Best Pacifier for Breastfed Baby

If you’re in a hurry and just want to find out what the best pacifier for a breastfed baby is, I’d recommend the Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci.

Pacifiers in different forms have been used for thousands of years to soothe babies. Today, 56 percent of Americans use them from birth, while other parents wait a few weeks to introduce one to their baby. Either way, they bring many benefits—and if you’re a breastfeeding mother, it will give you some rest.

Choosing the right model isn’t always straightforward. They come in various shapes and sizes with different features to suit all babies and needs.

Here are the pacifiers for breastfed babies I will be reviewing:

• Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci
• Philips Avent BPA Free Soothie Pacifier
• MAM Night Pacifiers
• Ryan and Rose Cutie PAT Pacifier White Stage 1
• Evenflo Feeding Balance Plus Stage 1 Cylindrical Baby
• WubbaNub Infant Pacifier – Giraffe
• NUK Orthodontic Pacifiers
• Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature Soother Day Time Pacifier
• The First Years Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers
• Playtex Silicone Binky Pacifiers
  

Why Use a Pacifier?

Many parents purchase pacifiers to calm their babies or help them fall asleep. They’re compact and can be used at home and in public areas. Keeping a pacifier handy after a difficult moment—such as a vaccine shot—can help your child find comfort. 

On top of that, pacifiers have shown excellent results in reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome—SIDS. It should also encourage your little one to work on sucking reflexes, which are critical when breastfeeding. 

While there is no set timeline on when a pacifier can be used, experts generally recommend waiting at least three to four weeks from birth. Your baby should learn naturally how to breastfeed before using one. They advise, however, to pull the plug before your child reaches two years of age, to avoid future dental troubles.

Tips on Using a Pacifier

While we could write a book about pacifiers, here is the most important advice when it comes to their utilization:

• Don’t force it: Only put a pacifier back in your child’s mouth if he or she asks for it. 
• Don’t attach it overnight: Fixing it to a crib using a ribbon or cord could be a choking hazard. 

Find the root cause: Before offering the tool, check if your baby is thirsty, hungry, or needs a diaper change. Resist using it as the first option to stop your baby’s crying.

Picking the Best Pacifier

Because we want the best for our little ones, selecting the ideal pacifier isn’t always straightforward. To make this task easier, we’ve gathered the most essential features to consider:

• Design
• Material and safety
• Maintenance
• The little extras

Design 

While pacifiers have a simplistic look, most of them feature a sophisticated design with two main objectives: comfort and to mimic a mother’s nipple. 

Size

Products come in various sizes and are generally categorized by age, in months. Make sure to select the right one for your child and upgrade as he or she grows older. 

When a pacifier is too small, the entire unit could fit inside your baby’s mouth, creating a safety hazard. Too large, and it’ll block your little one’s nose and be uncomfortable to use.

Shape

Besides the size, its shape can also significantly vary from one model to another. First, some of them include a ring—or an extra hole—attached to the pacifier. This is ideal for fixing it to a crib or stroller.

Then, a pacifier’s wings should include small rounded holes to provide proper aeration and avoid skin irritation. The top edge should also stop before your baby’s nose to allow adequate breathing.

Lastly, the shape of the pacifier is critical. The best models are designed with a nipple mimicking their mother’s, in which babies can find comfort and reassurance. Breastfed babies may not accept a pacifier easily, especially if it doesn’t feel like mom’s nipple. You may need to try several shapes until you find “the one”.

Material and Safety

As for most baby products, the safety of our child’s toys and accessories is critical. Products made of silicone are generally durable and have good resistance to the sterilization process. Medical-grade silicone is usually the safest type to use.

Rubber—or latex—pacifiers are typically softer than silicone. Although they’re obtained from a natural source, chemicals are added to increase strength and flexibility. These compounds can create allergic reactions and cause the material to deteriorate faster. 

Whichever material you choose, ensure that it doesn’t contain harmful agents such as BPA, PVC, or phthalate. It should be mentioned on the packaging.

Maintenance

Take into account how you’ll clean the pacifier. While some products need to be hand-washed, others are dishwasher-safe. Not only is it easier and faster, but it may also provide a more thorough wash. 

You’ll find models including a case to sterilize the pacifiers between uses. It can also make transportation easier. 

The Little Extras

If you’re looking for a pacifier with add-on features or characteristics, you shouldn’t be disappointed. Manufacturers have become extremely creative:

• Colors and designs: Choose between a basic white color or models showcasing brighter ones. Some even include cute illustrations.
• Toy: In this case, the pacifier is attached to a plush. It’s easier for your baby to grab and for the parents to find.
• Teething use: You’ll find models that include hard portions—ring or edges—for teething. A few even come with a telescopic nipple for complete versatile use.
• Glowing: These pacifiers are specifically designed for night use. They glow in the dark, making them easier to find and bedtime more exciting.
• Scented: While we’re undecided about the safety of adding artificial scent to a pacifier, relaxing scents can be useful to soothe upset babies.

