In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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By Molly Bradac ⋅ Senior Research Analyst ⋅ Apr 16, 2024
The Best Pacifiers
Searching for the best baby pacifier? Our review ranks this year's top 9 pacifiers. We scoured the market for promising contenders and purchased a selection to send through hands-on testing to determine the best. Our testing metrics focused on pacifier ease of cleaning, usability, durability, and more. With so many options available on the market, knowing our testing details can help you make an informed buying decision. Let our recommendations help guide you to the best pacifier for your little one.
The Chicco PhysioForma Soft Pacifier surpasses the competition with a blend of desirable features. 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. In addition, this pacifier is super easy to clean, thanks to its one-piece design. It comes with a carry case that helps keep the pacifier protected from lint and germs.
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 easy to overlook, but other colors may be available. If you are afraid you'll lose the Chicco given its clear design, the RaZbaby JollyPop Pacifier offers a colored edge that makes 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.
The Chicco PhysioForma Soft Pacifier is a one-piece 100% silicone design with an orthodontic nipple.
The Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier tends to be well-loved and an affordable option for soothing little ones. This medical-grade, BPA-free, silicone pacifier features a cylindrical nipple that is soft and collapsible to respond to a baby's sucking pattern. Its one-piece construction, with no nooks or crannies for bacteria or water to hide, makes it super easy to clean and sanitize. If you like this pacifier, consider the Philips Avent Super Soothie when your little one hits 3 months. It is similar in design but suitable for older babies.
The silicone guard is flat and offers a small tab for parents to hold, which is more frustrating than larger loops or buttons. We found ourselves holding the pacifier's edge instead of the tab itself. Also, younger users might have trouble keeping this option in their mouths due to the weight. The WubbaNub Pacifier is another cylindrical pacifier, but it has an attached stuffie that is easy to hold to help keep the pacifier in place. The weight issue isn't necessarily unique to this product, and if it does occur, don't force it on your baby. Despite this, we recommend this wallet-friendly pacifier for families with newborns.
The Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier is distributed in hospitals nationwide.
The RaZbaby JollyPop Pacifier is 100% medical-grade silicone (free of BPA, latex, phthalate, and DEHP) and one-piece construction. It has a low profile and curved shape, and RaZbaby's website mentions it is likely compatible with CPAP, nasal cannulas, and a side-lying position. It also features two ventilation holes on the upper lip, and the loop handle has small nubs.
The JollyPop is for babies without teeth, and the manufacturer suggests discontinuing use if your baby can fit it in their mouth or teeth emerge. Interestingly, the JollyPop is available in an unscented and lightly scented (vanilla) version. The scent is FDA-approved vanilla essence added to the silicone during the manufacturing process, and it is considered food and safe for babies. We prefer the unscented version we used during hands-on testing, as we strongly believe babies do not need scented pacifiers. The Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier is another cylindrical option to try if you can't find a non-scented version and hope to avoid that feature and whatever creates it. Despite JollyPop's shorter age range, we like this pacifier for families with newborns.
The RaZbaby JollyPop is a single-piece 100% medical grade silicone that meets the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines.
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. 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 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. Indeed, emerging teeth can be pretty sharp and destroy the pacifier. 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 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. 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.
The plush animal at the end of the WubbaNub helps stabilize the pacifier, and it makes it easier for children to pick-up.
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 option. The HappyPaci is silicone, one-piece construction, butterfly-shaped, and 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.
The HappyPaci's nipple is longer than other contenders in our review, which could cause some younger babies to gag. We noticed that our six-month-old tester's top lip occasionally came over the pacifier's top, which implies the sizing may not be compatible with this child. This observation is specific to our tester, and it does not mean the HappyPaci will not fit your child, as every child is different. If you need a smaller nipple but want to keep a cylindrical shape, we also like the Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier, which is shorter than the Dr. Browns pacifier. We recommend Dr. Browns to families using Dr. Brown's bottles and would like a pacifier with a similar shape to make the transition easier.
The Dr. Brown's HappyPaci is easy for little ones to grab, and it has the same shape as the bottle nipple.
