Finding the best dummy for your baby isn't an easy task and if you are breastfeeding your baby, you'll want it to be a suitable dummy for breastfed babies. While every baby finds comfort in different ways, suckling is a basic instinct for all newborn babies, both for feeding and comfort. That's why dummies provide a level of comfort for your baby.
Sometimes, babies can suffer from 'nipple confusion' as they struggle to switch from a dummy back to your nipple and vice-versa, so it's important to find a dummy similar to the texture of your nipples. That's why looking at the best dummies for breastfed babies is in their best interest as well as yours.
To help you work out what is best for you and your baby, we've summed up the best dummies for breastfed babies on the market so that you can start shopping straight away. There are some that are compatible with dummy clips, whilst others are multipacks, so you'll always have one spare.
The best dummies for breastfed babies
Best overall dummies for breastfed babies
Description
Award: Won Bronze at the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 for Best Product For A Newborn - 0-4 Months
The MAM Comfort All-Silicone Soothers (Pack of 2) was developed in collaboration with leading paediatricians, nurses and speech therapists to support the needs of newborns and premature babies. The first of its kind, it is extremely lightweight and features an extra small teat which helps to support natural sucking behaviour and promote healthy oral development. The soft material is extremely gentle on baby's skin and provides a comfortable and calming effect on newborns. Packed in a convenient steriliser box, it can be sterilised in 3 minutes in the microwave without the need for a separate steriliser.
Review: "Can not recommend these dummies enough! My baby girl only has a small mouth & found all other sizes and shapes uncomfortable for her. These are absolutely brilliant!"
Read our full MAM Comfort Soother review
Pros
- Orthodontic teat supports natural sucking
- Promotes healthy oral development
- Comes with a carry box
Cons
- Only 2 in a pack
Best dummies for breastfed babies for newborns
redirect.viglink.com
Description
Designed for premature and newborn babies aged between 0-2 months, this set of two NUK Medic Pro Star Newborn Soothers takes the worry out of calming little ones. Developed in partnership with dental health experts, the design has a soft, flexible baglet which reduces the pressure on baby's jaw and teeth, reducing the risk of teeth misalignment.
Review: "Great, I bought this dummy (0-2 months) for my 4-month-old (breastfeed) as he won't take any dummy and gags on others. This has a very small teat, very similar to a nipple. He has got on much better with this one, he just needs some practice."
Pros
- Specifically designed for premature or newborn babies aged between 0-2 months
- Soft surface moulds gently against the palate, giving the tongue plenty of space for natural sucking movements
- Made from soft-flex silicone
- BPA-free
Cons
- Teat may be too small for some
Best hospital-grade silicone dummies for breastfed babies
Description
Designed by Philips, these Philips 2 Pack AVENT Soothie Pacifier dummies are ideal for breastfed babies. Supporting natural palette development, they're designed to be orthodontic for their little mouths as they're made from soft hospital-grade silicone. When it comes to cleaning, simply pop them in the dishwasher as they're dishwasher-friendly.
Review: "These dummies are fantastic! Ideal for breastfed babies as they mould to their mouth just like the nipple. I really love the fact they are made from just one piece of material, so no risk of the teat coming away from the mouth guard. These leave no marks on your baby's face either. My baby loves these dummies over any others, we've tried a couple of brands. These are the 3+ months, so the dummy is stiffer (thicker) than the 0-3 months."
Pros
- Perfect for newborns
- Made of hospital-grade silicone
- It's super-soft
- Respect the development of baby's teeth
- Can be popped into the dishwasher
Cons
- Not the cutest of designs
Best dummies for breastfed babies for sleeping
redirect.viglink.com
Description
MAM Night soothers glow brightly at night time, making them easy for any new mum or dad to find in the dark without disturbing their little one. Each soother has a MAM SkinSoft silicone teat, accepted by 94 per cent of babies, and has been designed in close cooperation with paediatricians, dentists and orthodontists.
