Best Baby Pacifiers

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Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommends using pacifiers for infants up to six months of age to reduce the risk of SIDS or as pain relief for minor medical procedures? It’s true. But, how do you know which are the top pacifiers for your child or what type is considered to be good pacifiers?

Size of Pacifier

Make sure that the pacifier is the right size for the age of your baby. If the pacifier is marked for a newborn, you will need to replace it as the baby grows. If an older infant sucks on a pacifier that is too small, they could choke.

Usually, around 3 months of age, it’s time for an upgrade. Look at the packaging to determine the size. They are marked based on the child’s age in months.

Whatever pacifier you use needs to have a shield that is at least one and a half inches across. The shield should consist of firm plastic and offer ventilation holes or be molded from one solid piece of material with a soft nipple.

Shape of Pacifier

The shape of the pacifier is a matter of preference. Some infants prefer one shape over another. Try out several kinds to find the one your baby likes best.

Orthodontic Pacifiers

If a pacifier is marked, “orthodontic” it means that it encourages your baby’s top and bottom jaw to be in the correct position when sucking so as not to interfere with mouth development.

Silicone, Latex, or Rubber?

Many parents prefer the natural rubber nipples since no chemical additives are used to manufacture them. However, silicone nipples do not break down and fall apart as rubber ones can. Latex pacifiers are eco-friendly but also tend to break down faster than silicone nipples. Additionally, some babies have an allergy to latex.

Additional Safety Considerations

To make sure the pacifier is completely safe:

  • Never tie a pacifier around the baby’s neck, hands, or other extremities since it is a choking risk or could turn into a tourniquet cutting off circulation.
  • Never use the nipple of a bottle as a pacifier since it could lodge in the baby’s throat and cause choking and is not sealed off, so the baby is sucking in air that can cause gas.
  • Check the pacifier from time to time to make sure it’s not deteriorating, and replace it frequently.
  • Find a pacifier that is dishwasher safe, and clean it frequently by boiling at first and then cleaning with soap and water as the child grows older.

Bottom Line

Pacifiers help soothe an infant to sleep and comfort them when it’s not time for feeding. The AAP recommends using a pacifier during the first few months of a baby’s life. The trick is finding the best baby pacifiers for your infant.