The Ultimate Guide to the Best Pacifiers for Newborns
A good pacifier can be a game-changer for soothing a fussy newborn, but finding one they'll actually take is the real challenge.
The best pacifiers are designed for safety and acceptance, often mimicking the shape and feel of a mother’s nipple. Look for one-piece construction to prevent choking hazards and materials like medical-grade silicone or natural rubber that are easy to clean and BPA-free.
- Material Matters Silicone is durable, dishwasher-safe, and easy to sterilize, while natural rubber is softer and more eco-friendly but requires more frequent replacement.
- One-Piece is Safest Pacifiers made from a single piece of molded silicone or rubber eliminate the risk of parts breaking off and becoming a choking hazard, making them the safest choice.
- Shape Dictates Acceptance Nipple shape is key for acceptance. Orthodontic or symmetrical shapes are designed for healthy oral development, but ultimately, your baby will have the final say on what they prefer.
- Size Up as They Grow Pacifiers are sized by age (e.g., 0-6m, 6-18m) to ensure a proper and safe fit for your baby’s mouth. Always use the correct size for your baby’s age.
Best Premium: Dr. Brown's Anti-Colic Options+ Baby Bottles & HappyPaci Pacifier
A complete feeding and soothing system
Get the best of both worlds with this premium set. The anti-colic bottles reduce spit-up, while the one-piece silicone pacifier is shaped like the bot
- Includes four anti-colic bottles and three pacifiers
- Pacifier shape matches the bottle nipple for easy acceptance
- One-piece pacifier is safe and easy to clean
- Perfect for parents using Dr. Brown’s bottles
- More expensive than buying pacifiers alone
- Bottles have multiple parts to wash
- Only useful if you need both bottles and pacifiers
Best Overall: MAM Original Matte Baby Pacifiers
Medically-developed for ultimate comfort
Developed with medical experts, this pacifier’s breast-like SkinSoft silicone nipple and symmetrical shape boast a 94% acceptance rate, making it our
- Extremely high baby acceptance rate
- Symmetrical shape is good for jaw development
- Includes a case for microwave sterilization and travel
- Developed with medical experts
- This specific pack is sized for 6-16 months (newborn sizes sold separately)
- Two-piece design requires careful inspection for safety
- Matte finish can attract lint and dust
Runner Up: WubbaNub Infant Pacifier – Red Dog
The original pacifier-plush combo
This innovative one-piece design combines a pacifier with a plush toy, making it easy for tiny hands to grasp and hard for parents to lose. It’s a hos
- Easy for baby to find and grasp
- Plush animal helps keep the pacifier in their mouth
- Harder for parents to lose than a standard pacifier
- Uses a trusted one-piece medical-grade pacifier
- Cannot be sterilized in a machine due to the plush
- The whole item needs washing when the plush gets dirty
- Pacifier cannot be detached or replaced
- Recommended for babies without teeth
Best for Nighttime: Tommee Tippee Stay Put Pacifier Set
Find it easily in the dark
Find dropped pacifiers in the dark with ease thanks to this set’s glow-in-the-dark feature. The ultra-light, one-piece silicone design ensures comfort
- Glow feature is a lifesaver for nighttime
- Lightweight design helps it stay in baby’s mouth
- One-piece silicone construction is safe and easy to clean
- Symmetrical shape supports healthy oral development
- This specific pack is sized for 6-18 months (newborn sizes sold separately)
- Glow needs to be ‘charged’ under a light to work
- Colors may vary, so you can’t pick a specific design
Best Natural Rubber: FRIGG Andersen Fairytale Natural Rubber Baby Pacifier
Danish design with natural materials
For parents preferring natural materials, this Danish-made pacifier uses 100% natural rubber latex. Its design is thoughtfully crafted for your baby’s
- Made from natural, sustainable materials
- Rubber is softer and more pliable than silicone
- Stylish, whimsical design and color options
- Free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates
- Natural rubber requires replacement every 4-6 weeks
- Not dishwasher safe and needs careful cleaning
- This specific pack is sized for 6-18 months (newborn sizes sold separately)
- Two-piece construction requires regular safety checks
Side-by-side comparison
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Best Premium
Dr. Brown's Anti-Colic Options+ Baby Bottles, Narr
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Best Overall
MAM Original Matte Baby Pacifiers 6-16 Months, Bin
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Runner Up
WubbaNub Infant Pacifier – Red Dog
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Best for Nighttime
Tommee Tippee Stay Put Pacifier Set, Contains 2 Ul
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Best Natural Rubber
FRIGG Andersen Fairytale Natural Rubber Baby Pacif
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| Material | Silicone | Silicone | Silicone | Silicone | Natural Rubber |
| One-Piece Design | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Glow-in-the-Dark | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Recommended Age (This Pack) | 0-6 Months | 6-16 Months | 0-6 Months | 6-18 Months | 6-18 Months |
| Price | – | $12.93 | $18.55 | $14.39 | $14.99 |
| BUY NOW | BUY NOW | BUY NOW | BUY NOW | BUY NOW |
What to look for in Pacifiers for Newborns
When can I introduce a pacifier to my newborn?
Most experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, suggest waiting until breastfeeding is well-established, usually around 3-4 weeks of age, to prevent potential nipple confusion. If you are not breastfeeding, you can introduce a pacifier from birth after consulting with your pediatrician.
How often should I replace a pacifier?
Check pacifiers daily for signs of wear, like holes, tears, or changes in texture. As a general rule, replace silicone pacifiers every 1-2 months and natural rubber pacifiers every 4-6 weeks. Replace any pacifier immediately if it shows signs of damage.
Are orthodontic pacifiers really better?
Orthodontic pacifiers are designed with a flattened bottom and rounded top to support natural palate and jaw development, which many parents and dentists prefer. However, the ‘best’ pacifier is ultimately the one your baby will accept and use safely, and symmetrical nipples are also a perfectly good option.
How do I properly clean a pacifier?
Before the first use, boil the pacifier for 5 minutes and let it cool completely. For daily cleaning, wash it with hot water and mild soap. Many silicone pacifiers are dishwasher-safe (top rack), and some brands offer microwave sterilizer cases. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance.
The bottom line
- Dr. Brown's Anti-Colic Options+ & HappyPaci: A great premium bundle for parents who want to match their bottles and pacifiers from the start.
- MAM Original Matte Baby Pacifiers: The best overall choice due to its medically-backed design and a 94% acceptance rate that makes it a reliable soother.
- WubbaNub Infant Pacifier: The perfect runner-up for its innovative design that's easy for babies to hold and hard for parents to lose.
- Tommee Tippee Stay Put Pacifier Set: The best option for nighttime, with a glow-in-the-dark feature that ends frantic midnight searches.
- FRIGG Andersen Fairytale Natural Rubber Baby Pacifier: The top choice for parents seeking a stylish, high-quality pacifier made from 100% natural rubber.
Choosing a pacifier often comes down to your baby’s preference, but our top picks provide excellent starting points. The MAM Original line boasts the highest acceptance rate for general use, while the Tommee Tippee set is a clear winner for nighttime convenience.
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