Pacifiers for Newborns: Benefits, How to Shop, Our Favorite Pacifiers, Clips & Accessories
7 minute read
As a new parent, there’s nothing more stressful than hearing your little one cry. Maybe your baby is having trouble falling asleep, they bonked their head on the coffee table, or have a new tooth coming in…
In those moments, you want to do anything you can to soothe your sweet baby. And you may wonder if you should reach for a pacifier to calm their tears.
But is a pacifier “good” or “bad” for your baby?
Are the short-term benefits worth it? Or are there long-term effects you need to be aware of…?
Today we’re taking a look at all your burning questions about pacifiers. Plus we’re sharing our top shopping tips, along with our favorite pacifiers, pacifier clips, and accessories so that you can be ready to soothe your baby anytime, anywhere!
Benefits of Pacifiers for Newborns:
There are some great reasons you may want to introduce a pacifier to your little one:
- Pacifiers can help soothe a fussy baby. Many babies have a strong sucking reflex and are happiest when they are nursing or sucking on something. A pacifier may be especially comforting if your baby is in a new or uncomfortable situation.
- A pacifier may help your baby fall asleep. If nursing, rocking, or swaddling aren’t doing the trick… A pacifier may be just the thing to help ease your baby to sleep.
- Pacifiers may help reduce SIDS. Offering a pacifier to your newborn before naps and bedtime can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- A pacifier may help ease your baby’s pain or discomfort. A pacifier can serve as a teether if your little one has sore gums. It can also come in handy when to help relieve any air pressure changes if you’re traveling on an airplane.
- Pacifiers can be a temporary distraction for your baby. Whether it’s their 6 month shots, a loud truck driving by, or being held by a new person… A pacifier may help calm your baby by providing a few moments of distraction and calm.
When to Start (and Stop) Using a Pacifier
If you’re chest/breastfeeding, The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends waiting to introduce a pacifier until your little one’s nursing routine is well established, usually once your baby is 3-4 weeks old.
But your baby may be open to learning how to use a pacifier earlier or later depending on their developmental needs.
When it comes to weaning your baby off their pacifier, it’s totally up to you and your family to determine when is the best time for your little one. But it’s good to know a couple risks that appear if your baby continues to use a pacifier as they get older:
- Pacifier use might increase your baby’s risk of middle ear infections. Pacifiers and ear infections may be related, especially after your little one turns 6 months old.
- Pacifier use may lead to dental problems. Using a pacifier beyond 4 years of age may affect the shape of your baby’s mouth or how their teeth are lining up. This could lead to dental problems down the road.
Talk to your baby’s pediatrician about any concerns you have about how using a pacifier may affect your little one’s development.
Newborn Pacifier Safety Tips:
Before introducing a pacifier to your baby, it’s a good idea to be aware of some important safety tips to keep your baby safe:
- Never tie a pacifier to your baby’s crib or around your baby’s neck or hand. Instead, use a pacifier clip (see our top 3 below!) but only when your little one is awake and supervised.
- Do not use a pacifier to replace or delay meals. Only offer it when you are sure your baby is not hungry.
- Don’t dip a pacifier in honey or sweetener. Sugar isn’t healthy for your baby and could lead to other unwanted health problems.
- Stick to one-piece pacifiers. There are a lot of cute pacifiers out there that have small parts that can fall off and become choking hazards. Stick to simple designs from trusted brands that use quality materials and testing to ensure their products are safe for your little one.
- Resist the temptation to clean your baby’s pacifier by putting it in your mouth. There are bacteria in your mouth that can be transmitted to your baby and cause their teeth to decay. You can keep your baby’s pacifiers clean by washing them frequently and sterilizing them in boiling water or in the dishwasher (if they are dishwasher safe).
- Replace the pacifier if it becomes damaged, the plastic starts to crack, or the surface breaks down into small pieces.
And remember: Don’t force your baby to take the pacifier if they don’t want it. Not all babies need or want a pacifier and that’s ok!
Tips for Shopping for Newborn Pacifiers:
Ready to add pacifiers to your registry? Pacifiers come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and materials. So how do you know which one is right for your little one?
Consider the pacifier’s shape.
There are three basic nipple shapes to be aware of:
- Standard-shaped pacifiers: which have a straight, cylindrical, elongated nipple.
- Orthodontic pacifiers: which have a rounded top and a flat bottom.
- “Cherry” nipples: which have a trunk that becomes ball-shaped toward the end.