Review: "I bought these dummies for my breastfed baby. She had colic and cried a fair bit, we decided that a dummy might help provide some comfort. After trying several other brands that specified they were for breastfed babies, she either rejected them or struggled to keep them in her mouth. These dummies finally did the trick, she will happily suck on these, and she seems to gain some comfort from them. They have even been helpful in getting her used self-soothing to sleep. We also like their design; they look cute and are easy to clean. The 2 dummies came with a sterilising storage box, too, which was a handy extra! Would buy again!"
Read our full MAM Night Soothers 0+ Months review
Pros
- They're great for healthy jaw and teeth development
- They glow in the dark, making them easier to find at nighttime
- Includes a travel case to keep your dummies safe
- Case can be used to sterilise dummies in the microwave
- Available in a range of colours and designs
Cons
- Design may vary
Best dummies for breastfed babies one-piece design
Image: Amazon Description
Meet baby's first pacifier. The Nanobebe Baby Soothers are suitable from birth and have an innovative one-piece design constructed of durable silicone. Available in clear designs, they're shaped to fit baby's face while staying clear of their nose.
Review: "We tried so many different pacifiers and finally tried this one. I have never heard of this brand before but it was part of our amazon baby box when we created the registry. I have repurchased these 3 times now because my daughter ONLY likes these and as everyone knows pacifiers always seem to mysteriously disappear (we have a dog). We will continue repurchasing these. The colours are cute too!"
Pros
- BPA-free and Phthalate-free silicone
- Good for newborns
- It's super-soft
- Multipack
- Designed to avoid blocking the nose
Cons
- Not ideal for older babies (over 3 months)
Best ergonomic dummies for breastfed babies
Description
The Chicco Soft Ergonomic Silicone dummy is soft and completely supple for maximum comfort even while your baby is sleeping.
Physio orthodontic teat promotes proper mouth development by correctly distributing pressure on the palate and helping baby to position their tongue correctly.
Review: "The most hygienic dummies I've ever seen! As they are made of only one piece, there are no crevices where mould could develop and dirt could get collected. They go well in the steriliser and don't discolour. Also, as they are ergonomic, they are better for the teeth. They were actually recommended by my dentist! Baby loves them! We have six at home!"
Pros
- It's best for babies over three months
- Made from silicone
- It's super-soft
- Ergonomically shaped with ventilation holes
Cons
- Quite large
Best BIBS dummies for breastfed babies
bibsworld.com
Description
BIBS Boheme GLOW has the same high quality as the original BIBS pacifiers but has a practical glow feature. The glow feature makes it easy for both parents and little ones to find the pacifiers in the dark and accommodates the frustration it can cause for parents to stand in the middle of the night - in total darkness - looking for the pacifier with a crying child.
Our M&B parenting Expert, Hannah James, said: "I absolutely love these BIBS dummies. My six-month-old baby cannot get enough of them. He has now learnt to use the ring to put the dummy back in himself. Having three boys under four means I have gone through my fair share of dummies. But I have never seen such an effective and bright glow-in-the-dark dummy. This is a savour in the middle of the night when you can barely see through sleep-deprived eyes."
Pros
- Round nipple
- Available in natural rubber latex
- Recommended by midwives to support natural breastfeeding
- Size 1 suitable from birth - 6 months
- The shield is made of 100 per cent food-safe material
Cons
- Water can seep in when being washed
Best flexible dummies for breastfed babies
Description
Extra-soft for baby's comfort, nanobébé's Flexy Soother is a lightweight and ergonomic shape to ensure the soother doesn't slip out their tiny mouth. This size is suitable for younger babies aged 0-3 months and 3 months+. It's also BPA-free, making them super safe for babies.
Review: "We tried a few dummies, but luckily we tried these early on due to the fantastic reviews, otherwise, we may have abandoned altogether. A lot of dummies claim to mimic the nipple but obviously don't because they end up making your child gag or they just don't like them, this though my baby loves and is a lifesaver!"
