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Best Pacifiers For Breastfed Babies


Did you know that pacifiers can actually help prevent SIDS in babies by helping infants not to sleep too deeply?

Although most of the highly-rated pacifiers below attempt to be orthodontically sound and have similar goals, there are different shapes and some have emphasized certain characteristics over others.

With that in mind, we grouped the best pacifiers for breastfed babies by such characteristics.

Best for Newborns:
Best Nipple Pacifiers:
Best Orthodontic Pacifiers:
Best Bottle-like Pacifiers:


Best Pacifiers for Newborns

Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier 

Philips AVENT Soothie 3-18 months, green/green, 4 pack, SCF192/45
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

You might have received a Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier while in the hospital. If you haven’t had your baby yet, this might be the pacifier the hospital gives you when you need a rest from nursing as this pacifier makes its rounds around hospitals nationwide. 

While the company claims this includes an orthodontic-shaped nipple, the shape is rounded with almost no definition from top to bottom. I have never used a pacifier, not even as a baby as far as I know, but I think the shape of this model would work well for a lot of babies. The nipple basically goes straight up and curves.

Seems like a real nipple to me, except babies need to pull the area behind the nipple, the areola, in with the nipple for a proper latch. Pacifiers haven’t gone this route yet and I’m not sure they could. 

All of the typical stats apply. No creepy materials were used in the making of the silicone pacifier.

Toss it in the dishwasher or use your sanitizer.

Thick one-piece construction with holes for ventilation.

Most people with children or getting ready to have children know the name Philip Avent and respect the popular brand and this pacifier is a testament to their quality products. 

The Downside

Many customers received defective units with holes or other issues. This is bound to happen with most products but seems to be a slightly larger concern with this model.

The design of the pacifier is a little “top-heavy” if you will and because babies have little muscle strength in their cheeks when they are born, this pacifier can be difficult for them a newborn to keep a hold of and it slips out easily.

All of these are annoying issues, but the most frustrating is the round shield is rather large and can push into some babies’ noses. 

If you want the added bonus of an attached stuffed animal for your little love to cuddle while they soothe, check out the Wubbanub. It comes in a lot of animal varieties, but I think the sloth Wubbanub is my favorite!


Help Me Decide

The Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier is the most popular pacifier in hospitals. The vented, silcone pacifier comes in two sizes for babies over or under 3 months. Compared to the NUKComfy, it has a larger, more rounded nipple. Pair it with an adorable Wubbanub for extra cute-factor.


NUK Comfy 100% Silicone Pacifiers 

NUK Comfy Orthodontic Pacifiers, 0-6 Months, 3 count (Pack of 1)
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

The greatest advantage of the NUKComfy 100% Silicone Pacifiers is four different sizes. Most brands offer two, maybe three sizes. With NUK, you can offer the smallest size (0-6 months) before switching to the 6-18 month size.

Beyond the sizes, the brand claims to offer a truly orthodontic shape meant to lessen jaw and palate pressure. Made of silicone with one-piece construction, features an asymmetrical shape for oral development. A scoop-shaped nipple cavity allows for full tongue movement for gentle exercise and allows for proper teeth alignment. 

Last, of all,  the three air vent holes help prevent skin irritation as does the heart-shaped shield. Your baby’s nose will not bump into the silicone pacifier at all.

The one-piece construction makes cleaning and sterilizing easier with no chance of water pooling in the nipple. As a matter of fact, you can even put this in the dishwasher. 

The Downside

Some say a white residue was left on these pacifiers after being used that wasn’t coming off after being sterilized. 


Help Me Decide

The NUKComfy 100% Silicone Pacifiers has the most sizes available, with 4 different options. The NUKComfy is the only newborn pacifier on our list with a flattened, orthodontic nipple, and it has a softer, smoother shield than the glow-in-the-dark  MAM Night Pacifiers


JollyPop Pacifier Unscented

JollyPop 0-3 Months Pacifier 6 Pack Unscented - Teal
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

 

You will want to try the JollyPop Pacifier because of the multiple sizes starting at preemie. Also, you can buy a Razbuddy stuffed animal to hold the pacifier. You’ll probably like this version because the pacifier can be detached from the stuffed animal, unlike the Wubbanub brand.  

