Best Natural Pacifiers — Buyers Guide, Review and Comparison
We all want to provide the best for our children, but we also become far more aware of the impact we have on the environment — and the need to preserve it for our babies. The best natural pacifiers are made from sustainable materials and leave a minimal footprint on our world, while still being perfectly made and delivering what they’re designed to do — provide comfort and help to soothe your baby — safely.
Top Pick
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Product Rating: 4.6/5
PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
---|---|---|
SWEETIE Rubber Pacifier | Material: Natural rubber Design: One piece Nipple Shape: Round/Orthodontic/Symmetry Age range: 0-6 / 6-12 / 12-18 months
| CHECK PRICE AT AMAZON Travelling Baby Review |
Natursutten BPA-Free Natural Rubber Pacifier | Material: Natural rubber Design: One piece Nipple Shape: Orthodontic Age range: 0-6 months
| CHECK PRICE AT AMAZON Travelling Baby Review |
BIBS Baby Pacifier | Material: Natural rubber latex Design: Two piece Nipple Shape: Rounded Age range: 0-6 / 6-18/ 18-36 months
| CHECK PRICE AT AMAZON Traveling Baby Review |
HEVEA Colored Natural Rubber Pacifier | Material: Hevea natural rubber Design: One piece Nipple Shape: Orthodontic Age range: 3-36 months
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Vulli Natural Pacifier | Material: Natural rubber Design: One piece Nipple Shape: Orthodontic Age range: 0-6 months
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Ecopiggy Ecopacifier | Material: Pure rubber Design: One piece Nipple Shape: Rounded Age range: 6 months+
| CHECK PRICE AT AMAZON Traveling Baby Review |
Best Natural Pacifiers — Buyers Guide, Review, and Comparison
Most parents have considered using a pacifier with their baby at some point. But, many are reluctant over concerns of what their children are actually putting in their mouths.
One of such concerns is the presence of a chemical called Bisphenol-A, better known as BPA. Studies suggest a connection between high amounts of BPA and hormonal changes.
Hence, the best natural pacifiers are becoming an increasingly popular choice with moms, dads and babies alike. Made from rubber, these pacifiers don’t require the help of man-made or potentially harmful plastics. Plus, most use sustainably sourced materials, which gets the thumbs up from Mother Nature.
What To Look For When Choosing A Natural Pacifier
While you may do all the research and find what you think is the perfect natural pacifier for your little one — this may be a decision your baby takes out of your hands. However, to give you the best possible start, here are a few top tips:
Size
Pacifiers are usually sized by age group — either small (0-6 months), medium (6-18 months) or large (18 months plus). It’s best to stick to the recommended age when choosing a pacifier, but do remember that sizing can vary greatly from one brand to another. A pacifier that is too big will cause your baby to gag and can be a potential choking hazard.
Construction
The vast majority of natural pacifiers are made from a single piece of molded rubber. But, multi-piece pacifiers are available, so it’s still a good idea to check the individual brands. One-piece styles have an advantage, as in, they’re less likely to feature germ-loving joins and reduce the chances of choking.
Nipple Shape
Here’s a quick run-through of the shapes you’ll come across.
Round
This type is more than likely what you may remember from your own childhood. The cherry-shaped style is comparable to a feeding bottle nipple, which makes it a suitable choice for baby’s who are happier on the bottle.
Orthodontic
The nipple on these pacifiers is slightly flattened at the bottom with a rounded top. When your baby sucks on this type, it flattens in their mouth, providing them with a natural sucking action. This also reduces pressure on their tiny teeth as they develop.
Symmetrical
Similar to the round-tip, the design is supposed to mimic an actual human nipple and so it’s often suggested for breastfed babies.
Nipple Material
While natural pacifiers are available with a range of differently shaped nipples, they are only available in one material that’s 100% natural — rubber. This material comes directly from the sap of the Hevea tree.
However, there is an issue with natural rubber pacifiers — they contain latex, which can be the source of allergies in babies and adults alike. Hence, if there is any likelihood that your child could be hypersensitive to this material, it’s best to avoid.
The Pros and Cons of Using a Natural Pacifier
So, are natural pacifiers the way forward or the latest gimmick? I’ve put together the benefits and the downsides to help you decide.
Pros of Using a Natural Pacifier
- Helps to calm a fussy baby.
- May reduce the risk of SIDS. Studies have shown that using a pacifier during sleep time, both in the day and night, reduces the risk of SIDS.
