Best Pacifiers & Teething Toys

In the beautiful, chaotic world of a new parent, there are two universal truths: babies cry, and babies chew. From the moment they arrive, a baby is hardwired with a powerful need to suck for comfort and, a few months later, to gnaw on anything they can get their hands on as those tiny teeth begin their long, arduous journey. This is where pacifiers and teething toys become not just convenient accessories, but essential lifelines. A well-chosen pacifier can be the key to a moment of quiet, a tool for soothing a fussy baby and easing them into sleep. And a great teething toy? That’s like a tiny magic wand that soothes their sore gums and provides a much-needed distraction from the discomfort of teething.

Having spent over 30 years in the maternity and infant supply industry, I've seen countless parents navigate this journey. I’ve seen the sheer relief on a new mom’s face when she finds a pacifier that her baby will finally accept. I’ve also helped frantic dads find the perfect teething toy for a baby who just won't stop crying from the pain. The market is flooded with options, from every shape and size of pacifier to an endless array of teething rings and gels. My expertise, both as a business owner and a content creator, is in helping you cut through the noise. This article isn't about telling you what you have to buy; it's about empowering you with the knowledge to choose the products that will bring comfort to your baby and peace to your home. We'll delve into the essentials of pacifiers and teething toys, exploring the best options on the market that are both safe and effective.

The Soothing Power of Sucking:
The Pacifier's Role

Before we even get to teething, let’s talk about pacifiers. A pacifier is more than just a piece of silicone; it’s a tool that taps into a baby’s natural, non-nutritive sucking reflex. This reflex is a powerful self-soothing mechanism that a baby is born with. It’s what helps them calm down, fall asleep, and even regulate their heart rate. But here’s the thing: not all pacifiers are created equal, and a baby can be incredibly picky. One baby might love a round nipple, while another will only take a pacifier with a flat, orthodontic shape. The key is to understand the different types and be prepared to try a few until you find the one your baby loves.

When you're choosing a pacifier, there are a few things to consider:

• Nipple Shape:
  Pacifiers typically come in three shapes:

  • Round: A classic, traditional shape that is a good starting point.

  • Orthodontic: Designed to be flat on the bottom and rounded on top to promote proper oral development.

  • Anatomical: Similar to orthodontic but with a slightly more sloped shape.
    

• Material:
  Most pacifiers are made from either silicone or natural rubber (latex). Silicone is more durable and easier to clean, while natural rubber is softer and more flexible.
  

• Shield:
  Look for a shield with ventilation holes to prevent skin irritation around your baby’s mouth.

The Teething Gauntlet:
A Parent's Guide to Relief

Then comes teething, a rite of passage that can be brutal for both baby and parent. Teething can start as early as a few months old, and it can last for what feels like an eternity. The symptoms are a familiar laundry list: fussiness, drooling, gnawing on everything in sight, and sometimes even a low-grade fever. While you can't stop the teeth from coming in, you can provide a lot of relief with the right tools.

This is where a good teething toy comes in. The best ones are designed to provide gentle counter-pressure to a baby’s gums. They also need to be safe, easy to hold, and, most importantly, effective. When you're choosing a teether, look for:

• Material: Silicone, natural rubber, and untreated wood are excellent, safe choices.

• Texture: Look for a variety of textures, from soft bristles to bumpy surfaces, that will provide different kinds of gum massage.

• Ease of Use: The teether should be easy for your baby to grasp and hold on to.

Product Reviews:
Our Top Picks for Pacifiers & Teething Toys

BIBS Natural Rubber Pacifier

Price Range: $8 - $15 for a two-pack

• Why it's great: The BIBS pacifier has become a modern classic for its timeless design and natural material. Made from 100% natural rubber latex, the nipple is soft, flexible, and has a round cherry shape that many babies find comforting. The shield is also designed to curve away from the baby's face, which helps to prevent skin irritation. It's a beautifully simple, non-toxic, and effective pacifier that has a huge following for its ability to soothe even the fussiest of babies.

Dr. Brown’s Prevent Orthodontic Pacifier

Price Range: $5 - $10 for a two-pack

• Why it's great: For parents who are concerned about proper oral development, Dr. Brown's orthodontic pacifier is a fantastic choice. The pacifier has a patented suction-free air channel that helps to reduce the vacuum pressure inside the baby's mouth. This is designed to reduce the risk of dental issues later on. The nipple itself is a flat, bulbous shape that many babies find comfortable, and the shield has a gentle curve to prevent irritation. It's a scientifically designed pacifier that provides both comfort and peace of mind.

Sophie la Girafe Teether

Price Range: $20 - $30

• Why it's great: Sophie la Girafe is a legend in the world of baby products, and for good reason. Made from 100% natural rubber and painted with food-grade paint, Sophie is a safe and effective teether. Her long neck and legs are perfect for little hands to grasp, and her bumpy head and smooth body provide a variety of textures for a baby's gums. The soft, pliable material is perfect for a baby to chew on, and the gentle squeak she makes is a fun, sensory reward. She's a timeless, iconic teether that has been a favorite for generations.

The Nanobébé Flexy Silicone Pacifier

Price Range: $6 - $10 for a two-pack

• Why it's great: The Nanobébé Flexy is a beautifully designed, one-piece silicone pacifier that is both safe and effective. Its unique ergonomic shape fits comfortably against a baby's face, and the soft, medical-grade silicone is gentle on a baby's skin. The nipple has a natural, breast-like shape, and the pacifier is also very easy to clean. Because it is a single piece of silicone, there are no crevices for mold or germs to hide in, which is a major win for parents.

Nuby Silicone Teether with Bristles

Price Range: $5 - $10

• Why it's great: For a teether that provides a serious gum massage, the Nuby Silicone Teether is an excellent choice. The teether has soft, flexible silicone bristles that are perfect for soothing a baby's sore gums. The different textures and shapes of the bristles provide a lot of sensory stimulation, and the ring shape is easy for a baby to hold on to. It's a simple, affordable, and incredibly effective teether that is a favorite among parents of teething babies.

FridaBaby Gum-Massaging Finger Brush

Price Range: $5 - $10

• Why it's great: The FridaBaby Gum-Massaging Finger Brush is a genius product that takes a hands-on approach to teething relief. The finger brush slips over your finger and has soft, dual-sided silicone bristles that you can use to gently massage your baby's gums. This provides a direct and targeted form of relief that many babies love. It's also a great way to introduce your baby to the feeling of a toothbrush and get them used to having their gums and teeth brushed.

Teething Gels and Creams (like Orajel)

Price Range: $5 - $15

• Why it's great: For those moments when a teether just isn't cutting it, a teething gel or cream can be a lifesaver. Products like Orajel are designed to provide temporary relief from teething pain by numbing the gums. While they are not a long-term solution, they can be a useful tool for those moments when your baby is in a lot of discomfort. It's important to use these products sparingly and to follow the instructions on the package.
  
  

The Grand Finale:
A Journey of Comfort and Relief

The journey through pacifiers and teething is a universal experience for parents, and it can be a lot easier with the right tools. By understanding the different types of pacifiers and teething toys, you can choose products that will provide comfort to your baby and peace to your home. Whether it's a simple pacifier that helps them self-soothe or a textured teether that provides relief from sore gums, these products are a lifeline for new parents. So, go ahead, get prepared, and embrace every moment of this incredible experience.