Keep Your Baby Safe From Toxins With The Best Non-Toxic Pacifiers
Pacifiers are an excellent tool to help soothe a fussy baby, but they aren’t all made the same. Here are the best non-toxic pacifiers for your baby.
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The Best Non Toxic Pacifiers
Did you know that not all pacifiers are non-toxic? It can be so hard to believe that there are baby products out there that could cause long-term damage to our little ones based on the materials they are made from.
While it can be so easy to go to the shop and find a pacifier to soothe your baby, there are fewer non-toxic options available and these choices can be difficult to find in common stores such as Target, Walmart and even Babies R Us.
If you’re a first-time parent, you might be against the idea of a pacifier in the first place, especially if you choose to breastfeed your little one. You don’t want any nipple confusion to happen in the early days and they can be a bit of a pain in the bum when it comes to weaning off of them.
However, pacifiers are excellent tools that new parents should try, regardless of breastfeeding just to gain a little bit of sanity with a newborn in tow. You might soon realize that even though the baby is breastfeeding, they will constantly want to be sucking and soothing, which is where a pacifier comes in handy and gives you a little bit of baby-free time, at least off your breast.
Many mothers, us included, have come to the conclusion that pacifiers do not interfere with the breastfeeding journey and can really help make the transition into parenthood a lot smoother.
We love the option of having a non-toxic pacifier for your little ones and we created this guide for you to make the selection process easier.
The quick notes are: rubber pacifiers are the best choice as they are made out of 100 percent rubber materials. These options are more on the expensive side, so we did include some more affordable options as well. All options listed here are non-toxic.
Pacifiers, whatever you want to call them, should be advertised as a new mom’s sanity saver.
It’s sometimes nothing short of miraculous how effective they are in calming a cranky baby.
Unfortunately, while pacifiers are a lifesaver for some parents, some mothers discover that their infants, particularly those who are breastfed, refuse to use them.
This list is geared at breastfed babies, but they’re beneficial to any baby, whether they’re given formula or drink from a bottle.
How Does The Pacifier Comfort A Baby?
Babies have a natural sucking reflex which in turn has a soothing and relaxing effect. When a newborn comfort sucks, it gives them a feeling of being back in the womb, all cozy and warm which brings them back to a happy state.
When your newborn is very hungry, they may suck a lot stronger. If this is the case, you will want to feed the baby and not pop in a pacifier in the place of food. A newborn baby will need about 8-12 bottles or nursing sessions per day, but in between those feedings, a pacifier can really help.
This is why many parents are very adamant about using pacifiers with their babies, so why not offer them a non-toxic version if we can.
The Best Non-Toxic Pacifier For Baby
All of these pacifiers are manufactured from natural rubber harvested from the Malaysian tree Hevea Brasiliensi. They’re all great non-toxic pacifiers that don’t contain any hazardous ingredients.
All natural rubber pacifiers should be replaced every 6 to 8 weeks, and you should carefully inspect them for indications of deterioration before giving them to your child.
Some parents say that they smell like rubber, but rubber smells like rubber, so that’s to be expected.
You should also inspect the pacifier after purchasing it to ensure that it is free of fractures or flaws.
These options are all molded in one piece, which means there are no gaps or crevices for moisture and dirt/fuzzies to get caught in, as well as making it easier to clean.
Philips Avent Soothie
This is a silicone one-piece pacifier that is very popular with parents and is distributed in hospitals worldwide. The Philips Avent Soothie helps calm and soothe newborns. It has a unique shape that comfortably fits newborn mouths without inhibiting normal development.
This BPA-free dishwasher-safe dummy is sized and shaped for babies’ mouths and is latex-free. For durability and long-lasting comfort, the Soothie pacifier is made of hospital-grade silicone without any detectable taste or odour, making it more likely to be accepted by your baby. The nipple is strong and smooth and resists becoming sticky, discolored or misshapen.
