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Teething & Soothing

How to Clean & Sterilize Pacifiers

Article By
Anna
Published On
14 Oct, 2024
Read Time
4 minutes

Many parents use pacifiers to help comfort and soothe their babies during fussy times. However, they inevitably end up on the floor from time to time and can get dirty, so you may be wondering "How do I keep my baby's pacifier clean?”.  

It's essential to keep them clean and sanitized to prevent the spread of germs. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the proper cleaning and sterilization techniques for pacifiers, ensuring your baby’s comfort, safety, and health. 

What are the risks of dirty pacifiers? 

Dirty pacifiers can make babies unwell, so it’s important to keep your baby’s pacis as clean as possible. Poor pacifier hygiene may increase the risk of illnesses like:   

  • Bacterial and viral infections: Pacifiers can pick up bacteria and viruses from surfaces they touch, such as floors, countertops, or even other children's mouths. These germs can lead to illnesses like colds and the flu, stomach bugs like diarrhea, and ear or respiratory infections.  
  • Thrush: Dirty pacis can contribute to the spread of thrush, a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans that can develop in the mouth and throat. 

How to clean and sterilize pacifiers  

You should clean and sterilize any new pacifiers you buy your baby before you use them for the first time, and again before every use.   

How to clean a pacifier using soap and water 

  1. Wash the dummy thoroughly with warm soapy water  
  2. Rinse with clean water  
  3. Remove any water in the nipple by squeezing it  

How to sterilize a dummy using boiling water 

  1. Remove the pacifier from its packaging 
  2. Place it in a small pan of boiling water for 5 minutes 
  3. Allow it to cool completely  
  4. Then squeeze out any trapped water from the nipple before giving it to your baby 

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Sterilizers

How to sterilize a pacifier in a sterilizer 

You can buy small sterilizers that are specially designed for baby pacifiers. But if you have other items (like baby bottles, breast pumps, and teething rings) to clean, a larger sterilizer will make things a whole lot easier. All Tommee Tippee sterilizers kill harmful microbes and viruses*.  

*Tested against Coronavirus (tested to EN 16777) and Influenza H1N1.  

How to sterilize a dummy using a microwave sterilizer pod 

All two-pack Tommee Tippee pacifiers come packaged in a reusable case for simple microwave sterilizing, at home or on the go.  

  1. Add 30ml of clean tap water to one half of the sterilizer case and put one or two soothers in it with their teats submerged. 
  2. Close the case securely with a locking click in each corner. 
  3. Make sure your microwave’s heat plate is clean. 
  4. Microwave on high power (750-1000w) for 4 minutes. 
  5. After microwaving, let the case and contents cool completely before carefully removing and pouring away any remaining water.  
  6. Check that the pacifiers are cool before giving them to your baby.  

You can also buy specially designed microwave sterilizing bags for baby soothers, and these can be helpful when traveling with a baby in tow. 

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Pacifier 2-Packs

Top dummy hygiene tips for parents

  1. Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and safety guidelines.
  2. Do not clean your baby’s dummies with solvents or harsh chemicals.
  3. Check your baby's soothers regularly for cracks, splits, and holes, and replace their dummies every month or right away at the first signs of any damage or weakness.
  4. Dummies need to be kept as clean as possible. Wash them with warm, soapy water and rinse well. Make sure to squeeze out any liquid that gets into the teat of their dummy, then sterilize.
  5. Dry with a clean and dry paper towel and store in a clean, sealed container.
  6. If your baby is diagnosed with thrush or an infection, replace their dummies.
  7. Each baby should have their own dummy and shouldn't share to help stop the spread of germs.

How and where should I store my baby’s pacifiers?

When your baby isn't using their soother, it’s best to sterilize it, then keep it stored in a clean, dry, covered container. 

Some baby soothers can be cleaned in the dishwasher, but it's important to note that this method won’t sterilize them. 

You should replace your baby’s pacifier every month or right away at the first signs of any damage or weakness. It’s best to check their soother before every use, just to be safe.  

No, sucking on a pacifier is not a hygienic way to clean it because your saliva contains bacteria that can be harmful to your baby's developing immune system. By sucking on their paci, you can transfer germs from your mouth to your baby, which may lead to the spread of infections and illnesses.  

Generally, you can stop sterilizing your baby's pacifiers around 12 months of age. By this time, their immune system will have developed enough to handle most germs. Here's a quick breakdown: 

  • Before 12 months: Sterilize pacifiers regularly. 
  • After 12 months: You can clean them with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly. 

Always check the specific recommendations and the instructions for the pacifiers you use. Some brands may have different guidelines. 

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