Best Pacifiers For Babies And Toddlers

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No item of baby gear has been so loved and so disliked as the pacifier. Doctors and dentists worry about its effect on tooth alignment.

Breastfeeding advocates fret that it will cause nipple confusion.Grandparents hate to get snapshots of their grandbabies with plug in place.

Still, the babies who like them really like them, and their parents are grateful for the peace they bring.

Just as opinions vary about the usefulness of pacifiers, so has the pacifier’s reputation fluctuated through the years. Currently, most pediatricians approve of pacifiers as long as they are not used too early – in the first weeks of life – or retained too long.

Pacifiers go by a variety of other names. In England and many countries with a British heritage, they are called dummies. In Canada, they are called soothers. In the United States, we often use the term binky or shorten pacifier to paci. A few people even call them plugs!

Paci, binky, plug – whatever you choose to call them, we’ll be looking at a dozen of the best for your baby. Here’s a preview of our best pacifier picks.

Our Top Picks

Image
The First Years Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers
NUK Orthodontic Pacifier Value Pack, Boy, 0-6 Months, 3-Pack
Model
The First Years Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers
NUK Orthodontic Pacifier Value Pack, Boy, 0-6 Months, 3-Pack
Customer rating
Features
  • Used in Hospitals. Many hospitals use the Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers.
  • Safe for Baby. The one-piece design is recommended by the APA for safety since it cannot come apart.
  • Pretty Colors.  The pacifiers are available in translucent shades of blue and green or pink and purple.
  • Fits Under Baby's Nose. The pacifier is scooped out on top so that it doesn't press against baby's nose.
  • Available in bulk. You can buy these in two-packs or five-packs, so that you always have an extra.
  • Affordable. The simple design means that these pacifiers are affordable.
  • Safe Material. The pacifiers are made of silicone so they are latex free. Also they contain no BPA or phthalates.
  • Variety of Designs.  NUK has a great variety of designs from plain to fancy.
  • Available in multi-packs. You can buy NUK pacifiers by twos or threes for a better bargain.
  • Affordable. These pacifiers have a budget-friendly price.
  • Easy to Clean. These pacifiers can be popped in the dishwasher for cleaning and sterilizing.
  • Safe Material. The pacifiers are BPA free.
Image
The First Years Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers
Model
The First Years Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers
Customer rating
Features
  • Used in Hospitals. Many hospitals use the Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers.
  • Safe for Baby. The one-piece design is recommended by the APA for safety since it cannot come apart.
  • Pretty Colors.  The pacifiers are available in translucent shades of blue and green or pink and purple.
  • Fits Under Baby's Nose. The pacifier is scooped out on top so that it doesn't press against baby's nose.
  • Available in bulk. You can buy these in two-packs or five-packs, so that you always have an extra.
  • Affordable. The simple design means that these pacifiers are affordable.
  • Safe Material. The pacifiers are made of silicone so they are latex free. Also they contain no BPA or phthalates.
Image
NUK Orthodontic Pacifier Value Pack, Boy, 0-6 Months, 3-Pack
Model
NUK Orthodontic Pacifier Value Pack, Boy, 0-6 Months, 3-Pack
Customer rating
Features
  • Variety of Designs.  NUK has a great variety of designs from plain to fancy.
  • Available in multi-packs. You can buy NUK pacifiers by twos or threes for a better bargain.
  • Affordable. These pacifiers have a budget-friendly price.
  • Easy to Clean. These pacifiers can be popped in the dishwasher for cleaning and sterilizing.
  • Safe Material. The pacifiers are BPA free.

*All product links in this article will take you to the latest prices on Amazon.com, scroll down for our in-depth reviews below.

Benefits of Pacifier Use

Many parents today actually encourage their babies to take a pacifier, even when the infant doesn’t show much interest. That’s because seven studies have shown a relationship between pacifier use and low rates of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Since SIDS is the leading cause of death of infants from 1 month to 1 year, parents and the medical community are eager to find any means of reducing it.