Beyond the multiple sizes and stuffed animal pacifier holders, the pacifier is rather simple. It’s dependable since it’s the pacifier used in top US children’s hospitals.

Although the one-piece silicone construction does have a ring so mom and baby can both hold the pacifier. The stuffed giraffe can too. I’m a fan of the stuffed animals although some babies find the soother harder to keep in the mouth with the toy attached. Much easier for moms to find though. 

The baby plug (that’s what I called my daughter’s pacifiers) comes in two tones and several bright color options.

The silicone pacifier has a rounded nipple with a more pronounced tip which may easier for some babies to latch onto.

Also, the plug is easy to wash and sanitize since it’s one-piece silicone. 

Finally, the Jollypop pacifier has one more unique quality. You can purchase them in different scents. The one pictured above is unscented but you can purchase vanilla scented.

I would probably not give a scented pacifier to my baby but can see how it could be a benefit especially to babies who seem reluctant to try a pacifier. Mom’s whose babies refused all other pacifiers may want to give scented a try as a last resort. 

The Downside

The only complaint about this particular pacifier tends to be a little hard. Again, this is a matter of preference. Many babies need a stronger pacifier while many others need a softer option.

Also, I would be wary of the scented variety as it smells nothing like breastmilk or formula for that matter and could deter babies from nursing or bottle-feeding. 

Ecopiggy’s Ecopacifier

Ecopiggy Ecopacifier Natural Pacifier Rounded (3 Pack) 6 Months+
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

 

The Ecopiggy’s Ecopacifier can be purchased in the orthodontic or rounded shape but the rounded is more breastfed friendly. 

You may want to try this pacifier if you want an all-natural soother for your infant. The one-piece pacifier is made from pure rubber from the Hevea brasillensi rubber tree. 

Rubber makes a fabulous pacifier as it’s free of chemicals and colorants as well as all-natural. Like most soothers on the market, this one is free of plastic, BPA, phthalate, PVC, and parabens. The rubber resists sharp teeth and feels good against gums, which is great for teething babies. 

One-piece pacifiers clean up easier than multiple pieces and do not hold water. The Ecopacifier holds less dirt and grime.

Also, the pacifier will not leave marks on your baby’s face as some can. A great option to try if your baby likes this particular model. 

The Downside

The only real issue with the Ecopacifer is the size limitations. You can pick from 0-6 months or 6-months plus. Older babies will need to find a new option once they outgrow these two sizes.

Next, the pacifiers may be eco-friendly but need to be replaced fairly often, every six to eight weeks depending on your baby’s addiction level. Although, this could be a good time to wean your baby. 

Best Nipple Pacifiers

Evenflo Feeding Balance Cylindrical Pacifier

Evenflo Balance + Cylindrical Pacifier (0 Months+, 6pk, Purple)
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

 

The Evenflo Feeding Balance Cylindrical Pacifier maintains a simple design and purpose. The rounded stage promotes a natural tongue position and mimics the breast. The round shield also mimics the breast, although not in color. We don’t need pacifiers to be too realistic now, do we? 

The silicone one-piece soother remains flexible and includes an easy-grip handle, which is good for mom and baby. The flexibility also discourages mouth fatigue for babies. Sucking is hard work and uses quite a few muscles!

Also, the silicone pacifier is free of creepy stuff like BPA, polycarbonates, PVC, and phthalates. 

Lastly, the simple design also allows for easy cleaning. As a matter of fact, the pacifier comes with a re-sealable steam sanitizing bag to pop in the microwave for a quick clean. Who doesn’t love simple?

White, boring, but it gets the job done and even helps to prevent SIDs thanks to the antifatigue feature.

Also, the holes around the shield prevent drool from pooling. 

The Downside

The only issue is the plain white color may discolor rather quickly. Unlike other white items, I wouldn’t recommend bleaching this one as babies probably won’t like that taste and of course, it’s very good for them.

