Pacifiers & Accessories

A pacifier, also known as a dummy or soother, is a small nipple-shaped device made of silicone or latex that babies can suck on for comfort.

A pacifier can be a total lifesaver when you’ve got a fussy baby and nothing seems to be working. Babies are born with a sucking reflex, which naturally soothes them, which is probably why many parents-to-be add pacifiers to their baby registries. But there’s also a lot of confusion around pacis: which shape is best, when’s the best time to introduce one, is the size of the pacifier important, and many more questions new parents ask themselves. And then there’s paci pickiness to contend with, because it turns out pacifiers are one of those things babies have a lot of strong opinions about. Figuring out the best pacifier for your baby can take some trial and error.

When to introduce a pacifier tends to be a hot topic of discussion, particularly for those who want to breastfeed (either exclusively or the majority of the time). Some experts recommend waiting three to four weeks after your baby is born to offer a pacifier in order not to disrupt your nursing routine. One of the main concerns with introducing a pacifier too early in the breastfeeding journey is that new parents might not be able to distinguish when their baby wants to comfort suck or when they’re actually hungry. In order to get breastfeeding off to a good start and set your supply up for the best success, you want to offer the breast as often as possible—and the pacifier use can interfere with learning this skill. However, most of the time, babies are able to successfully breastfeed and use a pacifier—if they want to, that is. Some just prefer you, and that’s totally fine as long as it works for you, too. Read more tips for introducing a pacifier.

Sometime between four to seven months, you’ll notice your baby drooling, being unusually cranky and wanting to bite down on everything in sight. That’s those new teeth coming in! Teething can be an exciting time, since it means your baby might be ready for solid foods and chewing—but it does come with some discomfort. The best teethers give little ones something besides their fingers (or yours) to chomp on, and many of them can be chilled to help soothe sore gums too.

When used properly and with appropriate size and age recommendations, pacifiers can be safe for babies. Always supervise your baby while using a pacifier and follow safety guidelines.

Introducing a pacifier too early or using it incorrectly can sometimes interfere with breastfeeding. It’s best to consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for guidance.

Pacifiers should be cleaned regularly using warm soapy water and replaced periodically according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or if they show signs of wear.