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Choose The Best Pacifier For Newborn Babies
Babies can be surprisingly fussy about pacifiers. Even though you might see hundreds of brands that claim to be the best pacifier for newborn babies, there’s a lot to consider. What makes a pacifier a good pacifier? How do you choose the right one and when should you give one to your little gnawing baby- there must be so many questions in your mind.
When you find the right pacifier for your newborn, it can do wonders when it comes to keeping your baby content. Let’s check out how to choose the best pacifier and also the top 16 best pacifiers for newborn babies.
What Are Pacifiers ?
A pacifier is a nipple-shaped substitute, made of rubber, plastic, or medical-grade silicone. Generally, a pacifier has three parts
- An elongated teat
- A mouth shield
- A handle
It is given to an infant to suckle upon between feedings to quiet its distress by satisfying the need to suck when it does not need to eat.
Best Pacifiers: When Should I Introduce A Pacifier ?
You shouldn’t give your baby a pacifier right from birth. Doing so can lead to problems. Introducing pacifiers too soon can cause nipple confusion and issues related to proper latch for breastfeeding. Why is this so? It is because breastfeeding and pacifiers use different sucking motion
- Around the one-month mark, if you notice that your baby is gaining weight and is doing well with breastfeeding, this might be a good time to introduce pacifiers.
- If your baby is still having issues with breastfeeding or is not gaining enough weight, let go of the idea of introducing pacifiers at this time in order to prevent nipple confusion.
Best Pacifiers: Does My Baby Need A Pacifier ?
The sole purpose of pacifiers is comfort. So when you have a fussy baby who won’t stop crying, a pacifier can be one of the best tricks you have so you’ll both get some comfort. Decoding a baby’s behavior can be tricky at times, so here’s how you’ll know if your little one needs a pacifier.
- Your baby continues to suck on a bottle even after it’s empty
- Your baby seems to suckle your breast without any intention of drawing out milk
- Your baby is sucking on their fingers or on toys.
Best Pacifiers: How Should I Choose The Best Pacifier For Newborn ?
Pacifiers come in various shapes, sizes, and styles. But when it comes to buying one for your baby, there are various factors that you want the best for your little one. So can you choose the best pacifier for breastfed babies? The three most important things to consider are
- Size of the pacifier
- Material of the nipple
- The shield
1. Size Of The Pacifier
Most of the time, it’s mentioned in the packages what age group they are meant for. The age group breakdown is usually
- For 6 months and under
- For 6 to 18 months
- For older than 18 months
Why is this important? A small pacifier for a bigger baby can be a choking hazard because it can fit inside the baby’s mouth.
2. Material Of The Nipple
Nipples of pacifiers are usually made out of silicone or latex. Silicone is firmer than natural latex, so they tend to be sturdy and long-lasting. But since it is a synthetic material, most parents prefer latex pacifier nipples. Latex is eco-friendly, comes from sustainable sources, and is softer. But they also break more easily. Although before using latex pacifiers, make sure your baby is not allergic to latex.
3. The Shield
The shield is what stops your baby from sucking the pacifier fully into their mouth, which is a choking hazard. A shield that is 1.5 inches or bigger is considered a good benchmark for babies.
What are the Best Pacifiers For Newborn Babies In 2022?
- Philips Soothie Avent Pacifier
- Comfy NUK 100% Silicone Pacifiers
- Unscented JollyPop Pacifier
- Ecopiggy’s Baby Ecopacifier
- Evenflo’s Feeding Cylindrical Pacifier
- Rose& Ryan – Cutie Pat All-in-One Pacifier
- Nanobébé Flexy Baby Pacifier
- MAM Glow-In-the-Dark Orthodontic Pacifier
- HEVEA Classic Natural Rubber Pacifier
- Tommee Closer Tippee to Nature Soother Pacifier
- Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci – Best Pacifiers
- Chicco PhysioForma – Best Pacifiers
- Natursutten Original Best Pacifiers
- RaZbaby RaZ-berry Teether – Best Pacifiers
- Itzy Ritzy Soother – Best Pacifiers
- Boon Jewl Best Pacifiers
1. Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier: Best Pacifier For Breastfed Baby
Claimed to be an orthodontic pacifier, the Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier is a soft, medical-grade silicone pacifier. This can easily be the best pacifier for newborn babies.
