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A baby smiling with a pacifier

Quick Guide: Pacifiers and Pacifier Clips

Pacifiers can be a lifesaver for parents of a newborn. Newborns are born with a strong sucking reflex, and pacifiers help babies sooth this craving and help them stay content. Pacifier clips are an amazing invention that keep your baby’s pacifier within easy reach and off of the ground. It can be overwhelming to figure out which pacifier and clip are best for your baby. Here is some helpful information for finding the best pacifier.

Why Try a Pacifier?

Pacifiers are great soothing tools for babies who need to suck to be comforted. Some professionals recommend not using a pacifier if breastfeeding for the first few weeks while you are establishing a breastfeeding routine.

Where to Begin

If you have decided to try a pacifier, there are many to choose from. There are pacifiers on the market in many shapes, sizes and colors. It can be difficult to narrow down your options. Different babies prefer different types of pacifiers so it’s a guessing game to find which pacifier will be your baby’s favorite. Some moms choose to buy one type of pacifier at a time, and, if baby loves it, go back and buy more of the same type. If the baby doesn’t love it then try out a new brand or style. You can also register for several different types to experiment and get the best fit for your baby.

Best Pacifiers

Opinions on which pacifiers are the best are varied and will differ from family to family. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry does recommend using an orthodontic pacifier to prevent dental issues in the future. Some of the top pacifier brands include Mam, Playtex, Avent, and Nuby. One popular pacifier is the Soothie which is supposed to have a natural shape. You can also purchase stuffed animals that attach to the pacifier to make them more appealing and easier to find.

Pacifier Clips

If your baby has become attached to a pacifier, it might be a good idea to purchase pacifier clips. Pacifier clips attach to the pacifier and are connected to a small clip that can go on the baby’s clothes or car seat. This makes the pacifier easy to reach and keeps it from falling on the floor. Some pacifier brands make their own pacifier clips that you can find next to the pacifiers in stores. Pacifier clips can also be pretty easy to make. There are many DIY tutorials if you decide to try to make them on your own. If you are into a unique look but don’t want to make your own you can also check out Etsy for lots of beautiful homemade options.

Last Updated: December 17, 2014