12 best pacifiers for babies

From the first days of life until about one and a half years, the need to perform sucking movements remains one of the main reflexes of the baby – the natural development and maturation of the child cannot do without it. To prevent the baby from dragging fingers, sleeves of clothes or toys into his mouth, you need to purchase a special pacifier for him. In this article, we have collected the best new baby pacifiers in recent years.

What is the best pacifier to buy for your baby?

The purchase of a pacifier should be taken seriously, as not every model is right for your baby.

When choosing, you need to take into account the age of the child, the characteristics of his condition and anatomical development. The personal preferences of the crumbs also matter, because the final choice of the best nipple remains with him.

You will find detailed advice on choosing a safe nipple in a separate article. Here we give the main criteria that parents need to pay attention to:

Baby age

Manufacturers produce pacifiers of standard sizes, designed for a specific weight and height of the child.

The standard includes pacifiers for children of different ages:

• from birth to 6 months (size A or 1);
• from six months to a year (B or 2);
• from one year to one and a half years (C or 3).

Nipple shape

Pacifiers are round, beveled or flattened on both sides. The best option is chosen depending on the developmental characteristics of the child and his personal preferences.

Manufacturing material

Modern nipples are made from silicone, latex, rubber. Silicone is the safest and most durable, it does not cause allergies. It is a fairly hard and resilient material that is tasteless and odorless. Latex and rubber are more affordable.

Natural latex mimics the nipple of the mother’s breast well: it is very soft and heats up quickly in the baby’s mouth, so it is often chosen for newborns.

Holder size

Here you need to take into account its weight and shape: it should be convenient for the child to grip the ring on its own. The strength of the material is also important so that the holder does not crack if accidentally dropped.

Additional accessories are welcome. This can be a storage container or a lid cap, a chain on a clip, a soft or silicone toy, and other small items.

The best classic baby pacifiers

The most common baby pacifiers are drop-shaped, with the nipple tapering at the base and widening at the end. This is the simplest and most inexpensive option. In addition, these models are very soft and comfortable to use.

Due to the round shape of the nipple, there is no problem with twisting the pacifier in the mouth, and it is convenient for the baby to take it on his own. The disadvantage of the classic model is the need to strain the muscles while sucking and, as a result, the possibility of developing an irregular bite with prolonged use.

Philips Avent Classic SCF172 / 70 – colorful pacifier from a leading brand

The new Classic series from Philips Avent is available in a variety of colors. The silicone nipple is absolutely safe for the baby, and its shape takes into account the peculiarities of the structure of the baby’s mouth. For the safety and convenience of taking out the pacifier, a holder ring is provided.

Pros :

• The teat is made of bisphenol-A (BPA) free silicone.
• The pacifier material is practical, sterilizing and dishwasher safe.
• The shape of the holder is convenient for a child’s hand.
• Positive design and a choice of colors for a boy and a girl.
• The package contains 2 pacifiers.

Cons :

• Quite a high price.

Philips Avent Classic – Designed for babies between 6 and 18 months old. It is not recommended to give it earlier.

Hevea – soft baby pacifier

The Hevea pacifier is made entirely of natural rubber using a one-piece molding process. It has a comfortable ergonomic shape – with a beveled edge of the nipple, it is highly elastic and soft. It does not use artificial colors, there are no solid and moving parts.

Pros :

• Very soft and firm.
• Completely made of natural rubber, without colorants, BPA, PVC, phthalates.
• The ergonomic shape is suitable for most babies, the nipple is large enough so there is no risk that the baby will put it in the mouth and choke.
• The disc has ventilation holes.
• Suitable for night sleep.

Cons :

• The price is above average.
• Rubber is short-lived.

The pacifier is intended for newborn babies aged 0 to 3 months and is especially recommended for restless babies.

Baby-Nova – latex round teat

The soother made of soft natural latex is intended for babies from the first days of life (size 1). The nipple has a classic round shape, and the holder is made in the form of a symmetrical disc, so it doesn’t matter which side it is in the mouth. The disc itself is decorated with a bright pattern.

Pros :

• Convenient symmetrical shape.
• The disc has ventilation holes that allow the skin to breathe.
• Small movable holder.
• The dummy is made in bright colors.
• Affordable price.

Cons :

• The fragility of latex.
• In rare cases, natural material can cause allergies.