Pros
- Round shaped, resembling a real nipple
- Dishwasher safe
- Bpa free, latex-free, medical-grade silicone
- Thick one-piece construction with holes for ventilation.
Cons
- The nipple is too large for some babies
- The round shield is large and can push into some babies’ noses.
2. NUK Comfy 100% Silicone Pacifiers: Best Pacifier For Breastfed Baby
Another truly orthodontic shape pacifier, meant to lessen jaw and palate pressure, the NUK Comfy 100% Silicone Pacifier is made of silicone with one-piece construction. It features an asymmetrical shape for oral development.
Pros
- Offers four different sizes whereas most brands only offer three
- The scoop-shaped nipple cavity allows for full tongue movement for gentle exercise and to ensure proper teeth alignment.
- A wide-open shield that allows for maximum airflow
- Large holes to prevent sweat, saliva, or anything else build up around your baby’s mouth and cheeks.
Cons
- Some said that wide residue was left on them, and wasn’t coming off even after sterilization.
3. JollyPop Pacifier Unscented: Best Pacifier For Breastfed Baby
The JollyPop Pacifier is dependable since it’s the pacifier used in top US children’s hospitals. The one-piece silicone construction does have a ring so mom and baby can both hold the pacifier.
Pros
- Add a stuffed animal to hold the pacifier.
- One-piece silicone pacifier
- Rounded nipple with a more prominent tip which helps some babies to latch onto it.
Cons
- Tends to be a little hard (even though it’s a matter of preference)
- Smells nothing like breastmilk or formula and could deter babies from nursing or bottle-feeding.
4. Ecopiggy’s Ecopacifier: Best Pacifier For Breastfed Baby
Ecopiggy’s Ecopacifier could easily win the award for the best pacifier for newborn babies. It is available in the orthodontic or rounded shape but the rounded is more breastfed friendly. It is made of natural rubber, and resists sharp teeth, and feels good against gums, which is great for teething babies.
Pros
- One-piece pacifier, made from pure rubber from the Hevea Brasiliensis rubber tree.
- Free of plastic, BPA, phthalate, PVC, and parabens.
- Great for teething babies.
Cons
- Size limitation as there are only two sizes available- 0 to 6 months or 6 months plus
- Older babies (above 10 to 12 months old) will need to find a new option once they outgrow these two sizes.
- Needs to be replaced fairly often, every six to eight weeks depending on usage.
5. Evenflo Feeding Balance Cylindrical Pacifier: Best Pacifier For Breastfed Baby
Specially designed for breastfed babies, the Evenflo Feeding Balance Cylindrical Pacifier has a long, cylindrical nipple with a rounded tip. The best features are definitely its soft and flexible nipple and its anti-fatigue feature.
Pros
- Soft nipple with an easy-grip handle, which is good for both mom and baby
- Discourage mouth fatigue for babies as they are flexible
- Comes with a re-sealable steam sanitizing bag to pop in the microwave for a quick clean
- Promotes a natural tongue position and mimics the breast
- One-piece construction
- Made from silicone
Cons
- The plain white color may discolor quickly
- Tends to be a little too hard (even though it’s a matter of preference)
6. Ryan & Rose – Cutie Pat All-in-One Pacifier: Best Pacifier For Breastfed Baby
When babies are around six months old, they turn into little gnawing machines. Most pacifiers will start to tear and break down if gnawed on too much. But the Ryan & Rose – Cutie Pat All-in-One Pacifier is designed for more. It has a soother on one side and a teething ring on the other.
