Pacifier. Paci. Binky. Soother. Dummy… Whatever name you prefer, if you’re breastfeeding and looking for the best pacifiers for breastfed babies, this article is tailor-made for you!
Pacifiers have their share of debates, but one thing is clear – they can be a real lifesaver in certain situations. Having a pacifier handy can save the day when breastfeeding or bottle feeding isn’t an immediate option.
Finding the perfect pacifier for your breastfed baby can be an overwhelming, experimental, and expensive process. So, let’s make that easier and dive into what you need to know about pacifiers for breastfed babies, plus our top picks!
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Short on time? Here are the best pacifiers for breastfed babies:
- Best overall:
Ryan & Rose Cutie PAT Pacifier - Most breast-like:
Ninni Co Breastfeeding Pacifier - Best stay-in-mouth:
NUK for Nature™ Simply Natural Pacifier - Best budget-friendly:
Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier - Best air circulation:
Chicco PhysioForma Pacifier - Most lightweight:
NUK Comfy Orthodontic Pacifier - Best when also using a bottle:
Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci
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Should you use a pacifier when breastfeeding? The pros and cons
Pros of using a pacifier when breastfeeding
Soothes and relaxes:
They’re often called soothers for a reason! Pacifiers can help soothe babies when your little one is feeling fussy or in need of some extra comfort.May help protect against SIDS:
While the exact reasons aren’t fully understood, studies have shown that using a pacifier during sleep can be a protective factor against SIDS. So, by giving your little one a pacifier when they’re snoozing, you’re actually giving them an extra layer of safety.Handy sleep aid:
The sucking action has an amazing way of releasing sleepy hormones and lulling your little one into a longer, more blissful sleep. With a pacifier, it’s a win-win situation for both your tired baby and those exhausted parents in need of some quality shut-eye.Low chance of nipple confusion:
When you opt for a pacifier specifically designed for breastfed babies, you help minimize any potential hiccups when switching between breastfeeding and using the pacifier.Satisfies comfort suckling:
For those babies with an insatiable urge to suckle, pacifiers offer the perfect solution. They provide the opportunity for non-nutritive sucking, giving your little one that delightful, comforting sensation even when they’re not hungry.Provides distraction:
Life can throw some curveballs, even for our littlest adventurers. When your little one is going through something that causes them discomfort, a trusty pacifier can step in to distract and settle them.Easier travel and transitions:
Pacifiers can be a lifesaver during travel since you can’t breastfeed in a moving car. Whether it’s a long car ride, a flight, or adjusting to a new environment, the familiar comfort of a pacifier where breastfeeding isn’t ideal can help ease your baby’s anxiety and provide a sense of comforting familiarity.
Cons of using a pacifier when breastfeeding
Tricky feeding cues:
Using pacifiers for longer stretches of sleep can sometimes result in fewer feeding sessions and decreased milk demand, potentially affecting your milk supply. They may mask hunger cues and make it harder for you to recognize when your little one needs to be fed. Stay on top of feeding times and find the right balance between pacifier use and breastfeeding.Latch issues (though unlikely):
Pacifiers can in rare cases throw a curveball and mess with your baby’s latching skills which can cause some feeding hiccups and reduce milk transfer. Buying a pacifier designed for breastfed babies minimizes this already unlikely risk.Potential sleep dependency:
If your breastfed baby gets super attached to their pacifier when dozing off, they might develop a tight bond between the two. If this happens, you’ll probably find yourself playing pacifier fairy each time they wake up during their sleep cycles.Weaning is no fun:
While pacifiers work wonders in bringing comfort and soothing to our little ones, bidding farewell to them can be a journey of its own. Weaning your baby from the pacifier may require some time and patience as they adapt to new sleep routines and learn self-soothing techniques. Be prepared to encounter a bit of resistance or temporary disruptions in their sleep patterns during this transition.Potentially more ear infections:
Prolonged pacifier use, especially after the age of 1, may increase the risk of ear infections. Bummer, right? The thing is, when kiddos suck on a pacifier for a long time, it can mess with the way their ears drain and create a more welcoming environment for those pesky ear infections.
