The 12 Best Pacifiers Of 2024

To be honest we are not sure if your breastfed baby needs a pacifier. But we bet that you did not know pacifiers can be used to reduce the risks of SIDS when it comes to babies since they don’t allow your little bundle of joy to fall deep asleep.

Well, we know that you are tempted to ask the big question which is …what is the best pacifier for baby use. And the answer is “Drumroll Please” only your baby gets to determine the best pacifier for him or herself. Sorry, this might disappoint you but we don’t know which pacifier will delight your little one. But on the bright side, we can recommend the 10 best pacifiers for babies.

Whether you call it a bo-bo, dummy, binky, or a soother, a baby’s pacifier can be an essential baby product in an infant’s first year. since they help in soothing and calming cranky babies. Also, they can help drive your baby off to sleep.

With that being said here are our top 12 picks of the best baby pacifiers of 2021

Best Overall: The First Years Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers

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These pacifiers come in a two-pack and are designed to stay away from your little one’s nose. Its unique design allows them to breathe easier when it’s being used and it will also make you feel comfortable since you won’t be worried about your baby’s breathing.

The First Years Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers is made of silicon and it is a one-piece design. It is made for babies who are newborns to 3 months old. However, as your baby grows you can find these pacifiers in bigger sizes for older babies.

Best Value: Evenflo Feeding Balance Plus Stage 1 Cylindrical Baby, Newborn, and Infant Pacifier

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The Evenflo Feeding Balance Plus Stage 1 Cylindrical Baby, Newborn, and Infant Pacifier has a rounded stage that promotes a natural tongue position and its round shield mimics the breast. These pacifiers are made of silicon and remain flexible thus discouraging mouth fatigue for babies.

It has an easy-grip handle which is good for babies and mothers. Furthermore, it is free of materials such as PVC, Phthalate, and BP
A: The simple design allows ease of cleaning and the holes around the shield prevent drool from pooling. In addition, these pacifiers come with a resealable steam sanitizing bag to pop in the microwave for cleaning.

Best Pick: BIBS BPA-Free Natural Rubber Baby Pacifier

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If you’re looking for a pacifier, that is all-around safe, reliable, and easy to clean then BIBS BPA-Free Natural Rubber Baby Pacifier is an ideal choice. These pacifiers are Doctor and orthodontist-approved. Also, they are available in 36 colors and they mimic the feel and shape of a real mother’s breast milk. This pacifier is a one-piece dishwasher-safe product from bibs.

They are made of natural rubber thus making them baby-friendly. The air holes in the mouthguard allow a constant flow of air and prevent your baby from getting skin rash or skin irritation. Stylish and classic designs tend to attract new parents. In addition, it helps your baby to self-soothe by exercising his or her sucking instinct naturally.

Best natural rubber pacifier: Natursutten BPA-Free Natural Rubber Pacifier

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The Natursutten BPA-Free Natural Rubber Pacifier has a super soft and supple shield that is designed to touch your baby’s nose to mimic the feel of a mother’s breast. This feature not only helps to prevent nipple confusion for breastfeeding infants but also comforts and self soothe little ones.

Babies will have an easier time grasping on it so they can remove it or place it in their mouth whenever they want to. Unlike normal pacifiers, which often have an attached ring, shield, or handle, this pacifier is one single piece of all-natural rubber. It has a single rod that connects directly to the shield that bends perfectly into the rounded nipple.

Best Pacifier for babies with colic: NUK Newborn Orthodontic Pacifiers

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The NUK Newborn Orthodontic Pacifier Babies is ideal for babies with colic. The shape of this pacifier is designed to fit your baby’s palate naturally. This helps with proper dental development.

This pacifier uses silicon material and comes in a pack of two. It has a shield that is heart-shaped thus allowing it to the deep right under a baby’s nose to give him or her room for more breathing. In addition, its lightweight nature makes it easy even for the youngest infants to use. Its shape does not allow moisture to get stuck from the inside thus resisting the growth of mold. With that being said this pacifier is easy to clean!

Best for newborn babies: MAM Comfort Pacifiers

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These pacifiers are perfect for babies up to two months old and they also come in a set of two. Their curved shape allows a baby to have better airflow while using it. The shield of these pacifiers has big air holes to ensure that your baby can suck and easily breathe at the same time.

The MAM Comfort Pacifiers have a convenient button on the end that allows both you and the baby to easily grab onto the pacifier. And, it allows you to attach a clip. Furthermore, the silicone nipple is soft and it has an anti-slip surface that will help the pacifier stay put In your baby’s mouth.

Best pacifier for breastfed babies: Nanobebe Baby Pacifiers

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This pacifier has a shield that flexes to conform to the shape of your baby’s face. It also has ventilation holes that prevent skin irritation on the baby’s skin. The Nanobebe Baby Pacifiers works well with breastfed babies since it has gentle curves and soft silicon for easy suckling.

This pacifier may help prevent nipple confusion so that your young one can have an easy time transitioning from nursing to the use of a pacifier. Furthermore, the shield of this pacifier is colored differently but the pacifier still retains its one-piece construction. Also, the nipple is extra soft to ensure babies can suck comfortably. When it comes to this pacifier you will love choosing between the four fun colors which are white, pink, grey, and teal.

