Parents are looking for natural alternatives to silicone products – including pacifiers. To avoid chemical softeners and other toxic substances, using a natural product is the way to go. The best natural rubber baby pacifier is 100% natural rubber using sustainable practices. I picked the BIBS BPA Free Natural Rubber Pacifier because of its high quality, toxic-free features.
Our world today is full of pollutants and other contaminants. It’s no different when it comes to using pacifiers for your baby. If you’re searching for a pacifier that is 100% free of any toxins, pure rubber is the way to go. And you’ll still benefit from their typical pacifier soothing effect.
- My Top Picks
- Natural Rubber Pacifiers – What They Are and Why To Consider Them
- Best Overall – BIBS BPA-Free Natural Rubber
- Best for Newborns – Natursutten BUTTERFLY Ortho Small Natural Rubber Pacifier
- Best for Teething Babies – HEVEA Coloured Natural Rubber Pacifier
- Best for Breastfed Babies– SWEETIE Rubber Pacifier Natural Rubber Pacifier
- Best for Preemies – The UMMY BPA-Free 100% Natural Rubber Pacifier
- FAQ
- Final Word
My Top Picks
- Best Overall – BIBS BPA Free Natural Rubber Pacifier
- Best for Newborns – Natursutten BPA Free Natural Rubber Ortho Pacifier
- Best for Teething Babies – HEVEA Colored Natural Rubber Pacifier
- Best for Breastfed Babies – SWEETIE Natural Rubber Pacifier Rounded
- Best for Preemies – The UMMY BPA free Natural Rubber Pacifier
Natural Rubber Pacifiers – What They Are and Why To Consider Them
If you’re concerned by the toxic materials used in pacifiers, choosing to use pure rubber is your best bet. What’s more, it’s sourced from sustainably harvested trees. Pure rubber is softer than silicone and contains no chemical softening agents. If a baby item contains BPA or phthalates, parents like you and me know to avoid them. Buying a natural rubber pacifier keeps your baby safe. And so is the environment with these biodegradable products. SIDS is something every parent fears. So, when I discovered numerous studies have been carried out on baby pacifiers my interest picked up. Not only are they safe to use but research indicates they may reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 52%. My buying guide will help you find the best natural baby pacifier for your baby.
What is a Pacifier? More Specifically, What is a Rubber Pacifier?
Also known as dummies or soothers, pacifiers help to soothe and calm your baby. Sucking is natural instinct in babies and a rubber pacifier responds to this by letting your baby suck naturally. A high-quality rubber pacifier prevents many of the problems associated with silicone pacifiers. They’re softer, contain no hormone-producing substances and keep your baby free of allergic reactions often caused by artificial colorants.
Should We Use Pacifiers? The Pros and Cons of Using Pacifiers
Something many parents ask each other is should pacifiers be used at all? Let’s have a look at some of the pros and cons of using a pacifier:
- Helps anxious mothers: A pacifier calms and reduces crying in a baby. A calm baby keeps mom calm too! While a rocking bassinet is great for helping babies fall asleep, the comfort of a pacifier also helps.
- Offers pain relief: Evidence shows pacifiers make a baby comfortable while bringing pain relief during vaccinations or when they bump themselves.
- Helps preemies: Pacifiers may help improve a preemie’s digestive system when they suck on them.
- Popping eardrums: Sucking helps to prevent painful popping of eardrums during take-off and landing when flying.
- Dental concerns: Long term use of a pacifier could alter the teeth and jawline during the baby’s early growth stages.
- Risks of ear infections: Studies have shown sucking on pacifiers alters the pressure in the eardrum. This results in a build-up of fluid in the ear which runs the risk of infections.
- Pacifier addiction: A pacifier habit can develop leaving you with a baby who will not be left without one – ever!
Choosing the Best Pacifier
Deciding how to pick the best pacifier can be challenging with so many available on the market. The following features will help you make the right decision:
- 100% natural rubber: This means no BPA, phthalates, parabens or plastic. All products reviewed are 100% pure rubber with the Natursutten BPA Free Natural Rubber Ortho Pacifier mentioning it was nitrosamines free.
- Nipple shape: The BIBS BPA Free Natural Rubber Pacifier, Natursutten BPA Free Natural Rubber Ortho Pacifier, HEVEA Colored Natural Rubber Pacifier and SWEETIE Natural Rubber Pacifier Rounded have rounded shape nipples for comfortable, natural sucking. The small shape of the UMMY BPA free Natural Rubber Pacifier is perfect for premature babies.
- Pacifier shield: All products have soft shields meaning less marking on your baby’s face. The UMMY’s shield has ventilation holes which prevent saliva build-up. The shields are also made from natural substances, making them hypoallergenic.
- Hygienic: All products boast a one-piece design which makes for fewer cracks for bacteria and germs to reside in. However, some Amazon reviewers have mentioned water leaking in with the BIBS’s pacifier and SWEETIE’s products.
Best Overall – BIBS BPA-Free Natural Rubber
By mimicking the shape of mother’s breast, this pacifier soothes your baby while responding to their natural sucking reflex. The natural rubber is 100% free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates. The shields come in thirty-six vintage, earthy colors. The classic style is elegant and timeless.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for newborns struggling to get comfortable.
Why You Should Consider It
This high-quality product approved by doctors and orthodontist gives you peace of mind. Its nipple shape and natural latex feel just like mom’s breast giving the baby a soothing effect.