Researchers have studied how pacifier use could reduce SIDS. They still aren’t sure, but here are some of the possibilities.

  • Pacifiers may deter babies from rolling over into a face down position.
  • Babies who use pacifiers may rouse more while sleeping, possibly because they wake up when the pacifier is displaced.
  • Pacifier use may reduce the likelihood of the tongue moving backward and blocking the airway.
  • Pacifiers seem to reduce the incidence of acid reflux.
  • Pacifiers could increase carbon dioxide retention and trigger more vigorous respiration.

At any rate, the evidence is strong enough that most pediatricians recommend pacifier use, at least at naptime and bedtime. And most parents are eager to do anything that could have any protective effect against SIDS.

Doctors and parents have also observed that pacifiers have a calming effect on babies who have to undergo minor medical procedures, such as heel sticks or immunizations.

Possible Issues With Pacifier Use

Three issues are mentioned most often as reasons not to use a pacifier. For a while there was concern that pacifier use could lead to early weaning of breastfed babies, but that conclusion has failed to hold up under examination. Here are the remaining three concerns about pacifier use.

First, pacifiers could cause nipple confusion and inhibit breastfeeding. For this reason, parents are usually advised not to give pacifiers to nursing babies until breastfeeding has been well established, which should occur by three or four weeks of age.

Some studies, however, show a positive result from pacifier use in infants that are born preterm. If your baby is born early, a pacifier may be used in the hospital to encourage sucking.

Second, pacifier use has been associated with a slightly higher rate of ear infections. The numbers are not high enough to cause great concern.

To be on the safe side, parents could take the pacifier away around six months of age, as most middle ear infections occur in the second half of the first year.

Third, most doctors advise parents to take away pacifiers around the age of two because of concerns about tooth alignment. The likelihood of problems increases after two, and children should definitely be pacifier-free by three.

Learn more about pacifiers from the Healthy Children site powered by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Practical Tips for Pacifier Use

Pacifiers come in sizes. Typically manufacturers offer a newborn size that works up until six months and a larger size, although some companies offer up to five sizes.

There’s a slight possibility that newborn pacifiers could fit entirely in the mouth of older children, so use the appropriate size.

If your baby is going to use a pacifier, it should be kept as clean as possible. The AAP recommends that pacifiers be washed in the dishwasher until your baby is six months old. At that time you can switch to simple soap-and-water cleaning.

You should have some extras so that you don’t have to go without if a pacifier is in the dishwasher. Be careful when giving a baby a pacifier out of the dishwasher. Not only will the pacifier itself be hot, but also it can contain scalding hot water inside the nipple.

Some manufacturers do not recommend dishwasher use. Check the information that comes with your pacifier to learn how to clean it.

Although it’s best to keep pacifiers clean, there’s no evidence that germs on the pacifier cause a significant health hazard. That’s probably because the surface of the pacifier isn’t particularly conducive to the growth of microorganisms.

Many pacifiers are labeled as orthodontic and are supposedly designed not to interfere with the natural position of the teeth and jaw.

Usually, the nipple is rounded on top and flat on the bottom. Doctors now say that pacifiers will not interfere with normal tooth development if they are discontinued early.

If they are used into the toddler years, any pacifier may cause malocclusion. Moms are generally advised to choose a pacifier that their child likes without regard to the orthodontic label.

Pacifier Safety

It’s also important to choose a pacifier that is safe for baby. The plastic shield should have air holes, and it should be at least an inch and a half in diameter, so that there is no chance of it being drawn into the mouth.

Nipples are made either of latex rubber or of silicone. Some babies have a sensitivity to latex, so some moms stick with pacifiers that use silicone for the nipple.

The manufacturers of pacifiers with latex nipples say that the risk of latex sensitivity is extremely small, and some claim that their manufacturing process removes any risk.

