The best pacifier is simply one that is safe, easy to clean and that your baby loves. Look for BPA-free materials and pacifiers that are all one piece or as few pieces as possible. The more pieces, the more places there are for dirt to hide and more opportunities for a piece to break off and become a choking hazard.
Silicone is easy to sterilize and most pacifiers are dishwasher safe. Worried about your baby’s future smile? While extended pacifier use can affect kids’ teeth, if you ditch the soother before age 2 or 3, there are unlikely to be any long-term dental effects—no matter the shape or type of pacifier you choose.
The best pacifiers for newborns
Best overall: Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier
Merchant
This popular Philips Avent pacifier is often used in hospitals and recommended by doctors. It features one-piece construction from hospital-grade, BPA- and latex-free silicone and has a five-star average rating on Amazon—and more than 50,000 shoppers have weighed in. A single-piece means this soothie won’t pose a choking hazard.
It’s also easy to sterilize or throw in the dishwasher and parents can pop their finger into the nipple to help hold it in baby’s mouth until they stop screaming and start sucking.
