Pacifiers. Binkies. Dummies. Soothers. No matter what you call them, “the best pacifiers are the ones your baby will take,” says Dr. Natasha Burgert, a pediatrician, blogger and speaker. With so many choices of pacifiers out there, how do you know where to start?
Whether your baby likes a pacifier is a key factor in whether that pacifier is one to stock up on. “Before you buy a dozen of one brand, you might want to try one of a few brands first so you know what your baby will like,” says Dr. Tanya Altmann, a pediatrician, author and parenting expert. When choosing a pacifier, especially for an older baby or even young toddler, Dr. Altmann says, “It is really important to read the labeling. Pacifiers that are designed for babies are not meant for little ones with bigger mouths. My little guy once folded a pacifier into his mouth and started choking. He was fine, but I realized how dangerous an improper soother was in the wrong mouth.”
Here are 15 of the best pacifiers that we found to help get you started, with tips from experts on why these pacifiers are the best choice.
Top Picks
Think about your baby’s ongoing physical development when you choose a pacifier. Dr. Misee Harris, a pediatric dentist and the founder of Project Smile, says, “It is best to use those pacifiers which are ventilated. The ventilation allows air to pass through the pacifier as your baby is sucking and decreases the pressure that is inflicted on the palate and developing teeth.”
- Harris’s top pick for best pacifier is the Advent Orthodontic Translucent Silicone Pacifier. It is designed to naturally support the development of the palate, teeth and gums.
- The Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier is “the one that most hospitals recommend for babies right from the start,” says Dr. Altmann. “It is what most hospitals use too.” It’s also one of the best ones for breastfeeding babies under 6 months, due to its rounded nipple shape.
For New Babies
- The Mustache Pacifier for newborns will make you and baby smile all the way home from the hospital.
- The Playtex Binky Silicone Pacifier for newborns is ventilated, which Dr. Harris recommends as an important feature.
- The NUK Advanced Newborn Orthodontic Pacifier in size 0 is one of the best pacifiers specifically designed for newborn babies’ tiny little mouths.
- The MAM Start Newborn BPA-Free Pacifier was designed by leading pediatric dentists and developmental psychologists and designed to adapt in any position for baby’s mouth.
- With sayings such as, “Pull to Sound Alarm,” parents will have fun with these Ulubulu Mute Button/Pull to Sound Alarm Pacifiers that let everyone know how happy their baby is with the pacifier.
For Breastfeeding Babies
Dr. Burgert says, “Breastfed babies usually take to the more ’rounded’ nipple shape — however, it’s important to remember that the most popular round paci’s are only good until kids get teeth.”
- The Philips Avent BPA Free Soothie Pacifier mentioned above is great for breastfeeding babies.
- The Nuby Ortho Softflex Pacifier mimics the mother’s breast as it is designed to be flexible in its sucking action.
When They Get Teeth
“After kids get teeth, the pacifier shape should change to an orthodontic nipple,” suggests Dr. Burgert. “Ortho pacifiers are different in shape to prevent teeth getting out of position, and are created from a more durable plastic that will better withstand friction.”
- The Playtex OrthoPro Silicone Pacifier naturally massages babies’ gums and promotes healthy teeth development.
- The Nuby Gum-Eez Teethers, designed to massage newly erupted teeth, can become a teething baby’s favorite new kind of pacifier.
- The RazBaby Hands-Free Silicone Teething Pacifier has a fun, bumpy texture that teething babies will enjoy.
For Older Babies and Toddlers
“You need to graduate the baby to bigger, stronger pacifiers as they get older,” says Dr. Altmann.
- The NUK Disney Minnie Mouse Silicone Orthodontic Pacifier will be a newfound friend to your 6- to 18-month-old. Be sure to buy more than one if she falls in love with it.
- The NUK Juicy Pacifier-Exerciser will be easy to find in a pile of toys.
- Can’t find the pacifier in the middle of the night? No worries with these Philips Avent BPA Free Nighttime Pacifiers with their glow-in-the-dark handles.
- For all the sports fans, these NUK Sports Silicone Orthodontic Pacifiers are decorative and durable for older babies who cheer on the sidelines.
Amy Aitman is a freelance writer at 8men Writing and a mommy blogger at Mommy Patter. She knows well the joys of finding the perfect pacifier and has made many trips to the store to replace lost “dummies,” as she calls them.