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Top 8 Best Pacifiers for Newborns

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedNovember 4, 2024

Pacifiers are a common item for newborns and can be a lifesaver for parents. It can assist in calming an unhappy baby, ease the child and potentially also act as a preventative measure against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). But the problem is that there are a lot of baby products offered out there and it is very difficult to select one that will perfectly suit your baby.

After going through a number of pacifiers available in these respective markets and after weeks of trials, here is our list of the best pacifiers for newborns. Apart from fulfilling several fundamental aspects, these pacifiers have other qualities that give them an edge over others.

Top 3 Best Pacifiers for Newborns

  1. Nanobebe Baby Pacifiers
  2. Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier
  3. Itzy Ritzy Sweetie Soother Pacifier Set of 2

As much as we respect the importance of getting the right pacifier for your newborn, we know that it can be very tasking. We have sourced pacifiers that have features such as; the ability to comfort your baby, feed them with healthy gums and can be washed easily. Read on to know the best pacifier to give your little ones.


Nanobebe Baby Pacifiers

Editor's Choice

Nanobebe Baby Pacifiers

The Nanobebe Baby Pacifiers have ergonomic shape which comfortably fits around the baby's face, nose, and chin. It is free from BPA and Phthalate and the ultra-soft silicone material eliminates nipple confusion, making it an ideal pacifier for breastfeeding babies. 

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The Nanobebe Baby Pacifiers are preferable for newborn babies due to their style which has been designed to look more like the breast.

Pros

  • The ergonomic shape fits comfortably around the baby's face, nose, and chin
  • The ultra-soft silicone material gets rid of nipple confusion
  • The one-piece silicone design adheres to the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines

Cons

  • The rubber odor can be strong at first
  • It attracts hair and fuzz

The Nanobebe Baby Pacifiers are easy to clean and since it is made from one piece it is easy to sterilize. The pacifier is easy to clean since it is dishwasher safe, meaning that it can easily be washed even for the busiest of parents.

The new Nanobebe Baby Pacifier called the Stage 2 Flexy Active Pacifier is suitable for babies who are crawling and walking and more. It has side vents that are open to allow more air to flow through it besides having ultra-light weight.

All in all, if you are searching for comfortable and easy-to-clean safe pacifiers then the Nanobebe Baby Pacifiers are recommended for you.


Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier

Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier

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We recommend the Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier for newborns because of its unique features and benefits.

Pros

  • It is distributed in hospitals nationwide
  • The orthodontic design respects the natural development of baby's teeth and gums
  • The one-piece construction is specially sized and shaped for babies 0-3 months old

Cons

  • It may not work for all babies
  • It is only suitable for newborns up to 3 months old

The Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier is one of the best solutions for parents of newborns. The pacifier brand is available in all the hospitals in the country, and doctors and nurses recommend its use, especially for newborns. It is manufactured in one piece with a unique size and specifically designed for infants who are up to three months old and which conforms to AAP policy. It’s an advantage that the orthodontic design works with the basic growth and development of a baby’s gums and teeth.

The pacifier is constructed with hospital-grade 100% silicone that is BPA-free and has no latex in its construction. It is dishwasher safe and best of all it can be sterilized in a sterilizer. The nipple is stand and matte, it does not get sticky, change color or get distorted in any way. This pacifier is made of clear material and does not have any odour or taste which makes it good for babies that are sensitive to tastes and smells.

All in all, the Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier is ideal for newborns and it is worthy of acquiring. Since it has an orthodontic design and is made of hospital-grade silicone, it is safe and healthy for children.


Itzy Ritzy Sweetie Soother Pacifier Set of 2

Itzy Ritzy Sweetie Soother Pacifier Set of 2

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If you are considering a good pacifier for your newborn baby for everyday use that is stylish and effective then you should try the Itzy Ritzy Sweetie Soother Pacifier Set of 2.

Pros

  • It is made of 100% food-grade silicone and are free of PVC and BPA
  • The proven nipple shape is soft and durable
  • It features a single-part design and a collapsible handle

Cons

  • The braided design may not be to everyone's taste
  • Some parents may not like the limited color options

The pacifiers are easy to clean and are made of latex-free silicone material and have two big air vents for breathing. Some of the features that were observed with the present model and which we found to be useful include the fact that the single-part construction acts as an extra layer of safety as does the foldable handle.

The sling was comfortable for our baby, the tested shape of the nipple was easy to grip and the product was designed for newborns and above. We also admired the use of braid work done on the handle of the pacifiers to give it a fashionable look.

Overall, we recommend the Itzy Ritzy Sweetie Soother Pacifier Set of 2 for any parent in their search for a good and trendy pacifier for a newborn.