Pros
- 2 in 1 — nipple retracts and can also function as a teether
- 100% medical-grade, BPA-free silicone
- One-piece design
- Comes in multiple colors
- Attaches easily to a pacifier clip if desired
- Material is incredibly soft
- Has breathing holes for enhanced airflow
Cons
- The writing on the pacifier faces the baby and sticks out and may make babies reject it.
- Some moms complained the pacifier was too soft and not as durable as others
- A little on the pricier side than other pacifiers and only comes with one
7. Nanobébé Flexy Baby Pacifier: Best Pacifier For Breastfed Baby
This baby Pacifier from Nanobébé is known to be the best pacifiers for babies who are breastfed. The reason being, it flexes to conform in the shape of the little one’s face. Adding on, its ventilator holes help to prevent skin irritations.
Pros
- Gentle curves and soft silicone for easy suckling
- Promotes normal oral development
- Ventilator holes prevent skin irritation
- Claims that this pacifier may prevent nipple confusion
Cons
- The short nipple of the soother bothers some babies, but for other tiny newborn babies, the shorter nipple may be the best pacifier.
8. MAM Glow-In-the-Dark Orthodontic Pacifier: Best Pacifier For Breastfed Baby
Tired of searching through your little one’s crib in the dark for their lost pacifier, afraid to turn on any lights in fear of waking them up? Well, the MAM Glow-In-the-Dark Orthodontic Pacifier comes to your rescue because you just have to follow the glow.
Pros
- Comes in three sizes from newborn all the way up to toddlers
- Microwave safe
- Includes a case for stowing in your diaper bag
- Made of silicone
- Glows in the dark
Cons
- Constructed from multiple pieces (as opposed to single-piece construction), so it’s harder to keep clean
- No ring to hold the pacifier
9. HEVEA Classic Natural Rubber Pacifier: Best Pacifier For Breastfed Baby
The HEVEA Classic Natural Rubber Pacifier from Denmark is designed a little differently than other American pacifiers. The shield surrounding the nipple does not lay close to the skin but instead draws away to prevent a drool rash.
Pros
- Prevents drool rash
- The oversized shield is designed to touch the baby’s nose, which more closely simulates breastfeeding
- Free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates
- Offers a ring to hold the pacifier or attach a clip
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Live shorter lives than silicone pacifiers
10. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Soother Pacifier: Best Pacifier For Breastfed Baby
Among most other orthodontic pacifiers, the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Soother Pacifier closely resembles a nursing nipple. 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.
Pros
- Super-soft silicone for easier latching and a natural skin-like feeling
- More natural curves without sharp angles
- Material curves away from the baby’s mouth and includes ventilation holes to reduce rashes and skin irritations.
Cons
- Nipples didn’t match the bottle nipples
- Some babies will like this nipple shape and others won’t but it’s worth a try.
11. Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci: Best Pacifier For Breastfed Baby
Baby pacifiers from HappyPaci’s are shaped just like nipples on their bottles. It is made using silicone, is all one piece, and features a butterfly-shaped face shield that curves from the baby’s nose for safety and comfort.
Pros
- Is shaped like a nipple
- Is comforting
- Has a butterfly-shaped face shield
Cons
- There are some reviews sharing that the pacifier tends to pop out into the baby’s mouths
- It’s heavy
- The base of the nipple is wide
12. Chicco PhysioForma: Best Pacifier For Breastfed Baby
This is a popular orthodontic pacifier for babies, which means it is slightly curved/flattened for better positioning of the tongue against the palate. Plus, Chicco comes with small ridges that are shaped to guide the tongue into good placement.