Many manufacturers give their pacifiers labels such as BPA free and non-toxic, but all pacifiers should qualify for these labels. If you are concerned about toxicity, stick to well-known brands.

Lastly, check your baby’s pacifier often for tears, and replace it if the nipple has changed color, as it may be degraded by age. Some manufacturers actually put dates on their pacifiers so parents will know when it is time to buy new ones.

A separate safety issue has reared its head with the advent of the plushy-pacifier hybrids. The AAP’s Safe Sleep recommendations include the following statement: “Objects, such as stuffed toys and other items that may present a suffocation or choking risk, should not be attached to pacifiers.”

Clearly, however, many parents are not getting the message. WubbaNubs, the maker of the original plush pacifier holder, does have a note on its website that says that babies should not be put to sleep with its products. Other makers do not warn parents of any risk.

The AAP also warns against the use of pacifier clips on sleeping infants. Even though these straps are not long enough to go around a baby’s neck, a baby could get in such a position that the strap could cut off an airway, or that the strap could pull baby’s clothing tight and compromise the airway.

Accepting and Giving Up the Pacifier

A great many babies initially reject pacifiers. They may not like the taste or the feel of the nipple. Sometimes they will accept it after repeated tries.

Sometimes you’ll have to try several different models before you find one that is a fit. And some babies simply never take to a pacifier.

Those babies that do accept pacis often become very fond of them. In the first six months of life, babies use pacifiers for non-nutritive sucking.

After that, pacifiers become more of a security object. Some parents like to stop pacifier use before six months of age because taking the pacifier away will definitely be more stressful for baby and parents after that time.

Other parents, however, find that the pacifier’s usefulness as a comfort outweighs the other concerns.

When it is absolutely time to get rid of the pacifier – around 2 to 3 years of age – some parents simply throw it away and tough it out.

If you choose this strategy, be sure to check the house thoroughly for extras. You wouldn’t want to go through a day or two of crying only to have your child find a stray pacifier and have to start all over again.

Some parents try the gradual weaning technique. They give the pacifier only at naptime and bedtime and eventually talk the child into giving it up altogether. Rewards and praise help in this process.

Now let’s take a look at some of the best pacifiers for baby.

Best Pacifiers For Babies

First Years Gumdrop Newborn Pacifier

First Years Gumdrop Newborn PacifierFirst Years Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers on AmazonPediatricians often recommend one-piece pacifiers for ultimate safety, and the First Years GumDrop Newborn pacifier fits the bill. Its one-piece silicone construction works well for newborns.

First Years was founded in 1949 by a couple who developed a safe diaper pin for babies. The company has other pacifier models for older babies.

PROS & CONS
Pros:

  • Used in Hospitals. Many hospitals use the Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers.
  • Safe for Baby. The one-piece design is recommended by the APA for safety since it cannot come apart.
  • Pretty Colors.  The pacifiers are available in translucent shades of blue and green or pink and purple.
  • Fits Under Baby’s Nose. The pacifier is scooped out on top so that it doesn’t press against baby’s nose.
  • Available in bulk. You can buy these in two-packs or five-packs, so that you always have an extra.
  • Affordable. The simple design means that these pacifiers are affordable.
  • Safe Material. The pacifiers are made of silicone so they are latex free. Also they contain no BPA or phthalates.

Cons:

  • Limited Use. This pacifier is recommended only for babies from 0-3 months.
  • Hard Material. Some users said that the silicone in these pacifiers is very hard and may cause baby to reject them.
  • Falls Out Easily. Some moms noted that the pacifiers had to be held in place. When not held in place, they fall out of baby’s mouth easily.

Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier

Philips Avent Soothie PacifierPhilips Avent Soothie Pacifier on AmazonAnother one-piece silicone pacifier, the Soothie is made by Philips Avent, a trusted maker of equipment for feeding baby. Over 2,000 hospitals in the United States use this pacifier for newborns.