MAM Original Start Newborn Baby Pacifier

MAM Original Start Newborn Baby Pacifier

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We recommend the MAM Original Start Newborn Baby Pacifier for its innovative design and high-quality materials.

Pros

  • The symmetrical shape of the pacifier allows for fuss-free use
  • The self-sterilizing case is a convenient feature
  • The breast-like nipple shape and SkinSoft material offer a natural feel

Cons

  • It is a bit epensive
  • It may not fit all babies comfortably

In our experience, the MAM Original Start Newborn Baby Pacifier has turned out to be a functional pacifier that we have used in nurturing our newborns. It is circular in shape and made from SkinSoft material which gives our baby an easy time to grab it, I love that the case has a built-in self-sterilizing method for the pacifiers.

However, the pacifier may not fit comfortably on all babies; the availability of the limited number of shield sizes may also be seen as a limitation by some parents. Also, it can be expensive, especially for those with a limited budget thus, may be a disadvantage.

Overall, the MAM Original Start Newborn Baby Pacifier is a high-quality pacifier that is worthy to be purchased for the newborn baby.


NUK Comfy Orthodontic Pacifiers

NUK Comfy Orthodontic Pacifiers

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If you are in search of a proper pacifier that will allow your child to have proper teeth development it is possible that NUK Comfy Orthodontic Pacifiers will be suitable for your baby.

Pros

  • The one-piece 100% silicone design gently contours to your baby's face
  • The breast-like nipple shape naturally fits your baby's palate
  • The heart-shaped shield fits perfectly under the baby's nose

Cons

  • It may not stay in place as well as other brands
  • It may not be suitable for all babies

NUK Comfy Orthodontic Pacifiers are made of materials which are totally safe, namely: • 100% Free from BPA • Can be cleaned in the dishwasher but only on the top rack.

The shape of the shield is great; it is in the shape of a heart, which eliminates skin irritation and will help our baby breathe better. The nipple also has the shape of a breast which is perfect for our baby’s mouth and dental structure.

All in all, the NUK Comfy Orthodontic Pacifiers are one of the best pacifiers for parents who would like to have a non-toxic, top quality pacifier that is also good for the development of the baby’s teeth.


Itzy Ritzy Natural Rubber Pacifiers, Set of 2

Itzy Ritzy Natural Rubber Pacifiers, Set of 2

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If you're looking for a pacifier that provides style, safety and comfort for your newborn baby, then you should consider the Itzy Ritzy Natural Rubber Pacifier. It features soft natural rubber nipples for newborns up to 6 months of age, that have the feel of a breastfeeding baby.

Pros

  • The cherry-shaped nipple closely mimics breastfeeding
  • The pacifiers are BPA-free and PVC-free
  • The shield with large air holes meets ASTM safety standards

Cons

  • Not suitable for cleaning in a dishwasher
  • May not be suitable for all babies

We love the Itzy Ritzy Natural Rubber Pacifiers because of the natural rubber nipple; the cover feels warm and comforting to a baby just like a breast. The pacifiers are also sleek in design with cable design detail on the plastic handle making them chic in style.

The pacifiers are fashionable as well as safe and secure pacifiers which pass the ASTM safety tests and are BPA-free and PVC-free. It is also important to note that the large hole on the shield also provides extra safety and that makes these pacifiers ideal for parents who are concerned with the safety of their baby’s necessities.

In general, the Itzy Ritzy Natural Rubber Pacifiers are perfect for parents searching for trendy, secure, and cozy pacifiers for their babies.


Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Silicone Pacifier

Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Silicone Pacifier

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If you want a pacifier which is lightweight and easy to clean then the Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Silicone Pacifier is the best one.

Pros

  • The symmetrical design ensures proper placement
  • The one-piece design is easy to clean
  • The curved shield sits comfortably between baby's chin and nose

Cons

  • It is a bit expensive
  • Some babies may not like the shape of the nipple

The pacifier was used more often and given to our baby for a longer duration which made her quite relaxed. It was also good that it had a symmetrical design so that where it would always fit correctly on the mouth whenever it was placed.

The curved shield was wise, as it does not rub against the skin around our baby’s chin and nose. Additionally, holes that are big enough to bear through the shield provided significantly more air ventilation while no moisture tended to accumulate on the shield.

Because of its one-piece construction, the pacifier could be cleaned really easily without any fuss. We just put it in the sterilizer or wash it, free it and it was again ‘ready’ for use without any hindrance.


Dr. Brown's HappyPaci 100% Silicone Pacifiers

Dr. Brown's HappyPaci 100% Silicone Pacifiers

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For anyone seeking a pacifier that is easy to clean, long-lasting and gentle enough for any baby, then Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci 100% Silicone Pacifiers are some of the best available in the market.

