Parents can save their lives by finding a dummy their newborn likes. Even though newborns are naturally inclined to suckle, finding the best soother can prove difficult as not all babies respond well to all types of dummies. Whether you’re a first-time parent or not, it can be tough choosing the right one; what worked for your first child might not work with the second.
There are many options for pacifiers (dummies) that can be used to help your baby. Even better, even the most expensive newborn dummies can be purchased for a very low price, which makes the crucial trial-and-error period in the first few days or weeks possible. Children can be helped to adapt by their parents using a dummy regularly as part of their sleep routine. This will make your baby feel comfortable with the dummy, and help them become more familiar with it.
Which one is the best? From newborn dummies made from natural rubber and options with soft silicone teats, we’ve rounded up some of the best options below for you to choose from. We’ve also provided a short guide about what to look out for when shopping for the best dummy for your newborn or impending arrival.
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Best newborn dummy: At a glance
How to select the best newborn dummy
Some newborn dummy designs are made for babies aged 6 weeks and up, while others can be used by babies who are 36 months or older. These extended-use dummies will help you see your baby right from birth until they are ready to cut their first teeth. Size 1 dummies can be used from six months to six months of age.
Dummies can be completely foreign to babies who are exclusively breastfed. Many dummies are made with natural softness and can be used to soothe babies. Using a more breast-like dummy also means breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from ‘nipple confusion’ and can learn to switch between dummy and nipple with ease.
Is it safe to use a dummy for a newborn?
Research conducted by the Lullaby Trust shows that using a dummy when putting a baby down to sleep, while following all other safe sleep advice, can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), although it doesn’t specify exactly what it is about a dummy that helps reduce this risk. If the dummy becomes damaged, ripped, or split in any way, it must be thrown away immediately. It can pose a danger to your baby’s health and could prove dangerous.
Can I use a dummy if I’m breastfeeding?
Yes. The ideal time to use a newborn dummy is after four weeks of breastfeeding is complete. However, some parents find it easier to introduce it earlier. Although this timeframe is different for everyone, introducing a newborn dummy within a few weeks shouldn’t affect the baby’s ability to breastfeed.
For any other breastfeeding concerns, consult your midwife, health visitor or one of the UK’s helplines, such as the National Breastfeeding Helpline or La Leche League.
Will using a dummy affect my baby’s teeth and mouth shape?
The British Dental Association recommends that you wean your baby off a doll by one year of age. This will reduce the chance of open bite malocclusions, crossbite, and overbite. This scenario may sound perfect, but weaning your baby off a dummy is difficult. The great news is that there are plenty of orthodontic dummies out there that adapt to your baby’s mouth shape as it grows and keep your little one comfortable a little while longer until they’re ready to say goodbye to their dummy. A regular dummy can be flatter than an orthodontic dummy and encourages your baby to suckle in the same manner as when they breastfeed.
How can I sterilize a newborn dummy
It’s best to check the manufacturer’s instructions for each product to be certain, but the three most common ways to sterilise a newborn’s dummy are (a) to boil it in water, (b) pop it in the microwave in a steriliser bag (some dummies have their own microwavable containers that serve as sterilising containers), or (c) use a classic baby bottle steriliser. These methods can be done in a matter of minutes, and the dummy should first be washed with baby-safe soap.
How often should I clean my newborn dummy
Hot water should be used to boil a new dummy before it is used for the first-time. For the first six months, the newborn dummy should always be sterilized after it has been dropped on a floor, sofa, or other unsanitary surface. Even babies less than a month old should be sterilized before each use. Many pathogens are present by the six-month mark, when most babies have already eaten almost everything. At this point, it’s fine to just wash their dummy with soap and water.
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The 2022 best newborn dummy
1. MAM NightSoothers: The best baby dummy to use at bedtime
Price: From £2 | Amazon: Order now
This dummy is glow-in-the dark and can be used to locate a dummy in a baby’s crib. This feature also helps babies find the dummy if they’re searching for it. This pack includes two dummies. The case can be used as a travel bag.
This is a well-made dummy that doesn’t lose its shape even after a good few months of use. It is made from silicone and can be used by babies as young as six months. MAM night soothers are loved by parents for their popularity with both breastfed and bottle fed babies. It can be combined with MAM bottles to offer a familiar soothing experience that will ease fussy babies.
Key details – Teat: Silicone; Age: 0-6 months; Travel case: Included; BPA-free: Yes; Other details: Package of 2; glow in the dark design
2. Nanobebe Flexy Soother – The best newborn dummy to breastfeed babies
Price: £6 | Amazon: Order now
This flexible dummy has a super breast-like softness and doesn’t leave a mark around your baby’s face. The ergonomic contours of the Flexy Soother help soothe breastfed babies. It is naturally comforting and calming. The Flexy Soother bends to form around your baby’s face, helping them latch on, and it also stays in place as the baby moves or changes position during sleep.
Designed for the first three months of a little one’s life, these dummies are widely used with premature babies as they have a softer teat in comparison to the brand’s 3+ month Flexy Soother, which is better suited to a baby’s oral development as they get a bit bigger. We love the fact that you can place your finger inside the opening (from outside the dummy), to gently pop it in or out as necessary.
