Ahhhh, pacifiers! Who knew there were so many to choose from?! All with different features, sizes, shapes, colors, – the list goes on and on! Before you go panic buying one of every pacifier on the market, you need to read this article!
I’ll cover how many pacifiers you really need, how often you should replace them, pacifier types, features, accessories, and finish up by going through my top picks for a variety of different categories. You don’t want to miss this one!
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How many pacifiers do I need?
How many pacifiers do you need, you ask? Well, that’s a really great question and one that is somewhat dependent on your baby. Some babies aren’t picky and will take to any pacifier you give them. Others are very selective and will have you running through almost every pacifier on the market. And then there are the ones that refuse them all together!
I don’t recommend buying one of every pacifier to have just in case. I do, however, recommend having a couple different brands and types on hand before baby’s arrival. You just never know which baby you are going to end up with.
How often should you replace pacifiers?
The standard recommendation is to replace a pacifier every 4-8 weeks. But I will say that this is somewhat dependent on how often your baby uses it. For some babies, pacifier use is limited to their cribs at nap and bedtimes. Other babies have one with them at all times.
If you have a little one that is dependent on their pacifier and cannot go anywhere without it then you might want to replace it closer to every 4 weeks. If your little one mainly just uses it for naps and sleep then you should be okay with every 8 weeks.
Pacifier types
Much like any baby product on the market, pacifiers come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. It can be tough to know exactly what you should look for in a pacifier. I’ve listed some features and accessories below to consider when looking for the right pacifier.
What to look for in a pacifier
Pacifier features
Nipple shape
Typically, pacifier nipples come in 3 different shapes – round, symmetrical, and orthodontic. Sometimes referred to as a cherry nipple, the round nipple is the shape you think of with a classic pacifier. The sucking technique with a rounded nipple is similar to when a baby breastfeeds so it decreases the potential for nipple confusion.
A symmetrical nipple is more flat at the tip, like a teardrop. It promotes a sucking technique where the tongue is flat and presses the pacifier against the palate. Baby doesn’t have to suck quite as hard to flatten a symmetrical nipple as they would with a rounded one.
The third shape, known as orthodontic or anatomical, has an angled tip and offers a more natural fit to baby’s palate. The angled tip, similar to the symmetrical nipple, means baby doesn’t have to suck as hard to flatten the pacifier.
Nipple size
Nipple size typically directly correlates to baby’s age. I say typically because some babies prefer one size nipple whereas others size up every few months. Usually nipple sizes are newborn/0+ months, 6+ months, and 18+ months (or some similar variation).
Nipple material
The most common pacifier materials are natural rubber latex and silicone. Latex nipples are soft and rubbery and are usually yellow or brownish in color. Silicone nipples might feel a bit stiff in the beginning but they are sturdier and last longer than latex nipples.
Pacifier accessories
There are so many accessories that you can get to go with your little one’s pacifier. Here are some of my top recommendations!
Cuddle Campus Silicone Pacifier Clip Holder
A pacifier clip is a must! It is especially important if you are going on a road trip and won’t be able to reach back to help baby find their paci. It’s also great because it keeps the pacifier from falling on the ground and getting dirty when you are out and about.
Ubbi On-The-Go Dual Pacifier Holder
Whether you are running errands, out for a meal, or on a road trip, spare pacis are a must! In order to keep them clean and easy to get to, you need one of these pacifier holders to stick in the diaper bag or your purse. Unlike most holders, this one actually holds 2!
No matter how hard you try to keep them clean, pacifiers are going to hit the ground and get dirty. If you are at home and have extras or the time to wash it, no big deal. But if you are out and don’t have a spare on hand, things could get ugly. Be sure to keep these wipes in your diaper bag, purse, or car – you won’t regret it!
Munchkin Portable UV Sterilizer
I didn’t have one of these when my boys were little (although I sure wish I did!) but it seems like a pretty handy thing to keep in your diaper bag. It can get the pacifier 99.99% clean in 59 seconds. It’s powered by batteries or USB cable and will only run you about $20.
This is designed to keep your baby’s pacifier close by at all times. Coming in a variety of colors and styles, the WubbaNub pacifier makes it easier for baby (and you) to find the it when it falls out of their mouth.
Best pacifier categories
To read details about each specific product continue scrolling through this article. If you want to cut to the chase and see all my favorite pacifiers and accessories in one place you can do so by clicking below!
