Picking out a pacifier for your breastfed baby can be quite a tricky affair considering the wealth of options on the market. However, we have tried to simplify the task by providing you with a list of some of the best pacifiers out there. But first off, let’s look at what pacifiers are and their use.
What are Pacifiers?
For new moms, pacifiers are great tools that help soothe fussy babies, especially during naptime and bedtime. Older moms know just to plop the pacifier in their baby’s mouth and watch them soothe themselves. Think of it as how fine wine helps you unwind and relax after a stressful day.
Bedtime soothing aside, pacifiers help with the oral development and alignment of your kid’s teeth. The great part is that they come in various shapes, designs, colors, and textures. On the flip side, selecting a pacifier from the numerous design available can be challenging.
Types of Pacifiers for Breastfed Babies
Nowadays, pacifiers come in many designs, colors, and materials. However, these fall into two broad categories: orthodontic and conventional pacifiers. Don’t let the terms confuse you; the main difference between these two pacifiers is the shape of the nipple.
Orthodontic Pacifiers
Orthodontic pacifiers are designed with a flat bottom and generally have a square-shaped body. The entire design mimics the shape of a human nipple and reduces the chance of nipple confusion. They allow your baby to tongue thrust like with the regular nipple.
Our favorite thing about orthodontic pacifiers is that they allow for normal teeth development. And yeah, you don’t need to make a trip to the orthodontist to pick it up.
Conventional Pacifiers
Unlike Orthodontic pacifiers, conventional pacifiers have a rounded nipple shaped like a ball. However, if you ask us, we’d advise that you go for orthodontic pacifiers as they are less likely to cause open bites and overjet.
Open Shield Pacifier
Open shield pacifiers have a wide-open center and large vents that promote airflow. These kinds of pacifiers also prevent your baby from being completely drawn into its mouth. Another benefit of open shield pacifiers is that they reduce mouth irritations.
Closed Shield Pacifiers
Closed shield pacifiers are great for babies that don’t have any breathing issues or mouth irritations. They tend to cover more of your baby’s face and have vents for airflow. However, the downside of this type of pacifier is that they are harder to clean.
Collapsible Pacifiers
Collapsible pacifiers are designed such that the nipple collapses inwards into a pocket. Some are designed such that the nipple collapses when dropped, so it stays clean even when it falls to the floor. The drawback is that it can prove difficult to clean.
Now that you know a little about baby pacifiers, check out our list of some of the best pacifiers out there. 1, 2, 3, Go; it’s review o’clock.
11 Great Pacifiers for Breastfed Babies
Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, allow me to introduce you to the top pacifiers you can use for your breastfed babies.
Philips Avent Soothie Snuggle Giraffe Pacifier
If you are looking for a lightweight pacifier that can double as a plush toy, then you need not look further than this Phillips Avent Soothie Snuggle Giraffe pacifier. Its design makes it easy for babies to hold, and the fancy colors catch their attention and keep them occupied and away from mischief.
The Philips Giraffe pacifier is entirely safe for your baby, seeing as it is made with the finest of completely BPA-free materials.
Pros
- It doubles as a plush toy and a pacifier
- You can detach the pacifier from the toy and clean it easily
- It is dishwater friendly and can be sterilized in boiling water
- Baby-friendly materials; it is BPA free
- Soft and lightweight; just perfect for babies three months and above
Cons
- Pacifier may fall off if tugged on too hard
WubbaNub Infant Pacifier
The award-winning WubbaNub Infant Pacifier is a highly durable and stylish one-piece pacifier that doubles as a toy also. This infant pacifier is made from 100% food-grade silicone; thus, it is safe for your baby. Trust me, your child will adore this silicone pacifier, and the best part is that it is durable and worth every penny.
Keeping this pacifier away from dirty hands is easy since it is attached to the animal. With this pacifier, you can keep your little one sucking away happily while you do what needs to be done.
