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9 of the best dummies for babies 2024
DO I NEED TO BUY A DUMMY?
Dummies (also called soothers) are very useful if your baby loves to comfort suck and some babies find them very soothing. Others have no interest and just spit them out.
When can I give my baby a dummy?
If you are breastfeeding, it’s best to wait until your baby has got the hang of feeding and they’re gaining weight well.
Can my baby sleep with a dummy in?
A baby can sleep safely with a dummy in their mouth. It’s possible that going to sleep with a dummy can actually reduce the risk of SIDS. But the evidence isn’t strong.
How long can my baby use a dummy?
The British Dental Health Foundation recommends that babies stop using dummies sometime between 6 and 12 months. It’s best to wean them off the dummy gradually.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD A DUMMY BE STERILISED?
Up until a baby is 6 months old, a dummy should be sterilised daily. Once your baby is putting everything in their mouth, which will be from six to nine months onwards, you can start sterilising the dummy just a couple of times a week. Some also like to sterilise the dummy every time it is dropped on the floor. To reduce this happening, you could get a dummy clip.
HOW DO YOU STERILISE A DUMMY?
You can sterilise a dummy in three different ways:
Placing it in a pan of boiling water for 5 minutes. Ensure there is enough water to cover the dummy.
Putting it in your steriliser, whether that’s a steam, UV or cold water method.
Some dummies come with a sterilising box to use in the microwave.
If there is any water in the teat after sterilising, squeeze it out using sterilised tongs.
WHEN SHOULD YOU CHANGE A DUMMY?
Dummies should be replaced every few months and definitely if you see any signs of damage like discolouration or tears.
You can also check it is still safe by doing the pull test. Pull the teat in all directions to see if it’s showing any signs of weakness. Throw it away if it does.
DUMMY FEATURES TO LOOK OUT FOR
Teats:
The teats can be silicone or latex. Latex is softer and more flexible while silicone is more durable.
Orthodontic soothers:
These have been designed to minimise any disruption to the healthy development of a child’s teeth, jaw and palate.
Shield:
Ventilation holes will make sure your baby’s delicate skin is not irritated. Some shields are also curved away from a baby’s face.
Travel and sterilising case:
Many soothers come with a case that is useful for travel but is also designed for sterilising the soothers in the microwave.
Glow in the dark soothers:
These can make dummies that have been spat out at night easy to find.
9 OF THE BEST SOOTHERS TO BUY
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 26 January 2024.
If you buy through a link, I may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. MAM Night Soothers
These soothers glow in the dark making them easy to find at night.
Soft, silicone orthodontic teats.
The shields have air holes.
Suitable from 0-6 months.
Comes with a box for sterilising and travel.
Also available in a very popular daytime version.
2. Nuk signature baby dummy
Orthodontic, breast-like silicone teat.
Shield has star, heart and bubble air holes.
Comes with a sterilising travel case.
Made in Germany.
3. Tommee Tippee Breast-like soother
These dummies have been designed to feel like a mother’s breast with a silicone teat which flexes and stretches.
It has a vented baglet (base) to reduce pressure on a baby’s teeth and gums.
The shield curves to avoid any build-up of moisture which could irritate a baby’s skin.
There is no right side up so it can go any way round in a baby’s mouth.
There is a standard and a glow-in-the-dark version which charges in natural light and lasts for up to 8 hours.
4. Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Silicone Soother
Extra light design to help it stay in a baby’s mouth for longer.
Soft, flexible, orthodontic teat made from 100% food-grade silicone.
The shield curves away from your baby’s face for less skin contact to reduce the possibility of irritation. It also has large holes for ventilation.
Suitable from 0-6 months.
5. Philips Avent ultra air soother
These soothers have large holes in the shield to maximise airflow and avoid irritating a baby’s sensitive skin.
Comes with a box for travel and sterilisation.
Orthodontic silicone teat for the natural development of palate, teeth and gums.
Available in different colours.
6. Nanobebe Flexy Soothers
These dummies contour a baby’s nose and chin for comfort.
It is a one-piece silicone dummy, which is soft and flexible.
Available in 0-3 months and 3-6 months.
7. BIBS Baby Pacifier
Soothers with teats made from 100% natural rubber latex.
Designed to imitate the shape of a mother’s breast.
Available in a lovely range of colours.
Suitable from 0-6 months.
Also available in silicone and with differently-shaped nipples.
Made in Denmark by a Danish baby company established in 1978.
8. MAM Comfort Soother
A very lightweight dummy to make it more comfortable for a baby and more likely to stay in.
Made from one piece of silicone.
Comes with a sterilising box.
Designed by paediatricians, nurses and speech therapists to ensure it doesn’t hamper a baby’s oral development.
Available in 0-2 months and 2-6 months.
Comes in blue, pink and purple, or yellow and green.
9. Nuk for Nature baby dummy
Award-winning dummies made from over 98% natural rubber latex.
100% paper packaging.
Available for 0-6 months, 6-18 months and 18-36 months.
The shape is modelled on a mother’s nipple.
Comes in three colours.
Produced with renewable energy.
Made in Germany.
FROM THE BLOG:
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