10 Best pacifiers 2024 in the US

Pacifiers calm babies, help you get tasks done in the day, and help you remain asleep at night. But with all the options available out there, how are you supposed to know which ones are right for you and your baby? We’ve researched the types of pacifiers there are, scoured the internet for user reviews, and supplied tips and quality brands below so that you can sit back and read all about pacifiers.

There are types of pacifiers. In fact, pacifiers have many features that one would not realize are important until it is too late. Babies may reject pacifiers that are the wrong shape or texture for them, letting you think that they are averse to pacifiers as a whole. Other safety and practical factors are important as well. To make sure that you are in the know, we listed all the features available in today’s pacifiers for your perusal.

Silicone material: Silicone pacifiers are easier to clean, become less sticky, and are durable. Silicone is also taste- and odor-free, which helps ensure that the baby does not reject it.

Orthodontic: The soft material and air flow of some pacifiers promote healthy development of a baby’s palate, teeth, and gums.

Freeflow shield: Air holes inside or bumps underneath the shield reduce suction and allow greater airflow for the baby’s skin to breath. This reduces palatal pressure, as well as helps to prevent a rash from forming around the baby’s mouth.

Heart shaped shield: Heart shaped shields curve underneath the nose for easy breathing and decreased irritation.

Blowhole: Some pacifiers have a hygienic blowhole to squirt out water that accumulates inside the pacifier from washing. The hole is on the opposite side that the baby sucks on.

Symmetrical shape: Symmetrical pacifiers function equally well whether right side up or upside down.

Asymmetrical shape: Asymmetrical pacifiers function one-way. Either the knob is scooped on one side or the shield has a one-way design. Older babies may be able to turn the pacifier around in their mouths if it is upside down.

Bulged shape: A pacifier with a bulge at the tip may be easier for some babies to keep in their mouths. Bulged tipped pacifiers can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Collapsible: Collapsible pacifiers are a hygienic option, as they come with a snap-on, velcro, or clip-on cap/cover.

One-piece construction: These pacifiers are made from one piece of material and do not have parts that may detach. One-piece constructed pacifiers adhere to the American Academy of Pediatric guidelines.

Multiple-part construction: Other pacifiers are designed from different parts: the knob, the base, and the handle are joined together.

Handle: A handle ensures quick hygienic removal, makes it easier for the baby to grasp the pacifier, and can be used as a clip so that when pacifiers are thrown overboard they don’t fall too far. However, do not attach the other end of a cord to the baby’s neck, as it can be strangling hazard.

Glow-in-the-dark: Some pacifiers have a glow-in-the-dark handle that make it easier to see at night. When babies need you to wake up in the middle of the night to put the pacifier back in their mouths, you may rely on this feature. Expose the handle to light before bedtime to make it glow in the dark. The glow lasts for differing amounts of time depending on the brand. Certain brands’ glow-in-the-dark pacifiers do not glow for long and should not be used as a lost-and-found technique. Other brands glow all night. If your baby does not stay awake from the glow, these may be a helpful option.

Stylish: Colored, transparent, novelty, or otherwise designed pacifiers are enjoyable for many buyers to interchange as babies grow up or lose their binkies.

• Completely clear pacifiers may be hard to find. If you are looking for a transparent pacifier, there are colored options available.

Pacifiers also come in different sizes, depending on the age and development of your baby.

0 - 3 months: Starter pacifiers are usually until 3 months and are smaller and more lightweight. Start pacifiers typically weigh under 0.8 ounces.

6 - 18 months: After three to six months, it may be time to trade up. These pacifiers are larger and fit better in older baby’s mouths. Larger pacifiers typically weigh up to 4 ounces.

We looked at what people are saying and found common concerns and talking points for all the types of pacifiers.

Value for money: Pacifiers get dirty or lost, and oftentimes need replacing. Further, babies grow up and need larger styles. Quality pacifiers are not expensive, so there is no need to break the bank over this purchase (unless your baby is a budding quarterback and can un-clip a locked pacifier with its cartilage fingers).  

Build:

• Pacifiers made out of silicone are softer than those made out of plastic, and may appeal to babies more while being better for their teeth.

• Pacifiers with a curved shield sit comfortably on a baby’s face. Some shields are too large and will sit on the baby’s nose. Make sure to check the brand shapes and sizes.

• A handle allows the pacifier to be removed for a short period of time (i.e. when you are burping the baby). Also, the extra weight from the handle in some brands may make the pacifier fall on its back when dropped so that you do not need to clean it.