My Breastfed Baby Pacifier Reviews

After evaluating each product carefully, here is our final list of the best pacifiers for breastfed babies:

Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci

This product comes with two pacifiers of the same color—blue or pink. Whether you have a little boy or girl, these two shades should fit your baby’s gender. The paci is made in one piece, which avoids small parts creating a choking hazard.

It’s built with lightweight and flexible silicone material for your little one’s comfort. It features a cute butterfly shape with a hole in each wing to allow proper airflow. This design makes natural curves to stay away from your baby’s cheeks and nose. 

Reviewers report that the material is softer and thinner than other competitor products. Parents enjoyed that their kids quickly adopted the pacifier and didn’t show skin irritation. 

The product also features a large ring that’s easy for little fingers to grab. Users liked that babies were able to put in and remove the pacifier on their own. Keep in mind, however, that the ring’s weight can make it easier for the pacifier to fall from the mouth. 

Plus, this model can be used as a teether, as babies seem to enjoy biting the ring. Parents are happy with the durability of the product, mentioning that this model is able to withstand months of chewing. 

The HappyPaci’s tip mimics the shape of the mother’s nipple and can be used from birth. If you’d like to ensure it fits your child’s mouth, the unit measures 1.5 inches in height. While no age limit is advised, most parents find this product suitable for babies up to six months old.

The pacifier is also made without BPA. When it needs cleaning, simply place it on the top rack of your dishwasher. You can also boil it in water for five minutes.

Philips Avent BPA Free Soothie Pacifier

Medical professionals and hospitals use these pacifiers with newborns. It’s recommended to use this model with babies from birth up to three months old.

The design is simple yet unique. It features a nipple-like tip and a short handle to grab it. It also has two holes to keep your child’s skin aerated and dry. 

If you’re concerned about credentials, it follows the American Academy of Pediatrics standards and is made in the US. This model is even built with hospital-grade silicone material that doesn’t contain BPA, keeping your baby’s health.

The tip of the nipple features a tiny hole. If you place your finger on the outer side, parents report that they can feel the gentle suction. They report that this unique touch further relaxes the baby.

The pacifier is also designed to follow the normal growth of your little one’s teeth and gums. It’s a one-piece construction for better durability and safety. The color shouldn’t fade away, and the nipple won’t become sticky or deformed, even after months of use.

While most pacifiers are meant to soothe and calm your child, this product, however, takes its role a step further. It comes with a vanilla scent to enhance relaxation and well-being. Besides the sweet smell, parents like that the material doesn’t generate a plastic odor or taste.

As for cleaning, this product can be both washed in a dishwasher or sterilized using the brand’s device. Because it comes in a set of two pacifiers, you’ll be able to alternate units between washes.

If a scented pacifier isn’t your favorite option, this product also comes in unscented versions. They even showcase different colors to suit all tastes and genders.

MAM Night Pacifiers

If you’re looking for a pacifier providing great comfort, safety, and relaxation, this model might meet your baby’s needs. They’re made for little ones aged from birth to six months and feature adorable night-time illustrations.

Each unit only contains silicone material. It’s soft and smooth to keep your child’s skin healthy. The textured inner side also allows the pacifier to remain inside your baby’s mouth, preventing it from falling out.

The manufacturer has 40 years of experience in producing pacifiers involving technological innovations. The nipple portion is soft to imitate the mother’s skin and adapts to your child’s mouth, whichever angle he or she holds it. Plus, it doesn’t have an odd smell or taste.

This model also has your baby’s safety in mind. The material doesn’t have BPA, BPS, or lead constituents. The large knob also makes it easy to handle, both for parents and little hands.

This MAM pacifier has more holes than most other products. You’ll find two large openings and seven small ones, on each side of the shield. These gaps allow optimum airflow, keeping the skin dry and clear.

The product comes in a set of two pacifiers, each glowing at night. Not only is it visually appealing for our babies, but it also makes your task easier when retrieving them at night.

Finally, the two pacifiers come with a storage case. Transporting them becomes more convenient and safer, keeping germs away. The case also serves as a sterilizer—add water and place it in the microwave for three minutes before it can be used again.

While this blue “cow & moon” design seems extremely popular, this product also comes in green and pink versions.

