How to choose the right pacifier for your baby

Should My Child Have a Round, Symmetrical, or Anatomical Pacifier?
One of the most common questions we get from parents is: Which pacifier is best for my child? Essentially, the less pressure there is on the palate, gums, and jaws, the gentler the pacifier will be. Conversely, increased pressure on these areas can raise the risk of dental issues like an open bite. This is one reason why a pacifier is always preferable to a thumb.

It’s also important to remember that a baby’s need to suck is about much more than just satisfying hunger – sucking also provides comfort. The more natural the pacifier feels for the baby, the greater the sense of security it offers.

Pacifiers can be divided into three main categories, each with unique features:

• Round pacifiers
• Symmetrical pacifiers
• Anatomical pacifiers

When discussing the shape of a pacifier, it’s really the shape of the nipple that we’re referring to.

Round Pacifiers
Round pacifiers are a classic type, designed to mimic the shape of the breast. This supports a natural and proper sucking technique for the baby. Round pacifiers feel more natural for babies to use than other pacifier types.

Round pacifiers are recommended for breastfed babies, especially if the baby starts using a pacifier early on. This is because the baby uses the same sucking technique with a round pacifier as when breastfeeding. Keeping the same sucking technique prevents nipple confusion in infants, making it much easier to transition between breast and pacifier.

Check out our selection of round pacifiers HERE

Symmetrical Pacifiers
Symmetrical pacifiers have a teardrop shape with a slightly flattened design. The practical advantage of these pacifiers is that they cannot be placed incorrectly in the baby’s mouth – the symmetrical shape ensures the pacifier always sits correctly, whether it’s facing up or down. Additionally, symmetrical pacifiers are designed with a flatter neck and nipple to reduce pressure on the palate and gums.

Check out our selection of symmetrical pacifiers HERE

Anatomical Pacifiers
Anatomical pacifiers feature a nipple shape that mirrors the natural shape of the mouth. These pacifiers are designed to exert less pressure on the palate, gums, and jaws, making them the most gentle type.

Check out our selection of anatomical pacifiers HERE

Material: Silicone Pacifiers vs. Latex Pacifiers
The material of the nipple is also something to consider when choosing a pacifier for your child. You can choose between pacifiers made of silicone or latex. Silicone is a highly hypoallergenic material, while latex (also known as natural rubber) is a natural and more flexible material that is less prone to being bitten through. Silicone comes in various grades, with the highest (purest and most hypoallergenic) quality known as medical-grade silicone.

Learn more about the difference between silicone and natural rubber pacifiers HERE

DID YOU KNOW?
The specific nipple shape and shield design of each pacifier type serve a purpose:

• Round pacifiers have a matching round shield to indicate that this type of pacifier cannot be placed incorrectly in the baby’s mouth.
• Symmetrical pacifiers also feature a symmetrical shield, indicating that the pacifier can be used either way up.
• Anatomical pacifiers can only be placed in the baby’s mouth in one correct way, and the shield reflects this. If the pacifier is positioned incorrectly, you’ll notice immediately by looking at the shield.

Remember, Every Baby Is Different
That’s why it’s essential to try different options and find the pacifier that suits your child best. Keep in mind that the primary function of a pacifier is to provide comfort. If your baby doesn’t find comfort in their pacifier, the likelihood of them turning to their thumb increases.

This is why I always tell concerned parents to keep things in perspective: Yes, pacifiers differ, but…

A pacifier is ALWAYS preferable to a thumb – and so much easier to wean from later on!

Now all that’s left is to wish you a happy pacifier hunt!