When it comes to pacifier nipples no size or shape is right or wrong — because all babies are different! Your baby may prefer one shape over another because of their own preferences, sucking techniques, and mouth anatomy.
Consider the pacifier’s size.
Pacifiers come in different sizes to meet your baby’s developmental needs. Many are made for 0-3 months, 0-6 months, and 6+ months. Use the pacifier’s size as a guide to find the right fit for your little one.
Consider the pacifier’s material.
We recommend choosing pacifiers that are ethically sourced and made from high-quality materials like natural rubber and silicone. These materials will be the softest for your baby and are free of harmful chemicals like BPA, PVC, phthalates, and parabens.
Plus they’re long-lasting and will hold up through endless hours of sucking and chewing (not to mention countless rounds through the dishwasher!).
The 3 Best Pacifiers for Newborns
Let’s take a look at our top 3 pacifiers for newborns. These are parent-tested and approved for helping soothe a fussy baby with ease!
So many parents that come into the boutique reach for BIBS pacifiers. They’ve been around for 40+ years and have a variety of wonderful pacifier shapes perfect for helping you teach your baby to self-soothe.
Want to find the perfect nipple shape for your baby? Take home the Bibs Try-It Collection to try out different shapes and sizes to find the perfect fit for your baby. And once your little one lands on a favorite you can order more of the Bibs Colour Pacifiers, Bibs Boheme Pacifiers, Bibs Contour Pacifiers, or Bibs De Lux Pacifiers.
Want a pacifier and soft plush toy for your baby all in one? You’re going to love Wubbanub pacifiers!
Instead of bouncing off into oblivion when dropped, Wubbanub pacifiers stay close to help settle your little one. The unique style of the Wubbanub pacifier allows it to remain close and to be easily positioned by your baby.
Choose from your favorite fairytale dragon, baby unicorn, panda, narwhal and more!
If you’re looking for a natural pacifier that closely mimics breastfeeding — Itzy Ritzy’s Natural Rubber Pacifiers will be your go-to.
The cherry shape — which is designed to resemble the shape and size of your soft nipple — will soothe your sweet babe in an instant. (And they’ll look pretty adorable in those adorable Insta pics!)
3 of Our Favorite Pacifier Clips for Newborns
Many pacifiers can be difficult for your little one’s tiny hands to grasp…which can lead to your baby dropping their pacifier time and time again. And when you’re in a restaurant with friends or traveling away from home, a pacifier that lands on the ground can lead to instant tears!
Want to ensure you never lose your little one’s important soother when you’re out and about? We’ve got you covered with our 3 favorite pacifier clips:
Looking for the perfect pacifier clip? Look no further than the Sugar + Maple Pacifier + Teether Clip! The safety tested metal clip and soft, smooth silicone beads will keep your little one’s pacifier, teether, or security blankie close at hand (while also looking pretty cute too!).
We love BIBS Loops for creating a fun chain for pacifiers. They are perfect in the stroller or over your little one’s changing table for hanging toys, for playing, and even as a teether for your baby’s developing teeth!
Loulou LOLLIPOP Silicone Teether GEM Set
We love this teether and clip that comes with a super cute silicone teether — check out the fun bubble tea, strawberry, and taco shapes! — for the ultimate teething relief. Attach your little one’s favorite pacifier or let them munch on the teether’s nubby textures to soothe their sore gums.
The gemstone-inspired clip features a one-piece molded design with no screws or metal parts which will give you peace of mind when your baby tries to chew on the clip!
3 Parent-Approved Pacifier Holders
Looking for an easy way to store your baby’s pacifier while on the go? A pacifier holder is the perfect accessory for the modern parent on the go. They’ll help you keep your little one’s pacifier clean, secure, and within arm’s reach!
Take a look at Three Hearts Silicone Pacifier Pouches, Mushie Pacifier Holder Case, or Itzy Ritzy’s Diaper Bag Charm Pods all available in the Babies in Bloom Boutique.
Have More Questions About Pacifiers?
Are you unsure if a pacifier is right for your baby? Or you’re struggling to find the right one to soothe your little one?
Not all pacifiers are created equal. And some newborns may require a little trial and error to find the right one!
Stop by the Babies in Bloom boutique to chat with one of our experts to discover if pacifiers are right for your baby. We can help direct you to the right products to suit your little one’s unique needs!
Boutique Website: https://babies-in-bloom.myshopify.com/
Boutique Address: 127 Main Street, Vista, CA 92081
Boutique Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm (We are closed on Sunday!)