Pros
- Suitable for newborns to little ones aged three months
- BPA and Phthalate free
- Ergonomic shape to stop soother from slipping out of their mouth
- Extra-soft teat
Cons
- Some babies spit this out
Best glow-in-the-dark dummies for breastfed babies
Description
We're a sucker for a glow-in-the-dark baby product which is why both us and our little ones love the NUK Space Night Baby Dummy Glow-in-the-Dark Soothers so much. Little ones also love the unique shape of the dummy, and us parents love that it's super easy to clean and is designed to promote the healthy development of the mouth.
Review: "Who knew babies could be so fussy, my little one refuses all dummy shapes apart from this 'spoon' shape. The plastic box the dummies come in can be used as a microwave steriliser, so don't throw it away. It also keeps dummies clean when popped into a bag. I like the open space (the dummy is not a solid plastic shape), as this doesn't leave a red mark on my son's mouth/chin when he's been sucking for a few hours. He won't sleep without a dummy these days, but if it keeps the peace, I'm all for it!"
Pros
- Suitable for 0 - 6 months
- Extra-large air openings maximise circulation, allowing skin to breathe so perfect for sensitive baby skin
- Button emits a soft glow at night time for easy finding in the dark
- Promotes the healthy development of teeth and jaw by exercising baby's lips, tongue and facial muscles
- Improved Nuk original shape modelled on a mother's nipple while breastfeeding for a natural, satisfying feel
Cons
- Difficult to sterilise
Best ultra-light dummies for breastfed babies
Description
Your baby's oral development is an important factor to consider when giving your baby a dummy which is why Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Silicone Soother has been designed with oral development in mind. The symmetrical baglet allows your baby's tongue and jaw to rest in the correct position, therefore, supporting the healthy, natural development of your baby's mouth, teeth and gums.
Review: "As weird as these dummies look (and they do look really weird), they are our daughter's favourite. The best thing is, if she rubs her face while asleep, these don't tend to catch and fall out like other dummies, as these stick out less, and there is no ring on them, meaning less waking up in the night than with other dummies. Would recommend it for anyone, especially if your baby wakes after knocking the dummy out while rubbing their face."
Read our full Tommee Tippee Ultra-light Silicone Soother review
Pros
- Shortlisted Best Product for a Newborn - 0-4 months at the 2021 M&B Awards
- Made from 100 per cent food-grade silicone and BPA-free
- Light enough to stay put in the littlest mouths and suitable for newborns
- Inspired by the shape of Tommee Tippee's award-winning breast-like teats
- It's super-soft
Cons
- May be too large for some
Best designed dummies for breastfed babies
Description
The BIBS dummies are a perfect pacifier for babies from birth. With a classic, retro style, this handy set comes with four different pacifiers in both silicone and natural rubber latex, so you and your baby can find the preferred BIBS pacifier according to your baby's preference. BPA-free, not only do these dummies look the part, but they're also super sustainable and suitable from birth.
Review: "Ordered this set to try out different shapes of soothers as I knew from my first child how difficult it can be to find the right fit for each individual baby. This was great as it comes with different shapes and textures, which can make a huge difference."
Pros
- Danish designed dummy
- BPA Free
- Made from natural rubber
- Size 1 suitable from birth - 6 months
Cons
- If baby only likes one dummy, others are a waste
Choosing the right dummy for you and your baby
Whether you're looking for the best dummies for colic, reflux or premature babies, there are a few things to look for, particularly with dummies for newborns. The dummies need to be made of latex and be BPA- and phthalate-free. It is also important that they are sized and shaped for your baby's mouth - always check the advised age range. Your baby's nose should be clear. Lastly, dummies should be taste-free and odourless.
It's better to invest in a dummy approved by the British Dental Health Foundation to ensure you purchase a safe and certified product.
When shopping for your baby's dummy, consider the following:
Materials – most dummies have a silicone teat with plastic handle but others can be made with a latex teat. While latex is softer, it probably won't last as long.
Age range – Make sure the dummy you buy is suitable for your baby's age range. They often start at 0-6 months, 6-18 months and 18 months plus.
