further, the baby-friendly nipple has a lateral curve to distribute the tongue’s pressure evenly against the palate.
Pros
- Orthodontic nipple
- BPA-free
- Latex-free
- Soft and satin-textured
- Offers comfort and prevents slip
Cons
- Top of the pacifier may be a bit heavy
- May not be easy to clean
"I loved these pacifiers' clear and dye-free design. The narrow tip gave additional comfort to my little one, and its sterilizable container was convenient to use. It's a great choice but may not be suitable for all babies."
12. Best Collapsible: Philips Avent Freeflow Pacifier
The Philips Avent pacifier is designed to promote the natural development of teeth and gums and also facilitates easy transition between the breast and bottle. This hygienic pacifier for newborns is suitable for your baby’s sensitive skin and is recommended for babies aged six to 18 months.
Pros
- Includes a snap-on pacifier cap.
- Orthodontic symmetrical and collapsible nipple
- Taste- and odor-free
- Features extra freeflow air holes
- BPA-free
Cons
- May be slightly big
- May be difficult to clean
"I bought these free-flow pacifiers for my little ones. They are easy to attach to strollers. My daughter liked these pacifiers more than her earlier ones. However, the colors come assorted, leaving no option to choose them."
Best pacifiers for 18+ months
Even older toddlers need some comfort. Here are some pacifiers that work well for toddlers older than 18 months (1.5 years).
13. Best Glow-In-The-Dark: Tommee Tippee Pacifiers
The Tommee Tippee Pacifiers are designed to look adorable with cute little images and patterns. These glow-in-the-dark pacifiers for babies are suitable for use during nighttime as they allow you to locate your baby without turning the light on or disturbing your baby. Each pacifier features a curved shield to fit your baby’s mouth and has large air holes that prevent moisture build-up and skin irritation.
Pros
- Symmetrical design
- 100% medical-grade BPA-free silicone nipples
- Stain- and odor-resistant
- Soft and flexible
Cons
- Some may find the nipple a bit long
"My baby is picky about his pacifiers, and these are his favorite. The glow-in-the-dark feature makes finding them easy, and the large frame ensures they don't get stuck in the baby's mouth. These are durable and available in attractive colors."
14. Nuk Natural Shape Orthodontic Pacifier
This natural shape pacifier for infants by Nuk comes with a handle to help you remove the pacifier from the toddler’s mouth easily. The colored pacifier for infants features a smooth texture that is gentle on the toddler’s palate, and it comes with a heart-shaped shield allowing easy breathing.
Pros
- Simple and easy-to-use design
- Soft silicone nipple
- Small vents of the pacifier allow optimal air circulation
- Odor-free and robust materials
- Free of BPA and harmful chemicals
- Comes as a pair and in a microwave-safe sterilization box
- Top-rack dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Might be a tad small
- Colors may vary
"These pacifiers offer the ideal fit, better than the silicone versions, which are not that comfortable. It is bigger and easier for the baby to keep in their mouth. However, they require replacement as latex can wear down, but they're worth it. It provides a wide range of colors but for us, practicality overrules aesthetics. We can easily wash them in the dishwasher, but ensure they dry properly."
15. Mam Animal Orthodontic Pacifier
Featuring a cute design, this comfortable pacifier for babies by Mam has a heart-shaped plastic shield, allowing your baby to breathe comfortably, and a nipple with a symmetrical shape that mimics the familiar shape of a mother’s nipple. Further, it has a knob-shaped handle for easy removal of the pacifier from the infant’s mouth.
Pros
- Multiple small holes in the shield for optimal air circulation
- Made of odor-free and robust materials
- Free of BPAand other harmful chemicals
- Easy-grip pacifier for babies
- Comes as a pair in a sterilization box that is microwave-safe
Cons
- May not suit heavy chewers
- May be slightly big
"I bought these pacifiers in the large size, and my child seems to love them. The cute animal designs are a plus. They are worth trying for a fussy little one."
Pacifiers are an excellent parenting tool to calm a cranky and colic baby. However, you have to keep in mind some essential points about their usage.
