10 Best Baby Pacifiers Reviews
10 Best Baby Pacifiers Reviews
The person who invented baby pacifiers deserves as a pat on the back. Who knew that these small pieces of rubber could cause such peace and joy to babies and parents all over the world? Though not a substitute for real breasts, they sure can soothe a child.
Although there are those who still believe that using a pacifier can do a baby harm, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) assures us that there is no truth to this claim. As long as they are used properly, baby pacifiers are very helpful.
In fact, they have been known to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). So if you have been hesitant about getting a baby soother, it is about time you made up your mind and get your baby one (or two). You will sleep better knowing you did.
Now that you’re off the couch and actively searching for a newborn pacifier, how will you ever choose? There are so many to choose from and honestly, they all kind of look the same. They even feel the same, don’t they?
That is where we come in. With our dedicated research team and intense research tools, we have come up with this review that is sure to make your life a whole lot easier. We have combed through customer reviews and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Website to ensure that we only feature the best pacifiers that money can buy.
With none of them ever being recalled, these highly rated baby pacifiers have all been proven to be safe and easy to clean.
What To Look For In Baby Pacifiers
If you are in the market for baby pacifiers, there are some factors you will have to consider before making a final decision. Here are some of them.
- Size of pacifier
Baby pacifiers come in different sizes and are usually labeled according to the age of the babies that are supposed to use them. For instance, there are binkies for babies of 0 to 3 months, 0 to 6 months, 6 to 12 months and even beyond 12 months.
- Nipple material
Most baby pacifiers have nipples made of either silicone or latex. While latex is softer than silicone, it is more prone to cause allergies in babies. Hence the popularity of silicone baby pacifiers. It also helps that silicone binkies are easier to clean than the latex ones.
Whether you go for a silicone or latex pacifier, always make sure it doesn’t contain any chemicals which are unsafe for your baby. Alternatively, you could go for a natural pacifier that is made of all-natural rubber.
- Nipple shape
Yet another feature to put into consideration when shopping for baby pacifiers is the nipple shape. While some parents opt for the traditionally rounded nipple, others prefer the orthodontic one.
Rounded nipples are usually perfect for breastfed babies since they mimic the shape of an actual nipple. This prevents nipple confusion. On the other hand, orthodontic nipples promote good oral development by making sure that developing teeth experience as little pressure as possible.
- Size of the shield
When shopping for a baby binky, you should choose one that has a big shield. A big shield will ensure that your baby can’t get the whole baby soother into his mouth. This goes a long way in preventing choking.
- Type of construction
Most baby pacifiers have either one-piece or multi-piece construction. One-piece baby pacifiers are usually made of a single molded piece of silicone or latex whereas multi-piece ones are a combination of several components.
Their nipples, rings, and guards are manufactured separately and then assembled. Due to the presence of several small components, multi-piece baby pacifiers are usually difficult to clean and pose a choking hazard.
It, therefore, comes as no surprise that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you should buy one-piece baby pacifiers.
Best Baby Pacifiers At A Glance
Before we delve into a detailed discussion of the best baby pacifiers, here is a brief overview of our top picks.
Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier
The fact that it continues to be distributed in hospitals nationwide greatly contributes to its rising popularity as a newborn pacifier.
The Good
This AVENT pacifier is available in a variety of colors and is suitable for babies of up to 3 months. It is made of hospital-grade silicone that is free of latex and BPA. Due to its shape and size, it promotes proper oral development.
Another thing you will love about the AVENT Soothie pacifier is its one-piece construction. It also helps that it’s dishwasher-safe and easy to sterilize.
- Promotes oral development
- Available in a variety of colors
- One-piece construction
- Dishwasher-safe
- Easy to sterilize
- Free of latex and BPA.
The Bad
Like all products, the Philips AVENT Soothie pacifier has its flaws. For instance, it is too rigid for some babies. Also, it is big and covers a lot of your baby’s face. Finally, it gets very close to most babies’ noses and doesn’t come with a nose cutout.
- Big
- Gets too close to babies’ nose
- A little too rigid for some
Expert Tip
If you want to sterilize this baby soother, place it in a Philips AVENT steam sterilizer or boil it for 5 minutes
Final Thoughts
It comes as no surprise that many parents consider AVENT Soothie to be the best pacifier for newborns
MAM Glow in the Dark Night Orthodontic Pacifier
The Good
The one quality that makes this MAM pacifier stand out from the rest is its famous textured anti-slip surface. This quality helps keep it in your baby’s mouth. Another advantageous quality of this baby soother is its soft symmetrical orthodontic nipple that feels like a mom’s.
Babies are more likely to accept such a nipple. Additionally, this type of nipple is good for jaw and teeth development. You will also be thrilled to learn that this MAM pacifier comes with several tiny openings that allow for air circulation.
- Glows in the dark
- Symmetrical orthodontic nipple
- Small openings for air circulation
- Anti-slip texture
- Free of BPA/BPS
- Reusable microwave-safe storage case
The Bad
Unfortunately, water gets trapped inside this MAM pacifier when it is washed. Moreover, it doesn’t come with a puller and using a pacifier clip can be challenging. Finally, it only glows after sufficient exposure to bright light.
