The Best Pacifiers for Breastfed Babies
Searching for the best pacifiers for breastfed babies? Read on to learn more about pacifier use and the top 5 best pacifiers for breastfed babies {2022 review}.
I remember being a brand new, first-time mom and being told that a breastfed baby shouldn’t use a pacifier. Were any of you told that too? There’s a lot of conflicting information about pacifier use.
Whether you choose to offer your baby a pacifier is a personal choice. I was relieved to learn there’s actually not enough evidence to suggest that pacifiers are bad for breastfeeding babies. There are even studies that suggest that using a pacifier might even be beneficial for some babies!
Parents of breastfed babies often wonder if it’s OK for their baby to use a pacifier. With all the opinions and conflicting information about pacifier use, their concerns are understandable.
It’s important to know that not all pacifiers are created equal. While many have similar goals and have been determined to be orthodontically sound, there are lots of different shapes, sizes and options out there.
Note: Some links may be affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you use my links to purchase, at no extra added cost to you! I only recommend products that I personally love and believe in. Full disclaimer here.
Are Pacifiers OK for Breastfeeding Babies?
Before we get into the top binkies, let’s talk a little about when pacifiers are truly great.
Pacifiers can assist tube-fed babies learning to use a bottle, and help comfort NICU babies when they’re separated from their mothers.
They’ve also been shown to enhance oral motor function for babies who struggle to feed, as well as help to reduce the risk of SIDS.
And any experienced parent can tell you that they’re also wonderful for soothing a fussy baby on the go, or helping baby sleep for a little bit longer during the night.
Do pacifiers cause nipple confusion?
The term nipple confusion is used for when a baby is having a hard time transitioning from one nipple (like a bottle or pacifier) to another (like a breast). Opinions are really split on this one. While some baby experts swear that using a pacifier causes nipple confusion for breastfed babies, others say it’s not a real thing.
When it comes down to it, it truly seems to depend on the baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics does recommend that to help reduce this, you don’t introduce artificial nipples until your milk has come in fully. However, only you know what’s best for your own baby!
Personally, I didn’t find nipple confusion to be a thing with my children. My oldest LOVED his binkies, while my youngest didn’t really care about them. They happily transitioned back and forth from bottle, pacifier and breast.
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Top 5 Best Pacifiers for Breastfed Babies
Whether you call it a paci, binky, soother or dummy, if you’re a breastfeeding mama looking for the best pacifier, we’re here to help. Read on for the top 5 best pacifiers for breastfed babies.
Top Choice: Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier
The Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier is the most popular pacifier in hospitals and is also one of the most popular pacifier choices for many parents. The vented, silicone paci comes in two sizes for babies over or under 3 months. This is a great newborn pacifier.
Just toss it in the dishwasher or use your bottle sanitizer to clean! This is the pacifier I personally chose for both of my children. I also liked how their Wubbanub buddies had the same one!
Using a Wubbanub made it a lot easier on my youngest to not lose the binky during the night during the newborn period. He had an elephant, and my youngest a reindeer! There are tons of adorable animal options to choose from here.
Pros:
- Thick, one-piece construction with holes for ventilation
- Most popular pacifier in hospitals
- Name brand you can trust
Cons:
- Depending on your baby, it can be a little heavy for newborns
SHOP HERE >>> Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier
MAM Night Pacifiers
If you’re looking for a pacifier for just nighttime, the MAM Night Pacifiers are a great option.
Not only are they orthodontic friendly and made of pliable silicone, but they symmetrical nipple of the MAM pacifier means you don’t have to stress about putting it in baby’s mouth upside down.
Plus: they also glow in the dark. This makes it so much easier on parents when you’re searching for that dropped binky in the middle of the night.
Pros:
- Available in three sizes from newborn through toddler
- Large air holes to reduce skin irritation
- Made of softer material to help mimic the feeling of breastfeeding
- Easy to attach to pacifier clips
Cons:
- No ring to hold the pacifier or attach it to a lovey
- Glow fades over time
SHOP HERE >>> MAM Night Pacifier
NUK Comfy 100% Silicone Pacifiers
The NUK Comfy 100% Silicone Pacifiers come in four different sizes, unlike most brands that only offer 2 or 3. They also claim their orthodontic shape is “meant to lessen jaw and palate pressure,” with the importance of oral development and teeth alignment in mind.
Pros:
- Heart-shaped shield with three air holes means baby’s nose won’t bump into the pacifier
- One-piece construction makes cleaning and sterilizing easy
- Four different sizes to choose from
Cons:
- Some babies don’t like the shape
SHOP HERE >>> NUK Comfy 100% Silicone Pacifiers
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Soother Pacifier
The rounded shape of the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Soother Pacifier more closely resembles a nursing nipple than most pacifier shapes. It’s made of super-soft silicone for a more natural feeling and easier latching. This is a good one to try if you are trying exclusive breastfeeding.