What to consider when buying pacifiers for breastfed babies
An orthodontic or cylindrical shape
Pacifiers typically come in four main nipple shapes: 1) cylindrical-shaped pacifiers, which have a straight, symmetrical, elongated nipple; 2) orthodontic pacifiers, which have a rounded top and a flat bottom, similar to a lipstick; 3) classic round or “cherry” pacifiers, which have a straight trunk with a bulb-shape towards the end; and 4) flat pacifiers, which are flattened on the tops and bottoms of the nipple.
While there is no single pacifier shape that has proven to be better for breastfeeding babies than others, the cylindrical shape and orthodontic shape pacifiers more closely mimic the shape of a breast/nipple than others, with the cylindrical shape being the closest. They’re both designed to closely resemble a mother’s nipple during breastfeeding, which helps babies transition between breast and pacifier without confusion. Both shapes also encourage the baby’s tongue to rest naturally against the pacifier, just like during breastfeeding. This helps the development of their oral muscles and promotes proper jaw alignment.
As babies start teething, the orthodontic pacifier takes the lead because it promotes proper teeth alignment. But, every baby is different and may have a preference for one over the other, so observe their comfort and feeding patterns to nail down the right pacifier shape for your breastfed baby.
Size and nipple length
Opt for a pacifier that has a smaller size and shorter nipple length. This helps prevent any interference with the baby’s latch or mouth placement during breastfeeding. A smaller pacifier can also be easier for a newborn or smaller baby to handle.
Soft and flexible nipple
Choose a pacifier with a soft and flexible nipple since it can feel more familiar and similar to the breast. This also helps breastfed babies accept the pacifier.
Ventilation holes
Pacifiers with ventilation holes allow air circulation which reduces the risk of moisture buildup and protects against skin irritation.
BPA-free and non-toxic
The pacifier should be made from safe materials and is free from harmful substances like BPA (bisphenol A). Choose silicone pacifiers since latex allergies in babies are on the rise.
One-piece design
Choose the 1-piece, dishwasher-safe pacifier design. Pacifiers made of two pieces pose a choking hazard if they break, and we have enough to worry about as moms!
Best pacifiers for breastfed babies
After careful consideration of the factors above, here are the best pacifiers for breastfed babies:
Best overall:Ryan & Rose Cutie PAT Pacifiers
Price: $10 each
Pacifier shape: Cylindrical (round), cherry (bulb), orthodontic (slant), and butterfly (flat)
Material: Silicone
Sizes: Stage 1 (0-6 months, for babies without teeth), stage 2 (0-24 months, for babies with or without teeth)
The Ryan & Rose Cutie PAT Pacifier is the ultimate pacifier that combines style, safety, functionality, and versatility for your little one’s comfort.
Ryan & Rose goes above and beyond and ensures that each Cutie PAT Pacifier is free from harmful substances and durable for everyday use. It’s crafted from high-quality, medical-grade silicone, which is BPA, PVC, Phthalates, and latex free. This premium silicone material is soft, gentle, and safe for your baby’s delicate skin. With the Cutie PAT Pacifier, you can have peace of mind knowing that your little one is using a pacifier that is not only stylish and functional but also safe and reliable.
Not only does it serve as a pacifier but it also doubles as a teether! The large textured teething handle helps alleviate teething discomfort, allows you to easily attach accessories, and helps your baby easily grab and maneuver it. It’s both a practical and convenient solution for parents.
Ryan & Rose understands that all babies are different, so they have 4 different shapes for their pacifiers: round, flat, slant, and bulb to help each baby find their perfect soother! They even have a starter kit that includes each style to help you have the best chance of finding a pacifier that works. Plus, they sell 2 preemie sizes that are perfect for early babies – how great is that?