This style comes in two sizes, 0-3 months and 3+ months. The 3+ size is larger and made of thicker plastic than the newborn model.

Philips Avent makes the Soothie in a cute bear shape, too, as well as making other pacifier styles. The Soothie is made in the U.S.A.

PROS & CONS
Pros:

  • Used in Hospitals. Many hospitals use the Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier.
  • Safe for Baby. It features the one-piece design recommended by the APA for maximum safety.
  • Dishwasher Safe. The Soothie can be sterilized in the dishwasher or in a Philips Avent sterilizer.
  • Pretty Colors.  The pacifiers are available in translucent shades of yellow, blue, pink, green or purple.
  • Available in twin packs. You get a paci and a spare.
  • Affordable. These pacifiers come with an affordable price tag.
  • Safe Material. The pacifiers are made of hospital-grade silicone and contain no BPA.

Cons:

  • Limited Use. This pacifier is recommended only for babies from 0-3 months.
  • Falls Out Easily. Some users said that the Soothie falls out of baby’s mouth easily.

Chicco NaturalFit Pacifier

Chicco NaturalFit PacifierChicco Pacifier on AmazonChicco, the company known for strollers, high chairs and bigger baby gear, also has a winner in its NaturalFit Pacifiers. All Chicco pacifiers have an orthodontic nipple, an ergonomically designed shield and a travel case.

Chicco is an Italian brand, and European orthodontists collaborated on the shape of the nipple.

The one-piece all-silicone design is intended for babies from 0-6 months. It is meant to reproduce the feel of the human breast, with a satiny texture that helps babies keep it in their mouths and small grooves that encourage sucking.

PROS & CONS
Pros:

  • Safe for Baby. The Chicco NaturalFit features the one-piece design recommended by the APA for safety.
  • Not Obtrusive.  Some moms love that the pacifiers come in a non-obstrusive clear silicone. You can also purchase them in a translucent blue or pink.
  • Available in twin packs. You get a paci and a spare.
  • Affordable. These pacifiers are in the mid-range price-wise.
  • Safe Material. The pacifiers are made of hospital-grade silicone and contain no BPA.

Cons:

  • Falls Out Easily. Some users said that the NaturalFit is too heavy and falls out of baby’s mouth easily. Also, the handle design makes it easy for baby to knock it away.
  • Picks up Lint. Some users said that the pacifier picks up every bit of lint and trash.

Natursutten Natural Rubber Pacifier

Natursutten Rubber Pacifier on AmazonNatursutten Natural Rubber Pacifier
If you prefer natural materials for your baby, you’ll be interested in the Natursutten Natural Rubber Pacifier. Natural rubber is made from the hevea brasiliensis tree.

Some moms steer away from rubber because they know that some babies are sensitive to latex. Natursutten’s website states that their manufacturing process eliminates the protein that can trigger an allergy.

Some babies take to natural rubber pacifiers because they are softer than silicone. Rubber pacifiers cannot be sterilized in a dishwasher.

The manufacturer suggests that they be boiled for five minutes before first-time use, then washed with soap and water. Boiling the pacifier for longer periods of time or leaving it in the hot water can cause a white residue to appear. This is harmless to a baby but looks unsavory.

Natursutten pacifiers come in three sizes, 0-6 months, 6-12 months and 12+ months. They can be purchased with either an orthodontic nipple or a rounded one.

In addition, you can choose from a regular rounded shield or a butterfly-shaped one with extra room for baby’s nose. Natursutten is a Danish company. Pacifiers are manufactured in Italy from rubber trees grown sustainably in Malaysia.

PROS & CONS
Pros:

  • Soft Material. The feel of natural rubber is more like the feel of the human breast.
  • Safe for Baby. The one-piece design as recommended by the APA means that the pacifier can’t come apart.
  • Safe Material. Natural rubber contains no artificial colors, PVCs, phthalates, parabens or other toxic substances.

