Natural rubber versus silicone
Natural rubber pacifiers
Natural rubber, also called latex, is a completely natural material. It comes from the rubber tree, whose sap (latex milk) is extracted and processed into natural rubber. Natural rubber pacifiers are soft and elastic and are recognizable by their yellow/brown color.
Silicone is an industrially manufactured material. Due to its purity, it is often used in both the food and medical industries. Silicone is 100% free of harmful and hormone-disrupting substances like bisphenols, PVC, and phthalates. Pacifiers are available in both food-grade and medical-grade silicone – the latter being the purest and used in surgeries. Silicone is clear, transparent, and has a smooth surface.
Different Materials – Different Strengths
Natural rubber and silicone are two very different materials with unique strengths and qualities. The main differences between natural rubber and silicone are:
Comfort
The purpose of a pacifier is to provide comfort by mimicking a mother’s breast. To make it as easy and natural as possible for the baby to transition between pacifier and breast, many parents try natural rubber first, as it is softer and more similar to the elasticity of skin and breast tissue than silicone.
Allergy
Silicone is the cleaner and more hypoallergenic of the two materials. If your family has a history of latex allergies, you should choose silicone.
Smell and Taste
Silicone is an odor- and taste-neutral material, whereas natural rubber has a slightly characteristic smell. Each baby has individual preferences, so it’s a matter of what they prefer.
Durability
Natural rubber is more elastic than silicone, making it harder for little milk teeth to bite through. Silicone pacifiers don’t age, while natural rubber has a limited lifespan. Over time, natural rubber pacifiers may expand and change shape, whereas silicone retains its form.
Storage
Natural rubber is sensitive to light and heat exposure, whereas silicone better withstands environmental influences. Always store natural rubber pacifiers in a dark, dry place at a consistent temperature. Never leave them in places like a windowsill, where they’re exposed to sunlight and heat.
Cleaning
The younger the baby, the more crucial proper pacifier hygiene becomes, meaning frequent cleaning is necessary. Silicone is easier to manage in this regard.
Silicone has a smooth surface that doesn’t attract dust or dirt. Its high heat tolerance makes it resistant to frequent sterilization, ensuring it remains intact even with repeated cleaning.
Every baby is unique
As you can see, both natural rubber and silicone have their advantages and disadvantages. As a parent, you’ll find that opinions vary widely on which material is better or healthier.
That’s why it’s important to emphasize that every baby is different. In the end, it’s your baby who will be the ultimate judge, choosing the pacifier they prefer.
Pacifiers are made with nipples in two different material types: silicone and natural rubber/latex. Both materials have their pros and cons. So, what should you offer your child – silicone or natural rubber? This is a question we often hear from parents.
Note! Because latex is a natural material, the nipple on the pacifiers may appear uneven when you receive them. The pacifiers are not defective; they just need to be boiled and gently stretched into shape.