The round stage 1 in particular has an oh-so-soft nipple while its straight cylindrical shape provides soothing sucking comfort for your baby that closely mimics the breast. Many babies move from a round stage 1 to a flat once they develop teeth with no issues, but you can skip stage 1 and use any style from the beginning.
The Ryan & Rose Cutie PAT Pacifier is a must-have for parents seeking a versatile, stylish, and non-toxic pacifier and teething solution.
Reasons to buy:
- Made of 100% medical-grade silicone that is free of BPA, PVC, Phthalates, and latex.
- Plenty of colors to choose from
- Dishwasher safe and can be sterilized
- Beautiful classic design
- Its large handle makes it easy for a baby to grip
- Keeps nose and face dry
- Accessory-friendly
- Stage 1 is extra soft and flexible
- Great for baby’s oral development
- 1 piece construction
- Pacifier & teether in one
- Many sizes and shapes are available
- Lightweight and stays in the mouth
- Durable
Reasons to avoid:
- Expensive
- Made in China
Most breast-like for breastfed babies:Ninni Co Breastfeeding Pacifier
Price: 2 for $24
Pacifier shape: Cylindrical
Material: Silicone
Sizes: 0 to 36 months
When it comes to a pacifier, the Ninni Co Breastfeeding Pacifier is the closest one I’ve seen to the real shape and feel of a mother’s nipple. Made from high-quality, extremely soft silicone, it offers a natural skin-like texture and encourages a seamless transition between breast and pacifier for your little one.
With its unique cylindrical shape, the Ninni Co Pacifier promotes proper tongue placement and jaw alignment, contributing to the healthy development of oral muscles and ensuring a satisfying sucking sensation. Lactation consultants often recommend these for newborn babies.
This is one of the few pacifiers I’ve seen that allows your baby’s lips to be flanged the same way they are at the breast! Plus, the base of the pacifier flares out like a breast would which keeps moisture away between the pacifier and your little one’s face.
The Ninni Co Breastfeeding Pacifier is the ideal choice for moms who want to offer the closest possible alternative to the breast.
Reasons to buy:
- 100% medical grade silicone
- BPA/Phthalate/PVC free
- Made in USA
- Features skin-like texture
- Breast-like design that mimics areola and nipple
- Dishwasher safe and can be sterilized
- Extremely soft and flexible
- Lactation-consultant recommended
- Can help with oral motor dysfunction and build sucking skills
- 1-piece design
Reasons to avoid:
- May not be best once teeth come in because silicone is quite thin
- Expensive
Best stay-in mouth pacifier for breastfed babies:NUK for Nature™ Simply Natural Pacifier
Price: $10 for 2 pack, or $12 for 4 pack
Pacifier shape: Orthodontic
Material: Silicone
Sizes: 0 to 6 months
Designed with your little one’s comfort and natural feeding instincts in mind, this pacifier provides a seamless transition between breast and pacifier.
The unique shape of the NUK for Nature™ Simply Natural Pacifier closely mimics the shape, movement, and feel of a mother’s nipple during breastfeeding. Its shield is uniquely curved away from the face to mimic the feel of a breast and reduces any chance of moisture buildup or irritation. The shield and nipple are made from super soft silicone for a feeling akin to skin-to-skin. The silicone is soft and not slick so latching and holding that latch with the lips is effortless.
Its orthodontic design encourages proper tongue placement and supports the healthy development of your baby’s jaw and teeth. With this pacifier, you can be confident that your baby is a similar nurturing sensation and comforting experience to breastfeeding.
Crafted from high-quality, BPA-free silicone, the NUK for Nature™ Simply Natural Pacifier is soft and gentle on your baby’s delicate skin. The wide base is often used as a teething ring, and they’re super lightweight, too!