A few customers also complained the material was too soft for their baby but this is a matter of preference and worth a shot. 

Ryan & Rose – Cutie Pat All-in-One Pacifier

Ryan and Rose Cutie PAT Pacifier White Stage 1
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

 

Ryan & Rose’s – Cutie Pat All-in-One Pacifier looks like a baby doll pacifier as its so cute. Don’t just buy because it’s cute though, try out this pacifier because it’s a soother on one side and a teething ring on the other.

If your baby wants to chew just flip it over and let them chew on the bead-shaped ring!

Also, you can pick from three different nipples shapes – rounded no teeth, round with teeth, and flat. 

As expected, the Ryan & Rose soother is made of medical-grade silicone and free of all creepy elements. Knowing the pacifier’s safe will help you to enjoy the convenience of the combination design soother and teether.

Also, you can pick from seven modern colors to match the modern design. 

The nipple mimics breastfeeding and is said to allow for natural palette development with a rounded nipple and soft curves. Baby will avoid skin rashes with built-in ventilation.

Next, the one-piece design makes cleaning easy-peasy, sterilizing too. 

Finally, besides chewing on the ring, your baby can chew on the entire pacifier as it’s such strong silicone. Even cooler, the nipple retracts. Pop it in and pop it out like a fidget toy. Wait, don’t do that, give it back to your baby. 

The Downside 

While absolutely adorable and super modern, this pacifier contains a few issues.

First, the writing on the pacifier faces the baby and sticks out. I expect this would irritate some babies. Others may never notice but some sensitive babies may like the nipple and the teething ring but find the writing to be annoying. 

Second, some complained the item was flimsy. Others found the pacifier too soft. A few even said the soother only lasted a few weeks.

Some babies managed to make the pacifier squeak. Many pacifiers tend to squeak but this is mainly from the way babies suck on the pacifier. 


Help Me Decide

The Ryan & Rose’s – Cutie Pat All-in-One Pacifier has a larger shield on the one-piece silicone design. Compared to the Evenflo Feeding Balance and the Nanobébé Flexy, it has a longer nipple and comes in more shapes, sizes, and colors. The teething ring handle is a definite bonus!


Nanobébé Flexy Baby Pacifier

Nanobebe Baby Pacifiers 0-3 Month - Orthodontic, Curves Comfortably with Face Contour, Award Winning for Breastfeeding Babies, 100% Silicone - BPA Free. Perfect Baby Registry Gift 2pk,Pink
Price$$
Quality
Popularity

 

The Nanobébé Flexy Baby Pacifier’s nipples closely resembles the Tommee Tippee nipple but with a completely different shield.

As a matter of fact, the shield flexes to conform to the shape of your baby’s face. Some pacifiers that stick to baby’s face may cause skin irritation which is why many are made to curve away from the skin. However, the Nanobébé Flexy has ventilation holes to prevent that. 

Nanobébé’s silicone pacifier works well for breastfed babies with the nipple similar to the real deal. Gentle curves and soft silicone for easy suckling. The company claims their pacifier may prevent nipple confusion and that babies easily transition between nursing to their pacifier.

Also, like the Tommee Tippee brand, Nanobébé says their pacifier promotes normal oral development, I think choosing the word promote could be a stretch.

Finally, the shield sides are colored differently but the pacifier is still one-piece construction. The nipple is extra soft to make sure babies can suck comfortably.

You will love picking between the four fun colors, White, Teal, Gray, and Pink.

The Downside

The soother’s short nipple bothers some babies, but for other tiny newborn babies, the shorter nipple may be a solution.

The only other complaint is the pacifier is so lightweight it can be difficult to keep in the baby’s mouth. Then again, if the baby is actively sucking all should be fine.

Best Orthodontic Pacifiers

MAM Night Pacifiers

 

The highly popular MAM Night Pacifiers receive high marks for doing what they are supposed to do. They soothe babies with the sucking mechanism without causing harm.

Also, this pacifier is a really unique baby item because it offers something that other pacifiers do not offer. 