When To Give A Baby A Pacifier?
The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends offering a pacifier to babies when they are at least one-month old. That is the age when breastfeeding gets established and the baby will not confuse a pacifier with a breast nipple and vice-versa (1).
What Are The Types Of Pacifiers?
The following are the common types of pacifiers available in the market:
- One-piece pacifiers: These pacifiers are molded from a single piece of plastic, and do not have multiple parts attached to one another. They minimize the risk of choking and are recommended by pediatric experts.
- Three-piece pacifier: These pacifiers have three components: the nipple, mouth guard, and ring.
- Glow-in-dark pacifier: It has a glowing mouth guard that is easy to spot in the dark. These pacifiers are best for night time usage.
- Feeder pacifier: The nipple of these pacifiers is hollow and perforated. You can place thick puree in the hollow for the baby to eat slowly. These pacifiers are ideal for babies older than 12 months.
- Fancy pacifiers with toy: These pacifiers may have decorative designs on them or come attached with a small toy to keep the baby engrossed. If you are looking for unique pacifier options, consider these.
How To Choose The Right Pacifier?
Remember the following points when buying a pacifier for your infant or toddler:
- Select pacifiers with minimal components: Choose a pacifier with few parts or joints since they are easy to clean and also reduce the risk of choking. Overly complicated pacifiers may be fragile and have crevices, where saliva is deposited and bacteria thrive.
- Stay away from flavored ones: Avoid flavored pacifiers that can contain artificial, chemical-based flavoring agents and fragrances that can be harmful to the baby.
- Select one appropriate for the baby’s age: Pacifiers come in different sizes, designed for babies of different age groups. Picking the right-sized pacifier will minimize the risk of choking while serving the intended purpose.
Seven Tips On Baby Pacifier Usage
When using a pacifier for a baby or toddler, remember the following points:
- A pacifier is a tool, not a toy: Most pacifiers are designed to withstand rough handling, but a pacifier’s primary purpose is to soothe and calm the infant, not to aggravate them. Avoid using it as a toy to prevent causing irreversible damage and affecting its use as a soother.
- Check periodically for damage: Check for signs of damage or corrosion on the pacifier, as a broken pacifier could become a safety hazard. Gently tug the nipple to see if it is broken or chipped. When it comes to two-piece pacifiers, check for loose attachments and the presence of mold at the joints and inside the crevices.
- Do not dip the pacifier in sugar syrup or honey: The American Dental Association states that dipping a pacifier in sugar syrup or honey can negatively affect teeth and gum development of infants (2). Giving honey to a baby less than 12 months old can also lead to infant botulism (3).
- Note the expiry date: Pacifiers come with an expiry date, and it is essential to take note of it. Check for the expiry date when purchasing a pacifier and ensure that your baby does not use it beyond the expiry date.
- Replace every two months: Pacifiers should be replaced every two months (4), before they are damaged and become unhygienic for use by the baby.
- Do not use bottle nipples as pacifiers: Bottle nipples may look like pacifiers, but they are not an alternative to pacifiers. A feeding bottle nipple cannot withstand prolonged insertion in the baby’s mouth and can rupture, as it’s not made to. Therefore, never use a bottle nipple as a pacifier. Leaving the baby with a formula bottle in the mouth for pacification is also not advisable since it can cause dental caries (5).
- Do not tie a pacifier around the baby’s neck: A string around the neck can be a strangulation hazard to the baby.
In addition to these tips, remember to always clean the pacifier before use. Keeping the pacifier clean is essential to prevent transmission of germs.
Shawnda Dorantes, an acclaimed California-based nurse practitioner, says, “Remember to choose the right pacifier for your child based on their age – keeping your child in mind is of the utmost importance because your child relies on you to make informed decisions, and the wrong size pacifier is a choking hazard. The distance between the pacifier’s nipple ring should be at least an inch and a half.”
How To Keep Pacifiers Clean?
Here is how you can keep a pacifier clean.