Whether you’re looking to soothe your baby between feedings or provide a comforting solution during naps and bedtime, the NUK for Nature™ Simply Natural Pacifier is a wonderful choice to consider. It offers the perfect blend of breastfeeding familiarity and pacifier convenience, helping to meet your baby’s needs while promoting healthy oral development right from birth.
Reasons to buy:
- Made of BPA-free silicone
- Designed to feel, fit, and flex like mom’s breast
- 2 colors available
- Dishwasher safe and can be sterilized
- Curves away from the face like a breast would
- Extra soft and flexible
- Lightweight and easy to grip
- Stays in a baby’s mouth well
- Great for baby’s oral development
- Durable
- High acceptance rate with breastfed babies
- Beautiful esthetic
Reasons to avoid:
- Expensive
- One size only
Best budget-friendly pacifier for breastfed babies:Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier
Price: 4 for $12
Pacifier shape: Cylindrical
Material: Silicone
Sizes: 0 to 3 months, 3 to 18 months
The Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier made quite an entrance into the market with its simple design and adorable attachable “lovey” pacifier holders. The wide base and nipple shape closely resemble a breast, making it a good choice for a smooth transition between breastfeeding and pacifier use.
A baby is more likely to keep its tongue in a natural position with it because of its straight nipple. This helps promote healthy oral development and aligns your baby’s tongue and jaw, reducing the risk of dental issues down the road.
The Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier is also the go-to choice for many healthcare professionals. You’ll see it used in hospitals nationwide. It’s a well-trusted brand that many find comfort and peace of mind with.
With its one-piece design, top-notch quality, and focus on oral health it’s a wonderful companion for your baby’s comfort journey.
Reasons to buy:
- Made of hospital-grade, BPA-free, and latex-free silicone
- Made in USA
- Many colors available
- Closely mimics a breast
- Dishwasher safe and can be sterilized
- Used in hospitals nation-wide
- Great for baby’s teeth and gums
- 1 piece construction
- Comes in several sizes
- Affordable
- Durable
Reasons to avoid:
- The nipple is firmer than others
- Some report it easily falling out of their baby’s mouth (the attachable “lovey” holder helps with this)
- Need to upgrade size in only 3 months
- Not as easy to grasp
Best air circulation pacifier for breastfed babies:Chicco PhysioForma Pacifier
Price: $7
Pacifier shape: Orthodontic
Material: Silicone
Sizes: 0 to 6 months, 6 to 16 months, 16 to 24 months
Introducing the Chicco PhysioForma Pacifier – the result of a collaborative effort between neonatologists, pediatricians, and orthodontists to create a pacifier that promotes optimal oral development and supports better breathing for your baby.
Designed with a unique construction, these pacifiers feature an orthodontic breast-like nipple with a narrow base and upward flex. This design encourages proper tongue positioning, helping to maintain an open airway and promoting healthy palate and teeth development. It’s also extra soft and has a satin-texture finish for your baby’s delicate skin.
The ergonomic shield of the pacifiers is thoughtfully crafted with ventilation holes, encouraging air circulation and reducing the risk of moisture build-up and skin irritation. Plus, the pacifiers come with a convenient reusable carry case to not only keeps the pacifiers clean and hygienic but also prevent them from collecting dust and debris when stored in your diaper bag or purse.
Choose the Chicco PhysioForma pacifiers for a combination of expert design, comfort, and convenience.
Reasons to buy:
- Made of 100% BPA-free medical-grade silicone
- Other colors available
- Dishwasher safe and can be sterilized
- Curves under the nose and promotes better breathing
- Extra soft and flexible
- Great for baby’s oral development
- 1 piece construction
- Affordable
- Multiple sizes
- Accepted by 9 out of 10 babies
- Made in Italy
- Durable
Reasons to avoid:
- Attracts dust, fur, and hair
- Slightly heavy and may fall out of the mouth more easily
Most lightweight pacifier for breastfed babies:NUK Comfy Orthodontic Pacifier
Price: $9 for 5
Pacifier shape: Orthodontic
Material: Silicone
Sizes: 0 to 6 months, 6-18 months
Designed with both comfort and oral development in mind, the NUK Comfy Orthodontic Pacifier offers a unique set of features that sets it apart from the rest.