Cons:

  • Degrades Quickly. Natural rubber is not as long-lasting as silicone, so pacifiers should be replaced every 6-8 weeks.
  • Not Dishwasher Safe. Natural rubber pacifiers should not be cleaned in a dishwasher or sterilizer.
  • Pricey. Natural rubber pacifiers are considerably more expensive than silicone.

Munchkin Latch Lightweight Pacifier

Munchkin Latch Lightweight PacifierMunchkin Latch Lightweight Pacifier on AmazonFor Munchkin, the company known for unique baby bottles, it’s all about the latch. Munchkin designs bottles and pacifiers that fit baby’s mouth and ensure good sucking action.

Founded in Los Angeles in 1991, Munchkin claims to have grown to become “the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world.” With 182 patents to its name, the company certainly has a flair for innovation.

For their Latch pacifiers, the company turned to pediatric dentists, who designed this product with input from moms. The result is a pacifier that aligns naturally in baby’s mouth and is lightweight so that it stays in place.

The one-piece design means that the Latch pacifier is easy to sterilize, and the heart-shaped design fits under baby’s nose. It’s made from silicone that’s BPA free, and it’s a pretty pacifier, with an edging of color around a plain center.

Apparently, the design also means that you can see right into baby’s mouth during use, which some moms and dads find mesmerizing!

PROS & CONS
Pros:

  • Safe for Baby. A one-piece design is recommended by the APA for maximum safety.
  • Pretty Colors.  The pacifiers are available trimmed in vibrant blue, pink, red, green or orange.
  • Available in twin packs. You get a paci and a spare.
  • Affordable. These pacifiers fall into the mid-range price-wise.
  • Safe Material. The pacifiers are made of silicone and contain no BPA, PVCs or phthalates.

Cons:

  • Dishwasher Not Recommended. The manufacturer recommends that this pacifier be boiled or cleaned in a sterilizer.
  • Falls Out Easily. Some users said that the Latch falls out of baby’s mouth easily.
  • No Handle. Some moms did not like the handle-less design.

MAM Perfect Pacifier

MAM Perfect PacifierMAM Perfect Pacifier on AmazonThis is a pacifier with a difference. The nipple on the MAM Perfect Pacifier has a extremely thin neck, making the pacifier very flexible. The MAM website claims that research shows that this design is good for normal tooth and jaw development.

Lots of moms consider MAM pacifiers the gold standard. In fact, MAM is the market leader in the United States and ten other countries.

Founded in 1976 and based in Austria and Switzerland, MAM sells 63 million pacifiers a year, according to the company website.

MAM manufactures both silicone and latex soothers, and it has developed silicone that is softer than the standard product so that babies will accept it more readily. This particular pacifier is silicone, but the same design is available in a latex model.

PROS & CONS
Pros:

  • Unique Design. The nipple is 60 percent thinner and 4 times more flexible than standard pacifiers, according to the MAM website.
  • Big Air Holes. Instead of having small holes in the shield for safety, this pacifier has lots of spaces for extra ventilation, making it less likely to cause a rash.
  • Softer Silicone. MAM’s SkinSoft silicone is softer for better acceptance by babies, and the unique surface keeps it from falling out of the mouth.
  • Safe Material. MAM’s silicone is BPA and BPS free.
  • Sterilizing Case Included. The pacifier comes with a case that can be used for sterilizing the pacifier in a microwave.
  • Cute Designs. MAM offers a variety of cute patterns and colors.

Cons:

  • Dishwasher Not Recommended. MAM recommends sterilizing by boiling or by using the sterilizing case rather than by putting the pacifiers in the dishwasher.
  • Pricey. MAM pacifiers are not as expensive as natural rubber models but are more expensive than most other brands.

MAM Night Glow-in-the-Dark Pacifier

MAM Night Glow-in-the-Dark PacifierMAM Orthodontic Pacifier on AmazonAnother innovation by MAM, the MAM Night features glow-in-the-dark technology, so that baby or baby’s parent can easily find the paci at night.