- Encourages self-soothing — natural pacifiers help your baby soothe themselves to sleep without the need for you to nurse them.
- Natural rubber pacifiers are far more flexible than silicone types. This means that it mimics a real breast, so a good option for breastfed babies.
- Available in single-piece units to avoid choking hazards.
- Made from sustainable natural material. Plus they’re biodegradable.
- Easy to keep clean.
- Come in a range of different teat shapes and sizes to suit the needs of your baby.
- Free from all the nasties — BPA’s, man-made materials, parabens or toxic plastics.
- Kind to your baby and the environment.
Cons of Using a Natural Pacifier
- Prolonged use may lead to dental problems by changing the position of your child’s teeth.
- Dependency is possible — at some stage, you will have to face the challenge of getting rid of it.
- Contains latex which may be a problem if your baby or you are allergic to this material.
- Will expand with the continued sucking of your baby. This can cause the rubber to become pliable and the nipple to increase in size. If the rubber becomes soft enough your baby can mold it to their own unique shape — trying to replace that may be very difficult.
- Doesn’t last as long as their silicone counterparts. A natural pacifier’s lifespan is generally 6-8 weeks.
Our Picks of the Best Natural Pacifiers
So that you can find the best natural pacifier for the individual needs of your baby, I’ve put together my favorites for you — covering the different types mentioned above.
SWEETIE Rubber Pacifier
For moms with bottle-fed little ones the SWEETIE all natural rubber pacifier could be of interest. It comes with a round nipple that’s designed to mimic a baby bottle.
This non toxic pacifier is also hypoallergenic and complies with safety standards. Plus, it’s lightweight and comes in one piece — so there are no worries of pieces breaking off and causing a potential choking hazard.
Available in three sizes — small (0-6 months), medium (6-12 months) and large (12-18 months) — it grows with your baby. As little ones can become very fond of a certain pacifier, this means you shouldn’t have the tiny tears caused by taking to a different binky.
The SWEETIE pacifier is available in other nipple styles to suit your baby’s individual preferences. Orthodontic is designed to prevent issues with your baby’s teeth and the symmetry style mimics the shape of the female breast, hence is ideal for breastfed babies.
What’s more, it arrives in a cute little carry pouch, which is handy for keeping it safe and clean when not in use.
PROS
- Available in a range of nipple styles.
- Made from natural rubber sourced from Hevea trees.
- One-piece design.
- Hypoallergenic and toxin-free.
- Includes a carry pouch.
CONS
- Some may find the rubber odor too much.
Natursutten BPA-Free Natural Rubber Pacifier
If hygiene is top of your priorities, the Natursutten might well be the best natural pacifier to meet your needs. Made with a single-piece design — there are no cracks or joints, which as a result, means there is no place for germs to gather.
This pacifier is molded into its familiar shape thanks to natural rubber milk that’s harvested from sustainable rubber trees. This material makes the pacifiers softer than silicone, and as it’s natural it contains no BPA, phthalates or chemical softening agents — making them even better for your baby.
As well as the orthodontic style, Natursutten pacifiers are available with a rounded nipple. Your baby will ultimately decide which one is best for them. There are also two shield shapes to choose from. The butterfly shape fits around your baby’s nose, or the original round shape touches your baby’s nose — mimicking breastfeeding.
PROS
- Made from a sustainable source.
- Available with two different nipple shapes.
- Can be washed with warm water and mild soap.
- Available in two different shield shapes — butterfly or round.
CONS
- The nipple is quite small — even for a newborn.
BIBS Baby Pacifier
BIBS pacifiers are designed with an outward curve on the base to keep the pacifier off your baby’s delicate skin — increasing the comfort factor for your little one. It also comes with air vents to increase breathability and features a security handle to ensure your baby is always safe while using this pacifier.
Available in a whopping 50 different colors, you’re sure to find one that matches every outfit. It’s also available in three different sizes — 0-6 months, 6-18 months and 18-36 months.
Taking care of your BIBS pacifier is straightforward. To sterilize, pop it into a bowl, pour boiling water over and let it soak for five minutes, then let it air dry on a clean cloth.
PROS
- Available in a wide range of colors.
- Outward curve design — keeps the pacifier off the baby’s delicate skin.
- Comes with two air vents for easy breathability.
- Available in three different sizes.
CONS
- Nipple has a tendency to collect water during cleaning.
HEVEA Colored Natural Rubber Pacifier
HEVEA is an all natural pacifier made from one piece of plastic-free, non-toxic rubber. It’s colored using natural color pigments and is the first in the world to be 100% plastic-free and yet still colorful.
