9 best pacifiers to soothe your baby in 2023, per an expert

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If you’re a parent or caregiver, you know that a pacifier is likely heaven-sent, the mouthpiece allowing your baby to soothe, sleep and self-entertain.

While they seem like a budget-friendly, simple grab, there’s much to consider when buying the appropriate pacifier for your baby: What’s the best pacifier for sleep? How do I properly clean a pacifier? Which are best for breast-feeding and travel?

“Pacifiers can be helpful in younger infants to calm them during times of stress,” Maryellen Flaherty-Hewitt, MD, medical director of Pediatric Primary Care at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital and associate professor of pediatrics at Yale School of Medicine with 21 years of experience, told the New York Post. “Offering pacifiers to younger infants at the start of sleep can offer a protective effect against SIDS [sudden infant death syndrome].

Much like shopping for a car seat, quality baby monitor and a feel-good baby lotion, pacifiers come in several varietals — which is why New York Post Shopping turned to a pediatrician to outline an in-depth FAQ section filled with important safety notes and what to consider when buying one for your baby.

Ahead, Dr. Flaherty-Hewitt hand-picked the best pacifiers on the market so you can add to cart and think of nothing other than your baby being happy and sleeping soundly.

“The MAM Comfort Baby Pacifier has a symmetrical shape so it doesn’t matter which way the baby has it in their mouth; it’s equally comfortable,” Flaherty-Hewitt notes.

More, it’s made of silicone material so it’s easy to wash and relatively inexpensive. Not to mention, its near-5,000 positive ratings on Amazon nod to its “perfect shape” and “perfect for newborn” design.

The Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Silicone Pacifier, as its name suggests, is very light with a symmetrical shape so easy for your baby to use.

“It’s easy to wash, doesn’t collect dust easily and inexpensive, too,” Flaherty-Hewitt notes. Plus, it’s backed by more than 21,000 rave reviews on Amazon for being “durable and lightweight” and “the only binkie my son would take.”

Above all else, the Chicco PhysioForma Soft Silicone Pacifier is an orthodontic-friendly nipple stated to support oral development. Nearly 16,000 parents and caregivers love these pacifiers for the value they bring, too.

“It comes with a reusable carry case to keep clean in diaper bag,” Flaherty-Hewitt notes. “It’s made of silicone materials, is easy to clean and inexpensive.”

According to Flaherty-Hewitt, the Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier is “durable, made of medical-grade silicone, has an orthodontic-friendly nipple and relatively inexpensive.” It doesn’t get much better than that, especially with nearly 14,000 Amazon reviewers feeling the same.

Shop the NUK Comfy Orthodontic Pacifier for a quality pacifier pack that looks good and is ultra-comfortable for your baby.

“It has a cut out that sits under the infant’s nose,” Flaherty-Hewitt points out. “It states it’s top-rack-dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning and relatively inexpensive.” Plus, it boasts nearly 5,500 positive reviews on Amazon for its breast-like nipple shape.

“With a similar shape and size to Dr. Brown’s bottle nipples, these pacifiers are top-rack dishwasher-safe, relatively inexpensive and for infants up to 6 months of age,” Flaherty-Hewitt lists. More, a three-pack is just $5!

“With Natural rubber latex, these can’t be washed in dishwasher; these pacifiers have very specific washing instructions that need to be followed,” Flaherty-Hewitt notes. Though more expensive, the Natursutten Pacifier is made from all-natural materials and is applauded by nearly 3,000 satisfied shoppers who value nontoxic items.

“The Ryan & Rose Cutie PAT Pacifier Teether is made from medical-grade silicone and has a variety of shapes.”

Even better, it’s best for infants with teeth as it can double as a teether. It’s also easy to wash and just a bit more expensive.

The Nanobebe Baby Pacifier is made with “flexible, silicone materials and is a one-piece pacifier,” meaning it’s fabulous for newborns. It’s also easy to wash, inexpensive and beloved by more than 12.000 Amazon reviewers for having “the most comfortable fit” — thanks to its flexibility!

Ahead, our pediatric expert highlights the benefits of using a pacifier, how to shop for the right one, how to clean one and more.

There are some benefits noted by the American Academy of Pediatrics for pacifier use in infants up to 6 months of age.

“For the calming affects, non-nutritive sucking can provide during minor procedures such as immunizations,” Flaherty-Hewitt tells The Post. They also provide a protective effect on the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) when offered to an infant when they are placed to sleep.

“For premature infants, pacifier use can help develop the sucking reflex,” she adds.

Of course, pacifiers can be helpful in younger infants to calm them during times of stress, while offering pacifiers to younger infants at the start of sleep can offer a protective effect against SIDS.

“It’s important to not offer the pacifier if you your baby is hungry; it should not replace meals,” Flaherty-Hewitt advises. “If you plan to breastfeed, some recommend waiting to offer a pacifier until breastfeeding is well-established, usually about three to four weeks.”

According to Flaherty-Hewitt, current recommendations are to try and discontinue pacifier use by age 6 months. “The risks or complications of pacifier use tend to outweigh the benefits around that age,” she notes. “After age 6 months, there can be an increased risk of ear infections.”

If your little one has an emotional attachment to their pacifier, it can be difficult to give it up when they become of-age.

You can try replacing the pacifier with another soothing item, like a favorite stuffed animal or well-loved blanket. However, older children may need some coaxing.

“I’ve had success with planning to ‘mail’ he pacifier to Santa or another imaginary figure to give to the babies because now ‘you’re a big girl/boy,'” Flaherty-Hewitt recommends. “Alternatively, wrapping up the pacifier to give to a new sibling has also worked well.”

Ahead, Flaherty-Hewitt outlines important safety information when it comes to using a pacifier:

According to Flaherty-Hewitt, one-piece models of pacifiers are safest. Two-piece models may break and present a choking hazard.

Think about it: pacifiers spend plenty of time in your baby’s mouth, so you want to ensure you’re cleaning it properly.

First, pacifiers should be dishwasher-safe.”They can be boiled or run through the dishwasher before first use and thereafter,” she recommends. “Make sure to squeeze any water out before giving to the baby to avoid any burns.”

Also, clean pacifiers this way until 6 months of age. After that, frequent washing with soapy water should be adequate.

It’s important to note that parents should not clean the pacifier by sucking on it themselves and give it back to the baby. “This may cause harmful mouth bacteria to be shared,” she adds.

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