The MAM Air Night Pacifier stands out among the competition with its glow-in-the-dark button, making it easier to locate in the middle of the night. Another noteworthy feature is its minimal shield, allowing generous airflow, which is excellent for babies with sensitive skin. The orthodontic nipple is silicone, and the guard is plastic; both are BPA-free. It is available in various colors and patterns, and each set comes with a plastic sanitizer case. Our little tester could grab and hold this pacifier with ease during testing. We also like that the carry case helps keep the pacifier together in the diaper bag and protects it from germs.
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. If you want a one-piece option that is all silicone, the Chicco PhysioForma Soft Pacifier is a great one to try with an orthodontic-shaped nipple and a place to hold. Nonetheless, we recommend this product to families who will appreciate the glow-in-the-dark feature and minimal shield with extra airflow, reducing the chance of skin irritation for their little one.
The MAM Air Night is easy for children to pick-up, and it illuminates in the dark, making it easier for babies to find in the crib in the middle of the night.
The MAM Clear Pacifier is a stylish option with various button designs. This multi-part option has a thin plastic shield (BPA and BPS) with a silicone nipple. The symmetrical orthodontic nipple has a narrow base, which increases to a bulb shape. The manufacturer claims dentists created the pacifier's design, and the nipple shape is ideal for oral development. The shield is unique as it sports a subtle textured surface and ventilation openings, allowing the babies' skin to breathe while sucking. Since the shield slightly curves, we noticed that this pacifier fits closely in our tester's mouth.
Since this pacifier is not a one-piece construction, there is potential for water to enter the nipple, which is not ideal as it can promote germ growth. The manufacturer suggests squeezing and shaking the nipple to expel the water if this occurs. One of our favorite one-piece options is the Chicco PhysioForma Soft Pacifier. This option is all silicone and has fewer places for water to hide or mold to fester. If you don't mind a multi-piece paci, we think this is a stylish choice.
The MAM Clear Pacifier has a curved shield, big air holes, and an easy to hold button. For our little tester, she found the shield easy to grab and hold, which works, too.
Developed with Pediatric Feeding Specialists, the Evenflo Balance + Cylindrical Pacifier is a stage 1 pacifier that encourages healthy sucking skills. It features a cylindrical nipple shape that promotes tongue cupping, a position that resembles babies' latch while breastfeeding. It is 100% silicone (free of BPA, polycarbonates, PVC, and phthalates), lightweight, soft, and flexible. The ventilation holes on the upper portion of the shield increase airflow, and the easy-grip handle angles downward. Once your little one ages out of this option, consider the stage 2 version, Evenflo Balance + Orthodontic Pacifier, designed for babies six months and on, offering a different nipple shape that the manufacturer claims supports oral development and emerging teeth.
The Evenflo's frosted color can be overlooked or misplaced as it does not stand out. If you are afraid of losing your pacifier or not being able to find it in a timely manner in a diaper bag, the RaZbaby JollyPop Pacifier has a colored edge, and the WubbaNub Pacifier has a stuffed animal for easy location. Both have cylindrical-shaped nipples like the Evenflo. Besides being fairly clear, the Evenflo is one to consider if you want a soft silicone pacifier. This option may be a match for you and your baby.
The Evenflo Balance Plus pacifier is 100% silicone. The pacifier for babies ages 0-6 months has a cylindrical nipple, whereas the 6 months+ version has an orthodontic nipple shape.
The Tommee Tippee Closure to Nature Pacifier claims to be breast-like, allowing the nipple to feel, flex, and stretch like mom's breast to ease the transition between breast, baby bottle, and pacifier. This multiple-piece contender is polypropylene plastic and silicone (free of BPA), and the nipple is hollow, which is excellent for preventing moisture from entering. There is no right way to place the pacifier with a circular shield, and it has multiple holes around the guard to increase airflow, which can lessen the chance of skin irritations.
