Pacifiers: A Buyer's Guide for Soothing Baby
The amount of decisions new parents face can be incredibly overwhelming, and one of the the hardest decisions to make surrounds the smallest product: the pacifier. Designed to do what it is named after, a pacifier is used to help pacify, or soothe, your newborn. Often, children will turn to a pacifier through toddlerhood as a way to relax and fall asleep, but that doesn’t mean making a decision to use one is easy.
One way to determine if you want to introduce a pacifier to a baby is to learn a bit about what it is, how it’s used, and what to consider when buying one. Generally this will provide the background information you need to have a good foundation upon which to make a decision. Take a look below at our buyers guide and top pacifier reviews.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Itzy Ritzy Sweetie Soother Pacifier
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| #2 |  Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier
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| #3 |  NUK Orthodontic Pacifiers
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| #4 |  BIBS Baby Pacifier
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| #5 |  Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Silicone Pacifier
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Table Of Contents
- What is a Pacifier, and Why Does My Baby Need One?
- — Benefits of a Pacifier
- How Old Should My Baby Be to Use a Pacifier?
- Types of Pacifiers
- What to Consider
- Top Pacifier Picks for All Your Baby’s Needs
- 1. Itzy Ritzy Sweetie Soother Pacifier
- SPECS:
- Editor’s Choice
- 2. Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier
- 3. NUK Orthodontic Pacifiers
- 4. BIBS Baby Pacifier
- 5. Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Silicone Pacifier
- Conclusion
What is a Pacifier, and Why Does My Baby Need One?
As mentioned, a pacifier is exactly that, a product design to soothe a child in the simplest way possible. Since infants and older babies associate feeding with warmth and comfort, a pacifier is designed in a way to mimic either a human or synthetic nipple to help boost this comforting task. An infant’s natural impulse to suck is very strong after being born, and so it is often easy to introduce a pacifier to a baby waiting to nurse for the first time. Many hospitals will introduce a pacifier unless specifically asked not to do so.
Even if your baby takes to a pacifier early on, they might not want it after a few weeks as they are exposed to other soothing techniques. But if you find you have a child that does struggle to relax or soothe, you may want to reintroduce a pacifier- or try it for the first time even if you weren’t sure if it was for you.
— Benefits of a Pacifier
They aren’t just used to ease discomfort either. There are other reasons you might want to consider one:
- Temporary distraction
- Soothes Sore, teething gums
- Helps with air pressure changes during travel
- May help reduce SIDS
How Old Should My Baby Be to Use a Pacifier?
Pacifiers can be given immediately following birth, or introduced later if you feel the need to do so. Many physicians agree, however, that you begin to wean them away from a pacifier during toddlerhood to avoid issues with teeth misalignment.
If you aren’t sure if your baby will take a pacifier, but you want to consider it, watch for these signs to see if it might be a good solution:
- Baby sucks on bottle or nipple even when not feeding
- Sucks on fingers or thumbs regularly
- Sucks on toys and blankets
Even if you are unsure, they are not an expensive product and it might be worth trying!
Types of Pacifiers
Another detail concerning pacifiers that might frustrate you is the fact not all are made the same. Of course, your child may prefer one type over another, and there is truly no way to know unless you try something different from what isn’t working. Plus, you need to be aware of these differences and sizes since a pacifier that is used for a newborn is definitely going to be different than one a toddler might use.
• Latex vs Silicon
Latex and silicon are the two materials most often used. Latex is the softer, more flexible material that allows flattening. But it can be an issue for babies with developing teeth as they can bite off a piece. Silicon is more sturdy and not as easy to bite a hole in. It is also generally easier to clean.
• Orthodontic Approved
These pacifiers have a nipple that is flattened at the bottom and rounded at top to allow them to flatten when sucked upon. This helps influence a more natural sucking action, and reduces pressure on developing teeth.
• Rounded-Tip
These are a familiar looking pacifier and more traditional compared to others. The rounded shape mimics the shape of the natural nipple and is suggested for breastfed babies.
• One-Piece vs Multiple Piece
One piece pacifiers are made of a single piece of latex or silicon which minimizes the risk of anything coming apart. Multiple pieces, although sturdy, are made of a separate nipple, guard, and ring that are combined together.
What to Consider
When purchasing a pacifier for your baby, you might want to consider a few things first. These aren’t an expensive product and most are sold in milti-packs on the off chance you lose one. But it also isn’t difficult to try out various styles to see what your baby prefers.
• Size
Pacifiers are sized to fit the development of the child. Be sure to purchase the correct size for comfort and to avoid issues caused by too large, or small a size.
• Material
If your child has teeth, you may want to avoid latex due to how it may be easy for a child to bite through it while teething. However, it is a softer choice that many prefer over the harder silicon.
• Guard
The guard size and type is important to consider as well since every child has different sized features. Some guards are cut low to keep airways more clear, while some are more rounded.
• Cleaning
Be sure to read directions on how to effectively clean your pacifier choice. They can easily harbor bacteria and are often dropped, so choose something that you don’t mind washing regularly.
