8 Best Baby Pacifiers of 2021
Soothe your baby with pacifiers, as the sucking action will help calm your little one. Since every baby is different, picking the best pacifier that becomes your baby's favourite can be difficult. Hence, it’s best to buy a few types of pacifiers and let your baby try them all to pick a favourite.
We have taken the opinions of more than 4,000 Pampers Parents on which pacifier they like the best and the pros and cons of each product to help you choose pacifiers for your little wonder of joy.
Why Do Babies Love Pacifiers
In newborns, sucking is a natural reflex that they have been practising right in the womb, as the soft walls of the womb deflect their teeny-tiny hands toward the mouth. It made it easier for them back then, but after birth, sucking their fingers isn't possible due to poor muscle co-ordination.
Although nursing or bottle-feeding meets this reflex to an extent, it doesn't help your baby stay calm throughout the day. With pacifiers, many babies get the chance to enjoy the soothing sensation that sucking provides.
The key is to follow your little one's cues whether she feels like taking it or not. Avoid forcing your little one to take the baby pacifier if she doesn't like it. Make sure pacifiers aren't used as a means to delay or replace nursing or bottle-feeding. The primary purpose of pacifiers is to satisfy your baby's continuous reflex to suck. Hence, it is always best to offer a pacifier to your tiny tot after a feeding.
Moreover, offering a pacifier to your little one at bedtime is a great idea. As per experts, it may help her calm down and fall asleep. Also, sucking on a pacifier during bedtime may lower the risks of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Having said that, do not place the pacifier back in your baby's mouth if she doesn't want it or if it falls out of her mouth while she's asleep.
There might be questions in your mind regarding the use of pacifiers for a long time, as they can harm the development of your baby's teeth and gums. However, as per children's health experts, the regular use of pacifiers during your baby's initial few years won't create long-term problems. You can always clear any doubts about which pacifier would be best for your kid by talking to your baby's doctor.
Avoid introducing a pacifier if your breastfeeding routine is on track and until your newborn is at least one month old. This way, sucking on a pacifier will not cause 'nipple confusion'. This confusion might make it harder for your little one to learn to suck on your nipple during feedings.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Pacifier
Consider the following factors when selecting the best baby pacifier:
Safety - The pacifier should meet the necessary safety standards. According to experts, the pacifier made of one piece helps reduce the risk of small parts separating off – these small parts can be a choking hazard. Multiple-piece pacifiers consist of a nipple, a guard or shield, and a ring stuck together. Do not buy a pacifier consisting of a string, ribbon, or cord, as these can be strangulation hazards. Also, never attach the pacifier to your little one's clothes, hands, or crib.
Shape - A pacifier comes with typically in two types. One with a round nipple is more 'nipple-like,' whereas the pacifier with an 'orthodontic' nipple comes with a flatter side and an angled shape. So, it is best to speak to your baby's doctor before choosing a pacifier that would be best for your baby's healthy development. Ultimately, the best pacifier will be the one that your baby enjoys using.
Material - As babies are often allergic to latex, it may be best to avoid pacifiers made with latex. A pacifier made of silicone will be the safest choice. Once your baby starts using the pacifiers, check them regularly to ensure there are no loose parts and the pacifiers are still intact.
Ventilation holes - Choose a pacifier with small holes on its shield as it allows for ventilation. It will help in preventing the moisture build-up on your baby's skin.
How easy it is to clean - You also get pacifiers that are dishwasher safe, so make sure you select one of these. This way, you can keep it clean easily by putting it in the dishwasher or boiling it. Make sure to follow this routine regularly until your baby turns six months old. Later on, you can simply rinse it with soap water as your little one's immune system will be stronger.
The recommended age - As pacifiers come with an age recommendation, make sure you look for the one suitable for your baby's age. If your baby reaches the maximum age recommended for the existing pacifier, buy a new one. The baby pacifiers listed in this article are excellent for the first three to six months. You will also find the same pacifiers offered in a bigger size by many manufacturers.
Size - For safety purpose, choose a pacifier with a shield (also known as the 'guard') that is at least 1.5 inches across. This way, you can ensure that the entire pacifier does not fit in your baby's mouth.
Design - Pacifiers are available in different colours and styles. No matter what the manufacturers claim, always pay attention to the pacifiers throughout their use. Throw out those pacifiers that have bent out of shape or if any of their parts are missing.
How many you'll need - Since pacifiers are small, they tend to get lost easily. For example, your baby might drop the pacifier from her hand, and you might find it years later behind the couch or the bed. Therefore, you might want to buy many at once or at least a multi-pack or two. Moreover, you may not be able to predict which one your baby may be comfortable using. So, you may like to buy a few different types to see which pacifier your baby prefers.
The 8 Best Pacifiers Chosen by Pampers Parents
Following are the best baby pacifiers according to Pampers Parents:
Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier
The Pampers Parents have voted the Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier to be number one as it is one of the best pacifiers for babies.
The Avent pacifier is made as a single piece from hospital-grade silicone. As per the manufacturer, the material resists changes in shape and discolouration. However, it is better to keep an eye on it, just in case. The shape of the nipple and the shield is round.
