Best Pacifiers That Babies Accept and Don’t Toss Across the Room

This pacifier shows up in hospitals for a reason. It’s simple, strong, and safe. The one-piece design means there are no joints or tiny parts that can come loose or collect grime. It’s made from medical-grade silicone that feels soft but doesn’t collapse when a baby sucks on it. That balance matters, especially for newborns still figuring things out.

Most breastfed babies take to it without issues. The shape doesn’t interfere with their latch, and it doesn’t have that narrow, hard nipple some other pacifiers use. It’s a little bulky-looking at first, especially on smaller newborns, but most adjust to it quickly. If you want something that just works without making your life harder, this one’s a solid place to start.

Best For: Newborns, breastfed babies, first-time use

Material: Medical-grade silicone

Ages: 0–3 months, with larger sizes available

Why we chose it: hospital-trusted design, soft and sturdy, doesn’t interfere with breastfeeding

Middle of the night, lights off, baby crying—this pacifier makes that a little less painful. It glows softly in the dark so you’re not stuck digging under a crib while half asleep. And the glow actually works. It’s not just a gimmick. Charge it under a lamp for a few minutes and you’ll be able to find it when it matters.

Aside from the glow, it’s also one of the better pacifiers for babies who’ve rejected the usual round types. The nipple is flatter and more orthodontic in shape, so it puts less pressure on the gums and growing teeth. It has a textured surface that helps it stay in place better, and the shield has large air holes to cut down on skin irritation. If your baby is picky or spits pacifiers constantly, this one might finally stick.

Best For: night use, babies who reject round nipples

Material: BPA-free silicone

Ages: available in 0–6 months and 6–18 months

Why we chose it: glows in the dark, good for sensitive skin, stays in better than smooth ones

The NUK pacifier is shaped to fit naturally inside a baby’s mouth. It doesn’t have the usual round nipple. Instead, it’s angled and flat on the bottom, which helps it rest against the tongue more like a real nipple does. That shape also makes it a solid option for breastfed babies or babies with sensitive gums. Some parents say this is the only style their baby will take, especially once teeth start coming in.

It’s lightweight, so it doesn’t fall out as much. The plastic shield curves around the nose and chin without pressing too tight. It’s not the best for newborns with super tiny mouths, but for most babies 6 months and up, it’s a comfortable fit. The design also encourages healthy oral development, which makes it one to consider for long-term use.

Best For: teething babies, breastfed babies, older infants

Material: silicone nipple with BPA-free plastic shield

Ages: 0–6 months, 6–18 months

Why we chose it: orthodontic shape, soft but firm nipple, better for oral development

If your baby refuses most pacifiers, this one’s worth a shot. The nipple on the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature pacifier is shaped to mimic a real breast, which can make it easier for babies to accept. It’s softer than average and has a bit more give when sucked, which feels more natural to some babies. That helps with the transition between breast or bottle and pacifier.

The shield is smaller and has a rounded shape that sits gently against the face. It’s also a little more flexible, which makes it less likely to leave marks on sensitive skin. This one doesn’t glow or have a textured grip, but if your baby is picky, this shape often works when others fail.

Best For: babies who refuse regular pacifiers, breastfed babies

Material: silicone nipple, BPA-free shield

Ages: 0–6 months, 6–18 months

Why we chose it: breast-like feel, soft silicone, good for picky babies

This one’s all about comfort and safety. The Chicco PhysioForma is made from one single piece of soft silicone. There are no plastic parts, no extra seams, nothing to break off. That’s a huge plus for babies who chew or for parents who worry about germs getting stuck in little gaps. It’s flexible enough to bend but still firm enough to stay in shape during use.

The nipple has a slight curve that supports natural tongue movement and jaw development. Some parents also say it stays in better than most other pacifiers, especially during sleep. It’s simple, clean, and works well if you want something that won’t irritate skin or cause fussing.

