Best pacifier for newborn babies in Canada: how to choose

Parent on a cream sofa offering a pastel pacifier to a smiling baby in a green sleeper

Searching for the best pacifier for a newborn can feel like comparing a hundred tiny pieces of silicone that all look the same. They are not quite the same, though. Nipple shape, size, material and shield design all change how a pacifier fits your baby's mouth and how easy it is to keep clean. This guide walks through what actually matters, what Canadian health guidance says about safe use, and how to narrow the choice down in a few minutes.

One thing first: there is no single best pacifier for every baby. Many babies have a strong opinion, so plan to try two or three styles. Buying small packs of different shapes is often cheaper than buying a big pack of one style your baby refuses.

Should a newborn use a pacifier at all?

Sucking is natural and calming for babies. The Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) notes that if your baby seems to want to suck between feedings, a pacifier can help, and that pacifiers may help relieve pain during brief medical procedures. Several studies also suggest that using a pacifier during the first year may lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Health Canada adds that if you use one for sleep, your baby should have it consistently for every sleep, and that you do not need to put it back in if it falls out after your baby is asleep.

There are trade-offs. The CPS says that using a pacifier incorrectly can lead to problems with breastfeeding, teeth (cavities and overbite) and possibly ear infections. If you are breastfeeding, the CPS advises waiting until breastfeeding is going well before offering a pacifier. Babies who are premature or sick in hospital are an exception, and your care team will guide you there. If you are unsure, talk to your doctor, nurse, midwife or a lactation consultant.

The 5 things that make a pacifier a good fit

Flat lay of different pacifier styles in pastel colours with a sterilizing case, a beaded pacifier clip and a muslin cloth
Different pacifier styles: one-piece silicone, orthodontic, round and night pacifiers, plus a case and a short clip.

1. Nipple shape

  • Round (cherry) nipples are symmetrical, so they work in any direction. Many newborns accept them easily.
  • Orthodontic nipples are flatter on one side. Brands such as NUK and MAM are known for this shape. Some babies prefer it, others push it out.
  • One-piece hospital-style pacifiers (like the Philips Avent Soothie) are made from a single piece of silicone with no joints, which also makes them easy to clean.

If your baby is breastfed, many parents start with a soft, rounded nipple. Watch your baby rather than the packaging: the right pacifier is the one your baby takes calmly without gagging or constantly pushing it out.

2. Size for age

Pacifiers are sold by age range, usually 0-2 or 0-3 months, 0-6 months, 6-18 months and 18+ months. Start with the newborn size and move up as the age range on the pack says. A pacifier that is too small for an older baby is not a good idea, so check the range when you replace it.

3. Material

  • Silicone is firm, holds its shape, has no taste or smell and goes through the dishwasher or sterilizer well. Most pacifiers sold in Canada are silicone.
  • Natural rubber (latex) is softer and more flexible, and some babies like the feel. It wears faster, so inspect it often, and skip it if anyone in the family has a latex allergy.

4. Shield and air holes

The shield is the part that rests against your baby's face. Look for a shield with air holes and a curved shape that sits away from the nose. Babies with sensitive skin or drool rash often do better with a smaller or more open shield.

5. Night and glow options

Glow-in-the-dark handles make it easier to find a pacifier in a dark room at 3 a.m. They work the same as a regular pacifier during the day.

Popular pacifier styles compared

Style Nipple Usually good for Keep in mind
One-piece silicone (hospital style) Round, long Newborns, easy cleaning Larger shield on small faces
Orthodontic (NUK, MAM) Flat on one side Babies who like a flatter feel Must go in the right way up
Round cherry (BIBS style) Round bulb Babies who like a soft, round shape Natural rubber versions wear faster
Night / glow-in-the-dark Varies Night wakings Same safety checks as any pacifier

Pacifier safety: what Health Canada and the CPS say

Calm baby in a cream knit outfit with a teal pacifier, held in a parent's arms
Check the pacifier every day and replace it every 2 months, before it wears out.
  • Never tie a pacifier around your baby's neck, and do not use long cords. Cords can strangle. The CPS also lists homemade pacifiers as unsafe.
  • Pacifier clips must be short. Health Canada warns that a ribbon longer than 22 centimetres (8 1/2 inches) can wrap around your baby's neck. Do not use a clip or cord while your baby sleeps.
  • Check it every day. Look for tears, holes and changes in texture, and pull firmly on the nipple to make sure it stays attached. Throw away any pacifier that shows wear.
  • Replace it every 2 months, before it starts to wear out (Health Canada).
  • Never dip a pacifier in sugar, honey or anything sweet (CPS). It harms teeth, and honey is not safe for babies under 1 year.
  • Watch for recalls. Health Canada posts pacifier and pacifier-clip recalls on its recalls and safety alerts website. It is worth a quick check when you buy a new brand.

Cleaning and storing pacifiers

Wash a new pacifier before the first use and follow the maker's instructions for sterilizing or dishwasher use. Keep spares in a clean case in the diaper bag so a dropped pacifier does not end up back in your baby's mouth. Pacifier wipes are handy on outings when there is no sink nearby. Avoid "cleaning" a pacifier in your own mouth, since that passes your mouth bacteria to your baby.

Moving up a size and when to stop

Move to the next size when your baby reaches the age range on the pack, usually around 6 months and again around 18 months. If your baby starts chewing hard on the pacifier rather than sucking, a teething toy is a better choice for that job.

Guidance on stopping differs a little. Health Canada recommends stopping pacifier use when your baby is 12 months old. The CPS suggests planning to stop by 3 to 4 years at the latest to prevent dental problems, and never punishing a child to make them give it up. Many families cut back gradually, first to sleep times only, then not at all. Your child's dentist or doctor can help you pick the right time.

Quick checklist before you buy

  • The age range on the pack matches your baby's age.
  • One-piece or firmly joined parts, with no loose pieces.
  • Shield with air holes that sits away from the nose.
  • Silicone if you want easy cleaning; natural rubber only if no one has a latex allergy.
  • A small pack of 2 or 3 different shapes if your baby has not chosen a favourite yet.
  • A short clip (22 cm or less) for daytime, never for sleep.

Want to see everything in one place? Browse our full Pacifiers & Soothers collection, with newborn, orthodontic, night and natural rubber options from NUK, Philips Avent, MAM, BIBS, Dr. Brown's and more. Orders of $100 or more ship free across Canada.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you have concerns about feeding, teeth or your baby's sleep, talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.