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Want to give your baby a pacifier 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 pacis to decide which material feels right for your family.
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 pacifier material for your baby means that they will be able to get all the benefits a paci can offer.
Whether it’s helping them fall asleep, calm down, or self-soothe, the comfort provided by a paci can help put baby more at ease and feel less overstimulated.
Alongside paci acceptance, the material chosen also changes how sustainable and durable the pacifier is, its ease of use, and, most importantly, its safety.
While pacifiers 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.
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 pacifier if you’re breastfeeding. You can read our guide here.
Latex pacifiers 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.
Latex pacifiers...
Silicone is odorless, taste-neutral, and allergy-friendly so it is more likely to be suitable for more babies.
Silicone pacis are extremely durable and strong which is perfect against tiny teeth.
As silicone can withstand high temperatures, these pacifiers are also easy to clean. They can be boiled and sterilized using a sterilizer machine or microwave.
All two-pack Tommee Tippee pacifiers come packaged in a reusable case for simple microwave sterilizing, or you can sterilize them alongside other equipment in a Tommee Tippee sterilizer 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.
Silicone pacifiers...
Explore the Range
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Natural latex dummies |
Silicone dummies |
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Feel and flexibility
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Soft and flexible. |
Soft and supple but slightly firmer. |
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Durability and care
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Durable but can age from natural factors. |
Durable and tough. Less likely to degrade. |
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Allergies and sensitivities
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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. Odor and taste-free. |
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Eco-friendliness
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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.
Babies go through many developmental stages and milestones, meaning the suitability of different pacifiers can vary over time.
Babies can use pacifiers from any age, however if you are breastfeeding, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing them after breastfeeding is well-established.
Tommee Tippee’s pacifiers are available in three age ranges: 0-6 months, 6-18 months and 18-36 months.
As newborns have tiny mouths, a smaller paci is often required. This includes both the nipple size and the shield size.
Tommee Tippee’s Newborn Pacifiers have an extra-small nipple, are lightweight and breathable, and have a curved shield for a comfortable fit between the nose and chin.
Most babies begin teething by the six-month mark, and they'll start sucking and chewing on anything and everything. A pacifier can be helpful for this and both latex and silicone are soft enough against their gums, but strong enough to withstand tiny teeth.
Every baby is different, so there isn’t a right or wrong choice when it comes to pacifier 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 pacifiers meet all required standards to keep your baby safe and healthy.
The main issue when switching between latex and silicone pacis 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.
Latex pacifiers are safe for many babies, however some may have a latex allergy which means a latex pacifier 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 pacis are safe.
Silicone pacifiers are safe. Despite being man-made, silicone is free from harmful chemicals.
When buying a paci, you can always double-check that it states it is BPA-free for extra reassurance.
Yes, all Tommee Tippee pacifiers can be sterilized using steam or UV light.
All pacifiers, no matter which material they’re made from, should be replaced every month for safety and hygiene reasons.
If your baby’s paci is showing signs of wear and tear, it is best to replace it with a new one. You can check the pacifier by pulling the nipple in all directions and inspecting it carefully, looking for any damage or weakness.
