As parents, we’re all very cautious about what goes into our children’s mouths. This is especially the case with pacifiers. They end up in all sorts of places – the floor, the crib, the kitchen counter, just about everywhere. But how do you keep them clean with the best pacifier wipes?
Pacifiers are by far the items that spend the most time in your little one’s mouth. Therefore, you probably want to keep them clean. This can be hard especially if there’s no running water around. But we have pacifier wipes!
My fiancée works in a pharmacy, so I have some insight into the different brands currently on the market.
- My Top Picks (Prioritized)
- 1. Safest pacifier wipes – Aleva pacifier wipes
- 2. MAM pacifier wipes
- 3. Dapple pacifier wipes
- 4. Munchkin Arm and hammer pacifier wipes
- 5. Parent’s choice fruit flavored pacifier wipes
- 6. Dr. Brown's pacifier wipes
- 7. Nuk pacifier wipes
- 8. Nuby pacifier and teether wipes
- 9. The First Years Gumdrop pacifier wipes
- Are pacifier wipes necessary?
- What are food-grade materials used in pacifier wipes?
- Do pacifier wipes kill germs?
- Alternative ways to clean pacifiers
- How often should you sanitize pacifiers?
- How to use pacifier wipes
- How many pacifier wipes do you need?
- Final Thoughts
My Top Picks (Prioritized)
- Safest pacifier wipes – Aleva pacifier wipe
- MAM pacifier wipes
- Dapple pacifier wipes
- Munchkin arm and hammer pacifier wipes
- Parents choice pacifier wipes
- Dr. brown’s pacifier wipes
- Nuk pacifier wipes
- Nuby pacifier wipes
- First Years Gumdrop pacifier wipes
1. Safest pacifier wipes – Aleva pacifier wipes
Enriched with Organic Aloe Vera and Chamomile oils, the Aleva pacifier wipes are extra strong and ultra-soft. You can easily clean toys, pacifiers, utensils and teethers before putting them in your little one’s mouth.
A resealable package makes it easy to keep the wipes clean and moist between uses. Another advantage is that this product is hypoallergenic, alcohol-free and biodegradable in 28 days!
Pros
- Biodegradable
- Ultra-soft
- Resealable package
Cons
- Not individually wrapped
2. MAM pacifier wipes
One of the reasons that make MAM pacifier wipes so popular with parents is the safety factor. Unlike most normal baby wipes, MAM’s pacifier wipes contain no alcohol, parabens, dyes or harmful toxins. Pediatricians, dentists and orthodontists have tested and provided their stamp of approval.
MAM uses Xylitol which is a natural plant-based ingredient, used to kill germs and bacteria. The use of natural materials means your little one won’t be exposed to the residue of harmful toxins left behind on their pacifiers or toys! A plus point is the vanilla smell.
Pros
- Xylitol kills bacteria on pacifiers and toys
- Compact package
- Affordable
Cons
- Not individually wrapped
- Once opened, easily dries out
3. Dapple pacifier wipes
For parents who value doctors’ opinions, the good news is, this product is recommended by pediatricians. These wipes are also biodegradable, and preservative-free. With ingredients that are food-grade certified, it’s easy to clean any items that your baby enjoys putting anywhere near their mouth.
Another benefit is that the wipes are individually wrapped, allowing for convenient and easy cleaning. Ideal for parents on the go who need wipes for those outdoor pacifiers and toy chuckings!
Pros
- Preservative-free
- Individually wrapped
- Natural products
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Leave a residue
4. Munchkin Arm and hammer pacifier wipes
The Munchkin brand prides itself on being 100% food-grade, which means it can easily be used to wipe down anything that your baby might put in their mouths. 100% food-grade items are primarily made of water and vegetable ingredients such as aloe and citric acid.
Each packet contains 36 wipes that can clean items such as pacifiers, cups, toys, bottles, utensils and teething toys. Perfect for parents on the go to make sure the baby’s pacifier is also clean!
