When it comes to pacifiers, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you’re breastfeeding or exclusively bottle-feeding, choosing the right pacifier can support your baby’s oral development and feeding habits. This guide breaks down the best pacifier options for each feeding situation and what to look for when making your choice.
Side Note: One of the earliest pieces of advice I’ve received was “omg pacifiers are evil and will ruin your baby’s mouth.” Surprise! Turns out that’s not exactly true. There’s some advice to use them sparingly in the first week because they can interfere with hunger cues. Also, introducing bottle nipple, breast nipple, and paci at the same time could be overwhelming especially if your baby is struggling to feed in the beginning. Most importantly, you can avoid oral developmental issues if you wean your baby off the pacifier before 3 years.
Best Pacifier for Bottle-Fed Babies
If you’re not planning on breastfeeding, you have more flexibility in choosing a pacifier. However, the right design can still help support proper oral development and feeding coordination.
What to Look For:
✅ Orthodontic design – Supports natural palate and jaw development. ✅ Gradual slope or angled shape – Encourages proper tongue positioning. ✅ Soft silicone – Ensures comfort and easy sucking. ✅ Lightweight design – Prevents unnecessary strain on baby’s mouth.
Best Pacifiers for Bottle-Fed Babies:
- NUK Orthodontic Pacifier – Designed to promote healthy jaw alignment.
- MAM Orthodontic Pacifier – Features a flat yet angled nipple to support oral development.
- Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci – Modeled after Dr. Brown’s bottle nipples for an easy transition.
- Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Orthodontic Pacifier – A lightweight option that some babies prefer.
What to Avoid: ❌ Overly stiff pacifiers that require too much effort to suck. ❌ Extremely flat pacifiers that don’t allow proper tongue movement. ❌ Pacifiers that are too large or heavy, which could impact comfort.
Best Pacifier for Breastfed Babies
For breastfed babies, the goal is to mimic the shape and flexibility of the breast to ensure an easy transition between breast and pacifier.
What to Look For:
✅ Round or bulb-shaped nipple – Mimics the shape of a breast for a natural latch. ✅ Soft, flexible silicone – Provides a feel similar to a mother’s nipple. ✅ Single-piece design – Easy to clean and reduces choking hazards. ✅ Gradual slope or tapered tip – Supports proper tongue movement and sucking reflex.
Best Pacifiers for Breastfed Babies:
- Nanobébé Flexy – Ultra-soft silicone and designed to feel like a breast.
- Tommee Tippee Breast-Like Pacifier – Rounded nipple shape similar to breastfeeding.
- Philips Avent Soothie – Hospital-recommended, made of soft, medical-grade silicone.
- BIBS Natural Rubber Pacifier – Longer nipple allows for a deeper latch, similar to breastfeeding.
- MAM Start Newborn – Lightweight and shaped for easier sucking coordination.
What to Avoid:
❌ Orthodontic pacifiers too early – The flat shape can change tongue and jaw positioning, potentially interfering with breastfeeding. ❌ Pacifiers with stiff or narrow nipples – May cause baby to develop a preference for artificial nipples over the breast. ❌ Overuse in the first few weeks – Lactation consultants recommend waiting 3-4 weeks to introduce a pacifier if you’re exclusively breastfeeding.
Personally, we used pacifiers by the second week to help sooth our baby and it was fine for us (we mostly breastfeed now). It can be such a useful tool if your baby is inconsolable.
Final Tips for Choosing the Right Pacifier
💡 Trial and Error: Every baby has different preferences! If your baby rejects one pacifier, try another shape or material. 💡 Size Matters: Choose a pacifier designed for your baby’s age range for optimal comfort and safety. 💡 Monitor Wear & Tear: Replace pacifiers regularly to prevent choking hazards from worn-out materials.
Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or both, choosing the right pacifier can make a big difference in your baby’s comfort and feeding experience. By selecting the right design, you can help support healthy oral development and prevent feeding issues down the road.
Do you have a favorite pacifier that worked wonders for your baby? Let us know in the comments below!
Other Resources
- Check out my Ultimate Guide on Choosing the Best Baby Bottle
- Pacifiers significantly reduce risk of SIDS
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