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Want to give your baby a dummy but worried about harmful plastics? Not sure whether latex or silicone is better for your baby?
With benefits to both, there isn’t a right or wrong answer – it’s all down to preference.
Use our helpful guide on latex vs. silicone dummies to decide which material feels right for your family.
Why material matters in a baby soother
Dummies, also known as soothers or pacifiers, are designed to mimic a mother’s nipple and satisfy a baby's natural sucking instincts when they're not feeding. A natural reflex, this can be very soothing and comforting.
Choosing the right dummy material for your baby means that they will be able to get all the benefits a soother can offer.
Whether it’s helping them fall asleep, calm down, or self-soothe, the comfort provided by a dummy can help put baby more at ease and feel less overstimulated.
Alongside dummy acceptance, the material chosen also changes how sustainable and durable the dummy is, its ease of use, and, most importantly, its safety.
While dummies can be a helpful tool for soothing babies, it's important to use them in moderation as there are various pros and cons to consider.
- What is a natural latex soother?
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Latex is made from the sticky milky fluid tapped from the Hevea tree.
A natural material, the fluid is then refined to become the variating brown/yellow rubber used in natural latex rubber dummies.
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Benefits of latex soothers
Latex is a super soft, elastic, and resilient material that can change shape and size depending on how strongly baby is sucking, resembling a mother’s soft nipple.
This familiarity might be beneficial for breastfed babies, however there are other factors to consider regarding introducing a dummy if you’re breastfeeding. You can read our guide here.
Latex dummies are durable and can withstand considerable force.
Since latex is obtained from rubber (which can be harvested from a tree without much damage) and is biodegradable, it is a more renewable and sustainable choice.
Things to consider
- are safe for many babies, however some may have a latex allergy, meaning they aren’t safe for all
- may have a slight rubber taste that babies don’t like
- can age from natural influences such as saliva, heat, UV and air
- can expand due to baby’s strong sucking reflex, making it harder to use and potential issues when replacing due to reliance on a larger shape
- Explore the Range
- Latex Soothers
- What is a silicone soother?
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Silicone soothers use synthetically produced silicone manufactured to meet high standards and regulations.
Silicone is free of harmful plastic ingredients. This means that it is 100% BPA (Bisphenol A) free.
All Tommee Tippee products are BPA-free so you don’t have to worry for a second about the safety of using a silicone dummy.
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Benefits of silicone soothers
Silicone is odourless, taste-neutral, and allergy-friendly so it is more likely to be suitable for more babies.
Silicone dummies are extremely durable and strong which is perfect against tiny teeth.
As silicone can withstand high temperatures, these soothers are also easy to clean. They can be boiled and sterilised using a steriliser machine or microwave.
All two-pack Tommee Tippee soothers come packaged in a reusable case for simple microwave sterilising, or you can sterilise them alongside other equipment in a Tommee Tippee steriliser which uses UV light or 100% natural steam to kill viruses* and 99.9% of bacteria.
*Tested against Coronavirus (tested to EN 16777) and Influenza H1N1.
Things to consider
Silicone dummies...
- are still soft but are firmer in texture than latex – which helps maintain their shape, but some babies don’t find them as comfortable
- are not biodegradable and generally non-recyclable
- Explore the Range
- Silicone Soothers
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Side-by-side: Natural latex vs silicone
Natural latex dummies
Silicone dummies
Feel and flexibility
Soft and flexible.
Soft and supple but slightly firmer.
Durability and care
Durable but can age from natural factors.
Durable and tough. Less likely to degrade.
Allergies and sensitivities
Naturally BPA-free. Some babies may be allergic if they have a latex allergy. May have slight rubber taste.
Free from harmful chemicals such as BPA. Hypoallergenic. Odour and taste-free.
Eco-friendliness
Natural* material. Biodegradable. Shorter lifespan.
Man-made. Not biodegradable or recyclable. Longer lifespan.
*The teat is made with 95% natural latex and 5% stabilising materials for performance.
Which soother material is right for your baby?
Choosing soothers based on age and stage
Babies go through many developmental stages and milestones, meaning the suitability of different soothers can vary over time.
Babies can use dummies from any age, however if you are breastfeeding, it is recommended to introduce dummies after breastfeeding is well-established.
Tommee Tippee’s soothers are available in three age ranges: 0-6 months, 6-18 months and 18-36 months.
Newborn dummies
As newborns have tiny mouths, a smaller dummy is often required. This includes both the nipple size and the shield size.
Tommee Tippee’s newborn soothers have an extra-small nipple, are lightweight and breathable, and have a curved shield for a comfortable fit between the nose and chin.
Six months+ dummies
Most babies begin teething by the six-month mark, and they'll start sucking and chewing on anything and everything. A dummy can be helpful for this and both latex and silicone are soft enough against their gums, but strong enough to withstand tiny teeth.
- How to know which soother your baby prefers
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To find the right soother for your baby, try offering different shapes and materials and observe their reactions.
You’ll know whether your baby likes it through signs of comfort, such as content sucking and calmness. Discomfort will be evident if your baby spits out their dummy or turns their head away.
Remember, there are many other factors that go into soother preference. This includes the shape of the nipple and the stage of development.
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Follow your baby’s lead
Every baby is different, so there isn’t a right or wrong choice when it comes to dummy materials.
Even when you think you’ve made your choice, remember that it doesn’t need to be the final decision and you can always change.
Whichever material you choose, you can rest assured that Tommee Tippee’s soothers meet all required standards to keep your baby safe and healthy.
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Can I switch between a latex and silicone dummy?
The main issue when switching between latex and silicone dummies is the feel in baby’s mouth.
If a child has become attached to the feel of a certain material, it may be difficult for them to adjust to something new – especially if they’re looking for that familiar comfort they’re used to relying on when they’re upset.
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Are latex soothers safe?
Latex soothers are safe for many babies, however some may have a latex allergy which means a latex soother is unsuitable for them.
The allergic reaction is triggered by the body encountering tiny amounts of the latex protein in the product. The degree of allergic reaction varies from milder reactions such as itchy eyes, sneezing, a runny nose, or an itchy rash, to a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
For those without a latex allergy, rest assured that latex soothers are safe.
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Are silicone soothers safe?
Silicone soothers are safe. Despite being man-made, silicone is free from harmful chemicals.
When buying a soother, you can always double-check that it states it is BPA-free for extra reassurance.
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Can I sterilise both types of soother the same way?
Yes, all Tommee Tippee soothers can be sterilised using steam or UV light.
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How often should I replace my baby’s soother?
All soothers, no matter which material they’re made from, should be replaced every month for safety and hygiene reasons.
If your baby’s soother is showing signs of wear and tear, it is best to replace it with a new one. You can check the dummy by pulling the nipple in all directions and inspecting it carefully, looking for any damage or weakness.
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