- Doesn’t come with a handle/ puller
- Needs to be charged in bright light to glow
- Water gets trapped in it during washing
Expert Tip
Microwave to sterilize
Final Thoughts
All things considered, this MAM pacifier does all that it promises to do.
NUK Orthodontic Pacifier
This is partly due to its cute design and assortment of color options. It also helps that it’s made of 100% silicone and is free of BPA.
The Good
While the asymmetrical shape of this NUK pacifier promotes healthy oral development, its scoop nipple cavity lets your baby move their tongue around. This ensures that your baby’s tongue, palate, and jaw all get some exercise.
As if that wasn’t impressive enough, this NUK pacifier boasts of a one-piece construction that makes it much easier to clean than baby pacifiers of multiple-piece construction.
- 100% silicone
- BPA-free
- Cute design
- Available in a variety of colors
- Scoop nipple cavity
- One-piece construction
The Bad
Although we do love the NUK orthodontic pacifier, it does face some major challenges. For instance, it makes a squeaking noise every time your little one sucks on it. Additionally, it is heavier than other baby pacifiers. Finally, it attracts a lot of dust because it’s made of silicone.
- Heavier than competitors
- Attracts a lot of dust
- Makes a squeaking noise when sucked
Expert Tip
To keep it clean, this infant pacifier can be hand washed, boiled or washed in the top rack of your dishwasher
Final Thoughts
Due to its shape, cute design and overall efficiency, this NUK pacifier is a popular choice for seasoned parents.
WubbaNub Brown Puppy Pacifier
The Good
Since this is a stuffed animal pacifier, it will be easy to hold and very difficult to lose. This will make it easy for your baby to self-soothe. Distributed in hospitals, well-baby units, and NICU nationwide, this WubbaNub pacifier is suitable for babies of up to 6 months.
You will also be happy to know that this animal pacifier is made of soft medical-grade silicone and is free of latex, BPA, PVC, and phthalates. Another advantageous quality of the WubbaNub pacifier is its one-piece construction that makes it easy to clean.
- Difficult to lose
- Easy to grab
- Made of soft medical-grade silicone
- Free of latex, BPA, PVC, and phthalates
- One-piece construction
- Really cute
The Bad
First of all, the WubbaNub pacifier is considerably more expensive than other baby pacifiers. Secondly, it is unsuitable for squirmy babies. Finally, it won’t stay in your baby’s mouth very long. This is because it is heavier than standard baby pacifiers.
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Unsuitable for squirmy babies
Expert Tip
To keep this pacifier with a stuffed animal from falling out of your baby’s mouth, you should hold the bottom of the animal across your kid’s chest as you hold them
Final Thoughts
All things considered, the WubbaNub pacifier is definitely a worthy investment.
Philips AVENT Translucent Orthodontic Infant Pacifier
This baby binky comes with a stuffed animal attached to it and is sure to be your baby’s new favorite toy.
The Good
This Philips AVENT pacifier comes with a collapsible BPA free silicone nipple that doesn’t misshapen or discolor with time. Moreover, it features a secure ring handle that your baby can easily grasp.
For the sake of good hygiene, it is also equipped with a snap-on cap that keeps the nipple clean. As if that wasn’t enough, this translucent clear infant pacifier is also dishwasher-safe and can be sterilized.
- Good for oral development
- Collapsible silicone nipple
- BPA free
- Ring handle for easy grasp
- Dishwasher-safe
- Snap on hygienic cap
The Bad
The clear color of this Philips AVENT pacifier makes it difficult to find when misplaced. Additionally, its nipple is a bit harder than that of other baby pacifiers. Finally, some parents have complained that this newborn pacifier traps saliva and water leading to the growth of mold.
- Easily gets lost
- Traps water and saliva
- Hard nipple
Expert Tip
You should sterilize this baby binky by dipping it in a Philips AVENT sterilizer or boiling it for 5 minutes
Final Thoughts
In spite of a few flaws here and there, this Philips AVENT pacifier does all that it promises to do.
The First Years GumDrop Newborn Pacifier
The Good
This silicone GumDrop pacifier is free of latex, BPA, and phthalates and comes in a convenient 2-pack. This ensures that you have an extra one at all times. The fact that this newborn pacifier comes with a contoured shape that avoids your baby’s nose makes it very comfortable for your little one.
Another advantageous quality of this GumDrop pacifier is its convenient ability to work with most pacifier attachments. It also helps that it has a one-piece construction design and is extremely lightweight.
- Trusted worldwide
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Free of latex, BPA, and phthalates
- Convenient contoured shape
- Works with most pacifier attachments
- Convenient one-piece construction design
The Bad
Some parents have complained that this infant pacifier is considerably harder than other baby pacifiers. Also, hair tends to get stuck on it. Finally, some parents have complained about their baby’s fingers getting stuck in the holes.