Pros
- Is made using silicone
- Is all one piece
- Is easy to clean
- Was developed by a panel of neonatologists, orthodontists, and pediatricians
Cons
- The ring of the pacifier is a little big for the baby
- The material used attracts fuzz and lint
13. Natursutten Original Best Pacifiers: Best Pacifier For Breastfed Baby
Natursutten is made using the rubber of the Hevea brasiliensis trees and is free of BPA, chemical softeners, PVC, phthalates, and artificial coloring. This baby pacifier is also available in both rounded nipple and orthodontic options.
Pros
- Is BPA free
- Is made from Hevea rubber
- Has no artificial coloring
- Is a one-piece design
Cons
- It lacks longevity
- The pacifier tends to crack when sterilized
- Is bigger for the baby’s mouth
14. RaZbaby RaZ-berry Teether - Best Pacifiers: Best Pacifier For Breastfed Baby
This baby teether cum pacifier is designed just like a RaZ-berry that replaces the nipple with a textured chewable silicone nub. Its shape allows the little one to chew without the need to hold anything.
Pros
- Is shaped like a raspberry
- Is chewable
- The baby doesn’t need to hold it
Cons
- The teether could be big for the baby’s mouth, especially if under 6 months
- It’s not using one piece
- Can easily break and cause a choking hazard
15. Itzy Ritzy Soother - Best Pacifiers: Best Pacifier For Breastfed Baby
Inclined and devoted to making your little one a fashion star? Why not get them a matching pacifier that fits every outfit and mood! You heard it right, this baby pacifier by Itzy Ritzy provides you with that! It is a one-piece silicone construction pacifier that is easy to clean and sterilize and is available in a wide variety of colors.
Pros
- Comes with a handle that is either a braided or bow design
- Has a round nipple
- Is appropriate for teething babies
- Has a wide variety of colors to choose from
Cons
- Some reviewers say that the silicone is thin
- Has an odd musty odor when opened
16. Boon Jewl Best Pacifiers: Best Pacifier For Breastfed Baby
Boon Jewl baby pacifier is developed by a pediatric dentist and is considered to be the best for the little one’s oral development. It features a silicone nipple that helps coax the baby’s tiny tongue into proper placement, has a face shield with a narrow neck that allows the natural movement of the baby’s jaw, and has a one-piece body that makes it easy to clean and sanitize.
Pros
- Is developed by a pediatric dentist
- Made using silicon
- Has a face-shield with a narrow body
- Is super easy to clean
Cons
- Some reviews say that this pacifier makes the babies gag as its bigger in size
Advantages Of Using These Best Pacifiers
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), when used correctly, it’s perfectly fine to give your baby a pacifier. There are various advantages of a pacifier, one of the biggest being the fact that it can save your child’s life.
- Researches have shown that babies who use pacifiers in their sleep are less prone to the risk of SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Some studies even say that the risk is decreased up to 90%.
- Pacifiers can also be a great advantage to soothe your baby during vaccination.
- Pacifiers also help babies self-soothe while falling asleep at night.
- Pacifiers make babies feel more comfortable during the flight. The sucking motion may help their ears pop, which can reduce crying.
Disadvantages Of Using Pacifiers
- Using the pacifier past two years can be a sign of dental implication, known as pacifier teeth. To prevent this oral development complication, make sure you’ve broken your baby off pacifiers.
- Weaning off babies can be really hard, especially for parents who mostly rely on pacifiers to soothe their babies.
- Heavy use of pacifiers can lead to ear infections, a common problem in babies.
When Should A Pacifier Be Replaced ?
Overusing pacifiers pose a safety risk, especially if your little one begins chewing on them, instead of just sucking on them. How will you know when to throw away your baby’s pacifier and get them a new one?
- If the nipple is beginning to tear.
- If any part of the pacifier is broken off or seems to be loose.
- If its nipple is sticky.
- If the pacifier is discolored.
A Final Word On Pacifiers
Congratulations! You’re now an expert on baby pacifiers. Every baby is unique and so is their interest. Babies can be fussy and picky. So go experiment and see the one your little one loves. And lastly, get a little rest mama. You deserve it.
