When it comes to keeping a fussy baby calm, pacifiers can be a parent’s best friend. After all, pacifiers come with a host of benefits. They provide a source of comfort, help to soothe a fussy baby, and may even aid in reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), though research is ongoing.
But there are also some drawbacks to consider. For instance, extended use can lead to dental problems and nipple confusion (especially in breastfed babies) and may become a hard-to-break habit as the child grows older. It’s clear that proper use is required for optimal results.
So, when is the right time to stop using pacifiers?
Experts suggest that it’s ideal to wean your child off the pacifier between the ages of two and four. This is a time when dental issues like overbites or crossbites can occur due to prolonged pacifier use. Moreover, older toddlers may become emotionally attached to their pacifiers, making the weaning process more challenging.
As your child grows, their pacifier needs to change — hence, it’s essential to choose a pacifier that caters to the different stages of oral development. So in our guide today, we’ve considered pacifiers that not only soothe but also promote healthy oral development, ensuring they’re a reliable choice as your baby grows. These are nine of the best pacifiers for breastfed babies in 2023 to help you make an informed decision.
Best for Newborn Calming and Oral Development: Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier
Key specs: One-piece silicone design, 0-3 months, BPA-free, orthodontic, 4-pack
The Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier, often seen on Amazon and recommended by pediatricians, is a top choice when considering the best pacifiers for breastfed babies. This binky has gained a reputable spot, especially for those babies in those delicate first three months. Its widespread use in hospitals nationwide is a testament to the safety and comfort it brings to a little one.
Constructed with a one-piece silicone design, this pacifier is easy to sterilize and doesn’t carry the risk of being a choking hazard, making it an excellent choice for your newborn baby. Its orthodontic design is crucial for supporting natural oral development, ensuring the baby’s palate, teeth, and gums are nurtured as they develop. Furthermore, the pacifier is made from BPA-free silicone, bringing some extra peace of mind to parents.
Pros
This pacifier’s design promotes bonding — parents can place a finger inside the nipple shape, facilitating suckling, which can be a heartwarming bonding moment. As a plus, there’s the “snuggle,” a detachable plush toy that aids babies in finding, holding, and cherishing their pacifiers.
Cons
As your baby crosses the three-month threshold, the pacifier’s effectiveness might decrease. Plus, lacking a handle can make it slightly tricky to retrieve.
That said, the Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier stands out in those vital early months, providing a comforting, safe, and orthodontically supportive aid for your little one.
Best for Breastfeeding Babies, Preventing Nipple Confusion: Nanobebe Baby Pacifiers
Key specs: Orthodontic, contoured design, 100% silicone, BPA-free, 4-pack
The Nanobebe Baby Pacifiers are a celebrated choice among the best pacifiers for breastfed babies, especially in those early 0-3 months. Their orthodontic design and the comfort they offer to babies make them a popular pick among parents.
Made from 100% medical-grade silicone, these pacifiers ensure a gentle touch in your baby’s mouth, free from harmful elements like BPA. A standout feature is their ergonomic design, conforming perfectly to a baby’s face contour. Such a design not only promises a snug fit but also minimizes the pacifier dropping out, alleviating one of the major concerns for parents.
Pros
These pacifiers are dishwasher safe, adding a layer of convenience for parents, whether you opt for a quick rinse or place them alongside other baby items in the dishwasher. Moreover, their design is pivotal in avoiding nipple confusion among breastfeeding babies, maintaining the baby’s natural suckling habits.
The orthodontic shape takes care of the baby’s oral development, ensuring their palate, teeth, and gums are progressing properly. Many parents have lauded the durability of these pacifiers, and rightfully so. They’re designed to withstand regular use, and the silicone’s softness is particularly cherished for being easy on a baby’s gums during teething.
Cons
Some users report the pacifiers being smaller than they appear in photos, potentially leading to frustration.
Best for Natural Soothing, Preventing Face Marks, Teething Babies: Ecopacifier Natural Rubber Pacifier
Key specs: 100% natural rubber, free of BPA, phthalate, PVC, and paraben; one-piece design
The Ecopacifier, often regarded among the best pacifiers for breastfed babies, stands out for its all-natural rubber construction. This eco-friendly baby pacifier not only offers a natural, safe choice for parents but also mimics the soothing feel of breastfeeding. Its design features a round shield that lightly caresses the baby’s nose, ensuring the baby’s face remains mark-free, a concern for many.
