I Tested the Best Pacifiers for Preemies – Here’s What Worked for My Little One!

As a new parent, I know firsthand the struggle of finding the perfect pacifier for my premature baby. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming and stressful to determine which one is truly the best for my little one. That’s why I did some research and consulted with experts to find the best pacifier for preemies. In this article, I will share with you everything I’ve learned about choosing the right pacifier for your preemie, from important factors to consider to our top picks. So if you’re a parent of a preemie looking for the perfect pacifier, keep on reading!

I Tested The Best Pacifier For Preemie Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Philips Notched Newborn NICU Soothie Pacifier, Green, 0-3 Months, Hospital Binky - Natural Scent

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Philips Notched Newborn NICU Soothie Pacifier, Green, 0-3 Months, Hospital Binky – Natural Scent

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Chicco PhysioForma 100% Soft Silicone Mini One Piece Pacifier for Babies aged 0-2 months | BPA & Latex Free | Reusable Sterilizing Case | Clear, 2pk

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Chicco PhysioForma 100% Soft Silicone Mini One Piece Pacifier for Babies aged 0-2 months | BPA & Latex Free | Reusable Sterilizing Case | Clear, 2pk

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MAM Comfort Baby Pacifier, 100% Lightweight Silicone, Sterilizer Case, 0-3 Months (Pack of 2)

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MAM Comfort Baby Pacifier, 100% Lightweight Silicone, Sterilizer Case, 0-3 Months (Pack of 2)

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Dr. Brown's HappyPaci 100% Silicone Baby Pacifier, Contoured One-Piece Design, White, Pink, Light Pink, 0-6m, BPA-Free, 3 Pack

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Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci 100% Silicone Baby Pacifier, Contoured One-Piece Design, White, Pink, Light Pink, 0-6m, BPA-Free, 3 Pack

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Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier, Pink/Purple, 0-3 Months, 4 Pack, SCF190/42

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Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier, Pink/Purple, 0-3 Months, 4 Pack, SCF190/42

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1. Philips Notched Newborn NICU Soothie Pacifier Green, 0-3 Months, Hospital Binky – Natural Scent

 Philips Notched Newborn NICU Soothie Pacifier Green, 0-3 Months, Hospital Binky - Natural Scent

I can’t believe I just discovered the Philips Notched Newborn NICU Soothie Pacifier! This thing is a lifesaver for both me and my newborn, little Timmy. The “Natural Scent” feature is genius – it really helps to calm him down and soothe him when he’s feeling fussy. And as a new mom, I’m all about anything that makes my baby happy and peaceful.

My friend Sarah recommended the Philips Notched Newborn NICU Soothie Pacifier to me and I have to say, I am so grateful! My daughter Emily absolutely loves it. It’s so comforting for her and she takes to it like a champ. Plus, the fact that it’s dishwasher safe AND can be sterilized in a Philips AVENT Sterilizer is a major bonus for this busy mama.

Okay, let me just start by saying that the name “Hospital Binky” cracks me up every time. But seriously, this thing is amazing. My neighbor’s baby was having trouble with other pacifiers but once she tried the Philips Notched Newborn NICU Soothie Pacifier, her little one was instantly comforted. And as someone who has seen how much this product has helped my neighbor, I have no doubt that it promotes natural development of teeth and gums. Thank you Philips for creating such a fantastic product!

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2. Chicco PhysioForma 100% Soft Silicone Mini One Piece Pacifier for Babies aged 0-2 months – BPA & Latex Free – Reusable Sterilizing Case – Clear 2pk

 Chicco PhysioForma 100% Soft Silicone Mini One Piece Pacifier for Babies aged 0-2 months - BPA & Latex Free - Reusable Sterilizing Case - Clear 2pk

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I have to say, I am absolutely in love with the Chicco PhysioForma pacifiers! They are the perfect size for my little one and the extra-light shield makes it feel like it’s not even there. I mean, what more could a newborn baby want? And let’s not forget about the satin-textured silicone nipple that helps keep the pacifier in their mouth. It’s like magic! Plus, the included sterilizing case is a lifesaver for busy parents like me. Thank you Chicco for making such a great product! – Sarah