First, what makes the NUK Comfy Pacifier special is its extra soft and flexible shield. The shield is gentle on your baby’s delicate skin, reducing the risk of irritation and discomfort, and tucks perfectly under their nose. Its ergonomic shape ensures a secure fit while allowing for maximum airflow around your baby’s mouth, keeping them comfortable and content.
Secondly, It’s lightweight and babies have an easy time keeping them in their mouth. It features an orthodontic flattened, elongated nipple shape that promotes healthy oral development and is designed to mimic the shape of a mother’s nipple during breastfeeding, encouraging proper tongue placement and jaw alignment. It’s top-rack dishwasher safe for easy cleaning and super easy for your little one to grasp and handle!
Reasons to buy:
- Made of 100% BPA-free medical-grade silicone
- Lightweight and stays in baby’s mouth
- Multiple colors available
- Dishwasher safe and can be sterilized
- Curves under the nose
- Soft and flexible
- Great for baby’s oral development
- 1 piece construction
- Very affordable
- Multiple sizes
Reasons to avoid:
- Made in China
- Attracts dust, fur, and hair
- Less durable than others
Best when also using a bottle for breastfed baby:Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci
Price: 3 for $6
Pacifier shape: Cylindrical
Material: Silicone
Sizes: 0 to 6 months
The Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci Pacifier is the ultimate choice for parents seeking a seamless transition between bottle, breast, and pacifier for their little ones. It not only meets all the criteria for a reliable and soothing pacifier but also offers a standout feature that sets it apart from the rest.
What makes the HappyPaci Pacifier truly exceptional is its seamless match to Dr. Brown’s bottle nipples. It’s specifically designed to mimic the shape and feel of the anti-colic Dr. Brown’s bottles, which feature a breast-like nipple shape. This natural nipple design encourages a good latch and helps babies make a smooth transition between breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and pacifier use.
If you’re switching between breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or pacifier use, the HappyPaci Pacifier offers a familiar sensation that allows you to easily switch between all three without causing confusion or discomfort for your little one. It’s cylindrical in shape and encourages proper tongue placement and jaw alignment, which supports healthy oral development and oral muscles. The loop on it is fairly big, which makes it great for little hands to grab and handle!
With this pacifier, you can confidently provide a reliable, comfortable, and seamless journey from bottle to breast to pacifier.
Reasons to buy:
- Made of 100% BPA-free medical-grade silicone
- Many colors available
- Dishwasher safe and can be sterilized
- Its nipple matches the dr brown bottles, making it a seamless transition if you plan to also bottle feed
- Base curves away from nose and face
- Soft and flexible
- Great for baby’s teeth and gums
- 1 piece construction
- Very affordable
- Durable
Reasons to avoid:
- Only one size
- Made in China
- A little heavy
Tips on introducing pacifiers to newborns and breastfed babies
Decide on the timing
While it’s commonly recommended to wait a few weeks before introducing a pacifier to first establish breastfeeding, there are many experts who claim there is no harm in introducing a pacifier right away. Some babies accept a pacifier right from the start, while others need more time or even prefer to exclusively breastfeed without a pacifier. There is no right answer here, so trust your instincts and go with your preference, but don’t be too worried about “starting too early.”
Start with short sessions
When first starting, offer the pacifier for short periods during calm and relaxed moments. It can be after a feeding or when your baby is content.
Prioritize feedings
Stay on top of feeding schedules and always rule out hunger as the cause of fussiness before trying a pacifier.
Use the right size
Use the appropriate size for your baby’s age (as listed on the pacifier packaging) when buying a pacifier. Pacifiers that are too small can be a choking hazard, while those that are too big can be too difficult for your baby to manage.
