
Choosing the right pacifier for your baby can feel confusing. There are so many types, shapes, and brands. But don’t worry! This guide will help you understand how to pick your pacifiers for babys in a simple way. We will look at performance, price, durability, brand trust, and what other parents say. This guide is made for families in North America, where safety rules and weather matter.
Pacifiers are small rubber or silicone nipples that babies suck on. They are not food, but they help babies feel calm and happy. Sucking is a natural thing for babies. It helps them sleep, feel safe, and even reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) when used during sleep, according to some health groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) [^1].
But not all pacifiers are the same. That’s why it’s important to know how to pick your pacifiers for babys wisely.
When we say “performance,” we mean: Does the pacifier help your baby feel calm? Is it easy to use? Can your baby breathe well while using it?
Types of Pacifiers
There are two main shapes:
- Orthodontic (flat bottom): Shaped to match a baby’s mouth. May be better for teeth and jaw development.
- Symmetrical (round): Same on both sides. Harder to put on wrong. Good for younger babies.
Some pacifiers are designed to reduce ear infections or help with airflow. Look for ones with vented shields (holes in the front part) so air can flow and your baby’s skin stays dry.
Best for night use: Choose a glow-in-the-dark handle or one that’s easy to find in the dark.
Best for travel: Look for models with a carrying case to keep it clean.
So, when you learn how to pick your pacifiers for babys, think about what your baby needs most — comfort, safety, or ease of use.
Pacifiers don’t have to be expensive. In North America, prices range from $1 to $5 per pacifier. Some come in packs of 2 or 4, which can save money.
- Low-cost ($1–$2): Often basic models. Good for trying out what your baby likes.
- Mid-range ($3–$4): Better materials, better airflow, and come from trusted brands.
- High-end ($5+): May have special features like temperature sensors or glow-in-the-dark handles.
You don’t need the most expensive one. But remember, very cheap ones may not follow safety rules. In the U.S. and Canada, all pacifiers must meet safety standards. Look for labels like “BPA-free” and “meets ASTM F963” (a safety rule for toys).
Tip: Buy a small pack first. See if your baby likes it before buying more.
Babies chew, drool, and drop pacifiers a lot. So, durability matters.
- Silicone pacifiers are best. They are strong, clear, and don’t change color fast.
- Latex pacifiers are softer but can wear out faster and may cause allergies.
Check the pacifier every week. If you see cracks, stickiness, or discoloration, throw it away. Most experts say to replace pacifiers every 1–2 months, even if they look fine.
Also, clean them daily. You can wash them with warm water and mild soap. Some are dishwasher-safe — just check the label.
If a pacifier breaks easily, it’s not safe. Always pick ones that can handle daily use.
Some brands are trusted because they make safe, high-quality baby products. Here are a few top brands in North America:
- Philips Avent: Known for soft silicone and easy-to-clean design.
- Dr. Brown’s: Focuses on baby health. Their pacifiers help with airflow.
- MAM: Makes self-sterilizing pacifiers (you just use a microwave and a case).
- NUK: Has a unique orthodontic shape that many dentists like.
These brands follow U.S. and Canadian safety rules. They also do tests to make sure their pacifiers are safe.
When you learn how to pick your pacifiers for babys, choosing a trusted brand gives you peace of mind.
Real parents share their thoughts online. Reading reviews helps you see what works — and what doesn’t.
Here’s what many parents in North America say:
✅ Good things:
“My baby sleeps better with the MAM pacifier.”
“Easy to clean and doesn’t collect gunk.”
“The handle is big enough for little hands.”
❌ Bad things:
“The nipple broke after one week.”
“My baby spits it out — doesn’t like the shape.”
“Too big for a newborn.”
From reviews, we learn that shape and size matter a lot. Some babies like flat pacifiers. Others like round ones. Also, newborns need smaller sizes than older babies.
So, check reviews on Amazon, Walmart, or parenting forums. Look for patterns — if many say it breaks fast, avoid it.
Now that you know how to pick your pacifiers for babys, here are some top choices for different needs:
🏆 Best Overall: MAM Start Pacifier
- Soft silicone
- Self-sterilizing case
- Air ventilation to prevent rashes
- Great reviews from parents

MAM Original Start Matte Baby Pacifiers, Binky for 0-3 Months, BPA-Free Silicone Nipple, Easy to Clean, Best for Newborn Babies, Developed with Medical Experts, 2 Count Binkies with Sterilizer Case
💰 Best Budget Pick: Philips Avent Soothie
- Only about $4 for a 2-count
- Used in many hospitals
- Simple and safe

Philips Avent SCF190/01 Soothie 0-3mth Green/Green, 2 Count
🌿 Best for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Brown’s PreVent
- Reduces drool rash
- Helps airflow
- Orthodontic shape

Dr. Brown’s Advantage One-Piece Silicone Baby Pacifier, Fully Symmetrical Soother, Dark Blue/Light Blue/Orange, 6-18m, BPA Free, 3 Pack
👶 Best for Newborns: NUK Ortho
- Matches baby’s natural mouth shape
- Flexible nipple
- Affordable

NUK Newborn Orthodontic Pacifiers
Even the best pacifier can be unsafe if not used right. Follow these tips:
- Never tie a pacifier around your baby’s neck — it can be dangerous.
- Don’t use bottles or strings to hang it — risk of choking.
- Clean it every day.
- Replace it every 1–2 months.
- Check local rules — in Canada and the U.S., pacifiers must meet safety laws.
Also, if your baby has ear infections often, talk to a doctor. Some studies suggest pacifiers may increase the risk slightly [^2].
Most kids stop using pacifiers by age 2–3. The AAP suggests starting to wean around age 1 to avoid tooth problems later.
If your child still uses a pacifier after age 3, it may affect their teeth or speech. Talk to your dentist or pediatrician.
Here’s a quick checklist:
✅ Is it the right size for your baby’s age?
✅ Is it made of BPA-free silicone?
✅ Does the shield have air holes?
✅ Is the handle easy to grab?
✅ Does it meet U.S. or Canadian safety rules?
✅ Do other parents say good things about it?
Remember, every baby is different. What works for one may not work for another. Try 1–2 types and see what your baby likes.
Picking the right pacifier helps your baby feel calm and safe. And now, you know how to pick your pacifiers for babys the smart way!
In North America, choosing a pacifier means looking at how well it works, how much it costs, how long it lasts, who makes it, and what parents say. Go for trusted brands like MAM, Philips Avent, or Dr. Brown’s. Pick soft silicone, vented shields, and the right size. Clean it daily and replace it every 6–8 weeks.
With this guide, you can feel confident about how to pick your pacifiers for babys — and give your little one the comfort they need.