How Many Pacifiers and Clips Do I Need?

Baby boy with his pacifier wearing a hat

When it comes to planning and buying your baby supplies for the first time, deciding how much of each item can be a bit stressful. How many pacifiers and clips you need is a question you should ask yourself before you go shopping.

How many you need is a personal choice as it depends on your lifestyle. According to my experience, and other parents, three to four pacifiers and clips is a good number to consider. If that sounds like a lot, bear in mind that babies tend to lose or misplace pacifiers and they may need regular cleaning or soaking. While all this is happening, the last thing you want is a fussing baby that can’t be soothed because you’re searching for a pacifier!

Three pacifiers in the house should adequately allow for theone spare, one in the wash, one to use” principle. If you travel often it would also be a good idea to keep one in the diaper bag. That will eliminate a huge crying showdown while you’re out and about.

Fortunately, I’m going to help you figure it out and give you some additional information about the ins-and-outs of pacifiers and clips. I’ll be giving some insight into allowing your baby to sleep with a pacifier, the benefits as well as a few tips on how to choose the right one for your baby.

How Many Pacifiers and Clips Do You Need?

How many pacifiers your baby will need depends entirely on your baby and their comfort levels. You might also want to provide your baby with different pacifiers. Let’s look at some of the common questions asked when it comes to choosing the right pacifier for your little one.

How Many Pacifiers do I Need for a Newborn (0-3 months)?

Newborns, unlike older babies, don’t move around as much. They are less likely to drop or misplace a pacifier. They are also not going to stay so small for too long. So, in this instance, you might want to only get two pacifiers. One to use and one as a spare. Remember, you’ll be buying bigger pacifiers and you still have to identify which type your little one is most comfortable with.

How Many WubbaNub Pacifiers Do I Need?

Another popular option among parents is the WubbaNub pacifier range. These innovative products are all-in-one plush toys and pacifiers. Not only is it a great way to keep track of the pacifier, but the plush toy will also keep your baby busy for hours!

With its easy one-piece construction, this plush toy-pacifier combination is functional and easy to grasp. The medical-grade silicone pacifier is PVC, BPA, and latex-free. They can easily be used by babies from newborn to 6 months. Two of the most popular designs are the WubbaNub brown monkey pacifier and the WubbaNub cow pacifier. There are other animal options available so you’re bound to find your baby’s favorite. If your baby enjoys this product, you might want to consider getting more than one!

WubbaNub Infant Pacifier - Monkey

How Long Should You Let Your Baby Use a Pacifier?

Experts suggest limiting pacifier usage. Use it only for sleeping until the age of 12 months. You should then start weaning the baby for consistent use. Instead of using it for naps and nighttime, start only letting your little one use it a night. Use positive encouragement to get your baby to give it up. Never humiliate or punish your toddler if they are struggling to give it up.

How Do You Know When Your Baby Needs a Bigger Pacifier?

Since each baby is different, it’s not the best idea to stock up on bigger pacifiers before your baby is born. You might stock up on pacifiers that your baby ends up not liking. Most babies only change to a bigger pacifier between the ages of 6 to 18 months. This gives you plenty of time to identify your baby’s preference.

A pacifier that’s too big or too small won’t soothe your baby and might present a safety hazard. Stick to the recommended age on the packaging.

Hipsterkid Mustachifier Pacifier 0-6 Months | BPA-Free, Orthodontic Silicone Nipple | Cute, Funny, Mustache Binkies | Gift for Babies, Newborns, Infants, Toddlers (Gentleman)

How Many Pacifier Clips do I Need and do I Need One At All?

You need three pacifier clips. One to use, one as a spare, and one in the diaper bag.

However, not all parents are sold on the idea of pacifier clips. This is largely due to the risk of strangulation if it gets wound around the baby’s neck. But you and your little one will both be less frustrated with the use of a clip. 

Pacifier clips serve one major purpose: to keep the pacifier near the baby. Babies drop their pacifiers at any given time, and it takes a few seconds for them to be dropped out of sight. The essential trick here is to ensure the tether or ribbon is shorter than seven inches long. The shorter the ribbon, the less possibility of it wrapping around your baby’s neck.

Are Pacifier Clips Safe to Sleep With?

Medical research has shown that using pacifiers at bedtime can reduce or even prevent the risks of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by more than half. But how safe are the clips to use during sleep time?

The biggest concern about clips at night is the possibility of strangulation. Stick to the “no longer than 7 inches” rule and place the clip on a part of the clothing where it can’t reach the baby’s neck. This way there won’t be any risk of the tether or ribbon getting wrapped around the baby’s neck at night.

Which Pacifier Clips are the Best?

The most durable and easy-to-use pacifier clips are the ones with plastic clips. Metal clips could rust or hurt your little one, so I really recommend the plastic types. A few of the more popular choices include the following:

  • Babygoal pacifier clip: Made with safety in mind this clip is made of polyester with a safe plastic clip. It’s durable, BPA free and suitable for all ages.
  • Stadela baby pacifier clip: This clip is made from resin and is Phthalate-free which means it will never rust. It’s made to universally fit all types of pacifiers.
  • Baby pacifier holder: Comes in a set of four different colored materials, suitable for boys and girls. This braided polyester rope is non-toxic and suitable for babies of all ages.

Attaching pacifiers to clips is very easy. Watch this short clip to see just how to do it!

