The 4 Best Baby Pacifiers

Our Picks of Pacifiers

Overall Best Pacifier

MAM Air Night Pacifier

Nipple Shape	Orthodontic, symmetrical shape
Weight	0.30 oz
Available Age Stages	0-16mo+
Material	Thin silicone (83% thinner)
Appearance	Bright colors teal and blue, large solid handle on both sides, glow in the dark button with cute animal graphic

The MAM Air Night Pacifier offers various desirable features. It has an orthodontic silicone nipple that is 83% thinner, making it lightweight and easier for newborns to keep in their mouth. The manufacturer claims that the nipple design supports healthy jaw and teeth development. Another outstanding feature of this pacifier is the special glow-in-the-dark button, making it easy to find in the dark. The extra-large ventilation holes make the shield design skin-friendly, and are easy for babies to grasp. This shield design also allows you to see more of the baby's face, so that you never miss a smile. One of our mom testers stated, “I love that even with the pacifier in, I can still see my baby's smile!” The MAM is available in various colors and patterns, and comes with a plastic sanitizing case.

With concerns regarding plastic and the potential chemical leaching, we feel that sanitizing the pacifier in its plastic sanitizer case is not the best method. Instead, we think the old-fashioned boiling water on the stove works fine. Also, the pacifier is not one-piece, and there is potential for water to enter the nipple, leaving moisture for germs to grow. One tester states, “I think it is a good idea to double check the nipple every time you use it or clean it for moisture.” If you want a one-piece option that is all silicone, the Chicco PhysioForma Soft Pacifier is a great one to try with a similar orthodontic-shaped nipple and a place to hold. Nonetheless, we recommend this product to families who will appreciate the extra features of the glow-in-the-dark button and minimal shield with extra airflow, reducing the chance of skin irritation for their little one.

Best Pacifier on a Budget

Dr. Brown's HappyPaci

Nipple Shape	Same shape as bottle nipple
Weight	0.45 oz
Available Age Stages	0-6mo
Material	Silicone
Appearance	Pastel matte colors, butterfly shape shield, 2 vetilation holes, large handle

Does your bottle-fed baby use Dr. Brown's bottles? If so, the Dr. Brown's HappyPaci may meet your needs. With a similar nipple shape to Dr. Brown's bottles, your little one may be more likely to accept this pacifier. The HappyPaci is an affordable option made of silicone, of one-piece construction, and has a butterfly-shaped shield that curves away from your baby's face, providing room for the nose and cheeks. The pacifier's loop is one of the largest among the competition, and we believe this makes it easier for older babies to grab. Our tester mom said, “I like that my baby could hold the pacifier herself.”

The HappyPaci's nipple has a cylindrical shape and an open back soother design that allows you to place your finger into the bulb to better bond and comfort a fussy baby. This nipple design is longer than other contenders in our review, which could cause some younger babies to gag. If you need a smaller nipple but want to keep a cylindrical shape, we also like the RaZbaby JollyPop Pacifier, which is shorter than the HappyPaci. We recommend Dr. Brown's to families using Dr. Brown's bottles and would like a pacifier with a similar shape to make the transition easier.

Best Pacifier with Orthotic Considerations

Chicco PhysioForma Soft Pacifier

Nipple Shape	Orthodontic, lateral curve into bulbus nipple
Weight	0.55 oz
Available Age Stages	0-6mo, 6-16mo, 16-24mo
Material	Silicone
Appearance	Clear, ergonomic shield, 4 large ventilation holes, large flexible handle

The Chicco PhysioForma Soft Pacifier stands out with much to offer. It is 100% silicone (free of BPA and latex) and features an orthodontic nipple that flexes upward. The manufacturer claims the exclusive nipple design supports a baby's breathing by helping encourage a forward tongue position. They claim it evenly distributes tongue pressure across the palate to support oral development, and its narrow base allows optimal lip closure. The shield has four heart-shaped ventilation holes for air circulation. It also offers one of the largest loops, which our tester (6 months old) could easily grasp during testing. In addition, this pacifier is super easy to clean, thanks to its one-piece design. It has a carry case that helps protect the pacifier from lint and germs. One mom tester states, “I love being able to pop it in the case to keep it clean between uses away from home.”

While the carry case allows for sterilizing, we prefer not to use it this way, given the potential of plastic to leach chemicals. We prefer boiling water to sanitize. The Chicco's clear color can be easily overlooked, but other colors may be available. One tester said, “When I dropped the Chicco on the ground, I couldn't find it because it was clear. I eventually gave up and got another one from the diaper bag.” If you worry about losing the Chicco, given its clear design, the Nuk Comfy Pacifier has a similar nipple shape and offers a variety of color options, making it much easier to find. Based on the manufacturer's claims, we think the Chicco is a potential contender for parents concerned with oral development.