Product Information
- Weight: 0.64 oz
- Color: 36 earthy colors
- Number per pack: 2
- Ages: 0 – 6 months
- Materials: BPA, phthalates and PVC free
- Type: Rubber
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Easy latching for newborns
- Less nipple confusion with breastfed babies
Cons
- Water gets trapped in the bulb
- Amazon reviews mention discrepancies in sizes
- Can turn white when placed in hot water
Best for Newborns – Natursutten BUTTERFLY Ortho Small Natural Rubber Pacifier
Made from 100% natural rubber, this pacifier is softer than silicone. It contains no chemical softeners or artificial coloring. It’s available with a rounded nipple with a gentle, natural feel. Its curve shape fits neatly around the baby’s mouth for a comfortable fit.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for newborns.
Why You Should Consider It
The soft natural feel makes for easy latching for newborns. Its one-piece design with no joints or cracks prevents dirt and bacteria from getting into the pacifier making it hygienic. It comes in specific sizes – small for newborns and medium for 6-12 months old babies.
Product Information
- Weight: 0.64 oz
- Color: Natural
- Number per pack: 1
- Ages: 0-6 months (small)
- Materials: BPA, PVC, Phthalates, Nitrosamines Free
- Type: Rubber
Pros
- No unpleasant smell
- Easy to clean
- Great for teething babies
Cons
- Turns white and smells at high temperatures
- Need to be stored in cool places (not great in a diaper bag)
- Short nipple makes it difficult for some babies to latch
Best for Teething Babies – HEVEA Coloured Natural Rubber Pacifier
This pacifier with its flattened bottom and rounded top is designed to prevent tooth misalignment. It’s gentle during teething development. The four beautiful colors add to the appeal of this natural pacifier. The round teat is similar to most teats on bottles which means less nipple confusion.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for your baby’s teething development.
Why You Should Consider It
An eco-friendly product, this pacifier is 100% natural. The teat angles fit perfectly between the tongue and pallet. It only lasts for 6 to 8 weeks but for many natural rubber pacifier fans this is a sign of high-quality pure rubber.
Product Information
- Weight: 0.8 oz
- Color: Ruby, turmeric, outer space black, deep forest green
- Number per pack: 1
- Ages: 3 – 36 months
- Materials: BPA, Phthalate, Plastic-free
- Type: Natural rubber
Pros
- Easy to clean/can be sterilized
- Colors made from food-grade FDA approved natural pigments
- Hygienic seamless design
Cons
- Replace every 6 to 8 weeks
- Heavier than other pacifiers
- Some babies don’t like the smell
Best for Breastfed Babies– SWEETIE Rubber Pacifier Natural Rubber Pacifier
An eco-friendly, 100% pure natural rubber pacifier designed with a soft and natural rounded nipple. They are made in Malaysia using sustainable methods. This pacifier comes in one-piece which means fewer risks of it being unhygienic. The rounded shape of the teat is similar to feeding bottle nipples.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for babies that are or have recently been breastfeeding.
Why You Should Consider It
The symmetrical shape is similar to the mother’s breast. This means less nipple confusion when switching between the breast and the pacifier. The softer design leaves no marks on your baby’s face. With no artificial materials being used, the product is hypoallergenic.
Product Information
- Weight: Not specified
- Color: Natural
- Number per pack: 1
- Ages: 0 – 6 months (small)
- Materials: BPA, phthalates, PVC, nitrosamines free/no chemical softening agents
- Type: Natural rubber
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight
- Eco-friendly packaging
Cons
- Babies tend to gag when using this pacifier/larger bulb
- Not for long term use
- Water does get trapped inside
Best for Preemies – The UMMY BPA-Free 100% Natural Rubber Pacifier
The extra-soft feel, small and rounded nipple is perfect for your preemie baby. It’s lightweight too so stays in your baby’s mouth for longer. Three ventilation holes on the shield prevent skin irritation for any salvia build up. The shield is flat giving the lip and mouth muscles freedom of movement.
Who It’s For
This is well-suited for preemies adjusting to bottle feeding.
Why You Should Consider It
An entirely toxic-free pacifier with no chemical softeners, phthalates, and parabens. It uses a sustainable raw material collected from the tree sap of the rubber tree. They conform to the highest European safety and quality standards, giving every parent peace of mind.
Product Information
- Weight: 0.32 oz
- Color: Natural
- Number per pack: 1
- Ages: 0 – 3 months
- Materials: Parabens, PVC, phthalates, and BPA-free
- Type: Natural rubber
Pros
- Long handle makes for easier handling by mom and baby
- One piece design makes it easy to clean
- Great elasticity and resilient
Cons
- Not to be used in the dishwasher or in steam
- Very small/not suitable for older babies
- Expensive
FAQ
Does my baby need a pacifier?
A pacifier is perfect for soothing your baby and keeping them calm. If your baby gets easily agitated or needs extra comfort before falling asleep, a pacifier will help them to feel safe and secure. While technically, no, your baby does not NEED a pacifier they sure are handy to have around.
How many baby pacifiers do I need?
As natural rubber pacifiers don’t last as long as silicone pacifiers, you’ll need more on hand. Two to six pacifiers at any one time is ideal. Once your baby has picked their favorite pacifier it’s a good idea to have extras in stock.
What are the best non-toxic pacifiers for babies?
For 100% natural pacifiers, using natural rubber will guarantee you’re using a non-toxic pacifier. If BPA, phthalates or parabens are mentioned on the label, your product is not 100% free of toxins.
What is the best pacifier weaning system?
Experts recommend weaning babies off pacifiers by the age of two. Many parents use the “a fairy took your pacifier” line with their baby. But special weaning systems have been designed to make the process simpler. It works on the principle of the pacifier getting shorter at each step. Eventually, your baby will lose interest as the sucking is no longer pleasurable.
Final Word
My top pick being the BIBS BPA Free product includes features many parents would love. However, after reading this guide you might choose a different one for your baby. Which one would be your best pick? Only you can decide this, but I’ve given you five incredible options to help steer you in the right direction.
Last update on 2024-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