The outer shield is plastic, and it does not have a loop. Our little tester (6 months old) couldn't hold onto this pacifier and accidentally put it in their mouth like a wafer, prompting the parent to remove it and help with proper positioning. Once in place, our little tester enjoyed it. If you want an orthotic-shaped nipple that is easier to use, the Chicco PhysioForma Soft Pacifier is 100% silicone and harder to use incorrectly. We recommend The Tommee Tippee pacifier to families looking for breast-like similarities or use Tommee Tippee bottles as the latch is similar.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Important
If a pacifier falls out of your baby's mouth and lands on the floor, do not clean it by sticking it in your mouth before inserting it back into the baby's mouth. This cleaning method does not produce a “clean” product because harmful bacteria can transfer from one mouth to another. Instead, wash it with soap and water or sanitize it.
Each pacifier in our review experienced hands-on testing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
How We Test Pacifiers
We researched over 20 different pacifiers in various styles and materials before choosing the top contenders for this review. We assessed the pacifiers for materials, quality, durability, 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 over the past decade, accumulating extensive experience and knowledge with every review. Leading our review is Senior Review Editor, Molly Bradac, who holds over 15 years of experience as a professional nanny and Newborn Care Specialist.
The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Pacifier has a shield that is slightly bulkier in comparison to other products in our review.
The WubbaNub Pacifier is soft and cuddly.
Analysis and Test Results
We tested our lineup with various little testers and evaluated each product for ease of cleaning, quality, usability, and durability. Scores in each metric influence contenders' ranking.
Every pacifier will differ in size and shape depending on age. This information is found on the packaging, and it is best to follow manufacturer recommendations.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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 single construction with a hollow nipple (providing no chance for saliva or water to enter), especially one that includes a carry case.
Among the competition, the Chicco PhysioForma Soft Pacifier scores high. It comes with a carry case, has a one-piece construction design, and silicone, 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 non-fabric contenders ready to jump back into action after a quick wash.
Some contenders that couldn't rise in ranking due to their multi-part construction, even if they included a carry case, are the MAM Air Night Pacifier and MAM Clear Pacifier. These products have silicone nipple that attaches to a plastic guard. This multi-part design can result in trapped moisture or condensation inside the bulb. Since moisture increases bacterial growth potential, this design isn't ideal, especially for a product your baby sucks. The manufacturer suggests squeezing and shaking the nipple to expel moisture if you notice this issue.
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.
Like the Evenflo Balance Plus Pacifier, one-piece pacifiers bring peace of mind that the design will not trap saliva or water in the nipple or nooks and crannies, making these products much easier to wash and keep clean.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
Although the WubbaNub Pacifier is only available in a 0-6 month size, it has valuable qualities that outshine most of 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.
While testing, we did notice the Dr. Brown's HappyPaci caused some younger babies to gag due to a more extended nipple than other contenders. So, if your baby might struggle with a more extended nipple, we suggest skipping this product. Also, the MAM Air Night offers a couple of unique perks, like a carry case, a glow-in-the-dark button to make it easier to locate, and a minimal shield for generous airflow, which is excellent for babies with sensitive skin.
For any pacifier, select the appropriate size for your baby's age and stage. As babies develop and teeth emerge, pacifier needs can change, so keep an eye on the suggested age, typically found 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.
Logically speaking, we consider pacifiers with multiple parts to be less durable than those of single-construction.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Durability
Pacifiers can crack and tear over time. 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. Also, replace a pacifier following the manufacturer's recommendations.
Although we don't consider it fair to link construction with performance, we recognize that design can affect quality and durability. We believe those of one-piece construction are less likely to break than those with multiple parts, as long as furry friends don't get a hold of it, as they'll easily bite through the silicone.
We consider the Phillips Avent Soothie Pacifier to rank high, thanks to its one-piece construction and handling tab, which feel sturdy and secure. However, the MAM Air Night Pacifier and MAM Clear Pacifier rank low due to their multi-part design. 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.
Each pacifier varies in nipple shape.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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 Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier has a soft, cylindrical nipple. In contrast, the Chicco PhysioForma Soft Pacifier has an orthodontic nipple with an upward flex, unlike any other option we tested. 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.
Tip: More is Better
As pacifiers can easily get lost, dirty, or stolen by a pet, we recommend purchasing multiple for your home, car, and diaper bag. Keep more than one in the diaper bag for when one accidentally hits the floor so you'll have a backup.
The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Pacifier was one of our little tester's favorites.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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. We are confident that the information and recommendations from our tests will help you find the best option for your little one.
