Things to Look for in a Pacifier

Jennifer Ellis, Senior Designer, Milk Snob

Being a new mom is a beautiful experience that can also be overwhelming at times. Figuring out which baby products to buy can also feel overwhelming, and pacifiers are no exception. It is no secret that pacifiers can help to soothe your little one and give mom peace of mind knowing that her babe is comforted, but determining which pacifier is the best choice can be a feat in itself. With so many options, varying safety standards and different testing methods, making an informed decision can take a lot of time and energy that new moms simply do not have.
 
As the Senior Designer for Milk Snob, I spend much of my career on new product development. I’m so proud to have helped our pacifiers come to the market. Through the long, tedious process of creating a CPSIA compliant pacifier, I learned all about the ins and outs that make a binky truly safe. There are 4 main things to look for when buying your precious baby a pacifier.
 
Shape
 
The shape of a pacifier shield should never obstruct the baby’s nose. When using a pacifier, babies primarily breathe through their nostrils, which is why it is so important the shield contours to the shape of their little faces. Additionally, breathing holes in the shield can help to increase airflow and comfort for our little ones. Always look for binkys that sit below the nose, instead of on top, to ensure the upmost safety.
 
Construction
 
The safest construction for pacifiers, are those that are created from one single piece of material. There are a few concerns and risks that come from those made of separate parts. Firstly, liquid can easily get trapped in between the small cervices where the pieces meet. This is typically impossible to clean out without taking apart the pacifier, which could ruin the integrity of the product. This trapped liquid will inevitably lead to mold, which renders the pacifier unusable. Another risk of using a pacifier made of multiple components is the possibility of a part coming loose. That part then poses a choking hazard. Always make sure your baby’s pacifier is molded from one piece to avoid having to throw them out sooner, as well as to keep your baby safe.
 
Material
 
The best material for pacifiers is food or medical grade silicone. Traditional pacifiers are made from natural rubber latex. This material is extremely soft and elastic; due to this malleability, the nipple can change shape and structure with prolonged use. Natural rubber latex also breaks down faster, giving the pacifiers a much shorter shelf life than silicone. Food and medical grade silicone is known for being free of BPA, PVC, Phthalates, toxins, and latex.  Always look for food or medical grade silicone for your babe’s pacifier
 
Safety Testing
 
We could not recommend enough that your baby's pacifier is CPSIA compliant. Even if a pacifier states it is “safety tested”, that does not tell the shopper what tests were performed or even if that product passed the testing. CPSIA is a federal act that regulates children’s products imported or manufactured in the US. To receive this high safety rating, the product must pass a set group of extensive tests, at a CPSC accredited lab. These tests were designed to ensure only the safest products are being provided to our babies. There are many pacifiers on the market that do not meet these standards, which is why you should always check for CPSIA compliant pacifiers.
 
We designed our Calm ‘n Cuddle pacifier with all of the above at the top of mind because we believe your little Milk Snob deserve the very best.
 
Happy Shopping!