Pros
- It has a unique yet functional design
- Doubles as a toy and pacifier
- It is made from the best polyester fibers, BPA, phthalate, and latex-free
- The durable one-piece design is both stylish and easy to clean
Cons
- Not recommended for teething babies or those with teeth
- It is pricy but worth every penny spent
MAM Night Orthodontic Pacifiers
One exciting thing about the MAM Night Orthodontic pacifier is that it glows in the dark, so you never have to look for it again! Glow in the dark design aside, this pacifier is made from soft-skin-like material and is shaped just like a nipple so that your baby can latch on easily.
The fact that leading pediatric dentists developed this pacifier should tell you that they know a thing or two about making pacifiers for breastfed babies. The MAM orthodontic pacifier is designed with a curved shield that leaves your child enough breathing space. Shall we look at the pros and cons?
Pros
- It comes with a self-sterilizing case that makes cleaning even easier
- It has a skin-soft symmetrical nipple that fits perfectly in your baby’s mouth
- The textured shield helps minimize the risk of skin irritation
- Considering its unique design, this pacifier is affordable. It costs just $9
- It glows in the dark; thus, it is easy to locate at night
- It is made with baby-friendly materials free of BPA, latex, PVC, and phthalate
Cons
- Some people complain of moisture build-up inside the pacifier
Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Pacifier
Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Pacifier is a highly stylish silicone pacifier that supports your baby’s orthodontic development. It is made from 100% medical-grade silicone, free from BPA, PVC, and latex. To top it off, the curved shield fits perfectly between your kid’s nose and chin and has a large hole to accommodate for extra airflow.
Tommee Tippee’s pacifier is perfect for children between 3 to 36 months. This pacifier is ideal for keeping your baby content and happy until they fall into blissful slumber.
Pros
- It is designed to facilitate healthy oral development
- Provides your baby with the ultimate comfort
- It is made from the finest medical-grade silicone material
- It is both taste-free and odorless.
- Tommee pacifier is lightweight like its name implies
- It comes with antistatic properties to prevent dust particles from settling
- It is easy to clean and safe to sterilize
Cons
- It is a bit smaller than other pacifiers for breastfed babies
- Costs a little above $15
Nanobebe Pacifier
The Nanobebe pacifier was intentionally designed to reduce the chance of nipple confusion. The best part is that the flexible silicone frames your child’s face perfectly and soothes them. The lightweight, ergonomic design helps to guarantee your baby’s comfort and keeps it in their mouth.
Nanobebe pacifier shares a similar design to breastfeeding bottles and is just as durable. Let’s examine the pros and cons of this baby pacifier.
Pros
- The compact frame fits even the tiniest babies
- It is cheap and costs less than $6
- Made with 100% silicone and is completely BPA free
- It makes for the perfect gift for nursing mothers
- The silicone teething pacifier helps promote healthy oral development for your baby
- It comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Some people complain that the nipple is shorter than that of other pacifiers
- Some children find it difficult to latch on to it
Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci
Dr. Browns’ pacifier is a hit with breastfed babies. It has nipple shaped just like your baby’s bottle, to make the switch easier for the baby. The butterfly-shaped face shield is simply ingenious and curves away from the baby’s nose.
Many people have testified that it was orthodontic friendly and helped babies calm down and make their lips wider. Since it is sterilizer friendly, you don’t have to worry about keeping it clean. Alternatively, you can clean it up in your dishwasher.
Pros
- It costs less than $5 and comes in a variety of exciting colors
- Easy to clean and is dishwasher friendly
- Sterilizer safe
- It has a nipple-like design that makes latching easier for babies
- Made from BPA-free silicone
- It is durable
- Butterfly-shaped face shield curves away from the child’s nose and cheek
Cons
- Some babies find the nipple a bit wider and fail to latch on
Boon Jewel Pacifier
The Boon Jewel Pacifier is an instant hit for fussy breastfed babies; you should try it out. Here are some reasons why we love this pacifier. Top on the list is the unique nipple design that looks just like your regular gem and encourages babies to cling to it.
