How to choose a pacifier for a newborn?

Selecting the ideal pacifier for your baby can seem like a major choice. It’s simple to feel overwhelmed by the abundance of choices. Pacifiers are available in a multitude of designs and materials, each with unique advantages for your child.

You can find a pacifier that both soothes and promotes your baby’s development by knowing what to look for. Comfort and safety are influenced by various factors such as size, shape of the nipple, and material composition.

We’ll break down everything you need to know to choose the best option for your child in the sections that follow. In this manner, you can be sure that the pacifier you give your child will satisfy their needs and make them happy.

Consider the shape	Pacifiers come in different shapes like orthodontic, round, or flat. Try a few to see what your baby prefers.
Material matters	Pacifiers are usually made of silicone or latex. Silicone is durable, while latex is softer but wears out faster.
Check the size	Make sure to choose a pacifier that is age-appropriate, as different sizes are designed for different stages.
Safety first	Look for a one-piece design to reduce the risk of choking, and ensure it"s BPA-free.
Easy to clean	Choose a pacifier that can be sterilized easily and regularly to keep it hygienic.

Selection criteria

• The age of the baby, as well as the size of the child.
• The shape of the product, which can be symmetrical, flattened, round, etc.
• The size of the base of the pacifier.
• Product safety. It should not disassemble into parts and break easily.
• The material from which the pacifier is made.
• The name of the manufacturer. By purchasing a product from a well-known brand, you will be sure of the quality of the pacifier.

The goal of selecting the ideal pacifier for a newborn is to find one that fits your baby’s needs while being safe and comfortable. Choose one that is the right size and shape for your baby’s mouth and age, and is constructed of soft, long-lasting materials. Selecting a pacifier that is chemical-free and simple to clean is also crucial. As each baby is unique, you might need to try a few before deciding on the ideal fit.

Material

Pacifiers can be silicone or latex, similar to nipples placed on a bottle. Though they are becoming less common and extinct, rubber nipples are still available. These types of pacifiers are transient and may result in diathesis. On the other hand, a rubber nipple can be useful during teething.

Natural rubber is used to make latex pacifiers, giving the product its soft, elastic texture. It is recommended that newborns, including premature babies, have nipples like these. Light brown or transparent latex nipples are available. Sadly, they can darken in the presence of sunlight, wear out very quickly, and trigger allergies.

Silicone pacifiers are safer for allergy sufferers and more resilient to boiling. Since silicone is a synthetic material, it is resilient, elastic, colorless, and odorless. However, because they are harder and may interfere with the development of baby teeth, these nipples should only be used on children whose teeth have not yet erupted.

Shape

Since pacifiers come in a wide variety of shapes, you must select the most practical one for the child in question. It’s thought that the infant favors pacifiers that have the same form as the mother’s nipple when they’re in his mouth.

Let’s think about the pacifier’s shapes.

Round

The most traditional and well-known pacifier shape is this one. Its nipple is round, and it gets broader toward the end after becoming narrower at the limit. This pacifier can be given to a baby by a mother from any angle.

A drawback of prolonged use is that the bite may deteriorate.

Anatomical

Its name refers to the structure that is equivalent to the baby’s mouth. An elliptical shape and a thin neck that prevents tooth deformation characterize such pacifiers. To guarantee that the tongue is positioned correctly, it is flattened on one side.

The benefits of this pacifier shape include encouraging the proper bite, applying consistent pressure to the baby’s oral tissues, and avoiding air swallowing.

Orthodontic

These pacifiers are currently the most widely used because the child grasps them like a mother’s breast. Their nipple is beveled, with one side being convex and the other slightly flattened.

These pacifiers are shaped like the following:

• "cherry" (recommended for large babies with a wide palate);
• "butterfly" (this type of pacifier is given to a baby lying on his stomach);
• "heart" (helps form a bite).

An orthodontic pacifier is also available in symmetrical form, with both sides being flat. A baby can be given a pacifier like this on either side, just like a round one.

Size

The baby’s age should be considered when choosing the product’s size. Typically, the accessory’s packaging specifies the age range for which the chosen pacifier is appropriate. Three categories are used to group all pacifiers:

• A (for babies after birth up to six months of age);
• B (for children over six months old up to 1.5 years of age);
• C (for children over 18 months old).

Pacifiers are available from certain companies for babies weighing less than 1.75 kg at birth. Additionally, category A pacifiers can be separated by the manufacturer into items for children three months and older.