It also includes ventilation holes to help reduce skin irritation. The shape of the outer shield may also make the silicone pacifier easier to hold onto for babies.
It’s highly-rated and recommended, with many parents swearing it’s the one of the best pacifiers for breastfed babies.
Pros:
- Soft silicone that feels more like skin
- Pacifier shape made to more closely resemble a nursing nipple
Cons:
- No ring to hold the pacifier
SHOP HERE >>> Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Soother Pacifier
Ryan & Rose Cutie Pat All-in-One Pacifier
Ryan & Rose’s Cutie Pat All-in-One Pacifier is one of the most popular binkies on social media because it looks like a baby doll pacifier! Parents also love this one because it’s a pacifier on one side and a teething ring on the other. Just flip it over and let your baby chew on the bead-shaped ring.
Unlike the others on this list, you can choose from seven different colors and three different nipples shapes for this particular pacifier, depending on your own baby’s preference:
- rounded no teeth
- round with teeth
- flat
Pros:
- One-piece pacifiers are easy to clean
- 7 colors to choose from
- 3 different nipple shapes
- Pacifier and teething toy in one
Cons:
- Writing on the pacifier is raised and could cause skin irritation
- Some parents reported the pacifier is too soft and flimsy
SHOP HERE >>> Ryan & Rose – Cutie Pat All-in-One Pacifier
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FAQ’s When it Comes to Choosing a Pacifier for Breastfed Babies
Does my baby need a pacifier?
Babies don’t necessarily *need* pacifiers. However, many parents find use of a pacifier beneficial for things like self-soothing, help sleeping through the night, helping to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and more.
Not all babies will take a pacifier, and that’s ok! My oldest loved his, while my youngest never really took one at all.
Pacifiers are also not recommended for babies over 12 months of age, as the use of one can be linked to dental problems as baby’s teeth come in.
What kind of pacifier is best for breastfed babies?
When it comes to choosing the best pacifier for breastfed babies, there isn’t one that’s necessarily hands down the best for everyone. Remember: every baby is different!
The Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier is a great one to start with. It’s the most popular in hospitals because it’s the one that many babies take to.
The most important thing is waiting until your breast milk supply has been established before introducing a pacifier to your baby.
What is the best pacifier for breastfed baby who won’t take one?
One of the first things to think about is WHY your baby might not want to take a pacifier. Look at the ones you’ve tried already. Are the nipples all the same shape? Try a pacifier with a different shaped nipple.
How about the size and weight of it? Some babies struggle with pacifiers that are too heavy to keep in their mouth.
However, keep in mind that not every baby is going to take a pacifier. Try different pacifiers and see what happens!
Should I get a rounded nipple or orthodontic nipple pacifier?
The most breast-like pacifier are the rounded nipple, which more closely resembles a mom’s nipple. Orthodontic pacifiers are more oval-shaped. They have one flat side meant to help your baby suck easier.
The choice of what shape of pacifier is up to you and your own baby’s preference. Many parents choose to start with the rounded nipple first, especially if they are concerned about nipple confusion.
Do I need to get a BPA-free pacifier?
Legally, all pacifiers available for sale in the USA have to be BPA-free. Additionally, most pacifiers are made of materials that are BPA-free, like silicone and rubber.
BPA is dangerous for babies and children, and you should look for items that are BPA free whenever possible.
Final Thoughts on the Best Pacifiers for Breastfed Babies
In this article we covered the 5 best pacifiers for breastfed babies, but keep in mind that’s only a small selection of the available ones on the market. Every baby is different, with unique needs and abilities. If your baby doesn’t like the ones on this list, there are PLENTY of other popular pacifiers out there to try.
Many breastfed babies use pacifiers! The use of pacifiers is no longer discouraged for breastfed infants, but it is recommended to wait to introduce one until your milk supply has been established.
While many families swear by find the right pacifier, you and your partner will know your child the best. It’s up to you to determine if using one is right for your baby.
If you do decide to use a pacifier, be sure to use it safely. Clean your pacifiers every day to prevent bacterial infections and thrush. Never hang one around your baby’s neck or with any kind of ribbon or string to tie a pacifier to an object.
Keep in mind that for brands that have different sizes, you want to be sure to use the proper size for your baby. They have different sizes for a reason! Ones made for newborn babies could become a choking hazard for older babies due to the smaller size.
Finally, be sure to check your pacifiers regularly for signs of wear or damage. If they begin to become damaged or discolored, replace them immediately.
Just let me know in the comments if you have any lingering questions about the best pacifiers for breastfed babies! If you found this article helpful, please take a minute to share it on social media to help other parents who are searching for the same answers you are.