The design prioritizes self-soothing to relieve your baby. Find a list of pros and cons for this pacifier below.
Pros
- Costs less than $12 on Amazon
- It comes in beautiful colors and designs
- Developed by some of the best pediatric dentists and fosters natural oral development
- One-piece design that is easy to clean
- It is durable and dishwasher safely
- BPA, latex, and PVC free
- Gem-shaped nipple design allows for proper tongue placement
- Flared face shield enables your baby to suck freely
Cons
- It comes in only four colors
Chicco PhysioForma Silicon Pacifier
The Chicco Physioforma pacifier is made from 100% baby-friendly material. It is soft, flexible, and has a contoured shield that ideally frames your baby’s face and allows optimal air circulation. The soft nipple allows your baby to stay latched and reduces slips.
Clinical studies show that the Chicco pacifier helps with the oral development of babies and supports their breathing. Thanks to the premium materials used, you won’t need to worry about the pacifier breaking apart or germs making it their home.
Pros
- The design actively supports your baby’s breathing and oral development
- It is super affordable at less than $6
- It is easy to clean and is dishwasher compatible
- The clear orthodontic nipple is made from 100% medical-grade material
- It is latex and BPA free
- The narrow base gives this pacifier a little more flexibility
- Holes on the pacifier allow for more airflow and prevent saliva from accumulating
- It comes in a sterilizing case
Cons
- The clear ones are invisible at night, so locating them can be a bit of a task
Natursutten Original Pacifier
Natursutten Original pacifier is quite different from other pacifiers on the market; it is made from natural rubber. Thus, you can be sure that this pacifier is free from phthalates, PVC, BPA, artificial colorings, and chemical softeners. The Natursutten pacifier is quite the hit with breastfed babies and is super easy to clean.
Pros
- It is made from the Hevea brasiliensis tree
- Free from all forms of artificial coloring, BPA and PVC
- Sterilizer safe and easy to clean
- Eco-friendly and great for babies within the range of 6-12 months
- Latex-free, so there is no risk of your child having a latex allergy
- It comes with a pouch to ensure the pacifier remains within reach
Cons
- It is pretty pricey and not so durable
- Slight rubber smell upon first use
NUK Orthodontic
Are you having a tough time getting the right pacifier for your breastfed baby? Then try out the NUK orthodontic pacifier specially designed to suit the needs of babies 18 to 36 months. It has an easy-to-grasp handle and comes in various cute designs that catch your little ones fancy. The nipple is designed to aid healthy tooth development and alignment and make sucking easier.
NUK orthodontic pacifier has a heart-shaped shield that allows your little one to breathe easily and prevents irritation. Your kids will absolutely love this pacifier.
Pros
- Priced at $6, this pacifier is affordable
- Made of BPA free silicone
- The orthodontic nipple shape allows your baby a more natural sucking experience
- The narrow orthodontic design facilitates proper tooth alignment
- It comes in a pack of two
Cons
- With no latch, this pacifier tends to slip out
Loui Classic Pacifier
Ever gotten a pacifier that felt like a gift? That is precisely what opening the Loui Classic pacifier feels like. It comes in an elegant matte gray box and a clear peekaboo hole and is as cool as cool gets. Aesthetics aside, your little one is sure to love this stylish pacifier.
The Loui Classic pacifier is lightweight and made from medical-grade silicone material. It has a natural-shaped nipple and is easy for your baby to grip.
Pros
- Made with medical-grade silicone
- Lightweight and easy to grip
- It has a natural-shaped nipple
- Stylish scalloped design
- Easy to clean and is dishwasher safe
- Highly durable
Cons
- It is a expensive
Bonus: Best Natural Rubber Pacifier
Frigg Natural Rubber Baby Pacifier
Frigg natural rubber pacifier ranks high on the list of baby pacifiers for breastfed babies for many reasons. First on the list is that it is made from natural rubber, with no BPA, PVC, or phthalate. Next is the fact that the nipple is quite realistic and curves outward to give your baby the most comforting and soothing experience.
