Natural rubber (latex) vs. silicone: Which pacifier material is best for your baby?

It starts with a tiny sigh of relief – the moment your baby finds calm in a pacifier. That soft, familiar shape can turn tears into peace, and sleepless nights into brief, blissful pauses. For parents, that comfort matters. And so does the decision behind it.

Should you choose the warm, natural elasticity of rubber or the smooth, hypoallergenic reliability of silicone?

Here’s what you need to know to choose the material that fits your baby best.

Pacifier materials at a glance

Pacifiers today are most commonly made from two materials: natural rubber (latex) and medical-grade silicone. But why these two?

A brief history of pacifier materials

In the early 20th century, pacifiers were often made from glass, ivory, or early plastics - materials that were hard, brittle, and not particularly safe for little mouths. As our understanding of infant health evolved, so did pacifier design.

Natural rubber became popular for its elasticity and softness, closely mimicking a mother’s breast – making it ideal for soothing. Later, silicone emerged as a modern, hypoallergenic alternative: clean, neutral in taste and smell, and easier to sterilize.

Today, these two materials have become the gold standard in baby care – each trusted for its own unique strengths.

At FRIGG, all our pacifiers come with nipples crafted from:

• Natural Rubber (Latex) - Soft, elastic, and harvested from the sap of the rubber tree

• Medical Grade Silicone - Durable, transparent, and hypoallergenic

Both are trusted, parent-approved options. But they feel - and function - a little differently. Let’s explore.

Natural Rubber Pacifiers - What are they made of?

Natural rubber is also called latex and is a completely natural material. It comes from the rubber tree, whose juice (latex milk) is extracted and processed into natural rubber. Pacifiers in natural rubber are soft and elastic and can be recognized by their yellow/brown color.

Why parents love latex pacifiers

• Soft and flexible - gentle in the mouth, with a natural softness that many babies find comforting
• Naturally derived - biodegradable and eco-kind
• Stretchy and warm - familiar in feel, especially for breastfed babies

Things to consider

• Distinct scent and taste - comforting to some babies, not all
• More sensitive material - can deform from prolonged boiling or direct sunlight
• Light sensitive - store away from sunlight and heat
• ! Avoid if there's a latex allergy in your family

Medical grade silicone pacifier – what is it made from?

Medical grade silicone is the purest type of silicone and is an industrially manufactured material. It’s often used in both the food and pharmaceutical industries. Silicone is clear, transparent, and has a smooth surface.

Introducing: FRIGG Medical Grade Silicone nipple with a SilkySoft™ surface

Our medical grade silicone nipple now has a smooth surface called SilkySoft™. It’s even softer than before, which helps minimize the risk of tension in the head and jaw. This improved softness makes it gentler on the baby’s palate and gums – and often more easily accepted due to the smoother feel.

Why parents love it

• Hypoallergenic - ideal for sensitive babies and allergy-prone families
• Odorless and tasteless - great for picky little mouths
• Highly durable - resists wear from sterilization and daily use
• Easy to sterilize - resists heat, bacteria, and everyday messes

Things to consider

• Firmer than rubber - may take getting used to for some babies
• Less "skin-like" feel - texture-sensitive babies may prefer latex

Different materials – different strengths

Babies have their own preferences. Some love the warm, stretchiness of natural rubber - especially if they’re used to nursing. Others respond better to the smooth, scent-free silicone, which can feel cleaner and more neutral.

There’s no wrong choice - just the one that soothes your baby best.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Latex & Silicone Pacifiers

Natural rubber and silicone are two very different materials with different strengths and qualities.

Safety

The purpose of our FRIGG pacifier is to give little ones peace of mind by imitating a mother’s breast. To make switching between breast and pacifier easier, many parents choose natural rubber first because it’s softer and more elastic – closer in feel to skin.

Allergies

Silicone is the cleanest and most allergy-friendly of the two materials. If there’s any latex allergy in your family, you should choose our medical grade silicone pacifiers.

Smell and taste

Silicone is a fragrance-neutral material, whereas natural rubber has a slightly characteristic smell. Preference varies from child to child.

Durability

Natural rubber is more elastic than silicone, and harder for small baby teeth to bite through. However, it has a shorter lifespan. Natural rubber expands and changes shape over time, while silicone retains its form longer.

Storage

Natural rubber can be damaged by light and heat. Always store rubber pacifiers in a dark, dry place at room temperature. Avoid sunny windowsills or heat exposure. Silicone is more resistant to environmental impact.

Cleaning

The younger the baby, the more important good pacifier hygiene becomes. Silicone is easier to clean due to its smooth surface and heat resistance. It can handle repeated sterilizations without losing shape or safety.

Read more about how to sterilize pacifiers in our other blog post.

All children are unique

Natural rubber and silicone each have their pros and cons. There will always be differing opinions on which is “better” - but ultimately, your child will choose what they like best.

? Have you noticed the four little slanting lines inside the nipple?

Some may wonder if those lines are a defect – but the answer is no. They’re part of the design. We strive to make our pacifiers stand out, and that includes thoughtful, functional nipple design.