Beyond being made of pliable silicone, the MAM pacifier glows in the dark. That’s right! No need to turn on the lights to find the pacifier, just follow the glow. The outside on the handle includes an adorable picture. Mind you the picture is for parents, the baby can’t see the picture when it’s in their mouth!

Another unique feature includes the always upright feature. The symmetrical nipple cannot be put in baby’s mouth the wrong way. Nice!

Offer your baby the MAM past the age of 16 months as they offer three sizes from newborn all the way up to toddlers.

Next, the silicone pacifier cleans easily in the microwave in three minutes and includes a case for stowing in your diaper bag. Loose pacifiers in the bag always end up falling out in the car, or the parking lot and then you have to try and clean them before you can give them to the baby. Very annoying. 

Finally, the pacifier features large air holes to reduce skin irritation. As babies suck they create spit and the saliva starts drooling out of their mouth with no teeth to cause resistance. The curved shield and bumps on the inner surface prevent the pacifier from aligning completely with the baby’s face so saliva won’t be trapped against the baby’s skin.

All of this along with the nipple and soft material help to mimic the feeling of breastfeeding without the milk. 

The Downside

A small group of customers found the glow won’t last forever. Most glow-in-the-dark items fail to maintain their glow but these pacifiers need to be replaced several times a year and they should work for the length of their life.

Also, the glow can be weak even when it does work. 

Finally, the only other issue is no ring to hold the pacifier. This means you cannot attach a lovey or a pacifier loop to this model. A bit annoying but not a deal-breaker. 


Help Me Decide

The MAM Night Pacifier has an always-upright nipple that can be used in either direction. The MAM has a flatter nipple than the orthodontic HEVEA Natural Rubber Pacifier and it’s made from silicone, which is more hypoallergenic than rubber. The MAM Night Pacifiers have a smaller shield and also have an awesome glow-in-the-dark feature. 


HEVEA Classic Natural Rubber Pacifier

HEVEA Standard Neck Baby Glass Bottle Nipples Medium Flow: Glass Baby Bottle Nipples - Two-Pack - 100% Natural Rubber 3-24 Months
Price$$$
Popularity

The  hails from Denmark with only one key difference from American pacifiers. The shield surrounding the nipple does not lay close to the skin but instead draws a HEVEA Natural Rubber Pacifierway to prevent a drool rash. Smart thinking!

Let’s look at what else the Danish brand that’s been around for over ten years. 

Your baby can self-soothe instead of using your breast to suckle for comfort with this all-natural rubber binky. The shape and material provide an orthodontic design with star and moon cutouts for breathability. The simple design offers timeless style and earth-tone colors meant to complement nature and outfits.

Like the others, this pacifier is free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates. The timeless design offers a ring to hold the pacifier or attach a clip. Also, it’s a solid design to prevent the pacifier from trapping water inside. 

Next, the holes prevent drool rash, which along with the shield shape drawing out will keep your baby’s mouth dryer than most other pacifiers. Also, this may prevent sweat in warm months as well. A comfortable baby is a happy baby who is less likely to fuss and more likely to sit back, suckle, and enjoys life. 

Finally, the flat tip nipple is a bit larger than some other pacifiers and may appeal to some babies more than others. The round shape more is more ergonomic than real nipples and therefore be more attractive to older babies and those who bottle feed. 

If you don’t like the orthopedic shape, you can pick from different styles that better mimic nipples. 

The Downside

Rubber pacifiers while more natural materials tend to live shorter lives than silicone but offer different flexibility some babies require.

Finally, a few customers complained the pacifier was too large and thick. Some customers also complained about the smell and find silicone smell to offer a better scent or none at all. 

Best Bottle-like Pacifiers

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Soother Pacifier

Tommee Tippee Breast-Like Pacifier, Skin-Like Texture, Symmetrical Design, BPA-Free Binkies, 0-6m, 4-Count
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

 

Tommee Tippee’s Closer to Nature Soother Pacifier more closely resembles a nursing nipple than most pacifier shapes, especially some orthodontic pacifiers.

