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The best pacifiers to soothe your little one
Is your baby ready for a pacifier? Find the best pacifiers that are made with BAP-free materials, have orthodontic designs and are safe for your little one right here.
Shopping for a pacifier can be a tricky task if you’re a new parent seeking comfort and soothing solutions for your baby. When looking for the best pacifier, you should consider factors, such as shape, size, material and design. Ideally, pacifiers should mimic the natural shape of a mother's nipple to facilitate a smooth transition to breastfeeding.
The right one can provide comfort and reassurance to your baby, help them self-soothe and promote better sleep. Additionally, pacifiers have been linked to a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and can offer a helpful tool to manage your baby's fussiness.
There are many options available on the market and it can be confusing to choose the best one. It can be a matter of trial and error, not to mention your baby’s preference too.
Not to worry, here’s where we come in! We’ve researched and reviewed some of the top pacifiers out there so you can get a better idea of what to buy for your baby.
Read more: Keep your babies clean with these baby wipes
MAM Air Pacifiers
Smilo Baby Pacifier With Orthodontic Design
Evenflo Balance + Stage 1 Cylindrical Silicone Pacifier
Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier
Specifications
Material: Silicone
Age: 6 months and above
Pros & Cons
For sensitive skin
Easy to clean
BPA and BPS-free materials
May not last as long if baby gnaws on them
MAM air pacifiers are designed specifically for babies with sensitive skin. It includes an ingenious design that offers optimal airflow, ensuring your baby’s skin breathes comfortably.
Users appreciate that these pacifiers are not just practical but also easy to keep clean — they come with a reusable case and can be sterilized in your microwave in just three minutes. On top of the easy maintenance, these pacifiers boast a symmetrical nipple design, preventing any chance of incorrect insertion.
The glow-in-the-dark versions are a hit amongst parents, which is convenient during nocturnal awakenings. It’s a unique feature that sets MAM air pacifiers apart from other brands.
Users have also reported that their little ones find it fairly easy to hold onto them because of the large holes on the side.
Specifications
Material: Silicone, BPA Free
Age: 0 to 3 months
Pros & Cons
Dishwasher safe
Glow-in-the-dark
Simple design
BPA-free
Available in four sizes from newborn to toddler
Water tends to flow into the nipple when cleaned
May be more suitable for older babies
Designed with babies' preferences in mind, this Smilo baby pacifier With Orthodontic Design is a great choice for new parents. Made of BPA-free silicone, this pacifier is not only safe but also durable and easy to find in the dark with its glow-in-the-dark design.
The nipple is a patented design, developed by a leading pediatric dentist. It expands during soothing to encourage healthy dental development and help prevent a crossbite. The shield of the pacifier is curved to provide enough space for easy breathing and has two openings for airflow to prevent moisture build-up and protect sensitive skin.
Specifications
Material: Silicone
Age range: 0 to 6 months
Pros & Cons
BPA, polycarbonates, PVC and phthalates-free
Flexible design
Lightweight
Easy to clean
Clear color may be harder to find against surfaces
Crafted with the expertise of Pediatric Feeding Specialists, the Evenflo Balance + Stage 1 Cylindrical Silicone Pacifier is the perfect aid to promote healthy sucking skills for your baby. It’s designed with a unique cylindrical shape to mimic the natural tongue shape babies make while breastfeeding, making the transition between breastfeeding and pacifier use seamless.
Made from soft silicone, this pacifier is ultra-lightweight and flexible, designed to decrease mouth fatigue and comfortable for your baby to use for extended periods.
You don’t have to worry about skin irritation either — integrated vent holes help keep the skin around the mouth dry. The pacifier also features an easy-grip handle, making it simple for both parents and babies to hold.
Specifications
Material: Hospital-grade, BPA-free and latex-free silicone
Age range: 0 to 3 months
Pros & Cons
Has attachment point for pacifier holders
Easy to clean and sterilize
Good quality
May be too hard for younger babies
The Philips AVENT Soothie pacifier is a trusted choice among parents, doctors and nurses to soothe newborns. its one-piece design is ideal for babies aged 0 to 3 months, adhering to the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines.
Its orthodontic-friendly design is catered to your baby's natural oral development so it’s not only comforting but also beneficial to their health. Crafted from hospital-grade, BPA-free, and latex-free silicone, this pacifier combines strength, comfort, and durability. It's also dishwasher-safe, making cleaning a breeze.
Users rate it 4.8 stars on average out of 53,386 reviews, so it’s safe to say that it’s a popular pick among parents.
