Best Pacifier For Breastfed Babies Of 2020

Baby pacifiers, also known as dummies, binkies, or soothers have calmed and soothed billions of babies since pre-history according to archeologists. Excavations in 3,000-year-old baby tombs have unearthed clay animals that once filled with honey babies would suck on.

What are pacifiers?

Pacifiers are a protruding nipple with ventilation holes mounted on a shield. They are perfect for bored, tired, fussy babies and in many circles are known as mommy magic.

Why pacifiers?

Way before they are born, fetuses suck on their fingers or hands because the sucking reflex exists not to fulfill a nutritive function only, but to keep babies pre-occupied in their environment.If you have fed, burped, rocked, checked that diaper for the thousandth time and your little marshmallow, just won’t quit, and you are now at the verges of tears yourself, it is time to get that pacifier.What’s more? The American Academy of Pediatrics, have done studies that prove that pacifier usage can potentially ward off SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

When should I introduce a pacifier?

To prevent latching issues in breastfeeding it is advisable that you introduce binky to the baby after the one month mark. Nipples on the breast and pacifier employ different sucking motions, and it is good practice to hold off binky if your baby still has a hard time suckling otherwise you’ll have a lazy sucker on your hands.

Are there any pros of pacifier use?

• Babies that use pacifiers while sleeping has an almost a 90% less chance of dying from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• They are purposely made to soothe a fussy baby, as they cater to their need for their natural sucking reflex
• They help put babies to sleep, and studies show that they do not affect your baby’s sleep length time.
• The offer a distraction from pain during vaccinations, blood tests or other unpleasant, painful procedures
• They can reduce the ear pain babies experience during flights since babies cannot ‘pop’ out the pressure through yawning or swallowing.
• They can significantly reduce your baby’s chances of turning to its fingers for comfort, a habit that’s a bit hard to break.

What are pacifiers made of?

Latex

These are the softest of binkies, and also the most flexible. Latex pacifiers are more preferable to babies, but since they are too soft, they wear out fast too. These binkies are also generally not dishwasher safe. Then there are those pesky latex allergies to consider, so be on the lookout.

Silicon

Silicon made binkies are more rigid than the latex made ones, but do not retain much odor and are easy to clean. In fact, you can wash them in your dishwasher unless otherwise stated.

Hard plastic

These are not common but are easy to clean and durable. Due to their stiffness, many babies will reject them as they feel unnatural. Plastic is also prone to jagged edges with usage so may injure your baby’s mouth.

What are the parts of a pacifier?

To pacify, a pacifier (see what I did there?) has three major parts in its design;

Nipple

These are made of material and shape that simulates the mother’s nipple, either silicon, latex or hard plastics. This is the part in inside the baby’s mouth that the baby sucks on.

Guard

The guard (also known as a shield) prevents your baby from drawing the whole nipple into the mouth, which could result in a potential choking hazard. It should have holes in it so that perchance your baby swallows it; the vents allow air to pass through once it’s on the windpipe

Ring

This is the drool free handle you use to detach the pacifier from tiny baby lips.

Different types of Pacifiers

Orthodontic pacifiers

These pacifiers are shaped like natural nipples, to precipitate the perfect environment for healthy teeth and jaw development. They are made to reduce the occurrences of an open bite on your baby. They are not very popular with the babies as regular baby bottle nipple shaped binkies.

Multiple piece pacifier

Multi-piece binky parts are manufactured separately then fused together into one pacifier. They are the most common of today’s pacifiers.

Single piece pacifier

Made from one individual or combined piece of latex, silicon or plastic and are proven to be safer than multi-pieced ones as they prevent choking. The reason behind their safety is that no piece can detach to suffocate the baby.

Types of single piece pacifiers

Stuffed animal pacifier

If you were a baby, then this is most probably the pacifier you’d pick out in a pacifier line. A single piece binky is attached to a stuffed animal to keep your baby awed.

Novelty pacifier

There is something adorable and hilarious at the same time about a baby with a mustache or crooked teeth. They both sooth the baby and entertain the baby’s audience. Novelty binkies are designed to be comical and are perfect for Halloween

Feeding pacifier

This binky helps you wean off the baby at six months. It allows your baby suck on soft foods that have been stuffed into the binky. They are less messy than other weaning utensils and make feeding time fun for the baby.

Glow in the dark pacifier

Many mommies have reported that the soft light emitted by the glow in the dark binkies, soothes their babies to sleep. We love that they are also easy to find in the dark.

Are there any cons of pacifier use?

• Development of pacifier teeth if binky is used on past the two-year mark.
• May cause otitis media and are advised only to be used when necessary
• They are germ magnets. This is because they fall off a lot from babies’ mouths and it is not always possible to clean them up immediately. Sometimes adults suck on them to clean them up, which may introduce more bacteria to the baby
• Weaning them off of babies is not easy
• If used too early may interfere with proper breastfeeding

Choosing the best pacifiers for your baby

When picking out the best soother for your baby, it’s important to consider the nipple material and a safe shield. To prevent choking hazards ensures that the shield is 1.5 inches large and above. Pacifiers are also sold according to age, so pick the right size for your baby’s age.