The rounded shape of this pacifier includes more natural curves without sharp angles. A great shape for mothers who want to transition from breast to pacifier and possibly even introduce a bottle in the future for a chance at a night out. Take a look at the other features. 

The Tommee Tippee pacifier comes formed out of super-soft silicone for easier latching and a natural skin-like feeling. The company also claims the shape is naturally orthodontic. This could be true if the shape really reacts to the mouth as a human nipple. The material curves away from the baby’s mouth and includes ventilation holes to reduce rashes and skin irritations. 

If you plan to buy bottles for your breastfed baby in the future, this may be the right pacifier for you, as the company also makes bottles with very similar nipples. Look for Tommee Tippee’s Closer to Nature nipple bottles. Comes in two sizes for ages zero all the way up to eighteen months old. 

Compare the Tommee Tippee bottles and nipples to the Avent bottles in our bottle comparison article.

Finally, the innovative shape of the outer shield may make the silicone pacifier easier to hold onto for babies. While the pacifier doesn’t include a ring to hold the pacifier, it does have a spot to attach a clip.

Furthermore, the shield may be easier for little fingers to grasp to help them continue to self-soothe. 

The Downside

Some customers were frustrated the pacifier nipples didn’t match the bottle nipples. They coordinate but were not a perfect match. The company probably did this on purpose as bottles and pacifiers offer different functions to a baby. One is meant to draw milk while the other is for suckling for comfort.

Some babies will like this nipple shape and others won’t but it’s worth a try.


Help Me Decide

The two-piece Tommee Tippee’s Closer to Nature Soother Pacifier is highly-recommended and highly-rated. It has a smaller shield than the Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier and is more flexible overall. The pacifiers can be paired with the coordinating bottles to make the transition from breast to bottle to pacifier easier for your baby while preventing nipple confusion. 


Sweet Child Baby Soother Pacifier

Sweet Child Soothie Pacifiers 0-18 Months, Set of 6 Ultra-Light Silicone Binkies with Collapsible Handle & 3 Air Holes for Added Safety, Best Newborn Pacifiers for Baby Boys Or Girls
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

If a pacifier could be elegant then you want the Sweet Child Baby Soother Pacifier.

These Sweet Child Pacifiers are a great option for a breastfed baby who occasionally takes a bottle, especially Dr. Brown’s bottle. Keeping all foreign objects (aka things that aren’t a breast) the same size and shape should help to eliminate any nipple confusion.

These pacifiers have a very similar shape as Dr. Brown’s bottle nipple. The rounded shape with the round tip will help baby to latch more easily. 

The soft silicone is easy to clean, but it’s also supple, so baby can manipulate it easily in their mouth, just like the real deal.

In fact, you can put this in the dishwasher on the top rack to get it squeaky clean. And because of the one-piece design, you don’t have to worry about any lingering bacteria or soap getting stuck anywhere.

While this looks similar to the Soothie pacifier and others on this list, the butterfly-shaped shield is fabulous for two reasons. One, baby can breathe better. Two, it can accommodate nasal cannulas if your baby needs oxygen at some point like preemies often do.

The Downside

The longer shape might be too big for newborns and could cause them to gag. And since there is no actual size difference in the sizes, only a difference of how hard the silicone is, that could be a problem.

Also, the design was recently updated and some babies don’t like the new and improved version. You’ll just have to try it and see how your baby reacts!


Help Me Decide

The Sweet Child Baby Soother Pacifier coordinates with Dr. Brown’s bottles, so definitely choose this pacifier if your baby uses or will use those bottles. This will help prevent nipple confusion and increase the chances of your breastfed baby accepting both the pacifier and the bottle. 


Pacifiers for Breastfed Babies Compared

The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.


nuk pacifier in plastic case

How to Choose a Pacifier for Your Breastfed Baby

We made this video to help you determine which pacifier might be best for your baby.

FAQ’s – Pacifiers for Breastfed Babies

Does my baby need a pacifier?

No, your baby does not need one but pacifiers offer some benefits.