The hole along the shield helps boost air circulation and promotes breathing. In addition, it acts as a handle for your baby’s grip.
Pros
- Made from natural rubber and free from BPA
- It is more durable than natural rubber
- Thoughtfully designed to give your baby maximum comfort
- It comes in a pack of two
- It is easy to sterilize and keep clean
Cons
- At $15, it is pretty pricey
Bonus: Tips on Selecting the Best Pacifier for Your Breastfed Baby
With all you’ve learned about pacifiers and the wealth of options available, selecting a pacifier for your baby can be quite the challenge. Here are some tips to make the choice easier.
Design
The first step is to examine the pacifier’s design; is it a one-piece design, or does it have several moving parts? Some pacifiers also come with a liquid-filled interior.
Size
You want to choose a pacifier that is suitable for your child’s age. A more miniature pacifier may keep dropping from your baby’s mouth and also pose a choking hazard. On the other hand, a large pacifier will pose a challenge to the child to suck. It is best to choose one with a diameter of at least 1.5 inches.
Construction
You want to avoid baby pacifiers that are designed to be attached to your baby’s hands or neck. They can endanger your baby and pose strangulation hazards. You can get an idea of safe pacifiers to get for your baby from the list above.
Material
These days, pacifiers are made from either rubber or silicone. Ensure that whatever material is used to make the pacifier is safe for your baby. We recommend selecting pacifiers made from 100% natural rubber or medical-grade silicone as they are free from harmful chemicals like BPA and PVC.
Durability
You want to choose a durable pacifier with fewer movable parts. That way, you are sure that a piece won’t dislodge and harm your child. Silicone pacifiers take the cake for durability because they remain the same through the years, unlike natural rubber pacifiers that undergo aging with time.
Allergy
Go for a pacifier that is allergen-free. If you have a history of latex allergy in your family, you may want to opt for silicone-based pacifiers. Another thing to look out for is an odorless and taste-neutral pacifier.
Ease of Cleaning
The pacifier spends most of its time in your baby’s mouth, so you want to ensure it is clean at all times. To make life easy, select one that is dishwasher-friendly and can be sterilized. Don’t boil natural rubber pacifiers in water, and avoid sterilizing in a microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions on Pacifiers for Breastfed Babies
Here is a list of FAQs on pacifiers for breastfed babies.
1. Are Silicone Pacifiers Safe?
Yes, pacifiers made from food-grade or medical-grade pacifiers are perfectly safe for your child. They contain none of the harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates. They are also more durable than regular rubber pacifiers.
2. Can a 1-Month-Old Baby Use a Pacifier?
Yes, your 1-month-old can use a pacifier. The pacifier will help your child self-soothe and fall into relaxing sleep at nap time.
3. Should I Put My Childs Pacifier in the Fridge?
You can put the pacifier in the fridge to cool down. The chill helps soothe their itchy gums, especially when they start cutting teeth. Note: never put the pacifier into a freezer as it can get too hard and cause harm.
4. Can Pacifiers Cause Weight Loss?
No, pacifiers cannot cause weight loss in babies, except you try to substitute it for breastfeeding. Pacifier aside, always feed your baby once he shows signs of hunger.
5. What Age Should I Wean My Baby Off the Pacifier?
The best time is between 2-4 years. You can introduce other means for them to self-soothe and slowly wean them off the pacifier. Start by limiting the hours your child uses the pacifiers to only sleep time.
Final Thoughts
Pacifiers provide you with a great way to soothe your fussing baby. The best part is that there are a thousand and one designs and pacifier types available on the market. Some are made from silicone, other rubber, and yet others are made from luminescent materials that glow in the dark. Select any pacifiers in the list above and give your child a chance to self-soothe.