To avoid irritation of delicate baby skin and the appearance of allergic reactions at the first signs of latex aging (microcracks, darkening), it is necessary to change the pacifier.

The best anatomical pacifiers for toddlers

Anatomical nipples are a relatively new type of pacifier. By their configuration, they are as close as possible to the natural shape of a woman’s breast, therefore they are perfect for babies.

A slightly elongated nipple with a slightly flattened lower edge and a rounded upper part does not affect the change in bite and prevents air from being swallowed when sucking, which reduces the likelihood of colic in the baby.

Chicco Physio Comfort 6-16 – with active nipple

The new pacifier from the Italian brand is designed for children from six months of age. It has an ergonomically shaped pacifier made of safe silicone and an original protective disc with a butterfly wing plate that touches the baby’s skin at just 4 points.

The rounded part of the nipple fits well on the palate, and the lower flat side is provided with embossed grooves.

The base of the nipple is very thin and practically does not interfere with the closure of the mouth, and its oblique design ensures the correct position of the tongue.

Pros :

• Ergonomic shape of the nipple and protective shield.
• Safe and durable nipple material – silicone.
• A light weight.
• There is a ring for easy use of the pacifier.
• Stylish and very positive design.
• Protective container for storage and carrying.

Cons :

• The size is not suitable for all children (it may be small).

The innovative shape of the pacifier actively stimulates the correct development of the oral cavity. The nipple is suitable for the prevention of malocclusion.

Pigeon – from the first days of life

Japanese Pigeon pacifiers are high quality, safe and comfortable. The teat is made of clear silicone without impurities and has an elongated shape that suits babies well.

The outer disc received a stylish design with characteristic flowing lines and a pleasant combination of saturated colors.

Pros :

• Comfortable anatomical shape of the nipple made of high-quality soft and elastic silicone.
• The disc has large enough holes for ventilation.
• There is a protective cover and a convenient holder ring.
• Very light weight.
• Positive performance of a disc with a bright image and rings in a contrasting color.

Cons :

• This model is only suitable for newborn babies.

The 0+ pacifier is intended for babies and can be used from the first days of life.

Dr. Brown’s Prevent – Drop

The American pacifier is a neat drop with a curly groove located on the upper (palatal) side of the nipple.

This design provides free entry and exit of air, preventing it from being swallowed when sucking.

The nipple is made of eco-friendly silicone, it is quite flexible and elastic. The protective disc features bright colors.

Pros :

• High quality materials.
• Effective snake-shaped air valve.
• Large ventilation holes on the disc.
• Large enough holder with a comfortable grip for a child.
• There is a protective cap with a latch with holes for ventilation.

Cons :

• The price is above average.
• The container supplied with the pacifier is too large and bulky.

The pacifier is intended for babies between the ages of 6 and 12 months.

Canpol Babies Machine 6-18 – stylish accessory for boys

The soother of the Polish manufacturer is made of silicone, has no taste or smell. Over time, the nipple does not change color, and it is also protected from loss of elasticity.

This designer dummy is decorated with bright pictures depicting different types of transport and equipment – just for little boys.

Pros :

• Anatomical shape of the nipple.
• The presence of ventilation holes on the disc.
• The pacifier is heat-resistant, which makes it easy to hygienic care.
• It is presented in several colors and with different patterns (rockets and stars, airplanes, special equipment).
• Equipped with a small but handy grip.

Cons :

• Supplied without cover, but this series container and holder can be purchased separately.
• The material of the protective disc is quite fragile; reviews note its fragility.

The Machine series is available in different age groups: 0-6, 6-12, 12-18 months.

The best orthodontic pacifiers for toddlers

This form is optimal for the formation of a correct bite in a child, and therefore it is it that is recommended by the best orthodontists.

The nipple is rounded from above, repeating the shape of the palate, and from below it has a flat design with a bevel for full contact with the tongue.

The baby has to use the lower jaw, pushing it forward (as is the case with the mother’s breast), which promotes active and correct sucking.

Philips Avent Ultra Soft Snuggle SCF348 / 13 – Toy pacifier

New from Philips Avent is a quality orthodontic pacifier designed for babies aged 0-6 months. The nipple is made of soft and resilient BPA-free silicone, absolutely safe for newborns. Its ergonomic shape is ideal for children’s oral cavity.