- Wash the pacifier thoroughly with soap and water.
- Pour fresh water into a cooking pot, deep enough to submerge the pacifier completely. Bring the water to boil on a stove.
- Once the water starts boiling, turn the flame to medium. Use a tong to submerge the pacifier entirely into the water and boil it for five minutes. Make sure you immerse the pacifier completely, including the holder ring.
- Remove the pacifier and let the excess water drip. Place the pacifier on a clean, sterile towel or tissue paper to let it dry before use.
You can also sterilize the pacifier in the microwave-safe sterilization box that comes with it. Place the pacifier in the box, fill it with water, and put it in the microwave for two minutes or until the water boils. For precise instructions, refer to the manufacturer’s instruction manual.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes a pacifier newborn-specific?
The nipple size and design make the pacifier newborn-specific. Such pacifiers have nipples that mimic the texture and feel of a natural nipple.
2. Can a newborn use a regular pacifier?
No, newborns cannot use a regular pacifier as they have lesser sucking power than grown ups. Also, a newborn-specific pacifier has a different shape than a regular pacifier.
3. How long should a newborn use a pacifier?
A newborn can use the pacifier until they turn six months old. You should gradually reduce or stop using pacifiers after six months to prevent ear-related issues (6).
4. Do pacifiers help with gas and hiccups?
Yes, pacifiers may help with gas and hiccups to some extent. Since they are known to reduce gastroesophageal reflux (7), they may contribute to making your little one less colic.
5. Should I remove the pacifier once my newborn is asleep?
Removing the pacifier when your newborn is asleep is not essential unless you are not monitoring them. Sometimes removing the pacifier also awakens them.
6. What can I do when my baby won’t take a pacifier?
When your baby does not take a pacifier, it is best to wait and reoffer. Try to offer after feeding or by dipping the nipple in breast milk. You could also try using a pediatrician-recommended or doctor-approved pacifier.
7. Are silicone pacifiers better than latex pacifiers?
Silicone pacifiers last longer, and the shape of their nipple does not change. However, latex pacifiers are softer than silicone.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna, the author of this article, understands the nuances of the gentle growth and subtle transitions in a baby’s life. It’s all about making them feel safe, secure, and comfortable with your gentle care and affection. She has carefully gone through multiple user feedbacks, reviews, and baby health forums before curating this list of the best pacifiers for your baby. These pacifiers are made of high-quality materials, easy to sterilize, and best suited for your baby’s grip, hold, and tiny mouth.
The Bottom Line
A pacifier is one of the ideal baby products for calming a fussy baby. Besides, it helps them transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding seamlessly. When picking one for your little one, make sure it is soft, odorless, easy to clean, and made of food-grade material. Our top recommendations include the BPA-free Nuk Newborn Pacifier and the Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier, which has an orthodontic design. Alternatively, the aesthetically pleasing and functional Tommee Tippee Moda Pacifier can also be a good option. Moreover, you should also pick the best pacifier based on the age of the little one to ensure it is the right size. Further, you may choose one that is brightly colored so that it engages your little one.
Infographic: What Are The Advantages Of Using A Pacifier?
Using pacifiers can comfort infants and toddlers, keeping them distracted, occupied, and tantrum-free, facilitating peace of mind for parents. We have created the following infographic to help you learn more about the specific and numerous merits of allowing your little one to use pacifiers. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Pacifiers: Satisfying Your Baby’s Needs
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/crying-colic/Pages/Pacifiers-Satisfying-Your-Babys-Needs.aspx - Thumb sucking and pacifier use
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_77.pdf?la=en - Feeding Guide for the First Year
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=90&contentid=P02209 - Pacifiers (soothers): A user’s guide for parents
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2791560/ - Nursing Caries (Nursing Bottle Caries)
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=nursing-bottle-caries-90-P01844 - Risks and Benefits of Pacifiers
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2009/0415/p681.html - Recommendations for the use of pacifiers
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2791559/ - Do pacifiers reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome? A meta-analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16216900/
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