When it comes to choosing the right pacifier for your baby, the overwhelming number of options can leave any parent feeling uncertain. And if you’re like me—a mom on a mission to ensure safety and quality for my little one—you’ll understand how important it is to dive deep into the details of every product. So, let’s talk about the Babylist Pacifier Starter Kit, a popular choice among many new parents. But here’s the catch: not everything that’s popular is safe or recommended.

AEIOU: 5/10

Let’s start with AEIOU, a Babylist-exclusive brand made in China. It’s a silicone pacifier, which is generally a good start, especially for bottle-fed babies. However, I have some reservations. The design is just okay—nothing that stands out positively or negatively. But, is the back open? That’s a potential concern for finger entrapment. It’s a decent option if you’re in a pinch, but I’d look for something with a more thoughtful design.

Bibs: 0/10

Bibs pacifiers might be all the rage, but here’s the real deal: they score a big fat zero in my book. Made from latex, these pacifiers pose an allergy risk and deteriorate quickly under heat or even from regular sucking—both of which are big red flags. The material breaking down can become a choking hazard, and with the added environmental cost of natural rubber (deforestation, biodiversity loss, pollution), this pacifier is a lose-lose situation. What’s more, the closed design is a breeding ground for mold—yikes! And don’t even think about throwing it in the dishwasher. It’s not safe for that either. All these concerns, combined with a plastic handle that could easily break, make Bibs a hard no for me.

Boon: 4/10

Boon pacifiers come in with a slightly better rating, but still leave much to be desired. While they are made of silicone, the shape is a major concern. It’s designed in a way that could intentionally alter your baby’s suck pattern, which is far from ideal. The open back design also poses a risk, with little fingers potentially getting stuck—a scenario no parent wants to deal with. It’s another pacifier made in China, and while it’s not the worst, it’s definitely not the best.

Chicco: 3/10

Chicco is another name you’ve likely heard of, but don’t let brand recognition fool you. This silicone pacifier is riddled with issues. The shape isn’t recommended, the open back can lead to finger entrapment, and multiple incidents have been reported to saferproducts.gov. I don’t know about you, but that’s enough to make me think twice.

Dr. Brown’s: 5/10

Now, Dr. Brown’s is a brand many parents trust, and while it fares better than some others, it still has its flaws. The shape is decent, which is a relief, but that pesky open back design shows up here too. It’s another silicone pacifier made in China, and while it’s not the worst offender, it doesn’t get my wholehearted recommendation either.

Nanobebe: 4/10

The Nanobebe pacifier earns a slightly below-average rating. It’s made of silicone and the shape is okay for bottle-fed babies, but the open back is a consistent problem—those little fingers could get stuck, and no parent wants that. Like others, it’s made in China, and with reports of incidents, it’s another one to approach with caution.

Itzy Ritzy: 0/10

Itzy Ritzy might have a cute name, but when it comes to safety, it’s a complete miss. The character included is not safe for sleep or teething, and the added weight can negatively affect oral development. The shape is okay for bottle feeding, but once again, the open back design is a major flaw. This silicone pacifier, also made in China, should be avoided if you’re serious about your baby’s safety.

Loulou Pacifier Clip: 0/10

I wish I could give this one a better rating, but sadly, the Loulou Pacifier Clip is a disaster. The added weight and pressure are detrimental to oral development, and it’s absolutely not safe for sleep. Paci clips break frequently, and with metal that’s sharp and beads that pose a choking hazard, this is a product that should be kept far, far away from your little one.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to the Babylist Pacifier Starter Kit, I’m left with serious concerns. As parents, our number one priority is the safety and well-being of our babies, and unfortunately, this kit falls short in too many areas. While some products may seem convenient or popular, it’s crucial to dig deeper and make informed choices. After all, nothing is more important than protecting those little ones we love so dearly.