The Soothie comes in different colours, including pink, purple, green, yellow, and blue. Moreover, this pacifier is BPA- and latex-free. It is also safe to use in a dishwasher or you can also boil it using a steam steriliser.
Highlights
It doesn't have a taste or odour, making it more likely to be accepted by your little one
There are 2 in a pack
It can be used by babies who are 0 to 3 months old
It is made with hospital-grade silicone
NUK Sensitive Orthodontic Pacifiers
The NUK pacifier has a nipple that is flatter at the bottom and more rounded at the top. The shield is designed specifically to prevent it from rubbing against your baby's skin. It has a short handle that prevents it from accidentally knocking the pacifier out of your baby's mouth. However, the downside to this is that there is not much of a handle to hold onto.
Moreover, the NUK pacifier comes with a storage case, which could be handy for keeping the pacifier clean while carrying it in your diaper bag. This BPA-free pacifier is dishwasher safe.
Highlights
It has a heart-shaped design to prevent the top of the shield doesn't rub against your baby's nose
The pacifier makes it easier for your little one to breathe while sucking
There are 2 in a pack
It can be used by babies who are 0 to 6 months old
It is made using silicone
WubbaNub Infant Pacifier – Giraffe
This pacifier is designed to have a plush toy hanging at the bottom of the shield. Although it is available with different toys, this one comes with a giraffe that your baby will find to be soothing to hold onto.
However, one downside of this pacifier is that the plush toy may get quite icky from your baby's drool, making it harder to keep the pacifier clean. Note that this pacifier is not dishwasher safe, and you cannot take the toy off the pacifier.
The pacifier comes with a round nipple and a shield with two ventilation holes. Since the shield is flat and round without any contours or cut-outs, it doesn't follow the curve of your baby's face like other pacifiers. The pacifier is made as a one-piece from silicone and is latex-, BPA-, PVC-, and phthalate-free.
Highlights
Different toy available - a puppy, an elephant, or a reindeer plush
There is only one pacifier in a pack
It can be used by babies who are 0 to 6 months old
It is made using silicone
Dr. Brown's HappyPaci
Dr. Brown's HappyPaci is a simple pacifier made of silicone and has a one-piece construction. It comes with a round nipple and a butterfly-shaped shield, making this pacifier more comfortable for your baby's nose, cheeks, and chin. It is BPA-free and can be placed in the dishwasher and steriliser.
Highlights
It comes in a pack of three - so if your little one is happy with the HappyPaci this is a great value purchase
It can be used by babies who are 0+ months old
It comes in a pink version
It is made using silicone
Chicco PhysioForma Soft Silicone Orthodontic Pacifiers
This pacifier comes with an upward-angled nipple with a flat bottom and rounded top. It has tiny ridges on the flat side that encourages your little one's tongue to sit against it.
With a thin-based nipple, your little one can close her mouth more easily. Since it is made of silicone, this pacifier has a satin feel. It is both BPA- and latex-free. It is available in pink and green colours. You can find this same pacifier in designs for 6- to 12-month-olds and for toddlers older than 16 months.
Highlights
It comes with a storage case
It can be placed in the microwave when it's in the case for easy sterilisation
It comes in a pack of 2
It is made using silicone
It can be used by babies who are 0 to 6 months old
The First Years Gumdrop Newborn Pacifier
These Gumdrop pacifiers come in bright colours, right from blue to purple. This means that these pacifiers can be found even when dropped. It has a round nipple, while the shield comes with a cut-out section up top that provides plenty of room for your baby's nose. This pacifier is made of silicone and is latex- and BPA-free.
Highlights
Get two pacifiers in two different colours
It comes in a pack of 2
It can be used by babies who are 0 to 3 months old
It is made using silicone
Nanobebe Pacifiers
This Nanobebe pacifier comes with an extra-soft round nipple. It is mostly clear and has a coloured trim - teal, white, pink, and grey. It has a one-piece silicone construction and is also BPA- and phthalate-free.
Its small handle could be a pro or a con depending on your preferences. It is less likely for you to knock the pacifier out of your baby's mouth accidentally. However, it will be harder to grab and hold onto.
If this becomes your baby's favourite, you may want to upgrade to the same pacifier designed for babies aged 3 to 6 months later on.
Highlights
It has an ergonomically shaped shield with curves that follow the contour of your baby's face
It comes in a pack of 2
It can be used by babies who are 0 to 3 months old
It is made using silicone
Evenflo Feeding Balance Plus
One of the most affordable pacifiers on this Pampers Parents list, Evenflo comes with a round nipple. It has a big, sturdy grip, making it easy to grab and hold off. The shield comes with many ventilation holes that prevent the saliva or moisture build-up on your baby's skin.
This one-piece pacifier is made of silicone and free of BPA, polycarbonates, PVC, and phthalates. It comes in an opaque white colour.
Highlights
The nipple is made with soft silicone
It comes in a pack of 2
It can be used by babies who are 0 to 6 months old
It is made using silicone
While you are stocking up on all the baby gear your baby requires, you may want to grab a few different pacifiers. If you are in luck, one of the pacifiers that worked for other Pampers Parents' children would be loved by your baby too.