Well first of congrats on breastfeeding, I know it can be a hard journey in the beginning. I hope this pacifier review list can help you keep breastfeeding longer.
This review is going to visit some of the top brand and off brand pacifiers that we tested, asked parents about and reviewed with our kids to give you the best pacifier for breastfed babies.
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Table of Contents
Does Your Breastfed Baby Need A Pacifier?
The short answer, no. They do not need a pacifier. It might be that your child doesn’t even take to a pacifier or want one. But if they take to it rather quickly and you notice they fuss less when they are sucking on the pacifier then yes your child might just need one for comfort.
Best Pacifiers For Breastfed Babies 2020 Review
I do want to add that this list is in no particular order. Just the ones we reviewed and looked at that made the cut. We’ll let you decide which is best for you and baby.
Recommended Products
1. Nuby 2 Pack Softflex Orthodontic Pacifier
This particular pacifier is one of our favorite ones because the flexing action imitates a mothers moving breast will breastfeeding.
Pros: The little nubs around the pacifier and on it massage baby’s gums to soothe itchiness (from teething) and helps stimulate the gums.
Cons: Cannot add strap for holding pacifier.
2. MAM Glow In The Dark Pacifier
Making it’s way up to number one in our hearts is this glow in the dark pacifier by MAM.
Pros: Perfect for newborns up to six months. You won’t be able to lose this one at night because of its awesome glow in the dark properties.
Cons: Parents noticed after a few months that the glow was less powerful than the beginning months.
3. Ulubulu Expression Pacifier 6-18 Months
The Ulubulu Expression Pacifier is great for babies 6 months to 18 months. It anatomically correct and has a larger base and made from silicone (so no mold). Also has large ventilation holes so the skin can breathe.
Pros: Its orthodontically shaped nipple is made from silicone, made for older babies to help keep the shape of their mouth from mishaping with prolonged pacifier use.
Cons: Gets dirty very easily. Grabs hair and any little surface dirt when it falls.
4. Ecopacifer Natural 3 Pack
The Ecopacifier by Ecopiggy is made from pure rubber and made for one single piece. It is used for babies 0 – 6 months.
Pros: Made without chemical softeners or colorants. The rubber is a great choice for teething babies because of its strength.
Cons: Higher price point for a pacifier
5. Playtex Binky Silicone Pacifier
How cute are these Playtex silicone pacifiers? We love the fun designs and the straps on this breathable pacifier.
Pros: Nipple is shaped more like a women’s natural looking nipple. It is also dishwasher safe making it onto our list.
Cons: Smaller pacifier with a straight base.
6. Evenflo Feeding Balance Pacifier
Perfect for babies 0-6 months the Feeding Balance Pacifier is perfect to help baby do a more natural suck as they comfort themselves. It is also one of the most affordable pacifiers on this list.
Pros: The shape of your nipple and areola change when your baby latches on to your breast.
Your baby’s tongue cups around the nipple. For the 0-6 month baby, the cylindrical shape pacifier allows for the baby to mimic the tongue shape they make while breastfeeding.
Cons: Pretty big for newborns and discolors rather quickly
7. NUK Newborn 100% Silicone Orthodontic Pacifier
The trusted brand of NUK is on this list for it’s 100% silicone pacifier.
Pros: Helps promote healthy oral development by naturally fitting into your baby’s palate.
Cons: Many parents have ordered a certain color and receive a different one.
8. Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature Soother
The texture of this pacifier is said to be almost skin like and helps baby feel like they are still being comforted by the breast of their mother. Made from 100% silicone.
Pros: Made for older babies best if used by baby ages 6 – 18 months because the nipple is on the larger size.
Cons: Baby may stick finger in the ‘pacifier string holder’ and get it stuck.
9. BIBS BPA Free Natural Rubber Pacifier
How cute and modern is this Rubber pacifier from BIBS. We love the sleep design of the holder and the rubber nipple is sturdy for teething babies.
Pros: Sizes start from 0 – 6 months and then get larger up to 36 months. Make sure you start your newborn on the smaller nipple size.
Cons: Water can get into the inside of the pacifier (spit, when you wash).
10. The First Years GumDrop Newborn Pacifier
Is your breastfed baby really picky about what can go into their mouth (mostly just your breast?). This pacifier from The First Years can be your saving grace to give your nipples a break.
Pros: Cups baby’s face without covering nose and has holes to help the skin breathe. 100% silicone and it is latex and BPA free.
Cons: Only suitable for ages 0 -3 months.
FAQ About Pacifiers and Breastfed Babies
How Many Pacifiers Should I Stock Up On Before Baby Arrives?
In all realness (we like to be honest with you) don’t stock up on any pacifiers.
If your baby doesn’t take to one or doesn’t receive one right away they may never want one.
And that can help you, save some money (they’re not expensive but still money is money) and your baby will find other soothing methods – mostly your breast.
Just so you can see from my real experience. I received over 20 different brand pacifiers during my baby shower and my son didn’t use one at all.
When Should I Replace A Pacifier?
Since each child will use thier pacifier differently (some more than others) you have to make the decision on when to replace it. A few flags that are tell-tale signs that its time to replace it are:
- Holes
- Discolored
- Thinner in the nipple area
- Smelly
How Do I Wash A Pacifier?
You can easily wash your baby’s pacifier a few different ways.
Take the pacifier and place it in boiling water on the stove top for 5 minutes before the very first use. Then let it cool down completely before giving it to baby.
Then after each use or after it falls on the ground (because it will) you can just wash with warm water and soap.
If it is very dirty and it is your child’s favorite pacifier then you can also use a sterilizer bag to place in the microwave.
Another great thing you can do is put it into bottle sterilizers if you have one.
Do I Need A BPA Free Pacifier?
If you are scared that the pacifier you have choosen is not BPA free rest assured that since the late 90’s every pacifier has been made BPA free.
It is also common for pacifiers to be made from latex or silicone which do not contain BPA. (and every paci on this list is BPA free certified)
When Should My Baby Wean From The Pacifier?
It is most common to wean baby off the pacifier by month 6 or 7. Although if your child is a year old and still uses the pacifier (that is okay). You can slowly wean them off.
Try to introduce it less and less per day until they no longer ask or you no longer have to take it out. Don’t go cold turkey. Most pacifiers help soothe your baby – so removing it from one day to another can be a lot of crying for both you and baby.
Are Pacifier’s Bad For Baby’s Teeth?
Long term use of a pacifier can be bad for your baby’s teeth. What it does is change the shape of the mouth, causing the teeth to grow incorrectly and can also prevent proper mouth growth.
That is why it is best to help wean your child from the pacifier by months 6-7.
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Best Pacifiers For Breastfed Babies
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