What Is the Best Pacifier for Your Baby? – Soothe Beginnings

(Spoiler: Safety Needs to Be Part of the Equation)

As a mom who tested more pacifiers than I care to admit, I know that “the best pacifier” looks different for every family. What worked for your friend’s baby might not work for yours. And what seems cute or trendy isn’t always the safest choice.

As a pacifier expert that was once a first time mom, I’ve identified the key features to look for—so you can make a more confident, informed choice.

Also, who am I to be an authority here? (Please always question these things). I'm a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor, a pacifier safety advocate, on 2 international safety subcommittees in this category. I reference CPSC, NEISS, and FOIA incidents and heed the AAPD and AAP pacifier policies.

Whether you’re searching for your baby’s first pacifier or replacing one that’s just not working, here’s what to keep in mind.

Shape: Designed for Oral Development (Not Just Teeth)

Many parents worry about “pacifier teeth,” but that concern actually comes later. In the newborn phase, the goal is to support healthy oral motor development, not to avoid future orthodontics. (Weaning is the best safeguard against pacifier teeth, and yes, I have a free pacifier weaning guide).

Look for pacifiers that:

Support a deep, centered latch (similar to breastfeeding), not a short, chompy latch
Have a wide, flared base to prevent gagging and promote better tongue placement
No overly bulbous or narrow cherry shapes, which may not encourage a functional suck

Think Ninni, Lee Lee and Me, Soothie type shapes.

Material: Silicone for Safety, Hygiene, and Durability

Not all pacifiers are made the same, and material matters more than most parents realize.

Hypoallergenic – Silicone is safer than natural rubber, aka latex. Developing an allergy is not worth it.
Non-porous – Silicone is easier to clean, and grows less bacteria.
Durable – Silicone doesn’t break down as quickly as latex and holds up better under frequent sterilization. Natural rubber (latex) breaks down just from UV and heat exposure.

Medical-grade silicone is the cleanest, safest material. (Ours is even tested for PFAS).

Easy, Effective Sanitization

Pacifiers need to be cleaned daily—so choose one that works with your lifestyle.

Look for pacifiers that are:

Dishwasher-safe
Boilable
Compatible with steam bags or countertop sterilizers

Simple cleaning helps keep harmful bacteria away, reduces odor, and protects the integrity of the nipple. **Many natural rubber pacifiers cannot be sanitized easily.**

Key Safety Features to Prioritize

There are pacifiers on the market that don’t meet current safety guidelines—and others that pass once a year and that's it. Here’s what to look for:

No attachments for sleep – Pacifier clips, stuffed animals, and loveys are not safe for sleep, and can pose choking or strangulation risks
Regular testing – Most pacifiers are tested once a year. Choose brands that go above that bare minimum

Why These Features Matter

Your baby may spend hours a day using a pacifier. That makes it one of the most important baby products to get right.

The best pacifiers will support:

Healthy oral development
Peace of mind with tested, toxin-free materials
Ease of cleaning so your routine doesn’t get more complicated than it already is

Beyond the Basics: Features That Go the Extra Mile

Some pacifiers include added benefits that make them even more parent-friendly:

♻️ Eco-friendly design – Think plastic-free, recyclable parts, and sustainable packaging
Made in the USA – Safer manufacturing practices and ethical oversight
🔁 Replacement or subscription programs – Easy access to fresh, safe nipples as your baby grows

These extras don’t just benefit your baby—they support the planet they’re growing up in.

What Makes Soothe Beginnings Different

Open back pacifier designs are notorious for finger entrapment incidents. Closed designs are trapping moisture, and growing bacteria and mold you can't clean out.

Soothe Beginnings was designed to avoid both.

At Soothe Beginnings, our goal was to check every box listed above—and go further.

We designed our Pacifier Starter Kit with:

PFAS tested medical-grade silicone nipples in three shapes (nursing, standard, orthodontic) to match your baby’s needs, and cut out the guessing
A reusable, plastic-free shield made from sustainable Richlite®
Rigorous batch testing, lead screening and materials that are BPA-free, latex-free, and non-toxic
A zero-waste nipple replacement system using TerraCycle®

Whether you choose our product or not, I want every parent to feel equipped to choose a safe pacifier with confidence. Because what goes in your baby’s mouth every day shouldn’t be a mystery.

Want a pacifier that checks every box we just covered—and skips the trial and error? Explore the Soothe Beginnings Starter Kit

Still Deciding?

If you're wondering what pacifier is actually best for your baby, start with our free Pacifier Safety Checklist. It’ll walk you through what to look for and help you feel more confident in your decision—no matter what brand you choose.

Have questions? Feel free to reach out:
📩 connect@soothebeginnings.com