How to choose the best pacifier for your baby
A complete guide for both new and experienced parents
Pacifiers - sometimes called soothers or dummies - are a beloved parenting tool, offering comfort and convenience for both babies and their caregivers. Whether you’re calming a crying newborn, helping your little one settle to sleep, or simply providing a soothing distraction during a car ride, pacifiers are an invaluable resource. With so many options available, how do you choose the best pacifiers for newborns, breastfed babies, or toddlers nearing the end of their pacifier journey? In this guide we'll help you find the right fit no matter if you’re soothing a newborn, supporting a breastfeeding journey, or gently preparing your toddler to say goodbye to their pacifier
This guide also answers typical parent questions, from "Why babies like pacifiers?" to "How to sterilize pacifiers?" and "When babies should stop using pacifiers?".
What are pacifiers?
Pacifiers are small, nipple-like devices designed to mimic the act of nursing. They help babies self-soothe by engaging their natural sucking reflex, providing comfort and security. These small items have been a staple in childcare for generations and continue to evolve to meet modern safety and health standards.
Why do babies like pacifiers?
Babies are born with a natural sucking reflex, which is both comforting and essential for feeding. Pacifiers tap into this instinct, providing a sense of security and calm. They can quickly become a especially helpful during:
- Sleep times, promoting relaxation and reducing nighttime fussiness.
- Travel, offering a distraction during car rides or flights.
- Teething phases, alleviating discomfort and aiding in soothing sore gums.
At FRIGG, we take pride in designing pacifiers that prioritize your baby’s safety and comfort. Crafted in Denmark with medical-grade and natural rubber materials, our pacifiers represent the perfect balance of tradition, innovation, and quality.
Types of pacifiers - What's the difference?
Pacifiers come in various shapes, materials, and styles. Each design caters to specific needs and preferences, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every baby. Choosing the right nipple shape plays a big role in whether your baby accepts the pacifier and beenefits from it long-term. That's why FRIGG offers a carefully curated range of nipple shapes to support the different needs.
Nipple shapes
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Orthodontic Pacifiers: Designed to support healthy oral development, these pacifiers have a flattened bottom and rounded top to align with your baby’s palate.
- Symmetrical Pacifiers: Gently balanced on both sides. This pacifier nipple shape stays correctly positioned in the mouth for effortless sothing.
- Anatomical Pacifiers: Shaped to follow the natural curve of the baby's mouth, the anatomical shape supports healthy oral development and a more natural toungue movement
- Symmetrical Pacifiers: Gently balanced on both sides. This pacifier nipple shape stays correctly positioned in the mouth for effortless sothing.
- Round Pacifiers: Traditional in design, these pacifiers are often favored for their resemblance to a mother’s breast nipple.
Nipple Material
- Latex (Natural Rubber) - Soft and flexible, with a natural feel babies love.
- Medical Grade Silicone - Highly durable, allergy-friendly and easy to sterilize.
Learn more: Read our guide on Natural Rubber (Latex) vs. Medical Grade Silicone Pacifiers to decide which material is best suited for your baby.
Best pacifiers for newborns
When selecting a pacifier for a newborn, safety and comfort are paramount. Newborn pacifiers are typically smaller, lightweight, and made from materials that are gentle on delicate skin. Both orthodontic and round pacifiers are excellent choices. Round pacifiers, in particular, closely mimic the shape of a mother's nipple, making them a natural and soothing option for newborns. One-piece designs are also often recommended for their ergonomic benefits and improved safety.
At FRIGG, our pacifiers are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of newborns, ensuring both comfort and safety from the very first use, whether you prefer a round or orthodontic nipple shape.
Best pacifiers for breastfed babies
Breastfed babies may have specific preferences when it comes to pacifiers. Many breastfeeding mothers worry about “nipple confusion”, but choosing the right pacifier can help avoid this issue. In Denmark, midwives commonly recommend a round nipple shape. for breastfed babies, as it closely mimics the shape and feel of the mother's breast
Our FRIGG pacifiers are crafted to support breastfeeding relationships, providing a seamless transition between nursing and pacifier use.