Specifications
Material: Silicone
Age range: 0 to 6 months
Pros & Cons
Medical-grade silicone
Machine washable
Attractive colors
Only available for 0 to 6 months
The Comfy Orthodontic Pacifiers could be the solution to your newborn's soothing needs. Made from 100% silicone, these pacifiers are designed with your baby's comfort and health as a priority. The one-piece design gently contours to your baby's face, reducing the chance of any irritation.
The unique feature of this product is its heart-shaped shield that fits perfectly under your baby's nose. This allows for more comfortable breathing, making it an ideal choice for both awake and sleeping times.
Additionally, the pacifier's unique, breast-like nipple naturally fits your baby’s palate, which promotes healthy oral development.
Specifications
Material: Silicone
Age range: 0 to 6 months
Pros & Cons
Has multiple ventilation holes
Sterilizing case included
One-piece construction
BPA and latex-free
Nipple design may be too small for some babies
This pacifier is a scientifically backed product that supports your infant's breathing and oral development. Made from 100% silicone, this one-piece construction pacifier stands out for its exclusive nipple design.
The design helps position your baby's tongue forward to maintain an open airway, which in turn supports physiological breathing. This feature could be a lifesaver in preventing sleep-related incidents and offering you peace of mind.
The pacifier is also ideal for comfort, featuring an extra-soft silicone nipple with a satin-textured finish. This texture helps keep the pacifier in your baby’s mouth, reducing the chances of it being spat out in the middle of the night.
The physioforma pacifier is not only practical but also machine washable, making it easy for busy parents to clean and maintain.
Specifications
Material: Natural rubber
Age range: 0 to 6 months
Pros & Cons
Strong and flexible design
Soft rubber material
Handwash only
The Natursutten baby gift set is a standout choice for newborns and their parents, earning its spot on our list for its innovative design and natural materials. Made from 100% natural rubber, this set which includes newborn pacifiers and a comforting teether toy, is perfect for soothing babies during the challenging teething period.
The pacifiers are strong, flexible and soft, which makes them gentle on baby's tender gums. They are designed to alleviate discomfort and pain associated with teething by massaging the gums and aiding in teeth eruption.
One of the key highlights of this pacifier is its single-piece design. This eliminates joints or cracks where germs can hide, making it a safer option for your little one.
The soft rubber material offers a more natural feel than artificial silicone, a quality that babies seem to love.
Specifications
Material: Silicone
Age: 0-6 months
Pros & Cons
Dishwasher safe
Available in two age stages
Dust free
Can’t attach pacifier clip
These ultra-light silicone baby pacifiers from Tommee Tippee offer a soothing solution for your little one's need to suckle. Weighing less than traditional pacifiers, these are specially designed for smaller mouths, making them much easier for your baby to hold onto and less likely to fall out.
Crafted from soft, flexible silicone, these pacifiers are gentle on your baby's delicate skin and gums while still being durable enough to withstand daily use and washing.
It has a curved shield for a comfortable fit between your baby’s nose and chin while large holes allow extra airflow and prevent moisture build-up to help prevent skin irritation.
What is a recommended type of pacifier?
Orthodontic pacifiers are highly recommended. These pacifiers are designed to accommodate your baby's oral development, reducing the risk of dental issues down the line. They are shaped to mimic the natural shape of the breast, making them a great choice for breastfed babies.
Are pacifiers necessary?
Pacifiers are not necessary, but they can be beneficial. They can soothe a fussy baby, help them fall asleep and even reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, it's important to introduce a pacifier correctly and to wean your baby off it at the right time to avoid any potential negative impacts.
When should I introduce a pacifier?
It's generally recommended to introduce a pacifier after breastfeeding is well established, typically around three to four weeks of age. This helps prevent nipple confusion and ensures that your baby is getting enough to eat.
Which pacifiers on our list are top picks?
Which pacifier your baby takes depends on what their likes are and can involve a lot of trial and error if you’re giving them pacifiers to try. But if we had to choose, the two that get our vote are the MAM Air Pacifiers and the Philips Avent Soothie.
The MAM Air Pacifiers are praised for their unique design that offers optimal airflow, ensuring your baby’s skin breathes comfortably.
Meanwhile, the Philips Avent Soothie ranks highly on our list for its unique finger-held design and is durable and easy to clean. It’s also available in four colors.
Whether you're a new parent or looking for a gift for a loved one, consider these best pacifiers for their quality and reliability.
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Prices updated on 12/22/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Sherelyn Goh
A former women's lifestyle magazine editor, Sherelyn Goh has worked with all things beauty, health, style and travel and finds a thrill in discovering and testing new products. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she enjoys food, travel, working out and cooking.
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