Ryan and Rose
Lou Lou Lollipop
Bibs
Ryan and Rose
Some parents and caretakers—especially those who are not able to breastfeed—find pacifiers to be effective soothing tools in the early months. While babies definitely do not need pacifiers and most are perfectly content without one, it might be a good idea to have one on hand if the going ever gets tough for a (boobless) caretaker. 😉
The Best Pacifiers (Fan Faves)
- Bibs Pacifier ($8)
- Avent Soothie ($3 for 2)
- Nano Baby Pacifier ($6 for 2)
- Ryan and Rose Cutie Pacifier ($12)
Adorable Pacifier Clips
- Ali + Oli ($15)
- Lou Lou Lollipop ($15)
- Chewable Charm ($14+)
- Madeline’s Box ($16)
- Ryan and Rose ($20)
- Mushie ($15)
- Young & Wild Co. ($12)
- Or search “Pacifier Clips” on Etsy
Some (Unsolicited But Also Research-Based) Thoughts on Pacifiers
- Pacifiers are not necessary for great (and safe) infant sleep. You may find that your baby likes one, but you also may find that your baby prefers her thumb or nothing at all. Related to safety: While pacifier use is associated with a lower risk of SIDS, very little research has shown why that association exists and it's pretty clear the relationship is not causal.
- Pacifiers are best introduced after baby is one month old for breastfed babies, if you introduce one at all. KellyMom (my favorite authority on breastfeeding wisdom) recommends waiting at least 3-4 weeks—and ideally 6-8 weeks—before introducing a pacifier to avoid “nipple confusion.” This is especially important for breastfed babies.
- Pacifiers are likely more trouble than they're worth. Probably the most annoying feature is that pacifiers don't stay in babies' mouths. Young babies are unable to place their pacifiers back in their mouths when they fall out (though they can usually find a hand or thumb to suck with ease.) Also, pacifier use can be a tough habit to break. (But so is thumb sucking.)