According to the MAM website, the button on the pacifier contains a crystal that absorbs light, enabling it to glow in the dark. The pacifier can glow for up to 500 minutes, or over 8 hours, under optimal conditions. The strength of the light during the day affects how long the button will glow at night.

PROS & CONS
Pros:

  • Glow Feature. The glow-in-the dark design means no more nighttime searches for a misplaced paci.
  • Big Air Holes. Although the shield doesn’t have the largest air holes in the MAM line, the air holes are large enough for excellent ventilation.
  • Softer Silicone. MAM’s SkinSoft silicone is soft and has a non-slip surface to keep it in baby’s mouth.
  • Safe Material. MAM’s silicone is BPA and BPS free.
  • Sterilizing Case Included. The pacifier comes with a case for clean storage that can also be used to sterilize the pacifier in the microwave.
  • Cute Designs. The MAM Night comes in several cute patterns and colors.

Cons:

  • Dishwasher Not Recommended. MAM recommends sterilizing by boiling or by using the sterilizing case rather than by putting the pacifiers in the dishwasher.
  • Pricey. MAM pacifiers cost more than many other brands.

NUK Orthodontic Pacifier

NUK Orthodontic PacifierNUK Orthodontic Pacifier on AmazonOver 50 years ago NUK created its revolutionary orthodontic nipple. The company now uses a nipple design that is close to the original but is even more comfortable for baby, according to the NUK website.

The NUK nipple aims to replicate the shape that a human breast takes during breastfeeding. In addition, it fosters a tongue position that puts less pressure on baby’s palate, and the scooped-out area on the bottom of the nipple allows free tongue movement.

The company rejects the idea that a rounded, symmetrical nipple can be considered an orthodontic nipple.

NUK produces its pacifiers in a variety of forms. There are button pacifiers and puller pacifiers. There is a one-piece model for newborns. Certain NUK pacifiers can be ordered in either latex or silicone. But all feature the patented NUK nipple.

PROS & CONS
Pros:

  • Variety of Designs.  NUK has a great variety of designs from plain to fancy.
  • Available in multi-packs. You can buy NUK pacifiers by twos or threes for a better bargain.
  • Affordable. These pacifiers have a budget-friendly price.
  • Easy to Clean. These pacifiers can be popped in the dishwasher for cleaning and sterilizing.
  • Safe Material. The pacifiers are BPA free.

Cons:

  • Design Holds Water. Some users did not like that the pacifiers hold water, although the manufacturer says that a good shake should get the water out.

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Fun Pacifier

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Fun PacifierTommee Tippee Closer Nature Pacifier on AmazonIf you are looking for a paci that’s more like a bottle to eliminate nipple confusion, the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature model is just the ticket.

The nipple on these pacifiers is much like the nipple on the Tommee Tippee bottles, so you are likely to be especially pleased if you use that brand of bottle.

The nipples are symmetrical rather than having a flat side, so they don’t have to be placed a certain way in the mouth. In addition, the pacifier design helps it stay in baby’s mouth.

The Fun line of pacifiers features cute jungle motifs, but Tommee Tippee also has three lines of pacis that are anything but babyish.

The Moda line features stylized cats, dogs and bunnies, along with cute sayings. The Street Smart line has an edgy urban vibe, and the Little London line features classic British motifs. Tommee Tippee soothers come in three sizes: 0-6 months, 6-18 months and 18-36 months.

Tommee Tippee is a branch of the Mayborn Group, founded in the UK 50 years ago. It is the top manufacturer of baby feeding products in the UK and Australia, and it is a rising brand in the United States, according to the company website.

The company’s first product was the original Tommee Tippee cup, which had a weight in the bottom so that it wouldn’t tip over.

