Struggling to get your baby to take a pacifier?
We sure did.
It seemed like no matter what we tried, she just wasn’t interested.
At long last, I found a pacifier that she took to like candy, and it seriously rocked my world.
I FINALLY had a way to soothe my ultra-fussy baby that wasn’t nursing.
In this post, I’m going to share a bit of our experience introducing pacifiers to a breastfed baby, what makes this one pacifier so great, and why it’s the only pacifier I’ll ever buy again.
Introducing a Pacifier to Our Breastfed Baby
Here’s where the trouble all started…
We listened to contemporary parenting advice that told us NOT to introduce any artificial nipples (bottles, pacifiers) to our breastfed baby for 4-6 weeks.
But by that point, our baby only wanted the real deal!
I’ve heard a lot of other parents share the same experience.
When we finally tried incorporating pacifiers and bottles, she flat out, 100% refused.
With our next baby (due January 2021!), we’ll be introducing a pacifier right away, and here’s why.
Should You Worry About Nipple Confusion?
According to popular opinion, you’re supposed to wait 4-6 weeks to introduce artificial nipples to breastfed babies for fear of causing “nipple confusion.”
Supposedly, nipple confusion occurs when a baby is unable to distinguish between the genuine article (mama’s goods) and an artificial nipple.
The concern is that this will cause difficulties in breastfeeding because the baby will confuse the mechanics needed to extract milk from a bottle, or hang onto a pacifier, with the mechanics needed to extract milk from the mother’s breast.
Ultimately, the advice-givers worry that the mother will abandon breastfeeding because the baby isn’t being properly nourished, or refuses the breast outright.
However…
I did a TON (not joking, a ton) of research on nipple confusion and concluded that nipple confusion is largely a myth. You can read the full article I did on it if you want all of the details: Are We Confused About Nipple Confusion?
Artificial nipples should be used sparingly in the early weeks in order to prioritize and promote breastfeeding (gotta get that milk supply up!), but the research just doesn’t support the advice to withhold them completely.
If I had been able to use a pacifier with my firstborn, I would have ended up way less burned out and probably enjoyed breastfeeding way more.
The Pacifier That FINALLY Worked
We first tried the hugely popular Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier, but she couldn’t keep it in her mouth (I believe due to her upper lip tie).
We also tried the more classic, run-of-the-mill pacifiers (like these), but those were a no go, too. She could keep them in her mouth, but she just did not want them.
Eventually, I came across the all-natural rubber pacifier from Natursutten, and miracle of miracles, my baby LOVED it instantly.
About the Natursutten pacifier
- It’s 100% natural rubber (here’s why you shouldn’t be using plastic)
- One single piece, so there’s nowhere that dirt and bacteria can accumulate, and it’s super easy to wash
- Manufactured by a family business in Italy
A couple of things to keep in mind…
It’s more expensive than the average pacifier, but PLEASE don’t let that scare you off. It’s absolutely worth the money 1) that my baby will actually use it and 2) that it’s free of plastic, toxins, carcinogens (cancer-causing agents), hormone disruptors, and other nasties.
I highly recommend using a simple pacifier tether to keep track of it so that you don’t accidentally lose it on outings, or even in your home.
Also, they have a couple of different options to choose from:
- Shield shape: original or butterfly
The original shield shape is completely round, and presses slightly against the baby’s nose to help mimic attachment at the breast. This can help calm/soothe a baby and help them sleep.
The butterfly shield shape has a small divot for the baby’s nose.
- Nipple shape: round or orthodontic
The round nipple is more bulb-like, and just as the label suggests, rounded. The orthodotic nipple is flattened, which may be better for a baby’s new teeth/bite, and in my opinion, is more true to life. According to Natursutten, which one you choose is entirely preferential based on your baby.
- Size: S (0-6 m), M (6-12 m), L (12+ m)
Since my firstborn was already 5 months old, I ordered the Medium with the Butterfly Shield and the Orthodontic Nipple.
I wasn’t sure she would appreciate the round shield touching her nose, especially since she had a hard time with the Philips Avent Soothie. I went with the orthodontic nipple for a couple of reasons: 1) again, she had a hard time with the Avent Soothie that also has the rounded nipple shape, and I thought a flatter nipple would be easier for her to use. 2) She was already teething, and I wanted the flatter shape in anticipation of her new teeth.
Since I’ll be ordering the next one for a newborn, though, I’m planning to start with the round shield and round nipple.
Your Turn!
I hope you found this review helpful, especially if you’re already struggling to get your baby to take a pacifier!
Now I want to hear from you…
What has your experience with pacifiers been? Are you planning to try the Natursutten?
Let me know in the comments below!
If you found this post helpful, here are some others to check out:
- 9 Unique Tricks to Soothe a Fussing Baby
- The Ultimate Guide to Your Amazon Baby Registry
- How to Get Things Done with a Baby
