However, you can’t toss just any pacifier into your cart—it needs to be newborn-specific. Jennifer Horne, a consultant relations manager and international board certified lactation consultant at The Lactation Network, tells Verywell Family that it’s important to purchase pacifiers for newborns with the “correct age range that is recommended on the packaging from the manufacturer.” Pacifiers come in a variety of different shapes, and some newborns may require a little trial and error to find the right one. We carefully considered design, material, value, age recommendations, and pacifier safety when reviewing products. Here are the best pacifiers for newborns to help everyone rest easier. For more information on the recall and what to do if you have a FRIGG Silicone Pacifier, visit the CPSC website to review the official recall letter. The MAM Newborn Pacifier is our top pick because it’s designed specifically with newborns in mind; from its young age recommendation to special design for the tiniest of babies. This pacifier is safe to use from birth to 2 months old. It’s super lightweight and has a uniquely designed shield that allows for air circulation, won’t irritate the skin, and keeps the nose free for baby’s breathing. The pacifier orthodontic nipple is made from silicone that is soft and flexible and has an anti-slip texture to help the pacifier stay in place. Unfortunately, this pacifier isn’t dishwasher-safe. However, it can be sterilized in the microwave with the reusable storage case (which is included with purchase). Price at time of publication: $7 The pacifier nipple is orthodontically shaped to support mouth development and is made from super-soft silicone that is designed to avoid nipple confusion. Finally, this pacifier is dishwasher-safe (top rack) and is safe for babies from birth to 3 months old. Price at time of publication: $5 The pacifier is all one-piece, made from silicone, and dishwasher-safe. The Philips AVENT Soothie is what many hospitals provide to new parents, and the newborn size is safe for babies from birth to 3 months old. Price at time of publication: $11 Price at time of publication: $11 In addition to its orthodontic shape, the nipple also has a satin-like texture to help it stay in place and provide even more comfort. Finally, its shield is designed to prevent saliva build-up as well as allow air circulation. Price at time of publication: $7 It comes with four pacifiers with different designs, all of which are safe for newborns, including round, symmetric, and anatomical-shaped nipples. The “Colour” and “Couture” pacifiers are made from natural rubber latex, while the “De Luxe” and “Supreme” are made from silicone. While this “try-it” four-pack is exclusively sold at Nordstrom, you can purchase the different pacifiers individually at a variety of retailers. Plus, parents and caregivers will love how easy to clean these pacifiers are. To clean these pacifiers, simply run the dishwasher with them on the top rack. Price at time of publication: $7 Pacifier nipples that are straight, flat, orthodontic, and bulb-shaped are perfectly safe for newborns. An orthodontic pacifier is designed like a natural nipple, flatter and slightly square, and is intended to accommodate the motion a baby makes with their tongue when nursing. Non-orthodontic options have the classic bulb shape. So if you have concerns about nipple confusion, you may opt for the orthodontic style.
Design and Materials
Many pacifiers are made from silicone, which is what Horne suggests, but natural rubber and latex are also options. All of these materials are BPA-free. Natural rubber pacifiers are also free of PVC, phthalates, parabens, and other chemicals, but they are much less flexible than latex and silicone. Be aware that some babies (and parents) may have latex allergies. In addition to the materials of the pacifier, parents should also pay attention to its design. “Consider pacifiers that are one whole piece rather than pacifiers made of multiple parts, as these may pose a choking hazard,” says Horne. Additionally, she suggests purchasing pacifiers that are dishwasher-safe since it’s important to “wash them regularly to reduce bacteria growth.”
Size
Whatever pacifier you offer your newborn should be made for their small size. The pacifier packaging should be clearly marked as either “0+ Months,” “NB to 3M,” or some other variation that makes it clear that it is safe for newborns. Pacifiers that are too large can pose a choking hazard.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer, and mom to a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old. When choosing the pacifiers for this roundup, Ashley considered her personal experience (both of her children used pacifiers as newborns), product safety and design, and user reviews. She also consulted with breastfeeding expert Jennifer Horne, a consultant relations manager and international board certified lactation consultant at The Lactation Network, on the best pacifiers for nursing babies. However, a pacifier that is too big or too small can actually cause your baby to swallow air, which could end up becoming trapped and uncomfortable. As such, ensure that your baby’s pacifier is the right size in relation to their age.