WubbaNub Longhorn Bull Pacifier

Cuteness overload people! This soft medical grade silicon single piece pacifier has the cutest plush animal attached to it. This stuffed animal helps keep the pacifier in your baby’s mouth while at the same time entertaining it. The toy also enables the baby to wriggle the soothie in and out of its mouth whenever it feels like, and you too have something drool free too to hold on to. This is one binky that will not get misplaced, lost or dropped away quickly.We love the WubbaNub too because it’s one piece construction ensures that no bacteria hides indents and is easy to clean. You can place it with the baby’s laundry in the machine’s gentle wash cycle. These pacifiers are great for baby below six months.

What We Liked

• checkEasy for baby to grasp and manipulate
• checkMade of medical grade silicone, which is latex-free to ensure that no allergies are experienced. The material is also certified PVC, BPA and Phthalate Free
• checkWubbanubs are easy to keep clean. Just hand or machine wash them as necessary then air dry.

What We Didn’t Like

• exclamation-triangleThey are a bit more costly than ordinary pacifiers
• exclamation-triangleIf your baby is a squirmier or too active, the Wubbanub toy may become a hindrance to movement.

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Baby Fruit Feeder Pacifier

If you are weaning your baby, then this is the perfect soothie for you. The Baby Fruit Feeder Pacifier is made with a chewable silicon nipple for comfort and a hard plastic shield for your toddler to hold on to. This feature keeps the contents from spilling out. It’s an all-encompassing value mix of a pacifier, teething toy, and fruit holder.We love that this binky’s nipple detaches off like the ones on baby bottles making it super easy to clean and stuff various yummy baby foods and fruits in it. It also soothes sore gums while at it and your bay will practically love any food on this binky.

What We Liked

• checkValue for money, as it has three different features on one item
• checkThis safe silicon binky with textured surfaces for sore teeth is safe and is not a choking hazard
• checkWe love how easy it is to clean. You can boil, dishwasher or hand wash it.

What We Didn’t Like

• exclamation-triangleToddlers can make a bit of a mess with it.

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MAM Crystal Orthodontic Pacifier

Mam pacifiers are made from BPA free silicone soft nipple shaped binkies perfect for your baby’s developing teeth and jaws. We love the large ‘breathe holes’ feature on the shield that minimizes irritation from drool when the shield is in contact with the skin.You will love that there are various MAM pacifier for different ages, so if your baby likes his MAM, he can grow up with them. All you need is to keep purchasing the right size as your baby flourishes. This particular soothie has the larger than 0-6 month shield for your baby.This pacifier was made precisely to ensure that your baby’s teeth, gums, and palate development are not negatively affected by its usage. The soothie has an anti-slip feature to ensure that it does not become a dirt magnet due to falls. Upside-down or right-side up? Which mom does not have these moments? Well, with this MAM, you have no more need to age your grey matter. The MAM can go in either direction to ensure that no uneven pressure affects the palate and front teeth.

What We Liked

• checkThe shields are covered with bright, colorful animals for the baby
• checkSkin soft silicone texture on the nipple that closely resembles mom’s 
• checkComes with a reusable, microwavable storage case
• checkCurved shield for optimum fitting in baby’s mouth

What We Didn’t Like

• exclamation-triangleIt is possible that on delivery the colors and design differ from what you ordered

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Gerber First Essentials Soft Center Latex Pacifier

Made with the softest latex, they are so flexible making the soothie more appealing to your baby than most silicone pacifiers. They come in a six pack value pack so that in case one is misplaced you do not have to lose your wits or precious time on your way out while searching for it.We love that they are designed with a concave shield, which allows the baby skin around the shield breathe and not suffer skin irritations. Besides, there are three vent holes on the shield to enhance skin breathability and comfort.These Gerber soothies are designed for babies in their first 0-6 months of life, to soothe, calm and distract them when need be, to keep both momma and baby happy and content.

What We Liked

• checkMade from super soft latex giving your baby the perfect binky experience
• checkThey come in a six-pack, making them good value for money
• checkWe love their cute pink color

What We Didn’t Like

• exclamation-triangleNot easy to find
• exclamation-triangleMay cause latex allergies for some babies

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Philips Avent SCF190/01 Soothie 0-3mth

Another hospital grade silicone binky that has been a top choice for many moms and medics. We love that their green color is easier to find than their clear colored counterparts.One great feature of this pacifier is that they can be attached to a pacifier clip, and since they come in doubles are value for money.The fact that they are single piece pacifiers ensures that they are germ-free as they have no nooks or crannies where germs multiply. These binkies are made to last, and the nipples are both durable and yet smooth. You will love how easy it is to keep them clean, as they are dishwasher safe. To sterilize them, there is a Phillips Avent steam sterilizer, or you can just boil them. These particular Phillips Avent soothies are the perfect size for babies 0-3 months old.

What We Liked

• checkLatex and BPA free
• checkBroad base to ensure that your baby does not choke on them
• checkVery durable and does not discolor with age
• checkCan be attached to pacifier clips

What We Didn’t Like

• exclamation-triangleTheir rigid nipple may not be a hit with some babies

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Conclusion 

The best pacifier for your baby is the perfect combination of aesthetics and function. Since a binky is your baby’s first buddy, we recommend the WubbaNub Longhorn Bull Pacifier for its best combination of these two aspects. The Wubbanub’s plush animal and single soft medical grade silicone nipple design are our favorite aspects of this soothie.