PROS & CONS
Pros:

  • Accepted by Many Babies. Tommee Tippee claims that more babies accept its pacifiers the first time.
  • Fun Designs.  Some moms say that Tommee Tippee has the cutest pacifiers available.
  • Available in twin packs. You get a paci and a spare.
  • Affordable. These pacifiers fall in the middle range price-wise.
  • Safe Material. The pacifiers are BPA free.

Cons:

  • Design Rubs Off. Some users said the design on the pacifier rubs off within days.

RaZbaby Keep-It-Kleen Pacifier

RaZbaby Keep-It-Kleen PacifierRazbaby Keep-It-Kleen Pacifiers on AmazonIf you’re particular about what goes in baby’s mouth, you should check out the Keep-It-Kleen pacifier by RaZbaby. Its unique design features shields that close over the nipple to keep it clean.

In addition, when the pacifier is dropped, the shields close around the nipple to keep it from coming in contact with the floor.

The RaZbaby website answers questions that moms may have about this product. The shields will not close while baby is using the product. The shields are soft and cannot pinch baby.

At around nine months, some babies can open the shields on their own. Before that time, parents will have to open the device for them. The pacifier itself features a silicone nipple that is orthodontic in design but symmetrical in shape.

PROS & CONS
Pros:

  • Clever Design.  Most users said that the shields do close when the pacifier is dropped, as designed.
  • Cute Animals. The pacifiers feature cute animal images.
  • Affordable. These pacifiers fall in the middle range price-wise.
  • Safe Material. The pacifiers are BPA free.

Cons:

  • Mixed Response to Shields. Some users did not like the shields because they felt that they pressed on their babies’ faces.
  • One Size. The Keep-It-Kleen pacifiers are only available in one size.

WubbaNub Animal Pacifier

WubbaNub Animal PacifierWubbaNub W32485 Little Lion Pacifier on AmazonToday it is so common to see babies sucking on pacifiers that are attached to stuffed animals that it’s hard to believe that this is a relatively new development in baby soothing.

Roughly 20 years ago, Carla Schneider was on vacation with her husband and 3-month-old son. Frustrated by trying to keep up with her son’s pacifier, she grabbed a stuffed animal and the hotel sewing kit and joined the two to create the first WubbaNub.

The pacifier part of the WubbaNub is a Philips Avent Soothie that is permanently attached to the plush. The nature of the product carries with it a few disadvantages.

For example, the pacifier can’t be removed for easy sterilizing, and the plush animal can be machine washed but not machine dried, because of the pacifier.

Because of safe sleep practices, the WubbaNub is recommended only for use while the baby is awake or for “observed napping.” Still, customers are won over by the company’s ever-evolving stable of adorable creatures.

There’s a classic collection, a specialty collection, a limited edition collection and an exclusives collection, along with a holiday polar bear and reindeer.

Today many other companies make toy-and-pacifier duos, but lots of moms swear by the original WubbaNubs.

PROS & CONS
Pros:

  • Easy to Keep Up With. Every parent who has ever searched for a misplaced pacifier will appreciate the WubbaNub concept.
  • Enjoyed by Many Babies. Moms say that their babies enjoy holding and stroking the stuffed animal while using the pacifier.
  • High Quality Pacifier. The Philips Avent Soothie is a top-notch pacifier, and it is BPA free.
  • Cute Plush Toys.  No one can deny that the WubbaNub line features some adorable plush creatures.
  • Washable. The plush animal can be hand washed or machine washed in a laundry bag.

Cons:

  • Not for Nighttime Use. Babies who are accustomed to their WubbaNub may not understand why they cannot use it at night.
  • Hard to Sterilize. Before use, the pacifier portion should be held in boiling water for 2-4 minutes, which is hard to do considering the design of the product.
  • Short Time of Usage. Although some parents may not adhere to the guidelines, WubbaNubs are recommended only for babies 0-6 months old.
  • Small in Size. Many users said that the WubbaNubs are smaller and more lightweight than they expected.
  • Expensive. WubbaNubs cost more than other pacifiers because of the plush.

