Pacifiers can be a helpful tool in teaching your newborn to self-soothe, but most experts at the Mayo Clinic agree that a breastfeeding newborn should not be given a pacifier until after the first month, so as not to interfere with mother's milk supply. If you are bottle feeding your baby, you can use a pacifier as soon as you need to in order to calm your baby with a sucking motion. Using the right kind of pacifier for your newborn's small mouth can help him more successfully be calmed down during bouts of fussiness.
Soothie Newborn Pacifier
The Soothie Newborn Pacifier is a favorite for one main reason; it is the pacifier most often used by hospitals nationwide according to Amazon, and therefore, the first pacifier that most babies use. Once they get used to the unique design and feel of the Soothies, some newborns may be reluctant to switch to a different brand. Made of silicone with a one piece design to limit germs, it is a good idea to have a few of these on hand.
Avent Newborn Pacifier
The Avent Newborn Pacifier is a good choice for those germ-conscious moms who are wary of sickness. Babies born during October through March are especially susceptible to RSV, so it's important to keep pacifiers sanitized. The vented design allows you to steam clean them once a day for optimum sterilization. They also include a protective cap to keep the pacifier nipple clean while transporting.
Gerber Nuk Orthodontic Pacifier
The Gerber Nuk Orthodontic Pacifier comes in a smaller size that is ideal for the small mouths of newborns. It features a design that is more like mother's breast, so that if you are breastfeeding, you don't need to worry about nipple confusion. The vented design allows for air circulation while against baby's face, and the nipple retracts and conforms to baby's mouth for a more satisfying and calming experience.
GumDrop Pacifier Natural Scent Newborn
A fairly new style of newborn pacifier, the Gumdrop Pacifier Natural Scent Newborn offers a one-piece, lightweight silicone design that can be easily cleaned, with a curved shape that conforms your your baby's natural shape for a more comfortable fit. It also has a natural vanilla scent that may soothe your baby when he is fussy.
Avent Contemporary Freeflow Pacifiers
The Avent Contemporary Freeflow Pacifiers offers a unique flat nipple design that allow natural development of your baby's gums and eventually his teeth. The six air vents placed strategically around the pacifier allow for better circulation, without the ring that baby's can sometimes get around the mouth from a pacifier. It boasts a BPA free plastic that expands and contracts for a more comforting experience for a baby.
