Parents make choices every day about the products they expose their babies to. For many families, pacifiers are a necessity and a lifesaver. But not just any pacifier will do. Babies demand their favorites as soothing aids. You have a checklist, too. And the most important thing is to make sure the pacifier you rely on is baby-safe.
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What to consider when choosing a pacifier
Anything that goes into your baby’s mouth is important: bottles, sippy cups, teethers, pacifiers, etc. Pacifiers, in particular, remain in your baby’s mouth for extended periods of time to provide a sense of security while he or she is sleeping, in the car, or out and about.
Is the pacifier made from safe materials? Will my baby choke on it? Will the pacifier damage my baby’s gums and teeth? First-time pacifier parents will do serious research to determine which pacifier is safest for their baby. Experienced parents may swear by a particular brand. Ultimately, it is your baby who decides which pacifier they like best.
What parents can do is make sure the pacifier they choose for their child is made from safe materials.
Multi-piece and one-piece pacifiers
Multi-piece pacifiers usually consist of three separate parts – the nipple, guard, and ring or handle – and are made from latex, silicone, or even hard plastic.
Many parents choose one-piece pacifiers to eliminate concerns that the pacifier will break apart in a child’s mouth and become a choking hazard.
Rubber pacifiers and natural rubber pacifiers
Silicone, latex, rubber — they’re all branches of the same family tree. Silicone, the material most often used in pacifier nipples, is made from the naturally occurring chemical elements silicon, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. This combination makes for a pacifier that’s odor-resistant and usually dishwasher safe. However, silicone rubber usually contains chemical softeners and preservatives, which can make some parents think twice before purchasing this type of pacifier.
Rubber pacifiers are softer than silicone, and many babies prefer this type of pacifier. Rubber is latex, so if your baby has a latex allergy, you cannot use this type of pacifier. Natural rubber, also known as pure latex, is extracted from the sap of rubber trees, filtered, dried and processed, and no chemicals are added, so many parents feel comfortable with their children using this type of pacifier.
If you’re concerned about phthalates, pacifiers sold in the United States haven’t contained these chemicals since 1999. And because latex and silicone generally don’t contain BPA, most pacifiers are BPA-free.
Wide selection of pacifiers
Parents who prefer natural products for their babies might be attracted to brands like: Naturusutten Original Ortho Pacifier or Ecopiggy’s natural rubber eco-friendly pacifierBoth are sustainably made from 100% natural rubber and have a one-piece construction.
There are well-established baby product brands that manufacture pacifiers, and some parents choose based on the brand’s reputation. Philips Avent Soothing, Nookand Dr. Brown Generally, they are at the top of the list when it comes to pacifier options.
of Nanobebe Flexi Pacifier The slightly curved shield fits comfortably over your baby’s face and promotes natural airflow to keep out sweat and stains. Made from 100% silicone, it is free of BPA, phthalates and chemical softeners.
Chicco PhysioForma Orthodontic Pacifier It features a curved nipple that distributes pressure evenly across the palate, promoting proper breathing, tongue position and oral development.
of Ryan & Rose Cutie PAT Made from soft silicone, this dual-purpose pacifier and teether is perfect for soothing sore gums during teething.
There are also pacifiers available with patented ventilation holes. Orthodontic Designand even pacifiers that dispense toothpaste gel to promote oral health. Glow in the dark handle Helps baby (and sleep-deprived parents) quickly find their pacifier in the dark of night. CutenessYou can find pacifiers decorated with fake mustaches, camouflage, animal patterns, stars, and more.
Ultimately, it’s up to every parent to decide what the safest and best pacifier for their baby is, what helps everyone sleep better at night, and whether sustainability is a priority.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on May 23, 2019 and updated June 204.