Best Lovey Pacifier

WubbaNub Pacifier

Nipple Shape	Long cylindrical
Weight	1.35 oz
Available Age Stages	0-6mo
Material	Pacifier:silicone, Plush: polyester fibers
Appearance	Transparent teal pacifier attatched to dark brown plush monkey, 2 small vent holes, plushie attatched at tab

The WubbaNub Pacifier quickly became one of our favorites, and most babies love it. Since younger babies can have difficulty keeping pacifiers in their mouths, the attached adorable animal friend helps stabilize the pacifier. The plush animal also makes it easier for older babies to locate, grab, and bring to their mouths, and it's easier to spot in a diaper bag. Children also find comfort in holding and stroking the soft plush. Our tester parent said, “My little one loves the comfort of the attached plushie, and I noticed they drop it less than a traditional pacifier.” WubbaNubs are handmade, and the manufacturer suggests handwashing or surface cleaning with cold water and air drying. However, it is acceptable to machine wash this product on a gentle cycle, in a mesh bag, before air drying.

The WubbaNub is for babies ages 0-6 months, and no next-stage pacifier is available. It is also costly and perhaps a poor choice if you frequently need to replace pacifiers due to chewing. Of course, not all babies will be chewers, but we suggest frequently checking a “Wubbie” for wear and immediately stopping use if cracks or damage appear. If budget is a concern, something like the Dr. Brown's HappyPaci might be a better choice. Alternatively, if you like the WubbaNub pacifier component but you don't want the Wubbie pet part or worry about frequent replacements, the Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier is a similar-shaped option that stands alone and doesn't include a lovie on the back end. Also, should WubbaNub be misplaced or is being laundered, you'll want a backup on hand, and this increases the investment into pacifier purchases, which some parents might be loath to do. However, there is no doubt that the WubbaNub brings fun and comfort to the world of pacifiers, and we highly recommend it to families with babies between 0-6 months of age.

How We Tested

We considered over 20 different pacifiers in various styles and materials before choosing the top contenders for this review. We assessed the pacifiers for materials, ease of use, cleaning, and more. While testing, we enlisted the help of some awesome little testers ranging in age from newborn to 6 months. We purchased each product in our review and completed hands-on testing and side-by-side comparisons.

Why Trust GearLab

BabyGearLab has tested a wide range of baby-related products since 2012, accumulating extensive experience and knowledge with every review. Leading pacifier testing is Review Editor Carma King, a Military spouse and mom with over 15 years of experience in childcare. Other contributors include Senior Review Editor, Molly Bradac, who holds over 15 years of experience as a professional nanny and Newborn Care Specialist.

Analysis and Test Results

We tested our lineup with various little testers and evaluated each product for ease of use and cleaning. Scores in each metric influence contenders' rankings.

What's the Best Value?

Because pacifiers are not a big expense, the best value could arguably be whichever one your little one uses and helps soothe them or increase sleep duration. While you will want more than one, and something like the cheaper Dr. Brown's HappyPaci will be appealing, if your little one doesn't like it, then it won't be valuable, no matter how low the price. Alternatively, despite the higher price, the WubbaNub Pacifier could be the best value if your little one is soothed by the animal or attached pacifier. This option is larger, and it is unlikely you will lose the stuffed animal as frequently.

Ease of Use

A top-notch pacifier should combine functional features, such as a design that's easy to grab and hold for parents and babies, and a guard with ample airflow. We also gave extra points to products that include a carry case, unique features, or if the manufacturer offers additional sizes to fit your growing baby.

Visibility

Some pacifiers are easier to see than others if you accidentally drop them or lose them in the bottom of a busy diaper bag. We found that some of the smaller-designed pacifiers, like the RaZbaby JollyPop Pacifier, were more difficult to find when lost, while options like the WubbaNub Pacifier, with its attached plushie, were much easier to spot.

Easy to Hold

A pacifier should be easy for both parents and babies to hold and grasp. Not all pacifiers are the same in this respect, as they each have a different design for grasping; some we like and others we don't. The MAM Air Night Pacifier ranked high with its unique shield design providing extra-large handles for big and little hands. On the contrary, the Nanobebe Flexy Pacifier has a much smaller tab with no opening making it more difficult to handle.

Unique Features

Many pacifiers have unique features that could play into your consideration of which option to choose based on your needs and goals. The MAM air night pacifier ranked high offering the special feature of a glow in the dark button, making this pacifier easier to find in the dark. It also comes with a sanitizing case, which can serve multiple uses like keeping it clean and storage.

Although the WubbaNub Pacifier is only available in a 0-6-month size, it has valuable qualities that outshine the competition, scoring high in this metric. The plush animal often stabilizes the pacifier, and with a larger product, it's easier for both parents and babies to hold. Plus, it's easier to spot around the home or diaper bag. On the contrary, the Phillips Avent Soothie Pacifier is simple, standard, and offers no exciting perks, like a carry case or unique features.

