Using pacifiers with breastfed babies is always a controversial topic. Can my baby have a pacifier? Should I wait to introduce one? Will it cause nipple confusion? What are the best pacifiers for breastfed babies? The questions could go on.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice, you’re not alone. Many parents wonder whether pacifiers and breastfeeding can successfully coexist. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2022 updated breastfeeding guidelines report that a review shows that introducing a pacifier before or after the mother and baby duo establishes breastfeeding does not affect the duration of breastfeeding for a healthy, full-term baby up to 4 months of age.1
You may think, “This is great news, but is there a catch?” Not really, but here are some guidelines to help you and your baby use a pacifier appropriately so it doesn’t interfere with breastfeeding. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, the parent, pacifier or no pacifier. Let’s dive into the benefits, risks, and guidance for choosing the best pacifier for breastfed babies.
Key Takeaways
- Pacifiers do not appear to shorten breastfeeding duration in healthy, full-term infants.¹
- Pacifiers may reduce the risk of SIDS when used during sleep.²
- A pacifier should never replace a feeding.
- Choose a one-piece pacifier that meets current safety recommendations.
- Finding the best pacifier often requires trial and error.
When Can a Breastfed Baby Use a Pacifier?
Many parents worry that introducing a pacifier too early may interfere with breastfeeding or cause nipple confusion. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), current evidence suggests that introducing a pacifier before or after breastfeeding is established does not appear to affect breastfeeding duration in healthy, full-term infants.1
That said, every baby is different. If you’re experiencing latch difficulties, feeding concerns, or challenges establishing breastfeeding, consider discussing pacifier use with your pediatrician or lactation consultant.
Related: Pacifiers and Breastfeeding: What Experts Want You To Know
Benefits of Pacifier Use
It might be hard to believe, but there are benefits to using an infant pacifier. Let’s start with one of the most important benefits. Research has shown that when an infant uses a pacifier when placed to sleep, it can decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Pacifier use has also been shown to provide infants with comfort, help them when they’re in pain, and even help premature infants develop a sucking reflex. And lastly, introducing the pacifier decreases the risk of developing a thumb- or finger-sucking habit.2
Risks of Pacifier Use
You must always weigh the benefits and risks to determine what is best for your baby. This is even true when deciding whether to introduce a pacifier to your breastfed baby. There are a handful of benefits to pacifier use, but also risks. One of these risks includes the impact of pacifier use on developing otitis media as an infant and later as a child. Pacifiers also pose an increased risk of causing problems, such as oral yeast infections, due to the bacteria and other germs they carry. After 36 months, the risk of dental and orthodontic issues increases.2
Related: The Pros and Cons of Using a Baby Pacifier
An Important Reminder About Pacifier Use
Pacifiers are an excellent tool for helping babies soothe and calm down when upset. It is essential to pay close attention to your infant’s hunger cues. Do not delay or miss a feeding by giving your baby the pacifier. The pacifier should never be a substitute for the breast.
How to Choose a Pacifier for Breastfed Babies
The AAP gives the following guidance on choosing a pacifier:3
- The pacifier should not come apart. Multiple pieces can increase the risk of choking. The pacifier should be single-construction.
- The pacifier should have ventilation holes and measure at least 1.5 inches across. This prevents the baby from being able to fit the whole pacifier in their mouth, helping prevent choking.
- Do not attach a pacifier to a cord or strap, especially around the infant’s neck. This could lead to an injury.
- Never use a bottle nipple as a pacifier. The full nipple could easily go into the infant’s mouth.
- Do not force a baby to use a pacifier if they do not want it.
- Regularly inspect the pacifier before giving it to the infant. Pacifiers can break and deteriorate.
Although the AAP provides guidance on what to look for in a pacifier, it does not specifically recommend a type or brand.
The vast pacifier market has many shapes, colors, nipple sizes, and materials. It may be a trial-and-error process to find the pacifier that works best for your baby. Many parents prefer pacifiers that closely resemble the shape of the mother’s nipple, but current research has not shown that one pacifier shape is superior for breastfeeding success.
Related: How To Clean Pacifiers and When To Replace Them
5 Options for the Best Pacifiers for Breastfed Babies
Every baby has different preferences, so the best pacifier for one infant may not be the best choice for another. These options are popular among breastfeeding families because of their shape, flexibility, and feeding-friendly design.
Some pacifiers are designed specifically for newborns, while others are intended to mimic the shape and feel of a mother’s nipple for breastfed babies.
| Pacifier | Best For | Material |
| Philips Avent Soothie | Newborns | Silicone |
| Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci | Breast-like shape | Silicone |
| Evenflo Feeding Balance | Breastfed babies | Silicone |
| Tommee Tippee Breast-like | Natural feel | Silicone |
| Nanobebe Flexy | Flexible fit | Silicone |
1. Philips Avent Soothie
The Philips Avent Soothie Baby Pacifiers, known to many as the “hospital paci,” is a one-piece silicone pacifier. This pacifier has the added bonus of being designed to support bonding by allowing a finger to be placed in the nipple to encourage suckling. The nipple has a simple, breast-like shape, with a straight nipple and a broader pacifier base. Its silicone material also helps with oral development and makes it easy to clean and sterilize.
2. Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci
With a broader base and a straight nipple, this pacifier resembles a mother’s nipple. This may be helpful when introducing the pacifier to the infant.
The Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci is lightweight, made of silicone, and has a unique “butterfly-shaped shield” that curves away from the nose and cheeks. As for safety concerns, the pacifier is made from a single piece, minimizing the risk of choking.
Related: Pacifier Weaning: 7 Expert Tips To Help Your Child Transition
3. Evenflo Feeding Balance
This pacifier is designed by feeding specialists and has a cylindrical-shaped nipple, making it favorable for breastfeeding infants due to its resemblance to a mother’s nipple. The Evenflo Feeding Balance pacifier is made of 100% silicone and is a single-piece design, which is always recommended to reduce the risk of choking. The silicone material makes this pacifier not only flexible but also very lightweight.
4. Tommee Tippee Breast-like Pacifier
The Tommee Tippee Breast-like Pacifier is specifically designed to mimic a mother’s nipple in terms of feel, flexibility, and stretch. As a bonus, the base of the pacifier was designed to curve away from the baby’s face to improve airflow and reduce irritation to the baby’s skin.
5. Nanobebe Flexy Pacifier
The Nanobebe Flexy Pacifier is a soft, flexible pacifier designed to fit snugly around your baby’s nose and help the pacifier stay in place. It is made of 100% silicone, providing the soft, familiar feel of a mother’s breast. The silicone material also makes it easy to clean and sterilize.
When deciding whether to use a pacifier for your breastfed baby, it is your decision. Do what is best for your little one.
Finding the right pacifier fit might not happen immediately, but the market is vast. With a variety of materials, sizes, shapes, and textures, there is sure to be a pacifier to meet every baby’s needs. When trying pacifiers with your little one, you may need to try a few before finding the best fit.
We hope this list gives you confidence in choosing the best pacifier for your breastfed baby.