Nookums Paci-Plushie Unicorn Shakie

Nookums Paci-Plushie Unicorn ShakieNookums Detachable Pacifiers on AmazonIf you want a pacifier-stuffed animal combo, you should check out the Nookums line and this cute Unicorn Shakie, which features a rattle sound.

Paci-Plushies by Nookums have removable pacifiers, which is a good idea for several reasons. The pacifiers can be easy sterilized.

They can be replaced with baby’s favorite style of pacifier. They can be replaced with a Chiller teething ring. And when the baby is older, the Paci-Plushie can become just a plushie.

The toys come with a Nookums pacifier, attached with a patented Hug Ring that makes switching out pacis easy. Many pacifiers are compatible with the Nookums toys, but the type with a button shield works best.

The Paci-Plushies aren’t available in as many styles as the WubbaNubs, but there are plenty of cute models to choose from.

Besides the standard Buddies, you can choose a Shakie with rattling action or a Blankie, which is like a stuffed animal with a blanket for a body.

PROS & CONS
Pros:

  • Easy to Keep Up With. Parents will have fewer misplaced pacifiers with the Nookums Paci-Plushie.
  • Enjoyed by Many Babies. Many babies enjoy the soft feel of the Paci-Plushie while they use a pacifier.
  • Cute Plush Toys.  The stable of Paci-Plushies includes the standard cute animals, plus some novelties like the octopus and lobster. The Blankies are super cute.
  • Machine Washable.  Paci-Plushies can be tossed in the washing machine for easy cleaning.

Cons:

  • Website Not Comprehensive. The website does not have as much information as the WubbaNub website.
  • Safety Questions. The Nookums website contains only the standard warnings about pacifer use, nothing about safe sleep or other safety considerations that come with the plush design.
  • Expensive. Paci-Plushies cost more than other pacifiers because of the cost of the stuffed animal.

BabyHuggle Animal Pacifier

BabyHuggle Animal PacifierBabyHuggle Animal Pacifier on AmazonFor a slightly different take on the stuffed animal-pacifier combo, check out the BabyHuggle products. The BabyHuggle has a couple of nice features going for it.

First, the pacifier is attached to the animal’s tongue. Cute! And it’s easy to switch out pacifiers. Second, the animal comes with a clip on its tail so you can clip it to your baby’s clothing. No more pacis falling on dirty supermarket floors!

BabyHuggles are stuffed with cotton and contain a squeaker for extra fun. The pacifier that comes with the toy is made of hospital-grade silicone and is BPA and phthalate free.

Although the Velcro tongue makes it is easy to switch out pacifiers, this design is meant for pacifiers with “pullers.” The type with button shields would be difficult to use with this toy.

PROS & CONS
Pros:

  • Easy to Keep Up With. The BabyHuggle is another solution to help parents keep up with pacifiers.
  • Enjoyed by Many Babies. Many babies enjoy cuddling with a stuffed animal while using a pacifier.
  • Cute Plush Toys.  BabyHuggle manufactures eight models, including a multi-colored caterpillar and a cute snake.
  • Machine Washable.  BabyHuggles can be machine washed and air dried.

Cons:

  • Website Not Comprehensive. The website is lacking in information about recommended use.
  • Safety Questions. The website does not address product safety.
  • Expensive. BabyHuggles cost more than other pacifiers because of the cost of the stuffed animal.

And the Winner Is!

For all-around excellence, moms won’t go wrong with the MAM Night. Although some users found that the glow-in-the-dark feature didn’t always work, the MAM Night is a solid choice for other reasons.

The softer silicone means that babies are more likely to take to this pacifier, and the shield is well-ventilated. The travel case that doubles as a sterilizer for the microwave is another big plus.

Moms who are willing to exercise extra vigilance should feel free to try one of the pacifier-plush models like  BabyHuggle Animal Pacifier and WubbaNub Animal Pacifier But for overall excellence, MAM is the choice of many picky moms.

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