Ryan and Rose Cutie PAT Pacifier White Stage 1

This pacifier should be used for babies without teeth. It’s made with safe medical-grade silicone and is BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free. It has even gone through numerous tests and is certified CPSIA compliant.

For newborns, the pacifier can be utilized as a soother and calming tool. The soft nipple is gentle on babies’ delicate gums and imitates the mother’s skin. 

The Cutie PAT features a large rounded shield that includes two openings. They allow air to pass but are even large enough to attach a cord or cutie clip and fix it to a stroller or clothes. 

It comes with a large and textured ring, which is easy to grab for adults and kids. Some parents report that even six-week-old babies can easily manage to hold the handle alone.

This pacifier includes a unique feature: As your little one grows, the nipple retracts. The ring and large shield can then act as a teether to release early teething pain. 

With both uses—pacifier or teether—regular maintenance is critical. Luckily, this model can be placed on the top rack of a dishwasher. Keep in mind, however, that certain dyes and cleaning products may cause stains and discoloration. 

Plus, it’s made as one piece, making it harder for dirt and bacteria to gather and hide. In all cases, the manufacturer recommends using a new one every four weeks. Don’t worry, they come in 20 different colors so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. 

Reviewers seem to be thrilled with this product. If your kiddo becomes addicted, this pacifier comes in a “stage 2” version when teeth start to come out.

Evenflo Feeding Balance Plus Stage 1 Cylindrical Baby

Efficiency and simplicity may characterize this pacifier. It’s a one-piece flexible design that suits babies from birth until six months old.

The product was created with the assistance of pediatric feeding specialists. Plus, Evenflo is a company led by females, who are the first concerned when it comes to breastfeeding. 

The nipple features a cylindrical shape. It imitates a mother’s breast and helps your little one acquire the proper tongue position. The material is soft and lightweight and the faceplate is curved to prevent mouth fatigue.

It comes with a handle shaped like a ring. This allows both mummy and baby to put it in or remove it when needed. To keep the skin dry, this model also comes with six holes over the top portion. 

If you’re worried about toxins your baby may ingest, this product is entirely made of silicone and doesn’t contain BPA. It’s also free of PVC, polycarbonates, and phthalates. The materials used are food grade and approved by the FDA. 

This package comes with two pacifiers. It also includes a steam bag to sanitize them. Parents reported that they were able to use the included pouch about 10 times.

Place 2 ounces of water inside the bag before closing it. How long you’ll leave the bag in the microwave depends on your device’s power. Use hot pads to remove the bag from the microwave and pour the water out. Allow the pacifier to cool down for 5 minutes before giving it to your baby.

WubbaNub Infant Pacifier – Giraffe

If you like multi-use baby accessories, this model should be of interest. On one side, you’ll find a green pacifier aimed at babies up to six months old or any little one without teeth.

The paci features a round shield with two holes to let air circulate. This product is largely distributed in hospitals, specifically in newborn intensive care units. Thus, it contains medical-grade silicone material without PVC, phthalate, or BPA.

On the other side, you’ll find a giraffe plush attached to the pacifier. This adorable toy comes with a few functionalities. First, it’s easy to spot from far away, if your baby dropped it, the giraffe won’t be able to hide that well.

The large size makes it easy for your baby to grab and pick up alone. Besides, most kids typically use both a pacifier and a favorite plush, which they keep around at all times. Parents love that by combining the two, they reduce the risk by 50 percent of losing or forgetting one of them. 

The giraffe’s size and weight have been carefully studied. The pacifier should stay in the baby’s mouth, even without holding the plush. 

If you’re concerned about germs accumulating within the toy’s fur, the entire product is machine washable. Just ensure that you’re using a laundry bag and set your machine on a gentle cycle before air drying. However, because the plush is hand-made, it might be best to wash it by hand. 

For quick cleaning, however, parents tend to sanitize the pacifier daily by placing the nipple in boiling water for two to four minutes.

NUK Orthodontic Pacifiers

This pacifier is designed for babies between six and 18 months of age and seems to have great success. It was tested among 307 other products and was accepted by 95 percent of the babies.

The orthodontic nipple closely imitates a mother’s nipple and is designed to avoid confusion. To reach this result, the tip is built with a concave shape from below. 

These pacifiers also aim at keeping our babies’ teeth aligned. They’re built asymmetrical and thin to avoid putting pressure on the teeth and jaw of your little one. 

The package comes with two pacifiers showcasing dogs and stars, though there are lots of other bright patterns to choose from. They should be suitable for all tastes and adequate for both baby boys and girls. Plus, they’re also available in versions aimed at younger—birth to six months old—and older babies—18 to 36 months old.