Pros
Crafted from 100% natural rubber, these pacifiers are softer and more pliable than the common silicone pacifier, making them an ideal companion for teething babies. Their texture offers a comforting feel against the baby’s gums.
Its one-piece construction not only ensures hygiene by eliminating spaces for dirt and bacteria, but also mitigates any choking hazard, offering another layer of safety for your little one. You can find the Ecopacifier in both one-pack and three-pack options and orthodontic and rounded styles, aligning with the varied comfort and oral development needs of newborn babies.
Cons
Some might find the price a tad steep, especially for the three-pack. It’s also essential to remember that, as with other natural rubber pacifiers, these should be replaced every six to eight weeks. The material can relax and expand with time, affecting its longevity.
Best for Healthy Oral Development, Comfort, and Breathability: NUK Comfy Orthodontic Pacifiers
Key specs: Orthodontic nipple shape, 100% medical-grade silicone, BPA-free, dishwasher-safe (top rack only)
For those seeking the best pacifier that supports healthy oral development, the NUK Comfy Orthodontic Pacifiers shine brightly. Designed specifically for newborns, these pacifiers ensure a snug fit from the get-go.
Their standout feature is the orthodontic nipple shape, sculpted to fit naturally into a baby’s mouth. This design champions oral development and reduces the risk of nipple confusion, a concern when alternating between breastfeeding and pacifier use.
Pros
The heart-shaped shield is meticulously crafted to sit comfortably under a baby’s nose. This thoughtful design ensures seamless airflow, enhances comfort, and keeps the pacifier firmly in place, reducing any chances of it being lost.
Constructed from 100% medical-grade silicone, these pacifiers are not only safe but also gentle on the baby’s gums. Their BPA-free nature and the convenience of being dishwasher-safe make them a top choice for many. Moreover, being manufactured in the USA adds another layer of trust.
Cons
Some customers mention the material feeling tough and not quite fitting properly in their baby’s mouth, and some reviews mention that these pacifiers attract lint and dust due to the material.
Best for Supporting Physiological Breathing: Chicco PhysioForma 100% Soft Silicone One Piece Pacifier
Key specs: 100% soft silicone, orthodontic nipple, BPA and latex free, reusable sterilizing case
The Chicco PhysioForma orthodontic pacifier is among the best pacifiers for breastfed babies in 2023. Made entirely of soft silicone, it ensures your little one’s comfort and safety. Its gentle nature is perfect for a newborn baby, minimizing the risk of nipple confusion between breastfeeding and pacifier use.
The orthodontic nipple shape promotes proper oral development and positioning of the baby’s tongue forward, supporting airflow and physiological breathing. These features not only offer comfort but also ensure your baby’s safety. A baby’s nose and face will find relief with this design, preventing the choking hazard associated with some pacifiers.
Pros
For on-the-go parents, the included reusable sterilizing case offers convenience. Sterilizing the pacifier becomes a breeze, ensuring it remains germ-free, aligning with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Cons
Some users mention that the material can have a “sticky” feel, and they tend to be a bit heavy or large for a baby’s mouth.
Best For Mimicking Natural Breastfeeding Experience, Fostering Proper Oral Development, and Aiding In Easy Night-Time Locating For Breastfed Babies: Tommee Tippee Night Time Glow in The Dark Pacifiers
Key specs: Breast-like nipple shape, glow-in-the-dark, BPA-free, for ages 6-18 months
Tommee Tippee’s design closely replicates the breastfeeding experience, thanks to its breast-like nipple, inspired by their award-winning Closer to Nature® series. This nipple shape, reminiscent of a natural bottle nipple, flexes and stretches similarly to a mother’s breast, providing a soothing suckling experience, reducing the risk of nipple confusion for breastfeeding babies.
Pros
The symmetrical design of this pacifier ensures that it always fits correctly in the baby’s mouth, which is crucial for oral development and preventing nipple confusion when transitioning between breastfeeding and pacifier use.