How to Choose the Best Pacifier for Your Baby?

Buying a pacifier is about a lot more than just grabbing the cutest one off the shelf. Let me share some tips for choosing the right pacifier for your baby.

  • Size: Pacifiers are designed to suit different ages. If the pacifier is too big, or too small, it won’t fit properly into your baby’s mouth and won’t be soothing. It’s also a safety hazard to put a pacifier that’s too small in your baby’s mouth. Sizes are recorded on the packaging so it’s best to stick to the sizes that correspond with your little one’s age. Small refers to 6 months and younger. Medium refers to between 6 and 18 months while large refers to 18 months and above.
  • Shape: Pacifier nipples can be made in one of two shapes. The more traditional round nipple or an “orthodontic” shape which is round on top and flat at the bottom. Both shapes are perfectly safe for babies, and your little one will decide which one they feel most comfortable with.
  • Materials: In general, most pacifiers are either made from latex or silicone. Silicone is dishwasher safe, doesn’t retain odors, and is much sturdier. Since latex is softer it tends to wear out faster and often retains odors. Latex must always be hand washed.
  • Age: Older children shouldn’t use pacifiers as they can negatively impact oral development. Work toward weaning your little one off their pacifier before their second birthday. The earlier, the better!
  • BPA free: Ensure any pacifier you select is BPA free. This will be identified on the labeling.
  • Tethers or ribbons: Pacifier clips make keeping track of the pacifier so much easier. Ensure the clip can’t pinch the baby. The ribbon or tether attached to the clip should NEVER be longer than seven inches. Attach the clip to a part of the clothing where the baby can’t unclip it or hurt themselves.

The Best Pacifiers that will Soothe Your Baby

Let’s have a look at three of the most popular pacifiers parents are purchasing for their little ones.

Philips Avent Soothie

Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier, Blue, 0-3 Months, 2 Count

This pacifier brand is commonly used by doctors and nurses to soothe and calm newborns. Made in an orthodontic shape, this pacifier doesn’t harm the baby’s teeth or gums. Not only is it latex-free but also dishwasher safe. It can also be easily sterilized.

Evenflo Feeding Balance Pacifier

Evenflo Feeding Balance Plus Stage 1 Cylindrical Baby, Newborn and Infant Pacifier - Developed with Pediatric Feeding Specialists - 0 to 6 Months (Pack of 2)

This particular pacifier is suitable for babies aged from 0 to 6 months. Since this pacifier is made with the support of Pediatric Feeding Specialists, the unique shape of this pacifier makes it easy for your baby to copy the tongue shape made during breastfeeding. The 100% silicone makes it lightweight which eliminates mouth fatigue. This means your little one can suck on it for longer periods.

BIBS BPA-Free Natural Rubber Pacifier

BIBS Baby Pacifier | BPA-Free Natural Rubber | Made in Denmark | Dark Oak/Vanilla 2-Pack (0-6 Months)

The BIBS brand makes organic and environmentally friendly pacifiers. This natural rubber has a solid construction to exercise your baby’s suckling abilities. This pacifier contains no BPA, PVC, or phthalates. The pacifier is suitable for babies aged between 0 and 6 months.

Risks and Benefits of Baby Pacifiers

Whether you decide to use silicone, latex, or pacifiers made of natural rubber, there are a few risks and benefits to be aware of. I’ll list the most significant ones for you to consider.

Risks

  • Tooth problems: Long-term use of pacifiers can damage a baby’s growing teeth. Don’t let your little one use the pacifier after 2 years of age. It’s a good idea to start weaning the baby when he or she reaches the age of 1 if you haven’t been able to do it earlier.
  • Ear infections: Infants who use pacifiers are twice as much at risk of getting ear infections than those who don’t.

Benefits

  • Lower risk of SIDS: The reason for this is quite simple. It’s uncomfortable for a baby to sleep on their stomach while sucking on a pacifier. So they are forced to sleep in a position that lessens the risk of not being able to breathe.
  • Satisfies baby’s suck reflex: Babies have a natural instinct to suck. For the most part, the breast or bottle fills this need. Sometimes though, the urge to suck on something exceeds meal time. The pacifier helps with this. It should never replace a regular meal as there is no sustenance in this act.
  • Encourages self-soothing: Pacifiers can assist in teaching babies to control their feelings. It also relaxes them and adds to their sense of security. Pacifiers are a great way for them to learn self-soothing skills.

What are the Requirements for a Safe Pacifier?

Ensuring your baby’s pacifier is safe to use is important. The most basic requirement for a pacifier to be deemed safe is that it can’t cause the baby or toddler to choke. The pacifier should have a safeguard around the nipple so the chance of swallowing it is eliminated. While the pacifier nipple might look like it’s too big to be swallowed by your baby, it could get logged in their throat if there’s no guard.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a few good-quality pacifiers and pacifier clips will go a long way toward soothing your baby’s tears and your nerves. If your baby is often restless around bedtime, consider getting a Wubbanub pacifier to give them something to focus on. Ultimately, how many pacifiers you need is subject to your baby and their needs. As you start your journey with your little one, you’ll figure out which pacifiers they feel most comfortable with but as a start, three or four should do the trick!

And once you get your pacifiers, you might want to get a great pacifier holder, too. And did you know there are special safe pacifier wipes so you can keep them clean?

Last update on 2024-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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