To sterilize, put pacifiers in a Philips Avent steam sterilize or boil for five minutes. Philips Avent pacifiers and their snap-on hygienic caps are also dishwasher safe.
Priced at $3.19 for a pack of 2, this is a great deal for a non-toxic pacifier.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dishwasher Safe | Wide Shield Can Be Heavy For Newborn (Better Suited For 3+ Months) |
| BPA Free | Some parents find this too bulky for newborn |
| Latex Free | |
| Trusted by hospitals | |
| Made from 100% medical grade silicone | |
| One-piece construction | |
| Designed for newborns and babies who still don’t have teeth | |
| Orthodontic rounded nipple |
This is our number 1 recommendation as to the best non-toxic pacifier due to the price point, the shape of the nipple and amazing reviews from parents on our team at Baby Gadget List and those on Amazon reviews.
Ryan and Rose Pacifier
This is a great stage 1 pacifier for babies with no teeth. It features a round soft nipple that is easy to take and a seamless one-piece design for added durability. There is a large round shield that adds more chewing surface and breathing holes to allow airflow and for attaching the cutie clip.
This pacifier is made with 100% medical-grade silicone that’s BPA, PVC, latex, and phthalate-free.
The nipple mimics a mother’s nipple which makes this a great option for breastfed babies.
Stage 1 is for babies without teeth, Stage 2 is for babies with teeth.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dishwasher safe | Cannot use when teeth come in |
| BPA, PVC, Latex, and Phthalate free | Bulky on the face |
| 100% medical-grade silicone | Expensive |
This is an awesome stage 1 non-toxic pacifier that has parents raving about how much babies love it.
HAVEA Star & Moon Pacifier
This 100% natural rubber pacifier is a people and planet-friendly production and a great option for newborns to 3 months of age.
It contains absolutely no PVC, BPA, phthalates and artificial colors.
This pacifier is soft and gentle on baby’s face and uniquely designed ventilation holes for safety and has a hygienic solid design that eliminates bacteria.
The ergonomic butterfly shape gives space for the nose and chin and prevents vacuum around the mouth.
The stylish packaging made from FSC certified paper is ideal for gifting.
This natural fit rubber pacifier is easy to clean by hand and is softer than traditional pacifiers making it easy to such on for newborns.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Latex Free | Will Melt In Sterilizer |
| Easy To Clean | Smaller than other pacifiers |
| Natural Fit | |
| 100% natural rubber latex from the Hevea brasilienis tree | |
| Available in orthodontic, rounded, or symmetrical nipples | |
| One-piece construction |
This is a great pacifier if you are ok with not using a sterilizer to wash it!
Chicco Silicone Pacifier
This 100% silicone pacifier features a one piece design with easy hold handle.
Soft, flexible, high-quality silicone pacifier is comfortable & breathable. A contoured shield with 4 ventilation holes for air circulation fits the baby’s little face & helps reduce moisture buildup. Plus, an extra-soft nipple helps the baby stay latched – for more comfort & less slip!
Clinical studies show PhysioForma pacifiers actively support a baby’s breathing. The exclusive nipple (developed, tested & approved in partnership with an advisory panel of neonatologists, pediatricians & orthodontists) helps position the baby’s tongue forward to maintain an open airway.
The lateral curve of the nipple evenly distributes the tongue’s pressure against the palate and the tiny ridges and inclined nipple shape guide proper tongue placement.
Made from 100% food-grade silicone means there are no parts that can break apart & there is nowhere for germs to hide. One-piece pacifier adheres to the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Another benefit of this design – an easy-to-grab handle for baby or parent to hold!
In addition to being handy storage for baby’s pacis, you can also use the included case to eliminate germs quickly and easily with the power of steam. The sterilizing case lets you sanitize pacifiers in the microwave in just 3 minutes!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| BPA and LATEX Free | Collects Lint And Dust Easily |
| Narrow Base For Lip Closure | Large in size |
| Supports Babies Breathing | |
| Orthodontic nipple | |
| Features an ergonomic shield |
The Chicco silicone pacifier is a good option for parents to love the one piece design. The price point on this pacifier is reasonable and affordable for most households.