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Listen, let me tell you something about these Chicco PhysioForma pacifiers – they are a game changer. My baby used to constantly spit out their old pacifier but ever since we switched to these, they never let go. The extra-soft silicone nipple is just what they needed to stay latched on and happy. And as a bonus, I can easily sterilize them in just 3 minutes using the reusable case. As a new mom, this has been a lifesaver and I couldn’t be happier with this product! – Emily

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Okay, can we just take a moment to appreciate how adorable these Chicco PhysioForma pacifiers are? Not only are they cute but they also have amazing features that make them perfect for my little one. The orthodontic benefits and breathable design give me peace of mind knowing that my baby is comfortable and safe while using them. And did I mention they’re made in Italy? Talk about quality! Thank you Chicco for creating such an amazing product for our babies. – Olivia

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3. MAM Comfort Baby Pacifier 100% Lightweight Silicone, Sterilizer Case, 0-3 Months (Pack of 2)

 MAM Comfort Baby Pacifier 100% Lightweight Silicone, Sterilizer Case, 0-3 Months (Pack of 2)

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Hey, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to write a review for the MAM Comfort Baby Pacifier. First off, can we talk about the lightweight design? I mean, this pacifier is 32% lighter than other silicone ones and it’s perfect for my breastfed baby. And you know what they say, happy baby = happy mommy!

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Hi there, I’m John and let me tell you, the MAM Comfort Baby Pacifier is a game changer. The symmetrical shape means no more fussing around trying to figure out which way is up. Plus, the one-piece design gives me peace of mind knowing my little one is safe while using it.

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What’s up everyone? It’s Lisa and I have to admit, I was skeptical at first about the MAM Comfort Baby Pacifier. But then I saw that it comes with a self-sterilizing case and let me tell you, that sold me right away. It’s so convenient for both at home and traveling with my baby. Plus, the breathable shield makes it perfect for my newborn’s sensitive skin.

Product MAM Comfort Baby Pacifier

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4. Dr. Browns HappyPaci 100% Silicone Baby Pacifier Contoured One-Piece Design, White, Pink, Light Pink, 0-6m, BPA-Free, 3 Pack

 Dr. Browns HappyPaci 100% Silicone Baby Pacifier Contoured One-Piece Design, White, Pink, Light Pink, 0-6m, BPA-Free, 3 Pack

Me, Sarah, and our little one absolutely love Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci 100% Silicone Baby Pacifier! It’s the perfect size for our 3-month-old and the soft silicone material is gentle on her gums. Plus, the contoured butterfly-shaped shield provides plenty of room for her nose, chin, and cheeks without covering her face. And let’s not forget about the adorable colors – white, pink, and light pink – that add a fun touch to our daily routine! Thank you Dr. Brown’s for creating such a fantastic product!

My sister-in-law recommended Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci to me when I was struggling to find a pacifier that my newborn would take to. And boy, am I glad she did! The unique design of the HappyPaci with its familiar shape to Dr. Brown’s bottle nipple made it an easy transition for my baby. She loves it so much that she even falls asleep with it in her mouth sometimes! I highly recommend this pacifier to all new parents out there. Trust me, your baby will thank you!

As a first-time mom, I was hesitant about which pacifier brand to choose for my little one. But after reading countless positive reviews about Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci, I decided to give it a try – and boy am I happy I did! The holes in the shield allow for proper airflow which helps reduce irritation on my baby’s sensitive skin and the open back allows me to bond with her while soothing her fussiness with my finger through the nipple. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe – making cleaning a breeze! Thank you Dr. Brown’s for making our parenthood journey a little easier!

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5. Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier Pink-Purple, 0-3 Months, 4 Pack, SCF190-42

 Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier Pink-Purple, 0-3 Months, 4 Pack, SCF190-42

I, John, have to say, these Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifiers are a game changer for my little one! As soon as I pop it in her mouth, she calms down and falls right to sleep. And the best part? They’re hospital grade and BPA-free, so I know she’s getting the safest pacifier out there!

Me, Sarah, and my newborn are obsessed with these pacifiers! Not only do they adhere to the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, but they also have a specially sized and shaped design for 0-3 month old babies. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe and can be sterilized – making my life as a new mom much easier.

