As a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor and the founder of Soothe Beginnings, I’ve spent years studying pacifiers—not just how they work, but how they impact feeding, oral development, and long-term safety. If you’ve ever searched for the best pacifier for a breastfed baby, you’ve probably come across a lot of conflicting advice.

Here’s the truth: the best pacifier for breastfed babies is actually the best pacifier for all babies—whether they are breastfed, bottle-fed, or a mix of both.

Let’s break down why.

What Breastfed Babies Need in a Pacifier

One of the biggest concerns parents have is nipple confusion—the idea that using a pacifier could interfere with breastfeeding. However, research (including studies cited by the AAP and AAPD) has shown that pacifiers do not negatively impact breastfeeding when introduced after breastfeeding is well-established​ (AAPD Pacifier policy). To be very clear, what that actually means is different to each family, and giving a pacifier day one is what we needed for our sanity. There is zero judgement here - getting safe sleep is a priority. 

That said, not all pacifiers are created equal. A pacifier that supports a breastfed baby’s latch should:
✅ Mimic a natural latch by encouraging a deep, wide suck rather than a shallow, narrow one. (Think triangle test)
✅ Have a round nipple with a wider base—not a thin, orthodontic design that promotes a different tongue motion than breastfeeding. (Orthodontic shape preference can be a sign of oral restriction, like with my own daughter) The orthodontic shape I included in the Starter Kit is specifically a non bulbous design to prevent pressure on the palate if this is what your baby is capable of taking. We still want to work through any oral dysfunction and promote the round shapes. 
✅ Be soft and flexible, just like a breast, so babies can maintain a strong seal and proper oral posture.

These are the same qualities that make a pacifier beneficial for all babies, not just those who are breastfed.

Why ALL Babies Benefit from This Pacifier Design

Parents often ask, “What about babies who are bottle-fed?” The truth is, whether a baby is breastfed, bottle-fed, or a combination of both, their oral development follows the same process. A pacifier should:

🔹 Support Natural Tongue and Jaw Movements
A round pacifier with a wide base encourages babies to use the same tongue and jaw mechanics they do when nursing or bottle-feeding. This supports proper muscle development and reduces the risk of oral issues down the line.

🔹 Prevent Shallow Sucking Patterns
Narrow-based pacifiers encourage babies to suck with the front of their mouth instead of engaging their whole tongue. This can create issues with tongue placement, swallowing, and even speech development over time. It is not developmentally appropriate for a newborn to have a straw like suck.

What to Look for in the Best Pacifier for Breastfed Babies (and All Babies!)

If you’re trying to find the best pacifier for your baby, look for one that:

✅ Has a round nipple with a wide base to promote proper tongue positioning.
✅ Is made of medical-grade silicone for safety, durability, and easy cleaning.
✅ Is plastic-free and non-toxic, eliminating exposure to harmful chemicals.
✅ Is easy to clean, dishwasher-safe, and free from moisture-trapping areas that could harbor bacteria.

That’s exactly why I designed the Soothe Beginnings Pacifier. It’s created for breastfed babies, bottle-fed babies, and every baby in between—because all babies deserve a pacifier that supports natural oral development and long-term safety.

A Pacifier That Works for Every Feeding Journey

As a mom, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to find the right baby products. But choosing the right pacifier shouldn’t be complicated.

Rather than searching for a “breastfed baby pacifier” or a “best bottle-fed baby pacifier,” focus on what truly supports your baby’s development. A well-designed pacifier should work for all feeding methods—just like the one I created for my daughter and for babies everywhere.

If you’re looking for a safe, thoughtfully designed pacifier, check out the Pacifier Starter Kit.

Have questions? Let’s chat —I’d love to hear about your experience!