Pros
- No harsh smells
- Packet small enough to fit in pockets or smaller bags
- 100% food-grade
Cons
- Some of the natural ingredients can aggravate allergies
- Two wipes tend to come out of the packet at once, this can cause wastage
5. Parent’s choice fruit flavored pacifier wipes
If you’re looking for fruity flavored pacifier wipes, this is the option for you! Designed for ease of use for on the go parents, these fruity wipes can safely and efficiently clean any items that go near your little one’s mouth.
In addition to food-grade ingredients, a refreshing burst of fruit flavor left behind on the pacifier will add a dash of sparkle to the way the pacifier tastes after cleaning. A resealable package makes it easy to store and reuse!
Pros
- Fruit flavored wipes
- Resealable package
- Food-grade ingredients
- No harsh chemicals
Cons
- Not individually wrapped
6. Dr. Brown’s pacifier wipes
Dr. Brown’s wipes claim to reduce the saliva transfer onto any items you clean with it. These wipes also help maintain sufficient oral health because this product is free of alcohol parabens and formaldehydes.
If you’re not a fan of fragranced wipes, this option’s fragrance-free is the perfect choice for you to consider. Ideal to use for cleaning pacifiers, toys, utensils and teething objects.
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Helps maintain good oral health
Cons
- Leaves behind a sticky residue
- Doesn’t reduce saliva transfer as claimed
7. Nuk pacifier wipes
A feature that makes Nuk stand out is that each wipe is individually wrapped. For parents who don’t use them as often, or who prefer the thrifty approach, there’s no risk of an open packet drying out.
Individually wrapped wipes make it easy to toss a few loose ones in your diaper bag, handbag or jacket pocket! Nuk is also fragrance-free, making it an ideal option for parents looking for an allergen-free product.
Pros
- Individually wrapped means no drying out
- No harsh chemicals
- Non-toxic
Cons
- Can leave too much liquid on the pacifier
- Some packets are dried out
8. Nuby pacifier and teether wipes
With a pleasant vanilla milk flavor, the Nuby wipes contain no ethanol or drying alcohol. A bulk pack of 48 wipes means you’ll always be ready for any crucial items dropping on the ground. These handy, food-grade wipes can be used to clean pacifiers, teethers, toys, cups, bottles and any utensils used around the little one.
These wipes are free of parabens, alcohols and other toxins that might be harmful to your baby. These wipes are also perfect for babies and infants who suffer from allergies.
Pros
- Toxin-free
- Perfect for all items used for babies
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not individually wrapped
9. The First Years Gumdrop pacifier wipes
A small portable package makes First Years Gumdrop wipes the perfect “on-the-go” wipe for keeping pacifiers, toys and teethers clean and hygienic. Since these wipes are also made with FDA food-grade ingredients, they can easily be used on any item that needs to be anywhere near your little one’s face and mouth! They also don’t contain any alcohol or harmful chemicals.
Pros
- BPA and latex-free
- Pouch package for convenient use
- No harmful chemicals
Cons
- Leaves a residue on the pacifier
Are pacifier wipes necessary?
I’ve found that pacifier wipes are definitely necessary! Not only do they keep pacifiers clean when there’s no warm running water around, but they’re also handy for keeping a bunch of other things clean, too.
Anything that goes anywhere near your little one’s mouth can easily be wiped down with pacifier wipes. In my experience, this has included everything from toys to a dropped bottle.
What are food-grade materials used in pacifier wipes?
When you’re researching the best pacifier wipes to use, there’s a phrase that you’ll constantly come across. “Food-grade materials” is a statement you’ll see on most pacifier wipe products.
This refers to natural materials used that are safe enough to come in contact with food and the little one’s mouth. Organic, vegetable and natural materials such as water, aloe vera, vegetable glycerin are typical examples.
This means, there’ll be no toxic contamination or harmful residue left on the items you clean with the wipes. Unlike other cleaning wipes or regular baby wipes, such as Pampers or Huggies wipes, pacifier wipes contain no Clorox which is harmful to babies. Never use Clorox wipes to clean pacifiers.