Pros

  • The contoured butterfly-shaped shield that offers comfort to your baby
  • The one-piece design makes it perfect for simplified cleaning
  • The unique 100% silicone HappyPaci design resembles the bottle nipple

Cons

  • It doesn't come with a cover or a case
  • It is a bit larger than other pacifiers

Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci 100% Silicone Pacifiers are among the best baby pacifiers for parents who are seeking a promising pacifier that is easy on the baby’s health, easy on the pocket, easy to clean, comfortable for the baby, especially the newborn, and which is easy to clean.

Designed in the shape of a contoured butterfly, the shield offers ample space for the little nostrils and cheeks to rest and due to the one hundred per cent silicone material, a smooth switch from the bottle to the pacifier for the baby is made possible. However, it is rather that the nipple of the pacifier is too long to make some babies gag and the pacifier is somewhat larger than the others may be inconvenient for babies of the youngest age.

All in all, it is advisable for parents to purchase Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci 100% Silicone Pacifiers for their newborn since it is among the most comfortable pacifiers on the market.

Buying Guide

Material

There are two types of pacifiers in the market one is the silicone and the other one is the latex. It has been established that silicone is slightly safer than other materials because they are not as likely to cause an allergic reaction; moreover, silicone is easier to clean. Latex is softer as well as more flexible as compared to the other kinds of materials and that is why some babies prefer it or may find it more comfortable. Bear in mind that latex is also known to degrade faster than silicone, therefore, it might not last as long before it has to be replaced.

Shape

The types of pacifiers include orthodontic pacifiers, round pacifiers and asymmetrical pacifiers. Orthodontic pacifiers are shaped like a small pouch that is similar to a mother’s nipple while the round ones are more basic in design. Some pacifiers have one side with a big round part and another which is flat which some babies may find suitable for their mouths.

Size

Newborns have relatively small mouths; therefore, the pacifier should be of the right size. Choose from pacifiers that are labelled as newborn or 0-3 months so that they will fit perfectly in babies mouth.

Ventilation

Some pacifiers have holes on the shield and other parts called vents this is to ensure they do not cause skin rash as well as to encourage air circulation. There are also scenarios where gentleness is more important for instance when dressing a baby with delicate skin or is prone to rashes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a pacifier for a breastfed newborn?

When selecting a pacifier for a breastfed newborn, then the nipple should be of a shape and texture to the mother’s breast. The pacifier should be of soft and flexible material and should have bilateral symmetry so that it does not confuse the child between the breast and the pacifier. Also, as the baby will have the Pacifier often touching the mouth, ensure that it is easy to clean or better still, sterilize.

How can I ensure a pacifier stays in my newborn's mouth?

To ensure a pacifier stays in your newborn's mouth, it is wise to use a pacifier that is best suited for the baby’s age and weight category. Keep an eye on how the nipple is placed into the child’s mouth with the concave side facing up and the base placed on their lips. Do not shove it into the baby’s mouth, instead let it linger into their mouth lazily. In case the child constantly displaces the pacifier, it should be changed to another one of a different shape or size.

Are there specific pacifiers recommended for newborns after 3 months?

After 3 months, you might need to switch to pacifiers with a nipple and shield that is a little bigger for your growing baby. Avoid using pacifiers with straight or flat-ended nipples because it may cause harm to the baby’s jaw and teeth. Moreover, some pacifiers have an innovation that makes them glow at night, and this is very useful at night when controlling the baby.

What are the benefits of using an orthodontic pacifier for my baby?

Orthodontic pacifiers are designed to promote the growth and development of the child as are shaped like the mother’s nipple. They have a low profile base and a dome-shaped top to help in a natural glide of the tongue and to reduce chances of distortions of teeth. The use of orthodontic pacifiers may also decrease the chances of ear infections through correct swallowing and pressure on the tubes.

Which pacifiers are considered the closest to natural breastfeeding?

As for the nipple shape, the wider and rounder the nipple is, it resembles the mother’s breast and thus is the best for imitation of the natural feeding process. Pacifiers should be made of soft and pliable should be capable of being compressed or squeezed and should possess a wider base to cover the baby’s lips. A few models have an irregular surface which is designed to contribute towards the feel of a mother’s breast.

How do I choose the right pacifier as my baby grows, particularly at 6 months?

As your baby grows, they might outgrow pacifier use or might be moving to other types of pacifiers. Choose those with a larger nipple and shield so that it fits in their growing mouth as they grow. It should also be noted that pacifiers that come in different sizes of nipple or pacifiers whose nipple flow can be adjusted can also help. Further, while choosing the pacifier, remember that as the child grows they might start chewing the pacifier, so the material of the pacifier and its durability matters.

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