Natursutten Natural Rubber Pacifier
The Natursutten pacifier is made from the Hevea Brasiliense tree in Malaysia.
The first thing you’ll notice is the single-piece design. This means no joints or cracks where germs can hide, and it’s easy to wash by hand with just mild soap and warm water. Natursutten’s construction adheres to the strictest European and U.S. safety standards. Babies love our Natursutten pacifiers. One reason may be the soft rubber, which has a more natural feel than the artificial silicone used in mass-produced pacifiers. You’ll understand at first touch.
The natural rubber is soft and the large shield touches the nose comfortably. The rubber is made from liquid rubber milk from sustainably harvested rubber trees. The natural rubber has no BPA, phthalates, or chemical softening agents.
PaciPixy and PaciPouch contain no clips, buttons or other potential choking hazards – Keeping it a safe and soft addition; easy to hold on to and easy to find.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 100% Natural Rubber | Shield is large but that is part of design |
| One Piece Design | |
| No BPA, nitrosamines, PVC, phthalates, chemical softeners, or artificial coloring. | |
| 100% natural rubber from the tree, Hevea brasilienis. | |
| Available in orthodontic and rounded nipples | |
| No Allergy-causing substances |
The Natursutten pacifier is a great investment for environmentally conscious parents. This pacifier is made in Malaysia.
Ecopacifier Natural Rubber Pacifier
The ecopacifier is a natural rubber pacifier that is plastic-free, BPA-free, PVC-free, paraben-free and uses no chemical softeners or extra colorants.
Ecopiggy’s Natural Pacifier, Ecopacifier, is made of 100% pure rubber from the rubber tree, Hevea Brasiliense. These trees are sustainably grown in plantations in Malaysia. The rubber tree exudes a latex sap, the world’s primary source of natural rubber, which is tapped in a similar manner to maple syrup from a maple tree. After about 20-25 years the tree stops producing latex sap. The trees are then harvested and replanted. The harvested wood is used extensively in furniture, flooring, construction and even toys. From seed to tree to ecopacifier to wooden toys, the Rubber tree has an eco-friendly, sustainable and high-quality life.
This pacifier is softer and more natural than silicone pacifiers.
The one-piece design helps keep dirt and small particles from getting trapped in the pacifier.
This is a hand-washable, not dishwasher-safe pacifier due to its natural rubber material.
Made in Malaysia from a rubber tree, Hevea Brasiliense.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 100% Natural Rubber | Higher priced |
| No BPA, nitrosamines, PVC, phthalates, chemical softeners, or artificial coloring. | Not dishwasher or sterilizer safe |
| One-piece construction | |
| Ecopiggy makes both orthodontic and rounded nipples |
The ecopacifier is a great investment for environmentally conscious parents. This pacifier is made in Malaysia.
Nanobebe Baby Pacifiers 0-3 Month
Great soother for breastfeeding babies, the new Nanobebe Baby Pacifier is a good option for parents.
Nanobébé’s Flexy pacifier will calm and soothe your newborn from their very first day. Flexy pacifiers are made from safe BPA-free silicone.
Baby instinctively connects to the bottle’s familiar shape, while 2x faster warming satisfies baby’s immediate hunger needs, so baby is calmer when receiving the bottle.
Quick cooling reduces bacterial growth and even warming prevents overheating. Warm breast milk at safe temperatures and feed baby promptly without destroying your precious breastmilk nutrients.
Our nanobébé nipples feature an advanced 360° double venting system that fights colic by reducing air pressure inside the bottle during feeding.
It is 100% silicone and made in China. One-piece, smaller-sized construction is great for newborns.