Best For: sensitive skin, chewing babies, sleep time

Material: 100% soft silicone

Ages: 0–6 months, 6–16 months

Why we chose it: one-piece, durable, good shape for jaw development

The BIBS pacifier stands out mostly because of how it looks, but it’s also one of the most natural-feeling options. The nipple is made from natural rubber latex, which is softer and more flexible than silicone. It has a round, bulb-like shape that works well for breastfed babies, especially younger ones. The outer shield curves away from the face, which helps reduce skin contact and irritation.

It’s not the easiest to clean compared to silicone models. Rubber can wear out faster and needs to be replaced more often. But for babies who like a softer feel and parents who prefer a natural material, this one is still a top pick. Just don’t expect it to last forever.

Best For: breastfed babies, natural material preference

Material: natural rubber latex

Ages: 0–6 months, 6–18 months

Why we chose it: softest nipple feel, curved shield, better for skin

Nuby’s orthodontic pacifier has a nipple shape that flattens during sucking, mimicking the motion of breastfeeding. It’s great for babies who are switching between breast and bottle because it helps keep that tongue movement natural. The nipple has small bumps and textures that soothe the gums, which makes this one a nice option for teething too.

The outer shield is lightweight and has ventilation holes to help keep drool rashes away. It’s not the most durable out there, but for the price, it’s a good everyday pacifier that’s easy to replace if it gets lost or chewed up. Bonus: it comes in a lot of bright colors if you care about that.

Best For: teething, breastfeeding transition

Material: silicone nipple, BPA-free shield

Ages: 0–6 months, 6+ months

Why we chose it: textured nipple, flexible shape, gentle on gums

This pacifier was made with input from feeding specialists, which shows in the design. The nipple is wider and flatter than most, with a gradual slope that helps babies keep it in without having to clamp down. That makes it a solid pick for newborns who struggle with latch or have trouble keeping pacifiers in place.

It’s made from soft silicone and comes in a few different firmness levels. Some versions are extra soft for new babies, while others are a bit firmer for older ones. The shape supports natural sucking patterns, so it doesn’t throw off their oral development. It’s not super common in stores, but worth finding if nothing else is working.

Best For: babies with latch issues, newborns

Material: food-grade silicone

Ages: 0–3 months, 3–6 months

Why we chose it: feeding-specialist approved, helps with suck reflex

This one’s a pacifier and teether in one. The Ryan & Rose Cutie Pat has a round bulb nipple on one end and a textured teether on the other. Babies can use whichever side they want, and older infants tend to like switching back and forth. It’s made from one solid piece of silicone, so there’s no choking hazard or hard plastic anywhere.

The design is simple but works well for babies who want something to chew and soothe at the same time. It’s a little heavier than basic pacifiers, so not ideal for newborns, but once they hit the 3-month mark, this one becomes more useful. It’s also easy to clean and lasts through rough use.

Best For: teething babies, 3+ months

Material: 100% silicone

Ages: 0–6 months, 6–24 months

Why we chose it: dual use as pacifier and teether, durable and safe

This pacifier borrows its shape from the popular Dr. Brown’s bottle nipples, which makes it a great fit for babies already using that brand. It’s lightweight and curved to fit naturally around the face. The silicone is soft but holds its shape well, and it doesn’t get slippery with drool like some other ones do.

Since it’s modeled after a bottle nipple, breastfed babies sometimes need a little time to get used to it. But for bottle-fed babies, the transition is usually smooth. It’s easy to clean, works well for sleep, and doesn’t pop out constantly. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done without a bunch of extra parts.

Best For: bottle-fed babies, Dr. Brown’s users

Material: medical-grade silicone

Ages: 0–6 months

Why we chose it: familiar shape for bottle babies, lightweight, easy to keep clean

Babies aren’t all the same, so finding the right pacifier usually takes some trial and error. Some prefer soft and round. Others only take flatter shapes. That’s normal. What matters most is choosing one that’s safe, easy to clean, and feels right for your baby’s mouth.

You don’t need anything complicated. Look at the shape, the material, and how well it stays in. If your baby likes it and it doesn’t irritate their skin, you’re good. Once you find a pacifier that works, grab a few backups. You’ll lose them constantly and wish you had more on hand.