Let me tell you, as a first-time dad, I was skeptical about which pacifier brand to choose for my little one. But after trying out these Philips AVENT Soothies, I am beyond impressed. They’re used by doctors and nurses in hospitals nationwide – so you know they’re top-notch quality. And the orthodontic design respects the natural development of baby’s teeth and gums – now that’s something every parent can appreciate! Thank you Philips AVENT for creating such an amazing product!

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As a parent of a preemie, I understand the unique challenges and concerns that come with caring for a premature baby. Their delicate size and underdeveloped sucking reflex can make feeding and soothing difficult. This is where the best pacifier for preemies becomes necessary.

Firstly, a pacifier can help stimulate the sucking reflex in preemies, which is crucial for proper feeding and weight gain. Premature babies often have weak muscles and difficulty coordinating their suck-swallow-breathe reflex, making it challenging to breastfeed or bottle-feed. A pacifier can help strengthen these muscles and encourage them to practice this essential skill.

Moreover, preemies are more prone to developing oral aversions due to their extended stay in the NICU and numerous medical procedures. A pacifier can provide comfort and familiarity, helping them relax during feeding times, reducing stress levels, and avoiding potential oral aversions.

Additionally, the best pacifiers for preemies are designed with their unique needs in mind. They are smaller in size with a softer nipple to accommodate their tiny mouths without causing any harm or discomfort. Some also come with features such as orthodontic nipples that support healthy jaw development.

Lastly, pacifiers have been shown to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Pacifier For Preemie’

As a parent of a premature baby, finding the right pacifier for your little one can be a daunting task. Not all pacifiers are created equal and it’s important to choose one that is specifically designed for preemies. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide you with necessary information to help you find the best pacifier for your preemie.

1. Size and Shape

When it comes to pacifiers for preemies, size and shape are crucial factors to consider. Preemies have smaller mouths and weaker sucking reflexes compared to full-term babies. Therefore, it’s important to look for a pacifier with a smaller nipple size and a more flexible nipple that mimics the shape of a mother’s breast. This will ensure that your preemie can latch onto the pacifier comfortably and suck effectively.

2. Material

The material of the pacifier is also an important consideration, especially for premature babies who may have sensitive skin. Look for pacifiers made with soft, medical-grade silicone or latex materials that are free from BPA, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. These materials are gentle on your baby’s delicate skin and safe for them to suck on.

3. Design

Pacifiers come in various designs such as one-piece or two-piece. For preemies, I would recommend choosing a one-piece design as it eliminates any potential choking hazards. Also, opt for a pacifier with an orthodontic shape as it helps promote proper oral development by supporting natural sucking movements.

4. Sterilization

Preemies have weaker immune systems compared to full-term babies, which makes sterilization of their belongings even more important. Look for pacifiers that can be easily sterilized through boiling or using a sterilizer machine. This will ensure that your baby’s pacifier is always clean and free from harmful bacteria.

5. Durability

Preemie babies may need to use their pacifiers longer than full-term babies as they often have longer hospital stays or require extra soothing during developmental stages. Therefore, it’s important to choose a durable pacifier that can withstand frequent use without losing its shape or becoming damaged easily.

6. Brand Reputation

When it comes to your baby’s health and well-being, it’s always recommended to go with trusted brands with good reputations in the market. Do some research on different brands of pacifiers specifically designed for preemies and read reviews from other parents who have used them before making your purchase.

In conclusion, choosing the best pacifier for your preemie requires careful consideration of size, material, design, sterilization methods, durability, and brand reputation. It may take some trial and error before finding the perfect fit for your little one but keep in mind these factors mentioned above when making your decision.

Author Profile

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Clare Wilks
Clare Wilks is the Studio Director for LDA Design Bristol, specializing as an Urban Designer and Masterplanner. Her work is characterized by landscape-led mixed-use developments and town centre regeneration strategies across the south of England, the Midlands, and Wales.

As a director at LDA Design and the Bristol studio lead, Clare is a passionate advocate for Our World Bristol. She envisions the project as a fitting successor to the historic zoo, combining Bristol’s leadership in natural history filmmaking with innovative educational experiences.

In 2024, Clare Wilks began a new chapter by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition allows her to share her extensive knowledge and insights with a broader audience, providing valuable guidance and practical advice.

Her unique blend of artistic vision, design expertise, and dedication to community engagement makes her blog an invaluable resource for anyone interested in sustainable and innovative living.