Best pacifier for Lip Tie: Philips AVENT Orthodontic Pacifier

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The Philips AVENT Orthodontic Pacifierhas a set of two pacifiers that have a bigger size nipple that infants with lip-tie can be able to hang on to. It is made of BPA-free material. Additionally, it comes with a cup that you can snap on to keep them clean when not in use.

When it comes to cleaning this pacifier can be popped into the dishwasher which makes it easy to clean and a nice time saver for busy parents who want to ensure that the pacifiers are thoroughly clean.

Best pacifier for down-syndrome: Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier

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When you buy the Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier you are assured to get six packs of baby pacifiers. Well, you don’t need to worry that thIs is too much since you have an assurance that if your baby loses one you have another at your nearest convenience.

These pacifiers have a thick one-piece construction with holes that allow airflow while in use. Furthermore, it can be tossed in the dishwasher for cleaning. It is made of durable hospital grade, and the silicon nipple ensures the natural; development of your baby’s gums and teeth. There are also different colors to choose from. In addition, it has a pocket-friendly price and sits well with budget-conscious parents.

Best snuggle pacifier: Philips Avent Soothie Snuggle Pacifier

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The Philips Avent Soothie Snuggle Pacifier is a soft and lightweight pacifier that has a plush toy that helps in soothing the baby. This pacifier is commonly used in hospitals to calm newborns. The additional soothing toy can be detached and cleaned in the washing machine while the pacifier can be cleaned in the dishwasher, boiling water, or a sterilizer. It is made of material that is BPA free making it safe for baby use.

Best pacifier for travel: WubbaNub Brown Monkey Pacifier

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The nipple on this pacifier is made of medical-grade silicone and in addition, there is a stuffed animal attached to its end. While this is a win-win for the baby since they get a pacifier and a toy at the same time.

The stuffed animal on the WubbaNub Brown Monkey Pacifier keeps it in place for an infant who struggles to keep the suction going. It is easy to clean and allows an older baby to self-soothe him or herself.

Best pacifier with a stuffed animal: Nookums Paci-Plushies Shakies – Pacifier Holder and Rattle

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Every parent understands the pain of losing their baby’s favorite pacifier. This may send you rushing in stores looking for one that resembles the lost one since it may be the only thing that calms your little one down. However, when it comes to the Nookums Paci-Plushies Shakies – Pacifier Holder and Rattle you are assured that it will not get lost easily. This pacifier helps in the development of the baby’s fine motor skills and helps with the transition once your baby outgrows the pacifier.

Buying Guides for pacifiers

When shopping for baby pacifiers you will realize they vary in different styles, nipple shapes and they vary in sizes. Furthermore, choosing the best pacifier for the baby may seem an intimidating task, however, let not this startle you.Since here are a few factors that will guide you.

The shield: This is what stops your baby from sucking the entire pacifier into their mouth, which is a choking hazard. The shield needs to be big enough to prevent such events from happening. A good shield should be 1.5 inches or bigger.

Material: Always ensure to cross-check the material that a pacifier is made of since some of the material causes allergies to babies such as latex. You should consider pacifiers made of materials such as silicon since they are baby-friendly. Silicon is also dishwasher-friendly.

Size: When shopping for pacifiers you will realize that any package you settle on will always inform you of the recommended age group. Normally the breakdown starts from 6 months and under, 6 to 18 months, and older than 18 months. The size of the pacifier is always important because if a smaller pacifier is given to an older baby may cause a choking hazard since they can fit the whole pacifier in their mouth.

Types of pacifiers: When you step into the paci aisle you will find out that there are many things related to the baby pacifier. Here are the few essential types of pacifiers.

Glow in the dark pacifier: These pacifiers are basic soothers that light up in the dark so that your little bundle of joy can find it in the night. Also, it can act as a dim night light

Stuffed animal pacifier: This is a relatively new and popular variation of the classic soother pacifier. This soother comes with a single one-piece nipple that is attached to a plush doll. This makes it more attractive to a baby and it is easier for him or her to hold. The plush doll is easy to use and wash.

One-piece pacifier: These pacifiers are made from a single piece of silicon plastic or rubber. Furthermore, they can not break apart thus minimizing any choking hazard. They are available in a vast variety of shapes and colors, however, you should know that plastic can crack easily. OOn the other hand, silicon, and rubber are the most recommended pacifiers for babies

Three-piece pacifiers: These are the most common models of pacifiers in the market. Their nipples are made of silicon and rubber and they come in different colors and patterns on the shield. They are made to withstand frequent usage. However, you should still inspect the shield and nipple on weekly basis checking for damage, stickiness, and looseness. Always ensure you replace pacifiers as soon as their parts start wearing out.

Novelty Pacifier: If you are a fan parent and you love keeping with the trend for different occasions such as Halloween, you can shop for pacis that have entertaining designs to match with the occasion. However, Novelty pacifiers have small accessories that can fall off and pose choking risks. That is why you should pay attention to your young ones when they use such pacifiers.

