The Perfect Pacifier: How to Choose (and Why It Matters)

As an expecting parent, choosing the perfect pacifier might feel like a guessing game—because it kind of is! Your baby ultimately makes the call (yes, even tiny humans have big opinions!). But don’t worry—you can get prepared. Enter Lindsay deOliveira, founder of Soothe Beginnings, who’s been there, done the research, and created a solution for parents after her baby rejected what felt like hundreds of pacifiers.

Let’s dive into how pacifiers can help soothe your baby, how to choose the right one, and why Soothe Beginnings is changing the pacifier game for good.

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Does My Baby Need a Pacifier?

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Like most things in parenting, some moms swear by pacifiers while others never need them. But it never hurts to be prepared! Lindsay of Soothe Beginnings shares why pacifiers were a must for her:

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Pacifiers Are Calming

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Babies are born with a natural instinct to suck—it’s so important that they start practicing in the womb! Sucking helps soothe them, lower their heart rate, and reduce crying. Pacifiers are a simple, effective way to help your little one self-soothe when they’re feeling overwhelmed.

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‍They Lower the Risk of SIDS

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Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the SIDS Institute recommend pacifiers for sleep. Several studies have linked pacifier use during naps and bedtime to a reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrom, or SIDS.

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They Help With Digestion

Pacifiers can also benefit babies with reflux or digestive discomfort. The sucking motion encourages saliva production, which coats the esophagus and reduces pain. It also helps babies practice the suck-breathe-swallow coordination they’ll need during feeding (Corvaglia et al., 2016).

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How to Pick the Right Pacifier

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If you’ve asked your mom friends what pacifier to buy, you’ve probably heard a range of very passionate opinions. The truth is, it’s not one-size-fits-all. Babies have preferences, and pacifiers come in different shapes, materials, and designs—each with its pros and cons. Let’s break it down:

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Shape: Baby’s Preference is Key!

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The shape of a pacifier nipple can make or break your baby’s decision. Here are the three top contenders:

• Cylindrical: This standard nipple shape is what most hospitals hand out. It’s rated highest for promoting a quality non-nutritive suck.
• Orthodontic: Flatter and squarer, this shape is dentist-approved because it’s less likely to interfere with teeth as they come in.
• Anatomical: Perfect for breastfed babies and those with oral ties, this shape mimics a deeper, wider latch and encourages healthy use of the jaw muscles.

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Material: Safe for Baby and the Planet

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Pacifiers spend a lot of time in your baby’s mouth, so materials matter. The main options are:

• Plastic: Widely available but less eco-friendly and may contain chemicals to avoid.
• Natural Rubber: Biodegradable but may trigger allergies in some babies.
• Food-Grade Silicone: A non-toxic, hypoallergenic choice that’s safe for babies and better for the environment. Bonus: It’s recyclable!

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Design: Easy to Clean and Easy on the Eyes

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Pacifiers will go everywhere with you, so the design matters, too. Choose a style with minimal cracks or grooves for easier cleaning, and make sure it’s dishwasher-safe for convenience.

✨ Pro tip: Since pacifiers will show up in plenty of photos, pick one in a color or style you love!

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Soothe Beginnings: Redefining the Pacifier Experience

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Struggling to find the perfect pacifier? Lindsay deOliveira gets it. After her baby refused countless options, she created Soothe Beginnings—a solution designed to make life easier for parents while prioritizing safety, sustainability, and style.

Here’s why Soothe Beginnings stands out:

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Interchangeable Starter Kit

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Soothe Beginnings’ Starter Kit comes with three of the best nipple shapes (cylindrical, orthodontic, and anatomical). Instead of buying dozens of pacifiers, you can safely swap between shapes in the same system until you find what your baby loves. No more wasted pacifiers—or space in the infamous “reject drawer.”

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Pretty and Modern

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Say goodbye to the same old pacifier look! Soothe Beginnings pacifiers feature stylish, modern colors that moms actually want. The shield and cap are made from recycled paper and eco resin, so they’re chic and sustainable.

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Personalized for Your Baby

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Want a special touch? Soothe Beginnings offers engraving, so you can personalize pacifiers with your baby’s name or monogram. It’s functional and adorable—plus, Nana will love ordering them in every color!

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Safe and Easy to Clean

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Soothe Beginnings pacifiers go above and beyond safety standards. Every piece is carefully designed to eliminate choking hazards, whether it’s assembled or not. The interchangeable design makes for a more thorough clean, and dishwasher-friendly parts keep things simple. You can even subscribe to get replacement nipples sent every 4-6 weeks, so it’s one less thing to worry about!

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References 📚

• Safe to Sleep Campaign - NICHD
• Corvaglia, L., et al. (2016). The benefits of non-nutritive sucking in reflux management. PubMed.
• SIDS Institute - Pacifier Use

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Perfect Pacifier? Found!

Whether your baby loves a paci or passes on it entirely, there’s no one right answer—just what works best for you and your little one. We hope this guide helps you navigate the world of pacifiers with confidence. And if you’re ready to try a thoughtful, sustainable option, check out Soothe Beginnings for an experience that’s as good for the planet as it is for your baby.

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