The shield comes in the shape of a heart. Not only is it cute, but it creates an opening under the baby’s nose for safe breathing.

These pacifiers also keep your little one’s health in mind. They’re made with BPA-free silicone and include a storage case for sterilization. 

Pour water inside the case and place it in your microwave for four minutes—for any device with 700-1250 watts power. The pacifiers can also be cleaned on the top rack of the dishwasher if needed.

Some parents seem concerned about water getting inside the nipple during cleaning. Reviewers mentioned that a gentle squeeze on the tip generally gets rid of the excess liquid.

Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature Soother Day Time Pacifier

We love the stylish look of this model. It’s entirely round and doesn’t feature a large knob or handle at the front. Instead, the bottom edge creates a discrete hook to grab the pacifier easily.

The edge also contains a dedicated hole to fit a cord or clip, which parents tend to use to keep it attached to clothes, a crib, or stroller. They often have to use one of the aeration holes for this purpose when using other pacifiers.

Plus, the overall shape of the pacifier curves away from your baby’s skin. This design allows even better airflow, with less plastic-to-skin contact.

This pacifier comes with openings for ventilation all around the unit, which reduces the risk of developing a rash or other skin condition. The nipple is also made of soft silicone that’s as gentle as the mother’s skin. It’ll move, flex, and stretch just like a real one, so your breastfed baby might not know the difference.

The white and blue edges, however, are built with polypropylene plastic. But stay reassured it doesn’t contain BPA compounds. 

The hard frame gives this pacifier a dual-purpose. Babies can use the plastic edges as a teether. Parents report that their little ones have great fun and relief from biting it. 

Reviewers appreciate that the package includes four units suitable from birth to six months old. That’s plenty of alternatives in case one gets lost or is temporarily unusable after a fall. 

This product also comes in a version for older babies—6 to 18 months—if you like to think ahead. They’re even available in a night version, with plastic edges that glow in the dark.

The First Years Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers

This product might be designed for babies who are also serial droppers. It comes in a set of five units—three blue and two green ones. For the baby girls out there, the pacis also come in purple and pink. The bright colors are attractive to the eyes but are also easy to spot when they fall.

Some parents at first thought that five units would be an overkill. Most of them, however, found this was a perfect number. They placed them in the diaper bag, car seat, crib, and kept one for playing—leaving the last one as a joker.

They’re simple, yet well-designed for efficiency and convenience. Each pacifier contains two large holes on the sides for proper ventilation. A third opening can be found towards the front for a clip or cord. 

The entire model is built with silicone that doesn’t contain any latex or BPA. They’re recommended for babies from birth up to three months old and are trusted by hospitals worldwide.

They’re designed for ease-of-use. Each unit is lightweight and easy to grab for little fingers. Plus, the shape keeps the baby’s nose free.

On top of that, each pacifier is a one-piece construction. It prevents moisture from accumulating and eases the cleaning process. It’s also safer as the nipple won’t separate, becoming a choking hazard.

If five units are more than you need, this product also comes in a set of two pacifiers.

As your baby grows older than three months, make sure to upgrade the pacifier. Some older babies were able to put the entire unit in their mouths.

Playtex Silicone Binky Pacifiers

These two Playtex pacifiers feature sweet illustrations. One is light green and displays a car, while the other model is sky blue and features a helicopter with a baby driver and clouds. The pictures are detailed and could even start a “baby conversation” between the parent and child.

Like most pacifiers, it’s designed to resemble a mother’s nipple. Your baby should see no difference to a real one, so mom can take a little break.

It comes with a ring for babies to grab. The “snug n’ place” feature keeps it in place, which is unique to this product.

It’s built with three holes on each side of the shield, to keep the skin dry. Also, because the unit is quite small—1.3 inches in height—it shouldn’t block your baby’s nose, allowing your child to breathe freely.

Parents also found that the nipple is typically shorter than other products, which is ideal for babies who have an easy gag reflex. It’s also perfect for newborns with smaller mouths. 

Reviewers appreciate how durable and easy to maintain this model is. It’s dishwasher-safe when placed on the top rack, or can be simply cleaned using hot water and soap.

Before its first use, however, make sure to boil the pacifier for five minutes. Then let it cool down before giving it to your little one.

Finally, this product is made of silicone material and doesn’t contain BPA. This is to ensure your child’s safety while creating a durable pacifier.

Conclusion

Pacifiers can be extremely relieving for a new breastfeeding mother. They’re also calming for our babies. Among our selection, Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci remains our favorite option for the best pacifier for breastfed baby.

Both its design and use are straightforward. It’s made of soft silicone to imitate the mother’s skin and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. This model is also dishwasher-safe, saving new parents some precious time.