Shape: The nipple of pacifiers are molded into two shapes- an “orthodontic” shape that has a flat bottom and a round shape or a standard round nipple shape. These shapes are safe for both toddlers and babies. However, you should purchase the shape that your baby prefers most.

Easy to clean: Always go for a pacifier that is easy to clean and does not retain moisture on the inside and neither does it allow the growth of mold and mildew. Always go for a pacifier that can be sterilized or one that is dishwasher friendly.

Check for recalls: When it comes to baby products always check if the product has been verified by the consumer product safety commission. When it comes to pacifiers always ensure to check if the product has been recalled due to a small shield, a nipple that separates from the shield, and two small ventilation holes. This helps you to purchase a baby-friendly product that is safe for your little bundle of joy to use.

FAQS

Q: Which pacifier style is better; a one-piece or multiple pieces?
A: While the type of pacifier that you choose depends solely on your baby’s preference you might consider a one-piece pacifier since they are easy to wash and they are less likely to collect water or squeak. Furthermore, they are made of material that is often softer and is less likely to leave lines on your infant’s mouth are
A: Also, these pacifiers do not come apart easily, and when they do they are noticeable easily for quick replacements.

Q: Do pacifiers cause nipple confusion?
A: According to some Doctors and baby experts, pacifiers can cause nipple confusion. However, others dismiss this claim. Nipple confusion occurs when a baby has a hard time transitioning from one nipple to another whether it is a breast, binky, or a bottle nipple.

With that being said it depends on each baby. Since all babies are different, some might love switching back and forth and some will hate the change of different nipples. The only way to fact-check the nipple confusion claim is to try different types of nipples on their baby and see their reaction.

Q: How should I wash a pacifier?
A: As much as you go for pacifiers that are easy to clean. Different pacifiers have different cleaning solutions. First thing first you should understand that most pacifiers become sticky due to the baby’s spit. They also collect dust hair and even fur than a lint roller.

Let this not scare you since most pacifiers are easy to wash and the collection of this dirt will always keep you in check since you will not and never forget to clean the baby’s pacifier.

Pacifiers can be washed by boiling, and others are dishwasher-friendly. Furthermore, if you have a bottle sterilizer you can use it to wash and sanitize the baby’s pacifier. On the flip side avoid rising off pacifiers in the sink since it’s not an effective way of cleaning pacifiers.

Q: Should my baby’s pacifier has a stuffed animal attached to it?
A: Yes and No.having a stuffed animal attached to your baby’s pacifier depends on your baby’s preference. however, if your younger one tends to lose his or her pacifier often then having a stuffed animal attached to it is a suitable option.

On the other hand, when it comes to newborns you might want to wait a little bit longer before introducing such pacifiers to your little bundle of joy. Since they might find these dolls bulky for them. With that being said never allow your baby to use a stuffed pacifier in their crib when you are not present to look after him or her.

Q: When should I replace a pacifier?
A: Replacing a baby’s pacifier is not rocket science since you will notice when a replacement is needed. However, if you’re a new mom or you have a little-known experience always look for tears, discoloration, a stretched nipple, or when a plastic pacifier has become jagged on the handle or guard it means that the pacifier is loose and needs immediate replacements.

Q: Should I stock up pacifiers before my baby is born?
A: No, do not stock up pacifiers before welcoming your baby. Since you will receive pacifiers as baby gifts from friends and family. Also, when it comes to choosing pacifiers this is a very personal task for your baby to do since every baby has their personal preference. Some babies prefer a rounded nipple pacifier while others prefer an orthodontic pacifier. Well, you should present these two options to your little bundle of joy for them to be able to pick out which pacifier sits well with their preference.

Q: Does my baby need a pacifier?
A: Yes and No. While your baby might not need a pacifier, these baby products come with their benefits. First things first, These baby pacifiers normally sit well with babies who like to suckle often throughout the day. Also, they help in decreasing the risk of SID because babies tend to sleep less soundly as they continue suckling on the pacifier thus reduces the baby’s chances of falling into a deep sleep.

Q: Do all babies like pacifiers?
A: No, every baby has their preference, some might like pacifiers and some might not. However, it is always advisable for you to try different pacifiers on your baby to give them the ability to choose for themselves since most price tags of pacifiers are pocket friendly, and in the event, your baby likes one of them it would help in the self-soothing independence.

Q: Which is the best pacifier to buy for the baby?
A: While there is no definitive answer to this question the best baby pacifier depends on the preference of each baby. However, we have done detailed research and came up with a detailed top ten list. In addition here are our top four considerations if you’re torn between making a decision.

Best Overall: The First Years Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers
Best Value: Evenflo Feeding Balance Plus Stage 1 Cylindrical Baby, Newborn, and Infant Pacifier
Best Pick: BIBS BPA-Free Natural Rubber Baby Pacifier
Best pacifier for Lip Tie: Philips AVENT Orthodontic Pacifier

Conclusion

In a nutshell, pacis are nipples that infants and toddlers such on, but they vary from baby bottles since they are not used for feeding. Pacifiers are used solely for comfort. Now that you know the different types of pacifiers in the market it is easier for you to buy different pacifiers for your baby to try and pick out the best pacifiers that suit him or her best.