What does a pacifier consist of?

A nipple, a base (also known as a shield), and a ring are the components of any pacifier. Selecting a product with an appropriate shield size for your child is crucial. The pacifier’s base should be just the right size to avoid getting in the way of the baby’s nose breathing and just small enough to keep the kid from putting the whole thing in their mouth.

An engraved inner surface of the base shield is a good idea as it will prevent the accessory from fitting too tightly against the baby’s skin. There should be holes in the base so that air can reach the baby’s face skin. Additionally, the baby’s nose should be cut out of the shield.

Manufacturers, their pros and cons

For a newborn, a high-quality pacifier is all that is required, so it is best to select a product from reputable producers of children’s products. For instance, the English company Avent manufactures kid-oriented goods in compliance with strict safety regulations. This brand’s nipples are not only incredibly comfy for babies, but they are also totally safe.

Philips AVENT

The Philips AVENT brand is the industry leader in silicone pacifier manufacturing. The business sells traditional nipples with six holes for varying sizes of ventilation, ranging from 0 to 3 years. These pacifiers are incredibly comfy, long-lasting, and safe for infants. The accessories come with a protective cap.

The relatively high cost of Philips AVENT pacifiers and the potential for moisture to enter the nipple through the ventilation holes are two drawbacks. Furthermore, a lot of kids won’t like how these products are shaped like tears.

Canpol babies

Canpol Babies is a well-known Polish company that manufactures premium pacifiers. This brand’s products are made of latex and silicone and are both comfortable and strong.

The air valve, excellent quality, lid, range of designs, and affordable price are some of the benefits of this company’s pacifiers.

Chicco

Chicco, the well-known manufacturer, is regarded as a trustworthy brand. This company’s nipples are aesthetically pleasing, incredibly safe, and dependable. Chicco’s latex pacifiers are soft, elastic, and incredibly flexible despite their strength. They also aid in properly forming the bite.

Nuby

The biggest manufacturer of products for newborns is the American business Nuby. This brand’s pacifiers stand out for their exceptional quality and stylish appearance.

The baby with such a nipple won’t be lazy because they are exhibited by original movable models (the sucking portion in Nuby pacifiers is movable). Using it helps the child fall asleep by making them tired during sucking more quickly. Additionally, this brand’s silicone nipple has "bumps" to help stimulate the baby’s gums. It’s true that the cost of these incredibly sturdy goods is high.

TIGEX

The French company TIGEX produces pacifiers with a stylish appearance, well-thought-out details, and premium materials. Because of their anatomical shape, the products from this brand don’t fall out of the baby’s mouth. Eco-friendly resources are employed in their manufacturing.

TIGEX offers an extensive selection of reasonably priced nipples. The company also makes special nipples for weaker infants.

NUC

The patented shape of the German NUC brand’s nibbles sets it apart. Research has verified that it is physiological for infants. Although pricey, this brand’s products are long-lasting.

Pigeon

Pigeon, a Japanese company, also sells orthodontic nipples to newborns. It is advised that children under 4 months old have nipples like these. They have an appealing design and are both affordable and of excellent quality.

HEVEA

The HEVEA brand is among the top producers of latex pacifiers. They come in a variety of sizes and types on the market. Since this company uses natural rubber to make its products, all of the nipples are soft, clean, and at a comfortable temperature. Furthermore, there are no seams in their design.

The price of these pacifiers is their only drawback.

Bibi

Parents who are looking for a genuine pacifier may enjoy the Swiss company Bibi. This company makes very high-quality, long-lasting silicone nipples with an unusual design featuring bright pictures and original inscriptions. There’s a stand and a case for the pacifier.

The product’s non-anatomical shape (all pacifiers come in the shape of a "cherry"), tiny ventilation holes, and expensive cost are some of its drawbacks.

When choosing a pacifier for your baby, there are a few important things to take into account. Size, shape, and material all affect how safe and comfortable it is for your baby to use. Try a variety of things; what works for one baby might not work for another.

To maintain your baby’s health, it’s also critical to clean the pacifier properly and to check it for wear and tear on a regular basis. Maintaining the replacement schedule according to the manufacturer’s recommendations is a wise practice.

Ultimately, the ideal pacifier is one that meets your baby’s requirements and calms them down. Rely on your gut feeling and keep in mind that your infant will help you choose the best one.

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