Best Pacifiers

If you’ve ever had to deal with an overly fussy or seemingly inconsolable baby, chances are you’re familiar with the magical powers of an effective baby pacifier, also known as a paci or binkie. Although the use of pacifiers has been debated through the years, the most recent guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests using a pacifier can help lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), among other benefits.

Read on for what you need to know about pacifiers, including our choices for the best picks on the market.

What are pacifiers and when should you introduce them to baby?

Many babies want to suck beyond nursing or bottle-feeding (known as non-nutritive sucking). It’s a natural reflex for babies, who want to suck for pleasure, comfort and security, says Michelle Kelman, D.D.S., a Los Angeles-based pediatric dentist, lecturer at UCLA School of Dentistry and member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board. That’s when a pacifier can come in handy: They provide something safe for baby to suck on, in addition to offering other benefits, (more on that later!).

The decision to give baby a pacifier is personal for each parent — some babies will love them while others will have zero interest. If you do want to offer a paci to your little one, the time to introduce one depends on whether or not your baby is breastfed, since the sucking action is different on a breast nipple versus on a pacifier. Generally, if your little one isn’t breastfed, you can introduce a pacifier whenever you want; if you nurse your baby, it’s a good idea to wait until  breastfeeding is established (usually about 3 to 4 weeks).

Benefits of pacifiers

Although it may be tempting to quiet your crying baby by reflexively sticking a binkie in his mouth, pacifiers shouldn’t necessarily be used every time your little one is mildly upset or out of sorts. (It’s also good to remember that a baby experiencing extreme fussiness could indicate an underlying medical concern, which should be assessed by a doctor.)

However, under ordinary circumstances, using a pacifier has several benefits, including:

• Decreasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Studies show that  using pacifiers while sleeping can lower the risk of SIDS.
• Helping baby settle down for sleep. Whether it’s naptime or bedtime, a pacifier can help baby fall asleep, says Tina Nguyen, D.D.S., an American Board of Pediatric Dentistry-certified pediatric and special needs dentist based in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. 
• Serving as a quick distraction for baby during an uncomfortable or stressful situation. “A pacifier can soothe infants and children, and provide comfort during times of stress,” says Dr. Nguyen, such as when baby is getting a vaccine or traveling on an airplane.
• Alleviating discomfort and pain due to teething. Using a clean pacifier that’s been refrigerated can cool and soothe achy gums during teething.

Pacifier safety tips and considerations

Here are some do’s and don’ts to ensure baby’s safety and proper paci use, according to our experts and the AAP.

Pacifier don’ts:

• Don’t tie a pacifier to baby’s body or crib with a cord, as this is extremely dangerous
• Don’t dip a pacifier in honey or sweetener
• Don’t use a pacifier as a replacement for food when baby is hungry
• Don’t force baby to take a pacifier if he doesn’t want it
• Don’t use a bottle nipple as a pacifier substitute
• Don’t share a pacifier between siblings or other babies
• Don’t lick pacifiers to clean them
• Don’t keep pacifiers past their expiration date
• Don’t use “novelty” pacifiers that have decorative components that can fall apart and become a choking hazard.

Pacifier do’s:

• Do use one-piece pacifiers only
• Do keep pacifiers clean by washing them frequently and sterilizing them in boiling water or in the dishwasher (if they are dishwasher safe)
• Do discard and replace worn out, sticky or cracked pacifiers
• Do make sure a pacifier is the correct size for baby’s weight and age
• Do have many multiple backup pacifiers handy, as binkies have a tendency to get lost
• Do know when to wean baby from using a pacifier

The American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ joint guidelines recommend reducing or stopping pacifier use in the second 6 months of life to reduce the risk of middle ear infections. Meanwhile, the American Dental Association recommends actively discouraging pacifier use after the age of 4.

“The earlier a sucking habit is stopped, the less chance the habit will lead to concerns with the tongue, the roof of the mouth and the general occlusion,” says Dr. Kelman. 

The good news? Most kids will stop using pacifiers on their own between ages 2 and 4. If your little one needs help breaking the habit, the AAP recommends using praise when your little one isn’t using a binkie, and if your baby uses sucking to relieve boredom, keep his hands busy or distracted with fun activities. As always, reach out to your child’s doctor if you have questions or need help.

What to look for in a pacifier

When it comes to picking the right pacifier for baby, there are plenty of styles and sizes to choose from. Plus, different babies will show a preference for different pacifiers, so there will likely be some trial and error before settling on the perfect one for your baby. 

Here are a few basics to look out for when buying a pacifier:

• Shape. Pacifiers typically come in one of three nipple shapes: 1) standard-shaped pacifiers, which have a straight, cylindrical, elongated nipple; 2) orthodontic pacifiers, which have a rounded top and a flat bottom; and 3) “cherry” nipples, which have a trunk that becomes ball-shaped toward the end. Some pediatric dentists prefer “orthodontic-friendly” pacifiers, as these are designed to allow the tongue to move more freely and encourage natural jaw movement. But remember that ultimately, the best pacifier for your baby is the one that she will use.
• Size. Pacifiers are not one-size-fits-all. Look for the paci size that’ll work appropriately for your little one’s age.
• Materials. Natural rubber latex and silicone are the most common materials for pacifiers. Although latex pacis are softer and more flexible, they often deteriorate faster and aren’t dishwasher safe. In some cases, silicone binkies are a better bet, as they are more durable, longer-lasting, don’t retain odors and are dishwasher safe, a feature recommended by the AAP.
• Construction. As mentioned earlier, it’s best to avoid overly complicated pacifiers, such as novelty binkies that have attachments like plastic mustaches, which can fall off and pose a safety risk. Simple, one-piece construction is best. If your pacifier has a shield, make sure it has ventilation holes and measures at least 1½ inches across so that it can’t fit entirely into baby’s mouth. 

How we chose the best pacifiers

Pacifier preferences are as varied as babies are different from each other. While the choice may come down to what works for your baby, here are the factors we used to pick our favorites:

• Appropriate baby-friendly construction designed for safety and comfort, based on criteria from Dr. Kelman and Dr. Nguyen
• Quality of materials and build (every pacifier on our list is BPA-free)
• Price range and availability
• Durability, convenience and ease of cleaning
• Overall design and cuteness factor
• Countless recommendations and tips from parents in the What to Expect community who’ve used the pacifiers with their little ones

Read on to see our picks for the best pacifiers.