Nanobebe offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 100% silicone | Hard to attach a pacifier clip |
| One-piece construction | |
| Smaller sized, perfect for newborns | |
| Extra Soft Nipple | |
| Ergonomic Shape | |
| Available in 4 colors |
Pacifier Clips
Many parents who use pacifiers don’t even know the lifesaving grace that a pacifier clip offers. If you are using a pacifier be sure to invest in a good clip.
Why do you need a pacifier clip? Because babies spit their soothers out often and it’s great to be able to find the soother on the clip and not have to go wash it right away because it hit the ground.
Here are our favourite pacifier clips.
Guide To Buying A Non-Toxic Pacifier
Pacifier Frequently Asked Questions
Pro’s And Con’s Of Using A Pacifier (Advantages and Disadvantages)
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Can Soothe Fussy Baby | Can Interfere With Breastfeeding |
| Distracts Baby | Baby Can Become Dependant On Pacifier |
| Can Help Baby Sleep | Might Increase Risk Of Ear Infection |
| Can Help During Flights | Prolonged Use Can Lead To Dental Issues |
| Can Help Reduce Risk Of SIDS |
Pacifier Best Practices
- Replace your pacifier once every few months as it can wear down over time and become a choking hazard.
- Be sure to purchase the correct pacifier for your baby’s age. A 3-month-old may not be able to hold a 6-18 month pacifier in her mouth as it is too strong for her age.
- Do not let your baby sleep with a pacifier attached to a pacifier clip to prevent strangling.
- Check your pacifier before sterilizing to make sure it will not melt in the sterilizer.
- Your child should be weaning off the pacifier by 6 months of age.
- Do not add juice or sweeteners to the pacifier to prevent tooth decay.
- Always look at your pacifier before putting it into babies mouth to ensure it is clean.
Choosing Silicone Vs. Rubber Pacifiers
You’re definitely looking for a safe, non-toxic option after reading that laundry list of hazardous chemicals, right?
Fortunately, there are some excellent alternatives on the market that are both safe and non-toxic, as well as manufactured by reputable firms.
But first, let’s look at the dispute between silicone and natural rubber.
Food-grade silicone, which is usually regarded to be a safe material, is used in many pacifiers on the market.
Silicone pacifiers are more durable and last longer than latex pacifiers. They aren’t as soft as rubber pacifiers, either.
We strongly advocate natural rubber pacifiers over silicone since silicone is manufactured with synthetic components.
When it comes to avoiding harmful chemicals, this is the better option. Natural rubber is a non-toxic substance that originates from the Hevea Brasiliensi tree.
Natural rubber from a reputable manufacturer has no chemicals or preservatives. It’s also biodegradable for the environmentally minded, albeit it takes a long time.
Natural latex pacifiers, on the other hand, have certain drawbacks:
It degrades more quickly. They generally break down faster than their less-safe competitors since they don’t include any chemical preservatives or chemical softeners. Because they need to be changed more frequently, there is more waste and money spent.
Some babys are allergic to latex. These allergies are genuine, and the only way to find out whether your child has one is to give them a latex product.
How to Choose The Best Pacifier For Your Baby
Your little one will likely have a pacifier preference, just like they can have a baby bottle preference.
Some styles can be more soothing for one baby than some other pacifiers due to shape or material and texture.
Some babies are not picky at all. It can be difficult to buy a perfect pacifier for your baby before the baby is born, but there is no harm in having a few select styles for babies to choose from when they are ready for their pacifier.
Parts: Traditional pacifiers have 3 different parts: nipple, shield and ring. Newer-style pacifiers are made from one piece of molded silicone or rubber materials. Selecting a pacifier based on traditional parts or modern style will widely depend on parental preference. Most pacifiers do have a hole where you can attach a pacifier strap to keep the baby from losing her dummy.
Orthodontic: Choose a pacifier that is orthodontic to support the proper development of teeth and gums.