• An overwhelming amount of users commented that pacifiers with air holes around the mouth area prevent their baby from developing a rash.

• Lost-and-found: A larger base may prevent pacifier from falling through crib slats. A security handle may be used as a clip to prevent pacifier disappearance: one can link the pacifier to a nearby base in its present environment so that the pacifier does not get lost and can remain portable.

• Transparent pacifiers allow you to see gunk buildup inside the bulb.

• Despite the pros and cons of the different brands, the shape of certain pacifier brands may be a better fit for some babies over others. Many people try out a few brands in the beginning and then stick with the one their baby prefers.

Safety: Look for materials that are high quality and hard to break, can withstand extreme temperatures, are PBA free, and support orthodontic health. Do not attach a cord from the pacifier to the baby’s neck, as it is a strangulation hazard. If the baby rejects the pacifier, it may not be a good fit for her/his mouth.

Ease of cleaning: Materials that are easy to clean are a main concern for pacifier buyers. Look out for materials such as silicone that are easy to hand-clean and are steam-, boil-, and dishwasher-safe.

Appearance: Buyers want the option to choose colors and designs. Some items do not give buyers a choice in color when purchasing a particular style, and buyers receive surprise colors upon shipment. If color tops other considerations, make sure to check if colors are randomly assorted or are specifically the ones in the picture. (Check for the phrase “colors may vary.”)

• Try out a few brands of pacifiers to see which one fits your baby’s mouth the best.

• Clean new pacifiers before use. If the pacifier can endure heat, boil it before the first use.

• Dishwasher-safe and silicone pacifiers are easier to clean than other pacifier materials.

• Make sure to remember to squeeze out the blowhole after washing!

• BPA-Free pacifiers do not have the Bisphenol-A compound that is found in clear, hard plastics (such as polycarbonate) and epoxy resins. BPA exhibits hormone-like properties (specifically, estrogen) that the FDA has identified as a possible hazard to babies and young children. Other research has identified synthetic estrogen even in other plastic products that were PBA-free. These BPA and plastic products may leach synthetic estrogen into the endocrine system, which is in charge of metabolic, growth, and brain development, even under non-extreme conditions. Silicone, glass, and metal are safer alternatives to baby product materials.

• Taste- and odor-free materials are less likely to be rejected by babies.

• Babies have a hard time removing the snap-on cap, but many learn to remove the velcro or clip caps. If you want a child-proof cap, look for snap-on.

• Replace pacifiers after about 4 weeks for safety and hygiene reasons. Pacifiers used for too long may become weaker or damaged, as well as build up gunk. The plastic on some pacifiers may crack if cleaned with antibacterial or abrasive soaps. However, many babies tend to lose their pacifiers earlier than this. We presume this is because they want a new one in a different color or design and they enjoy making you go shopping.

Philips AVENT: Philips AVENT is a British company founded in 1984 that manufactures baby feeding and health accessories. Philips AVENT has made 6 of our top-ten lists: for pacifiers, baby bottles, steam sterilizers, bottle warmers, sippy cups, and baby monitors. They offer two-year guarantees on their electronic products and averaged 5/5 stars for quality.

MAM: MAM is a Swiss- and Austrian-based company founded in 1976 that manufactures babycare products. Their products are primarily made with plastic, and can be boiled. MAM has twenty medical partners worldwide to help develop its products; it holds many technological, design, and utility patents, it is a part of multiple international scientific and standardization committees; and is working with the international research community to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). MAM has made our top-ten list for pacifiers and averaged 5/5 stars for quality.

Dr. Brown’s: Dr. Brown’s baby feeding products are researched and designed by a doctor since 1996, and many of its products go to hospitals, NICU’s, and doctors offices. Dr. Brown’s has made 5 of our top-ten lists: for pacifiers, bottle warmers, steam sterilizers, baby bottles, and nursing pillows. Their bottles feature a patented internal vent system that reduce pressure and air bubbles. Their PreVent pacifiers lower palatal pressure and reduce suction inside the baby’s mouth to ensure dental health. Dr. Brown’s pacifiers averaged 5/5 stars for quality.

NUK: NUK designs and manufactures products for healthy baby development, and they exceed international safety standards. NUK has made 3 of our top-ten lists: for pacifiers, baby food makers, and bottle warmers. NUK has averaged 3/5 stars for customers service and 5/5 stars for quality.