5 Best Binkies for Breastfed Babies — Because Moms Need Breaks Too
Raise your hand if you know how exhausting it is being a human binky for your baby. (I sure do!)
When you’ve been stuck to the couch for hours as your baby suckles away, you need a binky that you can trust to soothe your baby as you lay your baby down and step away for some self-care!
If only offering a binky to a breastfed baby were as simple as it seems. (Hint: It’s not!)
The wrong binky can cause a number of issues for your baby. Your baby could outright refuse it entirely, or the binky could cause nipple confusion.
Nipple confusion usually occurs with newborn babies who are given a binky or bottle nipple that promotes a shallow or incorrect breastfeeding latch. This can cause issues later when the baby attempts to latch at the breast during a feeding.
Luckily there are binkies specifically designed for breastfed babies.
Here are some tips on choosing the right binky and 5 of the best binkies currently available for breastfed babies.
Qualities To Look For
When choosing the best binky for your breastfed baby, there are some specific things you should look for.
Shape – Aim for a binky with a wide base to promote a wide latch. This will ensure that your baby’s latch remains consistent between suckling at the breast or the binky. Rounded and cylindrical tips tend to most resemble a nipple as well and may be a better option.
Rigidity - Try to find a binky that is not too soft. Binkies that don’t hold their shape or are easily compressed will also lead to a shallow latch.
Texture - Aim for binkies that have more of a soft silicone, skin-like texture. This may be helpful for babies who reject binkies that are not similar to the shape and feel of the breast.
When to Offer One
The best time to offer a binky to your breastfed baby is between 2 to 6 weeks. Ideally, you should offer it once you feel breastfeeding has been well established. Offering it too early can cause nipple confusion and babies who are offered the binky too late could cause nipple confusion.
Also, babies may reject the first binky you try so you may want to try again with a different brand if they don’t like the first one you offer.
5 Best Binkies for Breastfed Babies
92% of moms trust Soothie for their newborns.
Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifiers
Star Rating - 4.8/5 on Amazon
Pros: These pacifiers are tried-and-true and a favorite for many babies. Their cylindrical tip and wide base are perfect for breastfeeding babies and they’re a very affordable option with 4 packs starting at $8.94 on Amazon! These binkies are hospital-grade and used by doctors and nurses nationwide. The 1 piece design of these binkies makes them a safer option as well.
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Breast-Like Pacifier
Star Rating - 4.4/5 on Amazon
Pros: This pacifier has a wide base to promote a wide latch and a symmetrical rounded tip which makes it a great option for breastfed babies. It is BPA-free and made of silicone which makes it easy to clean and gives it a soft, skin-like texture. The base is designed to curve away from the baby’s face to promote better airflow as your baby breathes.
Other Features: These binkies come in a few different colors and they also are available in glow-in-the-dark designs.
Nanobebe Pacifiers feature an ergonomic contour to baby’s face.
Nanobebe Baby Pacifiers
Star Rating - 4.5/5
Pros: These binkies are designed to ergonomically curve to the baby’s face and feature a curved nose section to allow for better airflow as your baby breathes. Their 1 piece design and cylindrical tip makes them a good option for breastfed babies. 100% silicone and BPA free, they’re also one of the cheaper options with 4 packs starting at only $9.99 on Amazon.
Dr. Brown's HappyPaci
Star Rating - 4.7/5
Pros: These pacifiers are especially great for breastfeeding mothers who sometimes also offer a bottle. Specifically, Dr. Brown bottles, which they resemble closely. However, the wide base and cylindrical tip still makes them a great breastfeeding binky. They’re made with a contoured design and two breathing holes to allow for airflow as your baby breathes. They also are 100% silicone and BPA-free. These won the category of most affordable option and are listed at only $9.44 for a 6-pack currently on Amazon.
Itzy Ritzy Silicone Pacifiers
Star Rating: 4.8/5
Pros: These pacifiers come in a ton of sleek designs and colors that all come with a handle. Their 1 piece design and symmetrical cylindrical tip make them a safe and effective binky option for breastfed babies. They are 100% food-grade silicone and BPA-free. They boast double vent holes for your baby to breathe easily! They’re a decently affordable option with packs of 2 starting at $8.97 on Amazon.
If your baby currently uses any of these binkies, let me know in the comments how you like them!
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