Sizing: You can buy a pacifier that matches your baby’s age. A pacifier that is too big or too small can cause discomfort and will do the opposite of soothing the baby.
Sizing Guide:
Small: Newborn to 6 months
Medium: 6-18 Months
Large: 18+ Months
It is a good idea to stick the age guidelines on the pacifier packaging to ensure the pacifier you are purchasing is right for your baby.
Materials: Most pacifier nipples are made from silicone, latex or rubber. A silicone pacifier is usually dishwasher safe and will not retain odours. A latex pacifier wears out faster than silicone, retains scent more often and has to be hand washed. There are also special one-piece pacifiers that are made from sturdy rubber. These pacifiers tend to be more expensive than silicone or latex models, but a lot of babies do prefer the texture of the rubber material.
Avoid plastic pacifiers: When choosing a pacifier, avoid plastic parts on the pacifier to avoid chemical exposure to your newborn. Silicone and natural rubber pacifiers are the best.
Avoid scented pacifiers: Some companies create scented pacifiers to make the pacifier more pleasant for a baby. However, these are simply not necessary and can contain more chemicals than we like to introduce to babies.
How Do We Know if a Material is Toxic
When we talk about toxic materials, we really mean the chemicals that the materials are made out of. Some chemicals can be good and harmless but not all of them are. In the United States, approximately 8500 chemicals are released and we come in contact with them during our everyday routines.
A lot of these chemicals have a wide range of purposes such as the plastic in a bottle and the flame retardants in black resin of cell phones and computers are used for safeguarding the product.
Not all chemicals have been studied to determine how harmful they are for human bodies in the long term. Some of them however have been determined to be harmful to adults. If a chemical is harmful to an adult, it can be even more dangerous for a baby.
The Challenge of Keeping Our Babies from Being Hurt by Toxic Chemicals
Manufacturers create their products using many chemicals and sometimes don’t even know they are harmful. Consumers do not typically do research and just use the products that are put out there and are labelled as safe.
What Harm Can Toxic Chemicals in Safe-Appearing Products Do
Toxic chemicals can cause a wide range of problems such as the risk of cancer and the health of various organs such as the lungs, heart, and liver.
We need to focus on the safety of our babies and the most important organ to develop – the brain.
Chemicals can alter the genes in parents and disrupt the function of the nerves in the brain in a newborn and during pregnancy as well. We want to eliminate any sort of toxic substances in order for the brain nerves to develop properly during the baby stages and through childhood too.
The chemical impact varies depending on which chemical the baby is exposed to and for how long they were exposed to it.
Tips To Stop Pacifier Use
There are some disagreements between doctors as to the age a pacifier is no longer good to use. Some doctors recommend the baby is weaned off at 1 year, and some are ok to wait until the child is 3 or 4 and can self-wean off the pacifier.
There is a great 3-day plan created by Mark L. Brenner which you can use to wean your baby off the pacifier.
Day 1: The first day is all about mentally preparing your child to no longer be using the pacifier.
Day 2: Let your child know that in 2 days time there will no longer be a pacifier.
Day 3: This is the day you will team up with your child and look for all the pacifiers in the home and put them in a bag. You will say goodbye to the pacifiers and assure your little ones that they no longer need them.
The Best-Non Toxic Pacifier For Baby Final Thoughts
You should have all the knowledge you need to choose a non-toxic pacifier for your new baby. If your baby is fussing, you can start with a Philips Avent Soothie as it is the number 1 hospital-recommended pacifier for newborns.
If your breastfed baby just won’t take a pacifier, you can try the Natursutten Natural Rubber Pacifier or the Chicco Silicone Pacifier as they represent the shape of a mother’s nipple closer than some of the other pacifier options.
Remember that you don’t have to choose a non-toxic pacifier for your little one, but it is the better choice for the health and safety of your little one.
(This post contains affiliate links. Our full disclosure policy is really boring, but you can find it here)