Are pacifiers safe?
Yes - when designed with care and used appropriately, pacifiers are perfectly safe for babies to use.
At FRIGG, safety is one of our top priorities when creating products. It's built into every step of our design and production process.
- All Pacifiers are made entirely in Denmark for full quality control
- All FRIGG pacifiers meets EN1400 + A2 European safety standards
- Click-Lock® System to ensure quality assembly method of pacifiers
- Thoroughly tested to simulate real-life use
Benefits of using pacifiers
Pacifiers offer a range of benefits for babies and parents alike:
- Reduces the risk of SIDS: Studies show that pacifier use during sleep can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
- Soothes teething pain: Pacifiers can alleviate gum discomfort during teething phases.
- Promotes self-soothing: Helps babies learn to calm themselves, aiding in better sleep patterns.
Our FRIGG pacifiers are available in two sizes, size 1 (0-6 months) and size 2 (6+ months) to cater to different age groups, ensuring your child receives the perfect fit at every stage.
Why choose FRIGG pacifiers?
FRIGG pacifiers are a global favorite for a reason. Designed and manufactured 100% in Denmark, we combine high-quality materials with thorough craftsmanship to support the wellbeing of babies around the world. We design with love. We test with care. We create with your child in mind. In 2024, we were honored to receive three prestigious awards - including Most Trusted Pacifier Brand 2024 by LUXlife, the Parents' Picks Award for Best Baby & Toddler Products in 2024, and a 2nd placement in the Junior Design Awards for Best Pacifier Design in 2024. We have also been nominated for the Junior Design Award 2025 in the category Best Pacifier Design.
These recognitions reflect our commitment to safety, thoughtful design, and the trust of parents everywhere.
Our pacifiers are available in medical-grade silicone and latex, with designs that cater to every baby’s needs. Plus, our commitment to sustainability ensures a safer planet for your child’s future.
Browse our full range of FRIGG pacifiers.
When should babies stop using pacifiers?
While pacifiers are incredibly helpful during infancy, they’re not meant to be a lifelong habit. Most pediatricians recommend weaning babies off pacifiers between 12 and 36 months to avoid potential dental issues and encourage independence.
Signs that your baby may be ready to stop using a pacifier include:
- Showing less interest in sucking.
- Transitioning to other self-soothing methods, such as cuddling or thumb-sucking.
Helpful resources: Check out our blog post on when should babies stop using pacifiers.
How to sterilize pacifiers
Keeping your baby’s pacifiers clean is crucial for their health. Proper cleaning helps prevent the buildup of bacteria, reducing the risk of illness.
How to clean pacifiers
1. Put the pacifier in a clean bowl
2. Pour with boiling water
3. Let it soak for approximately 5 minutes
4. Pick it up and let it dry
5. Squeeze excess water out of it when it has cooled down sufficiently
Remember to replace pacifiers every 4-8 weeks or at the first sign of wear.
Find out more: Read our how to sterilize pacifiers blog post for additional information.
FAQs about pacifiers
Where can I buy FRIGG pacifiers?
You can purchase FRIGG pacifiers directly from our website or through our trusted distributors.
Why is it necessary to replace pacifiers regularly?
Pacifiers should be replaced every 4-8 weeks to ensure they remain hygienic and safe for your baby.
Do pacifiers cause dental problems?
When used correctly, pacifiers pose little risk to dental health. Orthodontic designs can further minimize potential issues.
Visit our FRIGG FAQ page for detailed answers to common questions.
Pacifiers are more than just a soothing tool; they’re a cornerstone of early childhood care. Whether you’re searching for the best pacifiers for newborns, tips on how to sterilize pacifiers, or advice on weaning your baby off them, FRIGG has you covered.
