When preparing for a new baby, parents often wonder how many pacifiers they should buy. Pacifiers can be very useful for soothing and comforting a fussy newborn. However, too many pacifiers can also lead to problems like pacifier dependence or dental issues. So what’s the right number of pacifiers for a newborn?
The general recommendation is to have around 5-10 pacifiers on hand for a newborn. Here are some guidelines:
- Buy multiple styles – Newborns may prefer certain pacifier shapes/sizes.
- Have extras on standby – Babies often lose or break pacifiers.
- One for car, stroller, etc. – It’s handy to have pacifiers stationed around.
- Have replacements ready – Phase out pacifiers around 6-12 months.
- Avoid too many – Can lead to dependency/dental problems.
While every baby is different, having several pacifiers available in those early months can make soothing a fussy or colicky newborn a bit easier for sleep deprived parents! Read on for more details.
Buy Multiple Pacifier Styles
Newborns can be very particular when it comes to pacifiers. Some babies have strong preferences for certain pacifier shapes, sizes, and materials. When pacifier shopping for a newborn, it’s a good idea to buy 2-3 different styles to see which one your baby likes best.
Here are some popular pacifier options to consider:
- Nipples: Round, orthodontic, oval, flat
- Sizes: Newborn, 0-6 months, 6+ months
- Materials: Silicone, latex, plastic
- Shapes: Standard, butterfly, glow-in-the-dark
Buying an assortment gives you a better chance of finding at least one pacifier that satisfies your newborn. Once you determine baby’s top pick, you can stock up on a few extras in that preferred style.
Newborn Pacifier Buying Tips
When selecting pacifiers for a newborn:
- Choose BPA-free models
- Pick softer, pliable silicone or latex nipples
- Opt for smaller “newborn” sized pacifiers
- Look for one-piece construction
- Avoid pacifiers with cords or clips
Consult with your pediatrician if you’re unsure about which pacifiers are safest for your newborn.
Have Extra Pacifiers on Standby
Even once you find your newborn’s perfect pacifier, you’ll want to have a few extras on standby. Babies need backup pacifiers for a few key reasons:
1. Lost Pacifiers
It’s incredibly common for babies to lose or misplace their pacifiers. They drop them in the car seat or stroller. They fling them across the room during playtime. They hide them under furniture and in couch cushions. Sometimes a lost pacifier is never seen again! Having extras ensures you always have a replacement ready.
2. Broken Pacifiers
Pacifiers can also break easily. Dogs and cats may chew on them. They can get stepped on. Boiling to sterilize them can cause cracks. Based on typical wear and tear, plan to replace pacifiers about once a month or after damage.
3. Dirty Pacifiers
To avoid spreading germs, dirty pacifiers need regular cleaning. While cleaning, babies may need a spare. Having backups ensures a clean, sanitized pacifier is always close by.
4. Misplaced Pacifiers
It’s frustrating when a pacifier falls just out of baby’s reach during a meltdown. Keeping multiples around the house helps you quickly grab a replacement when urgently needed.
Overall, plan to buy double the amount of pacifiers you think you’ll need. Around 5 total is a reasonable number for most newborns.
Have a Pacifier Stations Around the House
In addition to having spare pacifiers, it’s also convenient to have pacifiers stationed around the house and on-the-go. By keeping pacifiers in strategic spots, you can swiftly calm fussy behavior no matter where you are. Helpful pacifier stations include:
- Car seat or diaper bag: For soothing on car rides
- Stroller: For naps on the go
- Crib: For easier sleep transitions
- Changing table: For diaper changes
- Play mat: For fussiness during tummy time
- Bouncer: For wiggly babies who need calming
Set up pacifier stations anywhere your baby spends significant time or tends to get fussy. This makes pacifying easier when out and about or moving about the house. Just be sure to frequently clean and replace stationary pacifiers.
Have Pacifier Replacements Ready
While pacifiers can soothe newborns, health experts recommend limiting pacifier use after about 6-12 months. Extended pacifier use may increase the risks of problems like ear infections, dental alignment issues, and oral health concerns.
To discourage pacifier dependency after baby’s first year:
- Wean off pacifiers during naps/bedtime first.
- Then wean during awake time.
- Cut down to pacifiers for emergencies only.
- Around 12-18 months, pacifiers should be discontinued.
As you phase out pacifiers, have a few replacements items on hand to distract or self-soothe your baby, like:
- Teething toys
- Soft stuffed animals
- Blankets
- Books
Making the transition easier with substitutes helps avoid pacifier battles or tantrums. Talk to your pediatrician if you need help weaning from the pacifier.
Avoid Too Many Pacifiers
While it’s smart to keep multiple pacifiers around for a newborn, there is a point where too many can become problematic. Limiting pacifier quantity helps avoid issues like:
Pacifier Dependence
Letting a baby use pacifiers too frequently or constantly throughout the day can lead to dependence. Limit pacifier use to key times like naps or when a baby is clearly distraught and inconsolable.
Dental Problems
Extended pacifier use, especially after age 2, may increase the risk of certain dental issues like changes in bite alignment or pushing out front teeth. Minimize use after the first year.
Ear Infections
Overusing pacifiers can lead to chronic ear infections. This is because sucking may cause fluid buildup in the middle ear. Minimize pacifier use during and after illnesses.
Reduced Babbling
Excess pacifier use can muffle babies and reduce important vocal practice. This may delay language development. Allow ample “pacifier-free” play time.
For these reasons, aim to keep total pacifier quantity around 5-10 for most newborns, phasing out use after the first year.
Special Circumstances
While 5-10 pacifiers is a general guideline, certain situations may require more:
- Colicky babies: More pacifiers can help soothe high-needs infants.
- Daycare: Providing multiples for daycare ensures clean backups.
- Busy households: More pacifiers prevents frantic searches for lost ones.
- Night weaning: Gradually eliminating night pacifiers may need more.
- Teething babies: Chewing on pacifiers alleviates sore gums.
Talk to your pediatrician or daycare provider for tailored pacifier recommendations if your situation differs from a typical newborn’s needs.
Pacifier Hygiene
To keep all those spare pacifiers sanitary for your newborn:
- Clean with hot soapy water and rinse well
- Sterilize frequently with boiling water or steam bags
- Avoid cleaning chemicals/bleach
- Store in breathable bag, not airtight container
- Inspect for cracks/tears and discard damaged ones
- Replace pacifiers about every 4 weeks with heavy use
Never share used pacifiers between children or dip in sweet substances that promote tooth decay.
Conclusion
Most newborns will need around 5-10 pacifiers to meet their soothing and sucking needs. Buy multiples to find the right fit, keep extras on hand for emergencies, station them strategically around the house, and phase out use around 6-12 months. With the right pacifier practices, these handy tools can comfort and calm fussy newborns without overuse. Keep quantity limited and clean them properly for the healthiest pacifier experience.