Pacifier Size and Weight

For any pacifier, select the appropriate size for your baby's age and stage. Material weight and design can play a role in deciding what works best for your baby. As babies develop and teeth emerge, pacifier needs can change, so keep an eye on the suggested age on a product's package. We encourage you to discuss the use and transition of pacifiers with your child's pediatrician to ensure proper oral development.

Weight can be a factor in finding the right pacifier; it could be a consideration for smaller babies or those with special needs. We included the weight of each pacifier in our testing metrics to aid in your decision process.

In our experience, and those of parents reporting online, heavier pacifiers were more challenging for younger babies to use as they struggled to suck and hold the pacifier in their mouths at the same time. We think this could be a tie breaker, depending on your baby's specific needs and stage of development. The lightest option in this group is the MAM Air Night, while the heaviest is the WubbaNub, though the heaviest without an attached stuffed animal is the Chicco PhysioForma Soft.

Ease of Cleaning

There's no doubt that pacifiers will get dirty, and they can be a lint trap, especially if they fall on the floor. Therefore, an easy-to-clean product is a pacifier must-have, and we prefer a silicone pacifier of simple construction with fewer nooks and cranies for germs to hide, especially one that includes a carry case.

Ease of Cleaning Performance Ratings

Product	Case	Parts	Material	Cleaning Method
MAM Air Night	10.0	9.0	8.0	9.0
Chicco PhysioForma Soft	10.0	9.0	4.0	8.0
Dr. Brown\'s HappyPaci	1.0	8.0	6.0	6.0
NUK Comfy Orthodontic	1.0	8.0	6.0	6.0
Philips Avent Soothie	1.0	8.0	5.0	7.0
Philips AVENT Soothie Heart	1.0	8.0	4.0	7.0
RaZbaby JollyPop	1.0	8.0	5.0	5.0
Nanobebe Baby Flexi	1.0	8.0	5.0	4.0
Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Silicone	1.0	8.0	4.0	4.0
WubbaNub	1.0	5.0	3.0	2.0

Among the competition, the Chicco PhysioForma Soft Pacifier scores high. It comes with a carry case, has a one-piece silicone design, a material that can withstand high temperatures when sterilizing for hygienic reasons. The combination of these qualities helped this product surpass others and rank high.

On the flip side, the WubbaNub Pacifier scores low as the plush animal will collect grime and hair, even spit up or drool (a likely event), so you'll have to wash and dry it. The manufacturer recommends handwashing the product but mentions it is also machine washable before air drying. Nonetheless, the overall cleaning process is more involved than that of non-fabric contenders that are ready to jump back into action after a quick wash.

Whatever you select, washing and sanitizing a pacifier before first use is essential. If you're using a machine sterilizer, please read the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly before use, or take the old-fashioned approach and boil water on the stove. For products that include a sanitizing carry case, we believe that sanitizing a pacifier in its plastic sanitizer case is not the best method, given concerns regarding plastic and the potential of chemicals leaching. Instead, we think the old-fashioned boiling water method works fine. On a daily basis, wash your pacifiers with warm, soapy water before allowing them to air dry.

Durability

Any pacifier can crack and tear over time, especially well-loved, frequently used, or chewed-on pacifiers. To avoid accidental choking or ingestion hazards, it is essential to regularly inspect them by pulling on the nipple and all parts to look for damage. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations about when to replace your pacifier.

Although we don't consider it fair to link construction with performance, we recognize that design can affect quality and durability. We believe one-piece constructions are less likely to break than those with multiple parts, as long as furry friends don't get hold of it, as they'll easily bite through the silicone.

Although we did not experience any durability issues while testing these products, it's a logical assumption that multiple parts increase the potential of breakage or damage. We felt one piece designs like the Dr. Brown's HappyPaci are likely more durable and less likely to “come apart.” However, the MAM Night has multiple parts and a less durable feel with plastic components, and at least three parts in the final product.

A Note on Nipple Shape

The two most common nipple shapes are cylindrical and orthodontic. Every baby is different, and your child's preference will be the ultimate decision-maker. We suggest discussing pacifier use with your pediatrician and lactation consultant. A cylindrical nipple is bell-shaped, and an orthodontic nipple has an irregular shape with an indent in the center.

For instance, the RaZbaby JollyPop Pacifier has a short, cylindrical nipple. In contrast, the MAM Air Night Pacifier has an orthodontic nipple with an upward flex. Finding the right pacifier for your baby may take some trial and error. There is some discrepancy in what style is best for breastfeeding babies or when to introduce a pacifier to breastfed babies, which is why consulting a lactation consultant and pediatrician can help you navigate these waters.

Conclusion

A pacifier can offer comfort for your baby and fill non-eating related sucking and self-soothing needs. Some studies also show that it potentially helps reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While it might not be the solution for every parent, some will find it invaluable. If you think a pacifier is suitable for your infant, ensure the pacifier's size is age-appropriate and discuss your thoughts with your child's pediatrician. We think purchasing multiple pacifier brands and styles is best, as you never know what your baby will prefer.