It’s available in eight different shades and comes with an orthodontic nipple shape. This nipple is angled to fit tiny mouths perfectly, slotting in between their tongue and palate. Many of the colors are available in two different nipple shapes, orthodontic and round, so you’re sure to find one that suits your baby.
This rubber pacifier will naturally break down when no longer in use, leaving not a footprint but a tiny fingerprint on this planet. It’s also designed to last around 6-8 weeks before changing.
PROS
- 100% plastic-free and non-toxic.
- Orthodontic nipple fits little mouths perfectly.
- Naturally breaks down when no longer in use.
- Plant-based colorants — no chemicals.
CONS
- Nipple is quite large, even for a three-month-old baby.
Vulli Natural Pacifier
The Vulli pacifier is built with ergonomics in mind. Its butterfly-shaped shield fits around your baby’s nose and chin — offering the most comfortable fit.
Made entirely from natural rubber, its ring, collar and nipple are molded together, forming a one-piece design — ideal for fuss-free cleaning. It also comes with ventilation holes for further comfort and breathability.
What’s more, the nipple features a physiological design — allowing the natural development of the jaw and palate. And, as it’s flexible it offers your little one relief from tender gums when teething.This natural pacifier is part of Vulli’s So’ Pure line-up, which also includes the popular Sophie la Girafe teething toys and organic comforter with pacifier holder. This could appeal to moms who love to coordinate.
PROS
- Available in two ages — 0-6 and 6-18 months.
- Made from natural rubber.
- Butterfly-shaped flange fits the baby’s face perfectly.
- Nipple design allows the natural development of the jaw and palate.
- Recyclable packaging.
CONS
- The sizing of the 0-6 month pacifier may be a little small.
Ecopiggy Ecopacifier
Going green and raising a baby doesn’t have to be difficult, and the Ecopiggy Ecopacifier is one perfect example. To make this natural pacifier, the rubber is harvested from the sap of Hevea trees using sustainable methods. So, you can take care of your baby — and the planet.
This one-piece pacifier limits the likelihood of any choking risk and heightens hygiene, thanks to its lack of dirt-attracting joins. It also comes with a round nipple and round flange that touches the baby’s nose — designed to simulate breastfeeding.
What’s more — containing zero BPAs, PVC, parabens, chemical colorants or softeners, it’s a non toxic pacifier on all accounts.
Going back to going green.
The amazing thing about the Ecopiggy is that once the trees cease producing rubber, they’re cut down and used for other purposes — furniture, toys, flooring and construction. Plus, more importantly, another is planted in its place.
PROS
- Solid one-piece design.
- Totally sustainable product.
- Contain no chemical softeners or colorants.
- Great for breastfeeding babies.
CONS
- Some may find the nipple too short.
Conclusion
If you think of the times that you’ve nursed your little one to sleep only for them to wake once their heads hit the mattress, you will completely understand why a pacifier is a great option and a natural one is even better.
Not only will it help to soothe your baby, but by using a sustainable material — you can do your bit for the environment. However, we shouldn’t forget the potential sensitivities latex can cause — if you have any doubts, I wouldn’t leave it to chance.
Before making a decision, consider your baby’s age, the type of nipple, and whether a one or multiple-piece design would suit. And, most importantly, ensure that out of all the best natural pacifiers available, you choose the right one for your baby that they love.
Best Natural Pacifiers FAQs
Are Natural Rubber Pacifiers Safe?
There are a variety of rubber pacifiers available, and they come in a range of sizes and shapes. Since rubber is latex, you would need to consider the possibility of either you or your baby having an allergy. If there is any doubt, it would be better to avoid this type of pacifier.
Will Pacifiers Cause Buck Teeth?
Buck teeth are often hereditary and can’t be avoided, whether your child has a pacifier or not. However, thumb sucking and the use of a pacifier can also cause this issue, particularly in a prolonged-use situation.
What Is a Good Age To Take Away a Pacifier?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that pacifier use should be stopped by the time the child reaches 3. They also agree that non-nutritive sucking is normal for babies and young children.
How Do I Wean My 2 Year Old Off The Pacifier?
There are two approaches — either cold-turkey or gradually. If you opt for the latter, start by only offering it at nap-time and bedtime. If that goes well, cut out nap time usage. You can always offer a cuddly toy or a blanket as a distraction if they’re still fussy. Once you have conquered that stage, move on to bedtime and follow the same steps.