Night-time can be challenging, but the glow-in-the-dark shield of this pacifier shines for up to eight hours, making locating it in a dim room hassle-free, reducing disruptions for your little one. Another thoughtful feature is the shield’s design, curving away from the baby’s face. This ensures optimal airflow, reduces moisture build-up, and averts skin irritation on the baby’s face.
Crafted from BPA-free soft silicone, the pacifier feels like skin, which means a lower chance of rejection by the baby. This material is also dishwasher safe and can be sterilized, ensuring hygiene standards are met.
Cons
The main downside users mention regarding this pacifier is it tends to grow mold and mildew relatively easily, making proper cleaning that much more important.
Best for Self-Soothing: Dr. Brown’s Baby Lovey Pacifier & Teether Holder
Key specs: 100% silicone and suitable for ages 0-6 months; variety packs available
The Dr. Brown’s Baby Lovey Pacifier & Teether Holder is a wonderful accessory for little ones embarking on their self-soothing journey. The plush Triceratops is expertly tailored for babies’ needs and designed to keep pacifiers and teethers easily accessible for uninterrupted comfort.
Pros
One of the main attractions of this pacifier is the inclusion of the 100% silicone HappyPaci pacifier. It’s shaped just like Dr. Brown’s bottle to ensure a gentle touch on a baby’s gums. The holder can reliably secure most pacifiers, providing flexibility for parents juggling different brands.
The soft, multi-textured materials of the Lovey can be especially soothing for breastfed babies during the teething phase. Dr. Brown’s Pacifier & Teether Holder offers a perfect blend of functionality and charm, aiding in self-soothing while keeping essential tools within arm’s reach.
Cons
Many customers have mentioned the straps on this pacifier breaking easily and losing their adhesion after only a few washes. If you’re prioritizing durability, this may not be the best choice.
Best for Simulating the Natural Breastfeeding Experience: Natursutten Pacifiers – Original Shield Round
Key specs: Original shield orthodontic nipple, natural rubber, BPA-free, made in Italy, various sizes
Natursutten Pacifiers stand out as the best pacifier choice for parents wanting a natural and comforting option. Specially designed for 0-6-month-old babies, they are fashioned from 100% natural rubber, offering a soft and skin-like texture.
Pros
A noteworthy feature of Natursutten Pacifiers is the Original Shield Orthodontic Nipple shape. This design mimics the feel of breastfeeding, with the rubber adapting to the baby’s natural mouth movements. This makes it exceptionally comforting, even during those teething times.
Produced with high standards in Italy, these pacifiers ensure the utmost safety, being BPA-free. The one-piece construction eliminates hiding spots for dirt and bacteria, making it both a hygienic and easy-to-clean choice.
Cons
Some customers mention that the material has a strong rubber smell, especially if it has been used in hot weather, making it a less-than-ideal choice for some parents.
Best for Versatility in Pacifier Use: Ryan & Rose Cutie PAT Pacifier Teether
Key specs: 2-in-1 pacifier and teether, 100% medical-grade silicone, BPA-free, diverse nipple shapes
The Ryan & Rose Cutie PAT Pacifier Teether is an innovative product that combines the soothing properties of a pacifier with the relief offered by a teether. Crafted especially for little ones without teeth, its 100% medical-grade silicone composition ensures a gentle experience.
Pros
What makes the Cutie PAT unique is its dual functionality. It provides both a soothing experience and relief during teething. With an easy attachment point for pacifier clips, the nipple can be swiftly concealed when using it as a teether, ensuring hygiene.
Safety is paramount with the Ryan & Rose Cutie PAT. Its patented one-piece design can withstand the rigors of baby use, ensuring durability. Being BPA-free affirms its safety credentials.
A distinct feature of the Cutie PAT is the variety of nipple shapes. With five styles available, it caters to the different oral development stages and preferences of babies, making the quest for the best pacifier less daunting.
Cons
This pacifier may be too large and too heavy for some babies — if your little one has a hard time using pacifiers on the bigger side, this may not be the best choice.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right pacifier for your breastfed baby can significantly impact both your and your baby’s experience during this critical stage of infancy. The right pacifier can provide the soothing comfort your baby craves while also promoting healthy oral development.
As every baby is unique, having a variety of pacifiers to try out can be beneficial. The pacifiers listed above stand out for their quality, design, and positive feedback from other parents. Your perfect pacifier is out there, and we hope this list helps you find it.
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