Best pacifier for newborns
MAM Original Start Newborn Baby Pacifier
You can find these in a 2- or 3-pack with a self-sterilizing case. These pacifiers are symmetrical in shape and made with BPA-free silicone. They are extra tiny for itty bitty newborn mouths. The pacifiers naturally flatten and extend when sucked to mimic a human nipple. Plus, they come with super cute designs!
Best pacifier for breastfed newborns
Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier 0-3 months
Made of hospital-grade, BPA-free and latex-free silicone, these pacifiers are comfortable, durable, and great for breastfed babies. This is the pacifier used by doctors and nurses in hospitals nationwide. It’s an orthodontic design that respects the natural development of baby’s teeth and gums. This particular pacifier is specifically designed for newborns age 0-3 months.
Best pacifier for breastfed baby
Made of 100% silicone, this nipple is soft and skin-like to help avoid nipple confusion for breastfed babies. The ergonomic shape curves around your baby’s face, chin, and nose and flexes to stay in baby’s mouth better. It’s sterilizer and dishwasher safe making it easy to clean. There is also a stage 2 option available that’s better suited for crawling and walking babies.
Best orthodontic pacifier
Chicco PhysioForma 100% Soft Silicone Pacifier
This pacifier comes in 3 different sizes: 0-6 months, 6-16 months, and 16-24 months. The lateral curve of the nipple evenly distributes the tongue’s pressure against the palate. There are tiny ridges on the tip of the nipple, which coupled with an inclined nipple shape, help support baby’s growing palate and teeth. It also has ventilation holes for air circulation to help prevent saliva from gathering.
Best value pacifier
Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier 0-3 months
It’s really hard to beat this one! Not only is it a tried and true, hospital-distributed and recommended pacifier, but it’s also very cost friendly as well. A 4 pack of this highly rated pacifier will run you around $10 – a lot of bang for your buck if you ask me!
Best splurge-worthy pacifier
Mamas and babies both love these pacifiers! Made of natural rubber, BIBS pacifiers are 100% free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates. Designed and manufactured in Denmark, each purchase includes 2 premium pacifiers. BIBS pacifiers are offered in round, anatomical, and symmetrical nipples as well as in natural rubber latex and premium silicone.
Top 3 pacifiers
Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier 0-3 months
As you can tell, Philips Avent Soothie pacifier is top of the line for many reasons. It’s highly rated, the pacifier used by so many hospitals across the U.S., and on top of that, it is very cost friendly too. There’s no question why this one is in my top 3 pacifier recommendations.
NUK Comfy Orthodontic Pacifiers
Made with 100% medical-grade silicone, this pacifier is comfy and durable. The heart-shaped shield fits under baby’s nose to make breathing easy and prevent irritation. The breast-like nipple naturally fits baby’s palate and helps promote healthy oral development. This pacifier is BPA-free and dishwasher safe too!
Made with BPA-free silicone, this pacifier has silky, skin-soft material and a symmetrical shape that’s ideal for teeth and jaw development. The storage case doubles as a sterilizing box too. And the best feature – they glow in the dark! I can’t tell you how much of a difference this makes for those nighttime wake ups – it really is the little things, mama!
Finding the best pacifier might take time
Finding the best pacifier for your little one might take some time. You just never know if you will have the baby that takes to any and all pacifiers or the picky one that goes through every pacifier on the market. Just remember that this trial and error is totally normal!
Finally, some babies end up never taking a pacifier. I know that at the moment this seems like the worst thing in the world but hear me out. Think about all the trouble you will save yourself down the road when you don’t have to wean your baby off the pacifier…I’m all about those silver linings!
Wrapping up
Pacifiers are very important but they are only one of the many items you might find yourself putting on your baby registry. If the thought of creating a baby registry stresses you out and you aren’t sure where to begin, let me help you!
My team and I have created an amazing resource for you. And did I mention that it’s free too? MLN’s Baby Registry Guide will walk you through the process of creating a registry and help you say goodbye to registry overwhelm.
We’ll help you make informed decisions about the items you’ll actually need. What’s more, we have shoppable links to products at every price point, to make purchasing or adding to your registry super easy!
Don’t miss out on this info-packed, comprehensive, and free guide. You can learn more and sign up to receive the guide by filling out the form below.