- Hard
- Baby’s finger may get stuck in its hole
- Tends to get hair stuck on it
Expert Tip
Don’t expose this breastfeeding pacifier to excessive heat or sunlight for extended periods of time
Final Thoughts
This GumDrop pacifier has long been considered the best binky for a breastfed baby.
Natursutten BPA-Free Natural Rubber Pacifier
The Good
The Natursutten pacifier is made of all-natural rubber that is free of BPA, phthalates and any other chemicals. This natural rubber is what makes the Natursutten pacifier way softer than its silicone-based counterparts.
This natural pacifier comes in a hygienic one-piece design and is easy to wash. To keep it clean you should use warm water and mild soap on it daily. It can also be sterilized by dipping it in boiling water for up to 5 minutes. Another redeeming quality of the Natursutten pacifier is its extra-large shield that makes it impossible for your baby to squeeze it into their mouth.
- Completely natural
- Softer than silicone-based baby pacifiers
- Hygienic one piece design
- Easy to clean and sterilize
- Extra-large shield
- Comes in 4 models and 3 sizes
The Bad
Although this natural pacifier is pretty impressive, it does have its quirks. First of all, it is much more expensive than most baby pacifiers. Secondly, it is a little oily. Finally, you will need to replace it every 6 to 8 weeks.
- Should be replaced every 6 to 8 weeks
- Oily
- Expensive
Expert Tip
You should sterilize this natural pacifier before its first use
Final Thoughts
In a world full of petroleum-based baby pacifiers, this Natursutten baby binky offers an option that is difficult to resist.
Dr. Brown's One Piece Silicone Pacifier
The Good
Like most binkies, this Dr. Brown pacifier is made of 100% medical grade silicone. Due to its one-piece construction, it is extremely easy to clean. Just toss it in the dishwasher and you’re good to go.
You will also be happy to know that this breastfeeding pacifier is BPA free and extremely easy to hang on to.
- One-piece construction
- Easy to clean
- BPA free
- Easy to hang on to
- Dips below baby’s nose
- Suitable nipple shape for breastfed babies
The Bad
Unfortunately, this Dr. Brown pacifier is too big for small babies. It is also heavier and harder than most baby pacifiers.
- Hard
- Heavy
- Big
Expert Tip
You should wash this baby soother regularly as it attracts hair and other particles
Final Thoughts
This Dr. Brown pacifier is undoubtedly one of the best pacifiers for breastfed babies.
JollyPop Preemie Pacifier 6 Pack Unscented
This pack contains 6 baby pacifiers that are utterly adorable and specially designed for premature babies. These preemie pacifiers come in a variety of colors that are suitable for both girls and boys.
The Good
Each JollyPop pacifier is made of soft silicone that is free of BPA, DEHP, latex, and phthalates. These baby girl pacifiers come with a comfortable curved shape that fits your baby’s face and a textured nipple that babies are known to love.
Additionally, every JollyPop pacifier has a loop-shaped handle that makes it easy to hold. The fact that these baby girl pacifiers are unscented is yet another reason your little one will love them.
- Unscented
- Cute pacifiers
- Easy to hold
- Comfortable shape
- Textured nipple
- Free of BPA, DEHP, latex, and phthalates
The Bad
It is difficult to find this JollyPop pacifier in local stores. You will most likely have to order it online. Also, there have been complaints that its nipple is too hard, especially when new. Finally, it doesn’t stay in your baby’s mouth for long.
- Hard to find
- Hard nipple
- Doesn’t stay in the mouth for long
Expert Tip
To keep it clean, regularly wash this preemie pacifier in hot water with mild detergent. Rinse before use
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, this JollyPop pacifier does a good job at combining functionality, reliability and good aesthetics.
Chicco NaturalFit Pacifier
You will be happy to know that it comes in a sterilization case and has an orthodontic shape that promotes oral development.
The Good
Due to its narrow base and curved ergonomic shield, this Chicco pacifier is very comfortable for babies. As if that wasn’t enough it also has small holes that allow for air circulation. This prevents skin irritation.
It also helps that this newborn pacifier is really soft and breast-like. Additionally, its one-piece construction makes it easy to clean.
- Curved ergonomic shield
- One piece construction
- Tiny holes for air circulation
- Soft and breast-like
- Orthodontic shape
- Free of latex and BPA
The Bad
Several parents have complained that this Chicco pacifier has a strong chemical smell. There have also been several complaints that it’s too big and heavy for most babies.
- Big
- Heavy
- Nasty chemical smell
Expert Tip
You will have to clean this infant pacifier constantly since it gets dirty quickly
Final Thoughts
All things considered, this Chicco pacifier is a good bang for your buck.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to baby pacifiers, the choice ultimately falls in the tiny hands of your baby. You can choose as many as you want but you can’t force your little one to use them. This is one area of your life where you will have to depend on trial and error.
It would be best if you bought several of our recommended baby pacifiers and let your little one try them out and make a decision. Don’t be stressed out if they reject your chosen baby pacifiers, just keep on trying. Eventually, they will find their favorite.
One thing is certain though; these are the best pacifiers available and your baby is bound to pick one. Just give it some time.
