Need a Break? The Best Pacifier for Breastfed Babies to Latch Onto

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Published by 
Jess Miller
Last updated: 
January 31, 2024
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Late nights and a fussy baby add up to feelings of defeat when you cannot figure out what your baby needs to relax so everyone can rest. Having the best pacifier for breastfed baby helps out tired parents and frustrated baby.

Breastfeeding often satisfies a baby’s suck reflex, but sometimes that is not enough. Not to mention, it's not possible to have a baby on your nipple 24/7 without some painful consequences.

Related Read: The Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding

As parents, we understand babies learn to self-soothe when they satisfy their sucking reflex. Babies often tend to calm down and be more comfortable with a pacifier. However, we often worry if the pacifier we rely on may cause nipple confusion.

The Best Pacifier for Breastfed Baby: What We Know

Whether or not it is alright to use a pacifier has been debated since well before I became a mother 15 years ago. Current research shows several facts that may comfort parents.

Researcher shows using a pacifier while sleeping can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Research like this is comforting. Parents already worry that every decision is the wrong choice for your baby.

Related Read: Newborn Essentials List for Busy New Parents

Parents worry is further compounded by trying to figure out if their baby will experience nipple confusion and stop breastfeeding if they are given a pacifier. Moms put a lot of effort and patience into breastfeeding, and having your baby stop wanting to latch on is heartbreaking.

The good news for breastfeeding moms is that research supports the use of pacifiers for breastfed babies. It is pointed out, however, that breastfeeding should be established and consistent before introducing a pacifier.

The next step is finding the best pacifier for breastfed baby.

Best Pacifier for Breastfed Baby: What Do I Need?

There are some features of the best pacifier for breastfed baby that you should look for when selecting a pacifier.

Related Read: How To Choose the Best Pacifier for Your Baby

Materials

Some common materials for pacifiers are latex, silicone, and plastic. Other companies use all-natural materials such as responsibly sourced rubber.

Silicone is not a natural product, but it is very safe to use. It is firmer than latex, but latex needs replacement more frequently. Also, you'll need to avoid latex if your baby has an allergy.

Rubber is a popular option for those who want natural products for their babies. It is not as durable as silicone, and these types of pacifiers need replacement more frequently. However, because rubber expands, it does mimic what happens when breastfeeding. Be cautious with rubber if your baby has a latex allergy.

Shape

The shape of the pacifier matters concerning breastfed babies. The long and slender pacifiers with a round tip are similar to a human nipple and tend to be preferred to avoid nipple confusion. However, there are highly rated pacifiers that use a differently shaped nipple with success.

Best Pacifier for Breastfed Baby: How We Reviewed

In our review section, we compiled a list of the highest-rated options for the best pacifier for breastfed baby. We first reviewed why this topic is essential to breastfeeding moms, and we reviewed research on both sides regarding pacifier use.

From there, we noted the features of each pacifier to determine what, exactly, babies who breastfeed prefer.

We understand breastfeeding creates a bond between mother and baby, and we value and support moms who breastfeed.

We understand the worry moms face when it comes to choosing a pacifier and wondering if it will interfere with the emotional connection those moments bring.

It is our hope and goal this review sets you at ease.

Contestants for Best Pacifier for Breastfed Baby

With so many to choose from, this list represents pacifiers that are best for breastfeeding baby.

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Breast-like Pacifier


The Closer to Nature Pacifier features BPA-free silicone, which stretches to provide babies opportunities to self-soothe their suck reflex.

The top of this pacifier is vented to create airflow and to prevent rashes above the lip area.

The texture of this pacifier is similar to skin, and because the pacifier flexes the way it does, it moves like mom's nipple when breastfeeding.

Tommee Tippee's 50 years in the industry and their award-winning products means they put parents and babies at ease all over the world.

Philips Avent Soothie


Phillips Avent's pacifiers are frequently used by medical professionals to help moms with newborn babies.

These pacifiers are BPA and latex-free hospital-grade silicone. The nipple is smooth and resists that sticky feeling many pacifiers get.

The Soothie is all one piece, so parents won't have to worry about pieces coming apart. Also, the shape is perfect for babies who breastfeed as it mimics the shape of mom's nipple.

This particular nipple is for babies up to three months old, but Philips Advent has pacifiers for multiple ages.

MAM 0-6 Months Pacifier


The pacifiers by MAM feature a shield that is wide and has ventilation holes. This shape affords a chance for the baby's skin to breath while satisfying their suck reflex.

The nipple of this pacifier is BPA-free silicone. The SkinSoft material creates a texture babies like as it is meant to feel like mom's nipple. Also, the shape of the nipple itself intentionally works with jaw and teeth development in mind.

Medical experts and parents designed this pacifier to calm babies.

Lastly, this pacifier design means there is no upside down. It does not need adjustment to get the placement right.

Ecopiggy Ecopacifier


Ecopiggy's pacifier features pure rubber from a rubber tree in Malaysia. Because it is natural rubber, it has no softeners or colors added. This pacifier is a sustainable choice.

The design of this pacifier's top is to lightly touch your baby's nose, which stimulates the feeling of breastfeeding that soothes the baby. However, it will not leave marks on your baby's face.

Because it consists of natural rubber, it is BPA, Paraben, and phthalate-free.

This rounded end of the nipple for this pacifier mimics the shape of mom's nipple.

NUK Sensitive Pacifier


NUK's 100 percent silicone pacifier is designed in such a way your baby's face does not become marked, nor does the top of the shield block baby's nose.

You will find this pacifier to be BPA-free with an orthodontic nipple shape with a scooped bottom.

Nuke has been in the making this pacifier for 60 years, and the sensitive pacifiers use the original orthodontic nipple shape designed to mimic mom.

Nanobebe Flexy Pacifiers


Nanobebe Flexy pacifiers are designed to prevent nipple confusion for breastfed babies. It's shape promotes the development of the mouth, as well as to keep the pacifier in the mouth rather than continuously falling out.

The pacifier is all one piece to prevent choking hazards, and it is BPA and phthalate-free.

You will note this pacifier scooped shape at the top. This leaves baby's nose free. The bottom of the pacifier curves with the chin. Also, it features ventilation holes to keep baby's face rash-free.

The nipple itself is long and narrow with a rounded tip.

Ryan and Rose Cutie Pat Round


Ryan and Rose's pacifier is 100 percent medical-grade silicone. Also, it is BPA, latex, and phthalate-free.

This pacifier grows with your baby. The nipple portion tucks away, and the outside edge of the pacifier becomes a teether.

This pacifier is all one piece, and the nipple is soft and mimics breastfeeding. It also soothes baby's gums.

The top of the shield does not round down for the baby's nose, but there is a large ventilation hole to increase airflow. Because this pacifier doubles as a teether, its design includes a larger round shield to add more real estate as a teether.

Best for You and Baby

In the end, it may take some trial and error to sort out which pacifier helps sooth your breastfed baby the best. There will be some tough moments those first few months with a new baby, and finding the products that help get through those rough spots makes a difference.

Which became the best pacifier for your breastfed baby? Answer in the comments!

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