How To Find The Best Non Toxic / Natural Pacifier

Are you looking for a non-toxic pacifier for your baby? I’ve got all the information you need here to make an educated decision, including pacifier material, oral development, and safety. 

I recently had my third baby, and my first two never took a pacifier. However, I have discovered that my third baby (my first little girl!) LOVES a pacifier. Not knowing much about them, I did a deep dive into the world of non toxic pacifiers and I would love to share what I learned with you, in case it helps you find a natural pacifier for your little one. 

When choosing a non-toxic pacifier, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure it’s safe, chemical-free, and supportive of oral development.

What Is The Pacifier Is Made Out Of?

When looking at the material of pacifiers, they are usually made out of some kind of rubber or silicone. Ideally the best pacifier is made out of natural materials, so here are some of the best options to consider:

• 100% Natural Rubber – Opt for pacifiers made from natural rubber to avoid toxic chemicals. Medical or food-grade silicone can also be a good option, although silicone is a synthetic material so it isn’t personally my first choice for a pacifier. 
• Avoid Plastic Nipples – Even BPA-free plastics may contain BPS, phthalates, or PVC, which can leach chemicals (source). Look for pacifiers that are free from these chemicals for the safest option for your baby. 
• Look for pacifiers that are free from BPA, BPS, PVC, phthalates, lead, artificial dyes, and nitrosamines.
• Some brands undergo third-party testing for chemical safety which is always great to see an unbiased test. 

Natural Rubber vs. Latex

I wasn’t sure about the difference between natural rubber and latex, and if it really mattered. Here’s what I found out:

Natural rubber is the material derived from the sap of the Hevea brasiliensi tree, while latex refers to the milky fluid extracted from rubber trees that is processed to create natural rubber products. So essentially, latex is the raw material, and natural rubber is the final product after processing. However there is also synthetic latex which you will want to avoid because it can contain nitrosamines, a potential carcinogen. 

Here’s why it might matter for you:

• If a pacifier is labeled “natural rubber,” it’s likely free from excess proteins that may trigger latex allergies. Most people do not know if their baby has a latex allergy so it may be beneficial to avoid latex if you are concerned about an allergy. 
• If it contains “latex,” it may still have allergy-triggering compounds, and be sure that it is natural latex and not synthetic latex.
• Natural rubber pacifiers tend to be softer and more elastic than silicone, but they do break down over time and need replacing more frequently. Many of the natural rubber ones suggest replacing every 4-6 weeks. 

Medical-Grade Silicone vs. Natural Rubber

Silicone pacifiers are generally considered safe, and they are more durable than a natural rubber pacifier so they may last longer. However, the main thing to consider is that silicone is still a synthetic material. Natural rubber comes from the Hevea trees, and is a great non-toxic material to give your baby.

How Many Pieces is the Pacifier?

Finding a pacifier that is a one-piece design (rather than multiple pieces) is considered safer, for a couple reasons. First, because there isn’t anywhere for bacteria to build up, and secondly, one piece reduces the risk of small parts breaking off and becoming a choking hazard for your baby. 

Consider Oral Development

Using the right pacifier can support or hinder oral development, depending on its design and how long it’s used. Here are a few considerations:

Orthodontic vs. Rounded Pacifiers

• Orthodontic Pacifiers – Designed to mimic the shape of the nipple, these support proper tongue placement and reduce the risk of dental issues.
• Rounded Pacifiers – Some babies prefer them, but they may encourage a less ideal tongue posture and could impact bite development with long-term use.

Encourages Proper Tongue Posture

• A good pacifier allows the tongue to rest on the roof of the mouth, which is important for natural oral development.
• Poorly designed pacifiers may encourage low tongue posture, affecting future speech and airway health.

Impact on Teeth & Bite Development

• Long-term pacifier use (especially past age 2-3) can lead to dental issues like an open bite or crossbite.
• Pacifier use should ideally be phased out by age 2 to minimize any impact on permanent teeth. Some studies recommend that babies shouldn’t rely on a pacifier past 6 months of age. 

Proper Lip Seal & Breathing Patterns

• A well-designed pacifier encourages a closed mouth posture, preventing mouth breathing.
• Pacifiers that promote an open mouth position could lead to oral myofunctional issues in the future.

Other Tips & Considerations When Using a Pacifier

• Pacifier shields should have ventilation holes to prevent suffocation, and not mold too tightly to the baby’s face.
• It’s generally a good idea to make sure that breastfeeding (if you are breastfeeding) is well established before introducing a pacifier to your baby. This helps to prevent nipple confusion.
• Be sure to purchase an age-appropriate pacifier for your baby 

How To Clean Your Pacifier

Cleaning your pacifier regularly is also a great idea to keep your baby healthy and safe. There are a few different ways to clean your pacifier using non-toxic ingredients:

With Boiling Water:

1. Place your pacifiers in a glass bowl. 
2. In a separate container, boil enough water to cover the pacifiers. 
3. Once the water is boiling, pour it over the pacifiers and let them sit for 5 minutes. 

With Warm Soapy Water:

1. Clean the pacifier with warm water and your favorite non-toxic dish soap. 

With Water & Vinegar Solution

1. Place pacifiers in a glass bowl
2. Add equal parts hot water and white vinegar
3. Let the pacifiers soak for 15 minutes
4. Rinse the pacifiers thoroughly to remove any vinegar taste

My Recommendations for Non-Toxic Pacifiers

Now that you know what kinds of things to consider when buying a pacifier, what brand is best? I think there are several great options on the market today, so the great news is that you can try a few different options to see what your baby likes best. It’s likely that your baby will have a preference. Here are some of the best non-toxic pacifiers to consider:

Natursutten Natural Rubber Pacifiers

Natursutten pacifiers are made in Italy. Highlights of this natural option:

Hevea Pacifiers

Hevea pacifiers are also made from natural rubber, and are made in Malaysia. Here are some highlights:

Ecopacifier Natural Pacifiers By Ecopiggy

Ecopacifiers are also made in Malaysia, and are made from natural rubber. Here are a few highlights:

These three pacifiers are some of the best natural options that I found that have multiple shapes for avoiding any future dental problems. Between these three pacifiers, it may come down to your baby’s preference, or cost. 

In Conclusion

When looking for a pacifier, here are some of the most important considerations:

• Choose one-piece pacifiers made with natural rubber. 
• Consider an orthodontic pacifier, and limit pacifier usage beyond infancy to prevent dental and speech development issues.
• If you aren’t sure, look for third-party certifications
• Make sure to keep your pacifier clean!