Do pacifier wipes kill germs?
Experts believe that bacteria and germs can live on a pacifier for up to two weeks. This is even more reason to keep pacifier wipes handy at all times. By giving the pacifier a proper wipe down every time it gets put down or chucked on the floor, you’ll be eliminating several germs and also prevent bacteria growth.
However, pacifier wipes aren’t a permanent replacement for sanitizing or a good hot water soak!
Alternative ways to clean pacifiers
If you’re not comfortable with using pacifier wipes, or you’ve run out, are there alternative ways to clean pacifiers? The good news is, there are a few tried and trusted methods that can easily keep your pacifier bacteria-free and hygienic.
Can I use baby wipes, e.g. water wipes to clean a pacifier?
Baby wipes are often made up of chemicals such as Clorox that could be harmful to your baby. Be sure to read the ingredients before using a baby wipe to clean anything that goes into your baby’s mouth. Avoid chemicals like Clorox that have a harsh taste and smell and aren’t good for your baby’s mouth.
Can you clean a pacifier with hand sanitizer?
Hand sanitizer has been hailed as one of the most effective ways to sterilize pacifiers. This is because the chemicals in hand sanitizer are perfect for killing built-up bacteria. However, once you have used the sanitizer on the pacifier, make sure to rinse it in hot water to remove any trace of sanitizer taste or smell.
Can I clean a pacifier with warm soapy water?
Warm soapy water is a perfect alternative to clean pacifiers if you’re at home! Simply use a mild soap, such as dish soap, or the soap you use to wash the baby bottles with warm water. If the pacifier is dirty, you can soak it in the mixture for about 20 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly after washing. If however, you’re out at the park, or for a run, or in town, it might not be so easy to find access to warm soapy water. So, if you’re going out, make sure you stock up on pacifier wipes!
Using running (boiling) hot water to clean the pacifier
Hot water is an excellent way to remove bacteria from the pacifier. You can either hold the pacifier under boiling water for a few minutes, turning it around to ensure it gets a proper wash. Alternatively, you can sterilize the pacifier by placing it into a cup of boiling water for about 5 minutes.
Give it a final rinse before giving it to your little one, and of course, make sure it cools down completely! Have a look at this simple clip that shows a quick and easy way to clean your pacifier if you’re at home!
How often should you sanitize pacifiers?
To keep bacteria and germs at bay, you should clean the pacifiers daily. If your little one is prone to throwing the pacifier in places like the garden or the park you’ll have to do a proper cleaning more than once a day.
Either run them through a cycle in your dishwasher if they’re dishwasher safe of course or simply wash them in warm soapy water. Ensure you give them a thorough rinsing before giving it to your little one.
How to use pacifier wipes
Since pacifier wipes are made with 100% food-grade ingredients, in addition to cleaning pacifiers they can also clean everything the baby comes into contact with. Simply wipe the object clean and air-dry for a few minutes. The wiped-down items can now go back to being played with or used.
How many pacifier wipes do you need?
The number of wipes you need will vary depending on your activities and time away from home. If you’re on the go or spend a lot of time in the park, invest in several packets. Be sure to add them to your diaper bag or diaper caddy checklist and put some in the car, too.
If you use pacifier wipes to wipe down toys, breast pumps or even bottles, you might need quite a few packets. A good idea would be to leave a few packets at the homes of the family and friends you visit the most.
Other related items you might want to know are: how many pacifiers and clips you need or how many wipes you need.
Final Thoughts
When you’re out and about with your little one, and the pacifier goes flying straight onto the dirtiest floor imaginable, you’ll be very glad you decided to invest in a few packets of pacifier wipes! When it comes to choosing the right brand, the golden rule should be that the fewer chemicals, the better.
Always remember that whatever you wipe you use will potentially leave residue on the pacifier or toy. This will be transferred to your baby’s mouth, so the more natural the wipe, the better! I’d say go for my safest pick – Aleva pacifier wipe.
Don’t be caught without a wipe when the pacifier hits the ground!
Last update on 2024-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API