• Concerns
There are concerns about pacifier use and child development, but for the most part doctors agree that use causes no long term harm. Some things to take into account when making a decision include:
- Dependency on the pacifier that results in a hard to soothe child when it is not available.
- The possible increased risk of middle ear infections after 6 months of age.
- Dental problems concerning misalignment
- May disrupt breastfeeding
Top Pacifier Picks for All Your Baby’s Needs
The following top pacifier picks are from some of the best brands in the industry. Dependable, safe, and loved by children world-wide, these options are the ones you want to take a look at first!
1. Itzy Ritzy Sweetie Soother Pacifier
SPECS:
- Material: silicone
- Type: One-piece rounded-tip
- Age: birth and up
- Pack Size: 2
Editor’s Choice
Made for newborns and up, these 2 packs of one-piece silicone pacifiers provide vent holes for breathability and collapsible handles for safety. The nipple shape is soft, durable, and teething friendly, and provides a durable option for long term use.
The different colors are fun and easy to use for color coordination with clothing, and are a soothing product you may not want to ever be without. BPA and latex free, they are a safe choice that works well with a growing child.
Who This is For
Perfect for infants and up, the shape is soft and malleable and doesn’t work against incoming teeth. The multi purpose design is stylish and is a unique, fun option as well!
2. Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier
SPECS:
- Material: silicone
- Type: One-piece Orthodontic
- Size: 0-3 months
- Pack Size: 4
Runner Up
Philips Avent is the top brand used by hospitals nationwide and are regularly used to help soothe and relax newborns prior to their first feeding. Made for babies from birth to 3 months, they are especially designed to help mimic the natural nipple shape and provide a helpful self-soothing option.
This one piece, silicon construction makes them easy to wash – by hand, in a dishwasher, and all forms of sterilization. The hospital grade, BPA free and latex free design is made for long-lasting strength and use. It also provides a soothing nipple option that allows you to place your finger in to help with suckling.
Who This is For
These are made specifically for newborns to 3 months and are often offered by the hospital, so they are a good choice to have some extras bought when prepping your expected hospital bag!
3. NUK Orthodontic Pacifiers
SPECS:
- Material: Silicon
- Type: One-piece Orthodontic
- Age: birth – 36 months
- Pack Size: 5
Best Orthodontic Pacifier
NUKS orthodontic nipple shape is made for a flatter option for a natural sucking motion and helps reduce pressure on the jaw and teeth to avoid future teeth misalignment. Designed in sizes birth through 36 months, it is shaped after a natural nipple size and offers a heart shaped shield to make breathing easier and avoid any coverage of the nose.
They come in a pack of 5, so you can always have one nearby, and they glow in the dark to easily find at night! BPA free, made from silicon, dishwasher safe- these are the perfect option to grow with your child.
Who This is For
Newborn to 36 months, these are a great choice for a growing child without having to worry about dental issues. They also work well to avoid confusion with breastfeeding babies.
4. BIBS Baby Pacifier
SPECS:
- Material: latex
- Type: Multiple piece rounded-tip
- Age: birth – 36 months
- Pack Size: 2
Best Latex Pacifier
Dependable since the 1970’s, this Danish brand pacifier has been a popular go-to worldwide for soothing comfort. Made with natural latex, it offers a soft, teething friendly option without sacrificing durability. Shaped to mimic the natural nipple shape, the guard also provides a similar feel for nursing babies to provide added comfort. Available in packs of 2, you can also choose the correct size from birth through 36 months for consistency as your child grows.
Pacifiers are easy to sterilize and are free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates. They also come in a wide variety of colors for you to pick and choose from to match your baby’s favorite outfits. The brand also provides other designs so you can find what works best for your baby.
Who This is For
This is a long standing, dependable latex pacifier brand that offers a quality product that is safe for your growing child. They also are REALLY cute!
5. Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Silicone Pacifier
SPECS:
- Material: Silicone
- Type: multi-piece orthodontic
- Age: birth – 36 months
- Pack Size: 4
Best Ultra-Light Silicone Pacifier
This ultra-light pacifier made by the popular brand Tommee Tippee is a silicone design created to soothe and comfort your baby. The multi-piece orthodontic design provides a symmetrical nipple that is supportive of healthy teeth and is comfortable against the gums. The silky soft feel is durable and flexible with a skin-like feel to mimic the natural feel of a nipple to allow breastfeeding babies a degree of comfort when not feeding.
A curved shield helps avoid moisture build up due to large air vents that provides breathability, and the shape fits well between the baby’s nose and chin. This design is also great for sensitive skins to avoid irritation. Easy to clean, it can be washed in the dishwasher as well as by hand.
Who This is For
This lightweight design is made to last and beheld for longer periods of time by a tired baby. The curved shield is also a popular design to avoid issues with air flow.
Conclusion
If you are considering introducing a pacifier or replacing existing ones, these options are the best in the business. Just be sure to choose the size that is appropriate for your child and the style you prefer and is comfortable for the baby. Keep in mind to have more than one handy at all times in case one gets dirty or is lost, and always sanitize and wash on a regular basis.