Key details – Teat: Silicone; Age: 0-3 months; Travel case: This is not included. BPA-free: Yes; Other details: Pack of 2; dishwasher safe
3. Bibs Colour Softener Size 1: A top-quality newborn dummy made with natural rubber
Price: £9 | Amazon: Order now
A bibs Colour Soother (Size 1) has a cherry-shaped design that is proven to support breastfeeding babies in their first month of life. The cherry-shaped teat, made from natural rubber, is also handy as it helps keep the dummy in a baby’s mouth, which is particularly beneficial in the early stages when a baby is just learning how to use a dummy.
Bibs, a Danish brand, has designed these beautiful matte-coloured dummies to imitate a mother’s breast. They’re lightweight, with a traditional ring on the front to attach dummy clips to so they don’t fall on the floor. They’re also available in a range of colours: perfect for pairing them with your baby’s cute outfits.
Key details – Teat: Rubber; Age: 0-6 months; Travel case: Included; BPA-free: Yes; Other details: Available in packs of 2 and in a variety colors
4. Tommee Tippee Breastlike Soother: The best value for newborn dummy
Price: £5 | Amazon: Buy Now
Tommee Tippee has been a trusted brand in essential baby products for many parents all over the globe. The brand’s newborn dummy is great value for money and it’s perfect when it comes to soothing your baby in a natural way.
As part of Tommee Tippee’s Closer to Nature range, these breast-like soothers are designed to support breastfed babies with their soft, flexible teats. We also love that the dummy has a ‘no wrong side up’ design, which comes in handy when helping a baby find their dummy at night.
As one of the smartest newborn dummies on the market, this product has an oval, orthodontic teat, with a curved shield that compresses easily, allowing air to flow more freely, thereby alleviating pressure on a baby’s gums and teeth. Plenty of parents have been amazed at how comfortable their babies seemed while using this dummy, and a valuable added feature is a slot for a clip to secure the dummy to a buggy or to the baby’s clothes.
Key details – Teat: Silicone, cotton Age: 0-6 months; Travel case: This is not included. BPA-free: Yes; Other details: Day-style soother, reversible, oval, orthodontic design to assist airflow and reduce pressure on a baby’s gums or teeth
5. NUK MedicPro Gnius: The best newborn dummy to help premature babies
Price: £6 | Amazon: Order now
The NUK dummy has been a lifesaver for many parents, as it soothes premature babies and helps them through those precious early years. The NUK dummies have smaller teats than other dummies. This makes them a great fit for babies with small mouths. Gagging is also reduced by the large teat.
As a baby’s arrival date is unpredictable, the MedicPro dummy comes sterile and ready for instant use at the drop of a hat if a quick purchase is needed. If the baby gets on well with this dummy at the newborn stage, it’s also available for ages up to 36 months old. Many parents also liked that this dummy has an orthodontic shape and caused no change to their children’s teeth and mouth shape.
Key details – Teat: Silicone; Age: 0-2 months; Travel case: Included; BPA-free: Yes; Other details: Available in two packs, each of five colours. Compatible with NUK dummy clip (available separately)
6. Chicco Physio Soft: All-silicone baby dummy
Price: £12 | Amazon: Order now
Parents want their baby to feel safe and comfortable at all times. This is why the Chicco Physio all-silicone dummy is so ideal. This is a soft and flexible dummy, suitable for babies between 0-6 months old, that doesn’t leave marks on your baby’s face no matter how hard they are sucking away at it.
As babies age and become more capable of taking out a dummy, the all-silicone design can be used as a toy. Baby can hold the dummy to chew the teat and shield and soothe their teeth. The colour and shape of this dummy doesn’t change when it’s sterilised either, even after a few months of use. For added comfort, we love that this dummy’s shield has ventilation holes to aid baby’s comfort while in use.
Key details – Teat: Silicone; Age: 0-6 months; Travel case: This is not included. BPA-free: Yes; Other details: Two packs, ergonomic shape, ventilation holes
7. Philips Avent Soothie is the best newborn dummy. It comes with a small, but very effective teat.
Price: £12 | Amazon: Order now
With sleepless nights aplenty, a dummy can help both baby and parent get a few extra winks of sleep and much needed rest, since the dummy acts as the soother so the parent doesn’t have to. The Philips Avent dummy was designed to keep little ones happy in the early years of their lives. The teat is smaller than those on most dummies that go up to six months old, so it’s a good option if you choose to use a dummy straight away to help younger or premature babies soothe that little bit easier.
Though it’s a little costlier than some of its competitors, this dummy truly does feel more durable than some other options available on the market. It’s easy to clean, and comes recommended by breastfeeding mothers who have labelled it as a breastfeeding-friendly soother. Like the Nanobebe Flexy Soother, this dummy is also open on the outside, allowing parents to pop their finger inside and help assist a baby when soothing or to take the dummy out when led by the baby’s cues.
Key details – Teat: Silicone; Age: 0-3 months; Travel case: This is not included. BPA-free: Yes; Other details: Two-pack
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