How to Choose a Pacifier for Your Baby

by Lorri Noble

How to Choose a Pacifier for Your Baby

Walk into any baby store and you'll find an overwhelming number of pacifier options. Different shapes, materials, sizes, and brands — how do you know which one is right for your baby? This guide breaks it down simply so you can make a confident choice.

And once you've found the right one, Pacidoodle can personalize it with your baby's name — permanently engraved, made in the USA.

Step 1: Consider Your Baby's Feeding Style

How your baby feeds is one of the biggest factors in pacifier acceptance:

  • Breastfed babies — Look for a breast-like nipple shape. Tommee Tippee and BIBS are popular choices.
  • Bottle-fed babies — A nipple similar to their bottle works best. If you use Dr. Brown's bottles, the Dr. Brown's Happy Paci is a natural fit.
  • Mixed feeding — MAM and Philips Avent are widely accepted by babies on both breast and bottle.

Step 2: Choose the Right Nipple Material

  • Silicone — Firm, easy to clean, odorless, and long-lasting. Most brands use silicone. Great for sterilizing.
  • Natural rubber (latex) — Softer and more flexible, closer to a natural feel. BIBS uses natural rubber. Note: not suitable for babies with latex allergies.

Step 3: Pick the Right Size

Most brands offer age-based sizing:

  • 0–6 months — Newborn size, smaller nipple and shield
  • 6–18 months — Standard size for older babies
  • 18+ months — Toddler size

Always start with the newborn size for babies under 6 months. A pacifier that's too large can be uncomfortable and harder for baby to hold in their mouth.

Step 4: Look at the Shield Design

The shield is the flat part that rests against baby's face. Look for:

  • Ventilation holes — Allow airflow and reduce moisture buildup
  • Curved or contoured shape — Keeps the shield away from baby's nose and cheeks
  • Soft, flexible material — Especially important for babies with sensitive skin (Philips Avent excels here)

Step 5: Consider Ease of Cleaning

  • Most silicone pacifiers are dishwasher safe (top rack) and sterilizer safe
  • MAM pacifiers come with a self-sterilizing case — just add water and microwave
  • Natural rubber pacifiers (like BIBS) should be boiled, not microwaved

Quick Brand Comparison

  • MAM — Best overall, highest acceptance rate, self-sterilizing case
  • BIBS — Best natural option, classic round nipple, beautiful design
  • Philips Avent — Best for sensitive skin, ultra-soft flexible shield
  • Tommee Tippee — Best for breastfed babies, breast-like nipple
  • Dr. Brown's — Best for Dr. Brown's bottle users, familiar nipple shape

Don't Forget to Personalize

Once you've chosen the right pacifier, make it truly theirs. At Pacidoodle, we permanently engrave your baby's name onto the shield — so it's always easy to identify at daycare, nursery, or play dates. It also makes a wonderful keepsake from baby's earliest days.

Shop all personalized pacifiers at Pacidoodle →

Related Guides

Pacidoodle — Personalized in the USA since 2010.

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