First, a baby who likes to suckle often throughout the day without eating would benefit from a pacifier. My youngest child wanted to use me as a pacifier for the first six months of her life. I would nurse her and find she didn’t want the milk and only wanted to suckle. I gave her a pacifier because it felt like my nipple would fall off if she continued to use me as a binky!

avent pacifiers

Second, pacifiers can decrease the risk of SIDS because babies sleep less soundly so they can continue sucking on the baby plug reducing their risk to fall into too deep of a sleep. The risk of SIDS reduces drastically after nine months of age. Consider weaning after the first year to help your baby’s teeth. 

Most problems with pacifiers stem from parents using them to modify eating habits. A pacifier is not a good option to tide a baby over before a meal.

Also, do not give a baby a pacifier just to shut them up. If your baby is crying they are unhappy, uncomfortable, hungry, hurt, or have some other ailment they are trying to communicate with you. Try to find the problem first.

If your baby only wants to suckle then you give him the pacifier. 

Finally, beyond the soothing ability to suck, a pacifier may help your baby’s ears on an airplane. The sucking motion helps ears to pop and better handle the up and down of airplanes. I nursed my older two on flights as they refused a binky, but if your baby will take a binky, it’s a great option. 

Do I need to get a BPA-free pacifier?

Since 1999, all pacifiers have been BPA-free by law even if not stated on the label. BPA is bad for babies and not allowed in so this is no concern.

Also, most pacifiers are made of rubber or silicone, neither of which has BPA. 

Should I get a rounded nipple or orthodontic nipple pacifier?

The rounded nipple pacifiers are long, slender, with a rounded tip similar to a human nipple on the top.

Orthodontic pacifiers are more oval-shaped with one flat side meant to help your baby suck easier and prevent tooth problems in the future. Although, research does not suggest either style prevents dental issues for babies. 

The rounded nipple shape more closely resembles a mother’s nipple and may be the better option for breastfed babies.

However, babies are picky and may not like one or the other. The best choice would be to try the rounded first and the orthodontic style second. 

Which pacifiers are the most flexible?

Breastfed babies tend to like a more supple, flexible paci because it mimics the real deal. 

The Sweet Child Baby Soother has a very flexible nipple with a more rigid shield. Compared to the Tommee Tippee pacifier and the Nanobebe Flexy pacifier, the Sweet Child Baby Soother has a harder and thicker silicone shield that detracts from the overall softness. The Tommee Tippee has a vented and soft shield that doesn’t cover as much of baby’s face as the Flexy. 

In addition to the above options, the two absolute softest pacifiers according to users are the Ryan & Rose’s – Cutie Pat pacifier and the Evenflo Balance pacifier. Both are one piece of flexible silicone with a supple feel and good movement in baby’s mouth, which a lot of breastfed babies like.

How many pacifiers should I stock up on before my baby is born?

Do not stock up on pacifiers before birth.

First, many friends and family members will buy you pacifiers as baby gifts.

Second, pacifiers are very personal and need to be picked by your baby. I would suggest an orthodontic pacifier and a rounded nipple pacifier if you’re not gifted any. Try the two out and see what your baby seems to like and go from there. 

When should I replace a pacifier?

You will know it is time to replace a pacifier when you see a hole, discolored areas, or a stretched nipple. If the plastic has become jagged on the guard or handle or the pacifier is loose in any parts then you will also want to replace the item. 

Do I need a stuffed animal for my baby’s pacifier?

No, but the stuffed animal does keep you from losing the pacifier and needing to replace lost ones as often.

Also, the stuffed animals are cute and can be a great play toy too.We love the Wubbanub!

Do not use stuffed animal pacifiers in the crib or when you are not present to watch over your baby. 

How do I wash a pacifier?

Most pacifiers will become sticky from baby spit. They collect more dust, hair, and even fur than a lint roller!

Not to fear, most pacifiers are easy to wash and the collection of crud will help you to remember to wash and sanitize the pacifier more often which is good for your baby. 