Teat shape – We'd recommend opting for an orthopaedic dummy which is flatter in shape rather than a cherry-shaped rounded dummy while your baby is breastfeeding. This is because the orthopaedic teats are designed to encourage your baby to suck in the same way they would when breastfeeding.
Ease of cleaning – Most dummies clean easily with washing up liquid and warm water. For younger babies, we'd also recommend sterilising them too after cleaning.
Ventilation holes – To prevent suffocation, it's essential for your baby's dummy to have two or more ventilation holes on the shield.
Should you use a dummy for breastfed babies? Is it safe?
It's safe to give your baby a dummy. In fact, some special care units use dummies to comfort little and poorly babies while they are having tests or injections. Evidence shows that suckling eases pain, and when your boob isn't close at hand, a dummy will do nicely.
If you're breastfeeding your baby, then it's generally recommended to hold off giving your newborn a dummy until about six weeks to make sure they are settled, suckling your breasts.
Pros of using dummies for breastfed babies
• Dummies can prevent your baby from sucking their thumb
• Dummies are also called pacifiers, as they can calm your baby
• You can use a dummy to distract your baby during vaccinations
• If your baby has colic, using a dummy can keep them calm
• Most premature babies are given a dummy.
Cons of using dummies for breastfed babies
• Sometimes dummies can interfere with breastfeeding; to avoid this, you need to make sure your baby is feeding well and gaining weight before introducing a dummy
• It can be really hard to break the habit of using a dummy
• If your baby uses a dummy all day, it can be harder for them to communicate with you or begin to make sounds
• Your baby could suffer from 'nipple confusion' as they struggle to transition between using the dummy and breastfeeding. A sign of this could be difficulty latching on whilst breastfeeding.
To use a dummy safely and to minimise any dummy risks, there are a few steps to take. Don't tie the newborn dummy to your baby with strings or ribbons which could get tangled around your baby, and never dip it in sugar or foods of any kind.
Make sure you sterilise your baby's dummy regularly, especially if it gets dropped when out and about. You can do this using a bottle steriliser, a microwave steriliser or by boiling the dummy to remove any contaminants. Some are dishwasher safe too. Make sure to let it completely cool before giving it to your baby.
Check your baby's soother regularly to see if it has broken or if there are any cracks, and replace it as soon as you see any damage.
Are dummies good or bad for babies? What about their teeth?
Dummies are not bad for babies and how long you allow your child to have a dummy for really does depend on your baby and your personal preference as a parent.
It is important however to be aware of the potential implications of long-term dummy use on your baby. It's advised that your baby should give up their dummy once their teeth start growing through as it can lead to incorrect positioning of the teeth and also problems with speech development.
How do you clean a dummy?
Dummies are very easy to clean, and if you happen to drop it or get it dirty, it can wash easily in washing up liquid and warm water.
During the first six months of your baby's life, while they're still building their immune system, you should sterilise your baby's dummy every day which is why it's worth making sure you have a few before baby is born. Brand new dummies should also be sterilised before use to get rid of any germs.
Can you use a dummy over night?
According to the Lullaby Trust, the use of a dummy during sleep can help prevent SIDS, so it's definitely okay to offer your baby a dummy while they sleep at night.
If you notice their dummy falls out in the night, don't worry about putting it back in. Equally, if your baby is refusing to accept a dummy, that's also okay. Some babies simply do not like a dummy.
How to get your baby to take a dummy
Sarah Cantwell, mum of two, shares her popular tips and tricks for getting your baby to take a dummy. She used dummies for both her newborn babies to keep them comforted and to keep her nipples from getting too sore.
Her main advice is to remove your nipple from baby's mouth once you can feel them slowing down at the end of their feed and quickly popping a dummy in while they're drifting off to sleep. Hold baby for a bit in your usual breastfeeding position until they calm down. Then you can put them back in their cot or moses basket for a nap.
Georgia Aspinall is senior features writer at Grazia UK, formerly at The Debrief. She covers news and features across women's health and fitness, sex and relationships, real-life stories, travel and politics.