One of the most common questions expecting parents ask when building their baby registry is: How many pacifiers do I actually need? It’s easy to assume one or two will be enough, but any seasoned parent will tell you—you’ll want extras.

Let's break down the ideal number of pacifiers, when to replace them, and how to keep them handy for different situations.

How Many Pacifiers Should You Start With?

A good rule of thumb is to have at least 3 pacifiers on hand when your baby arrives. Here’s why:

• Babies have preferences. Some newborns are picky about pacifiers, so you may need to try different nipple shapes to find the right one. This is why starter kits with multiple options—like the Soothe Beginnings Pacifier Starter Kit—can save you time and frustration.

• Pacifiers get dirty—often. Whether they get dropped on the floor, or you don't have time to sanitize the ONLY pacifier, you’ll want extras to avoid a meltdown.

• You’ll want backups in different places. Keep a few pacifiers in the nursery, the diaper bag, the car, and at grandma’s house so you’re never caught without one.

How Often Should You Replace Pacifiers?

Pacifiers don’t last forever. Here’s when you should swap them out for new ones:

• Every 6-8  weeks. for silicone pacifiers (more frequent for latex or natural rubber pacifiers). Regular use causes wear and tear, even if you can’t see it.

• If it shows any signs of damage. Check for cracks, discoloration, or stretching, which can make it unsafe.

• After an illness. If your baby has been sick, replace pacifiers to prevent reinfection.
  

A pacifier subscription service, like the one offered with the Soothe Beginnings Pacifier Starter Kit, ensures you always have fresh pacifiers when you need them.

Where Should You Keep Pacifiers?

To make life easier, keep pacifiers in key locations so one is always within reach:

• At home: Keep extras in a small basket in the nursery or near the changing table.

• In the car: Store one in a clean case in the glove compartment or diaper bag.

• On the go: Always have a backup pacifier in your diaper bag, especially for travel days.

• At daycare or a caregiver’s home: If your baby goes to daycare or a sitter, provide two to three labeled pacifiers for them to use.

• With Soothe Beginnings, you only need to carry extra nipples while out and about, not whole extra pacifiers. 

The Bottom Line

Most parents find that having four pacifiers, or more, helps prevent stressful situations where a pacifier is lost, dirty, or unavailable. Since babies can be picky, starting with a variety pack can help you find the perfect fit before stocking up on extras.

Looking for the ultimate pacifier solution? The Soothe Beginnings Pacifier Starter Kit includes three different nipple shapes, a reusable cap, and a built-in subscription service so you always have fresh pacifiers on hand.