If you have a bottle sterilizer you can use the device to wash and sanitize the pacifier.

Also, you can use microwaveable sanitizers to wash and sanitize.

Boiling is another valid option.

Some dishwashers offer sanitize settings as well.

Rinsing off in the sink will not clean the pacifier sufficiently make sure to sanitize often.

Sucking the pacifier yourself will not remove contaminants, at least not for your first two babies. This method will work for baby number three, however. Just kidding! Even baby number three and any thereafter would benefit from a clean and sanitized pacifier.

For the taste alone I would recommend regular cleaning. 

When should my baby wean from their pacifier?

I recommend dropping the pacifier before your baby is one year old if at all possible.

I waited too long with my youngest daughter because her father was deployed and we were far away from home visiting family. She was over two years old by a few months and it was a nightmare! 

Finally, I cut holes in the pacifier and made sure I was in the room when she sucked on it. The pacifier no longer gave any comfort so she finally relinquished her pacey! I would not recommend this method for younger ages. 

However, if you take the pacifier away and your baby switches to sucking on her thumb, give the pacifier back and try again in a few months. Sucking on the thumb is a much harder habit to break and can cause dental issues. 

Do pacifiers cause nipple confusion?

Some doctors and baby experts believe pacifiers can cause nipple confusion and others do not believe that it’s a real thing. My children never had any problem and I’ve only known one baby to have an issue.

Nipple confusion is said to occur when a baby has a hard time transitioning from one nipple to another, whether that be breast, bottle, or binky.

That being said, it depends on each individual baby. Some babies will hate switching back and forth while others won’t care.

The only way you will know is to try. The best bet is to try and find a bottle nipple similar to the pacifier nipple and only use those two, especially for breastfed babies. 

Are pacifiers bad for baby’s teeth?

Dentists determined pacifiers can cause developing mouths to grow improperly and for some babies can lead to abnormal tooth development affecting speech and causing other issues in the future. The first issues would be improper tooth alignment, crooked teeth, and bite problems. 

Weaning your baby from the pacifier before the age of two can help to prevent these issues. As I said earlier, I recommend weaning at the first year. It’s much easier to break a habit with younger babies than with toddlers, especially when you will be potty training. 

Which style of pacifier is better, a one-piece or multiple pieces? 

One-piece pacifiers work much better from my experience. They are easier to wash and much less likely to collect water or to squeak.

Next, one-piece pacifiers are made of only one material which is often softer and less likely to leave lines on your baby.

Finally, one-piece pacifiers do not come apart for a very long time and at that point you know it’s time to replace the item. 

Why aren’t a few name-brand pacifiers on this list? 

I know which brands you are talking about – Chicco, Gumdrop, Smilo, Bornfree, Playtex, Comotomo, and Ulubulu pacifiers just weren’t up to our high standards.

We reviewed all the pacifiers and only the ten best made the cut. However, each baby is different, and if your baby doesn’t like any of these options give the others a try! 

Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You are now an expert on baby pacifiers. Go watch the movie The Pacifier starring Vin Diesel for additional information.

Your baby will make a fuss over the Tommee Tippee pacifier, as it’s the best pacifier for breastfeeding babies and it’s the closest to a human nipple. There’s a good reason it has near-5-star reviews. 

Even better, you can buy the Tommee Tippee bottles with similar nipples to further avoid confusion for breastfed babies.

Since babies are picky, if your baby refuses the first option, try the MAM pacifiers. Most babies seem to gravitate to these types of pacifiers, so it’s a good option to try. 

Resources

  1. Use of a dummy (pacifier) during sleep and risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Sources

  1. Use of a dummy (pacifier) during sleep and risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): population based case-control study, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adrina Palmer is a stay-at-home-mom to three wonderful children and a wife to an amazing husband. She has a bachelors degree in Religion from Liberty University and works as a blogger, copywriter, and reviewer. Adrina is a Christian hoping to help other stay-at-home moms find the joy and simplicity as a mother and wife. In her free time she enjoys many crafts, writing, spending time with family, and reading. She would love to hear from you!