The lightweight butterfly disc has 6 large openings for good air permeability. And instead of the traditional ring-holder, there is a rather large plush toy in the shape of a funny animal. It can be removed for cleaning and hygienic care.

Pros :

• Safe and durable materials.
• Lightweight pacifier.
• Ergonomic teat and disc shape.
• Positive and stylish colors.
• Soft-touch soft toy that can be machine washed.
• Easy to care for the pacifier – can be sterilized, dishwasher safe.

Cons :

• Quite a high price.

Philips Avent Ultra is suitable for toddlers up to six months old. The toy can be played at an older age.

Nuk Trendline Day & Night – with special valve

The orthodontic pacifier from the German manufacturer is made of silicone and ensures the formation of the correct bite in the child. The highlight of the model is the presence of a special valve in the holder for air outlet during sucking.

Thanks to this, the nipple remains soft and does not deform, and therefore can serve without losing its properties for a long time. The pacifier is made of silicone, without the use of additives harmful to the baby’s health.

Pros :

• High quality materials and workmanship.
• The presence of a valve for air outlet.
• The original shape of the protective disc with holes.
• Bright design.

Cons :

• The cost is above average.

The product is intended for children from six months to 1.5 years. The Trendline line is decorated with images of cartoon characters – Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse and others, so it is suitable for boys and girls.

Chicco Physio Soft – one-piece pacifier

The Chicco Physio Soft pacifier is completely made of soft and elastic silicone – colorless or painted in a pleasant solid color: blue, turquoise, pink, yellow, green. The protective disc has a comfortable, ergonomic shape and ventilation holes.

On the elongated orthodontic nipple with a beveled end, an air outlet groove is made from below. Outside there is a convenient ring handle.

Pros :

• Anatomically correct shape.
• Soft and elastic material, safe for the baby and the surrounding nature.
• One-piece construction – no moving and solid elements.
• Variety of color options.

Cons :

• Quite a high price.
• No storage container.

Physio Soft is designed for babies from birth to six months and is considered one of the safest – such a child will definitely not choke.

Best pacifiers for toddlers over a year old

At this age, the child is no longer a baby, he actively learns the world and he has his first teeth. Therefore, when choosing a pacifier, you need to pay attention not only to its size, but also to its shape, strength and design.

For children over one year old, the best choice is an orthodontic pacifier, which repeats the anatomical structure of the oral cavity and contributes to the development of the maxillofacial apparatus and the formation of a correct bite.

The appearance of the product is also important – the dummy must be bright and beautiful in order to please the baby.

Philips Avent Freeflow strong nipple pacifier

The Freeflow model is designed for grown-up children with teeth, therefore, it is characterized by increased strength of the silicone nipple and resistance to biting.

The anatomical shape of the nipple ensures the correct development of the gums, does not disturb the bite and does not slow down the growth of teeth. Outwardly, the dummy has a bright and positive performance.

Pros :

• The shape of the nipple takes into account the natural structure and correct development of the baby’s mouth.
• The nipple is resistant to biting.
• Transparent disc with large ventilation holes – thanks to them, the baby’s skin under the pacifier breathes.
• For ease of use, a holder ring and a cap are provided.
• The dummy is available in different colors and decorated with interesting designs.

Cons :

The Philips Avent Super Durable Pacifier is recommended for babies 18 months and older who like to stretch and tear their nipples with their teeth.

Chicco Physio Compact 12M + – with additional ventilation

The Chicco Physio Compact pacifier has an ergonomic orthodontic teat made of natural latex. It is a durable, harmless, elastic and soft material that kids love.

The original flap is a bezel-ring that leaves the skin areas as open as possible. On the outside, the pacifier is adorned with an embossed Chicco brand name and an ornamental ring.

Pros :

• Ergonomic and open enough shape of the external restraint, which does not cover the area under the nose and on the chin.
• Maximum ventilation of the protective disc.
• Orthodontic shape of the nipple, which ensures the correct development of the facial muscles and organs of the mouth.
• Natural latex is soft and elastic.
• There is a holder for ease of use.
• The set includes 2 pacifiers.

Cons :

• Not suitable for children with latex intolerance.

The pacifier is specially designed for babies over 12 months old who are not allergic to natural materials.