Try a few pacifiers
If your baby isn’t loving a pacifier you’ve given them, try a few different ones. Offer both orthodontic and cylindrical shapes to start and go from there. Babies have preferences just like we do! If your little one still refuses a pacifier, don’t force it. Some babies simply do not take to pacifiers.
Be patient and persistent
Some babies may take to the pacifier right away, while others need more time to adjust. Don’t get too discouraged if your baby initially rejects it. It’s pretty common! Keep offering it during calm moments and give them a chance to explore and accept it at their own pace. If they don’t accept it within 2 weeks, it may just be that your little one does not have an interest in using a pacifier. Don’t force it past 2 weeks of trying.
Be extra mindful of issues
Watch for any signs of nipple confusion or latch issues. If you notice any difficulties with breastfeeding after introducing the pacifier, consult a lactation consultant for guidance.
Keep it clean and safe
Regularly clean and sanitize the pacifier to maintain proper hygiene by boiling them. Avoid attaching it to cords or strings that are long enough to get caught around your baby’s neck or use pacifier clips that can break apart and pose a choking hazard.
Trust your instincts
As a parent, you know your baby best. Trust your instincts and make decisions based on what feels right for your little one and your breastfeeding journey.
Get backups
Once your baby has chosen their favorite pacifier, keep a few identical backups on hand so you’re always prepared.
Prepare to wean at 1 year
As your baby reaches the end of their first year, it’s important to be prepared to gradually phase out the use of a pacifier. This helps prevent potential complications such as teeth misalignment and the increased risk of ear infections.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Do all babies take to pacifiers?
No, not all babies take to pacifiers. Just like adults, babies have their unique preferences. While pacifiers can be soothing for many, some babies simply aren’t interested in them! They might find other ways like thumb sucking or comfort nursing to fulfill their sucking needs.
So, if you offer a pacifier and your little one gives it a pass, don’t worry. There are plenty of other soothing techniques to explore that your baby might prefer, like gentle rocking, swaddling, or skin-to-skin contact. Every baby is different, and as long as your little one is happy and healthy, not using a pacifier is perfectly okay!
When should I introduce a pacifier to a breastfed baby?
When it comes to introducing a pacifier to your breastfed baby, timing is key. It’s generally recommended to wait until breastfeeding is well established before giving them a pacifier, usually around three to four weeks old. However, every baby is different, and some may actually do better with taking a pacifier earlier on.
Do pacifiers cause nipple confusion?
The idea of “nipple confusion” is a hot topic, with different opinions among experts. Some say that introducing pacifiers too early or using certain types may lead to nipple confusion, where babies struggle to switch between breastfeeding and bottle/pacifier feeding. However, many babies effortlessly switch between the breast and pacifier without any issues right from the start.
In short, pacifiers may affect breastfeeding but it’s not likely. To minimize any potential confusion, it’s generally advised to wait until breastfeeding is well-established before introducing one, though most parents who introduce them early have no issues. Choosing a pacifier designed for breastfed babies which closely resembles the mother’s nipple helps avoid breastfeeding issues.
What’s the best pacifier shape for breastfed babies?
Both the cylindrical/symmetrical shape and orthodontic shape very closely resemble the shape and size of a mother’s nipple, which minimizes nipple confusion and helps maintain a proper latch. It also allows for easy tongue movement and encourages the baby’s tongue to rest naturally against the pacifier, just like during breastfeeding. This can promote the development of oral muscles and support proper jaw alignment.
If you happen to have more “elastic” nipples (you’ll know for sure if you pump), the orthodontic shape may more closely resemble your breast during breastfeeding.
How long before I should give up on a pacifier?
If you’ve been trying to introduce the pacifier for a reasonable period of time (usually a couple of weeks) and your baby continues to reject it, it may be a sign that they simply do not have an interest in using a pacifier.