How should you care for and sterilize it?

Initial sterilization is mandatory before first use: boiling water for 5 minutes, a steam sterilizer, or a specific microwave sterilizer. Wash daily with hot soapy water and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Sterilize regularly for newborns (1–2 times per week) and always after any infectious illness. Dishwasher safe on a high-temperature cycle if authorized by the manufacturer. Check before each use: ensure the nipple is intact, free of cracks, and retains its elasticity. Replace regularly every 4–8 weeks or immediately if worn. Do not clean with an adult’s mouth (cariogenic bacteria). Do not use sugary products (honey, syrup, sugar—which can cause cavities and, in the case of honey, infant botulism). Silicone withstands repeated sterilization cycles well.

Silicone pacifiers: soft and safe for babies

Q: What is a silicone pacifier?

A pacifier whose nipple—and sometimes the collar—is made of food-grade silicone, a medical-grade synthetic polymer particularly well-suited for infant care. Silicone is distinguished by its transparency, safety, thermal stability, and chemical inertness. It is the dominant material on the market and offers a smooth, flexible texture that provides optimal comfort during sucking. It does not absorb odors or flavors, does not yellow over time, and remains stable through repeated sterilization cycles. One of the materials best tolerated by babies, including those with sensitive skin or a predisposition to allergies.

Q: Silicone, latex, or rubber?

Silicone: transparent, odorless, hypoallergenic, heat- and tear-resistant, durable, and easy to sterilize. Retains its flexibility over time. Recommended as the first choice, particularly for sensitive skin. Natural latex (rubber): more flexible, warmer to the touch, often preferred by babies for its softness, which resembles that of the mother’s breast. Sensitive to heat and light; yellows over time; wears out more quickly. Not recommended for those with a latex allergy. Synthetic rubber: rarely used in pharmacies; less recommended. Silicone remains the most common choice in French pharmacies.

Q: How to choose the right one?

Criteria: size based on age (0–6 months, 6–18 months, 18 months and older), nipple shape (anatomical, orthodontic, or physiognomic shapes are recommended over the classic round shape), a sufficiently wide collar to prevent aspiration and equipped with ventilation holes to avoid skin irritation, an ergonomic ring that makes it easy for the baby to grasp and for the parent to remove, compliance with European standard EN 1400 and mandatory CE marking, materials free of BPA, phthalates, BPS, and PVC, a recognized brand sold in pharmacies or drugstores, traceable origin, and preferably manufactured in Europe. Breastfed babies: It is advisable to consult a pediatrician or lactation consultant.

Q: BPA- and phthalate-free: how can you verify this?

Look for “BPA-free” (bisphenol A) on the packaging: this substance has been banned in Europe in products intended for infants since 2011. “Phthalate-free” label: a family of plasticizers subject to strict regulations. “BPS-free” (bisphenol S, a BPA substitute whose safety remains in question) label. “PVC-free” (polyvinyl chloride) label. CE marking certifying compliance with European safety requirements. EN 1400 standard specific to pacifiers and nipples. Silicone pacifiers sold in pharmacies and drugstores consistently meet these criteria. Products without certification, sold at very low prices, or on unverified platforms: avoid them as a precautionary measure.

Q: Is it safe for teething?

Safe for use during the teething period (4–6 months to 2–3 years). May provide comfort in addition to appropriate teething rings. The smooth, flexible texture of silicone is gentle on sensitive gums. Some pacifiers feature subtle raised patterns or nubs that gently massage sore gums. Extra caution: emerging teeth can damage the nipple more quickly. Check daily for cracks, punctures, or damage. Replace every 3–4 weeks as needed.

Q: Should you use a pacifier clip?

Useful during the day to prevent the pacifier from falling on the ground or getting lost, especially during walks or outings. Precautions: regulatory length not exceeding 22 cm when closed (European standard EN 12586), safe materials (silicone, non-toxic treated wood, certified cotton), no small detachable parts (beads, loosely attached rings), secure attachment system to clothing, mandatory CE marking. Pacifier clips are strictly prohibited during sleep and at night: serious risk of strangulation. Must be removed without fail before bedtime and before any nap, without exception.

Q: Premature Babies: Which Model?

Silicone pacifiers designed specifically for premature babies feature a smaller, thinner, and lighter nipple, adapted to the size of the mouth and the limited sucking strength of premature newborns. They support the development of the non-nutritive sucking reflex, an essential step toward feeding independence and oral maturation. Use is generally supervised by the neonatal team in the hospital setting and then continued at home under pediatric supervision. Transition to a standard 0–6-month size should be done gradually once the baby reaches sufficient weight and maturity, following medical advice.

What is a silicone pacifier?

A silicone pacifier is a pacifier whose nipple—and sometimes the collar—is made of food-grade silicone, a medical-grade synthetic polymer particularly suited for baby care products. Silicone is distinguished by its transparency, safety, thermal stability, and chemical inertness.

Now the dominant material on the market, silicone offers a smooth, flexible texture that provides a comfortable sucking experience for infants. It does not absorb odors or flavors, does not yellow over time, and remains stable through repeated sterilization cycles. It is one of the materials best tolerated by babies, including those with sensitive skin or a predisposition to allergies. Additional resources are available regarding infants and infant colic in general.

Silicone, latex, or rubber?

Dummies are made from three main materials:

Silicone: transparent, odorless, hypoallergenic, heat- and tear-resistant, durable, and easy to sterilize. Retains its flexibility over time. Recommended as a first choice, particularly for sensitive skin.
Natural latex (rubber): more flexible, warmer to the touch, often preferred by babies for its softness, which resembles that of the mother’s breast. Sensitive to heat and light, it yellows over time and wears out more quickly. Not recommended for babies with a latex allergy.
Synthetic rubber: Rarely used in pharmacies; less recommended than silicone or natural latex for pacifiers intended for infants.

Silicone remains the most common choice in French pharmacies today due to its combination of safety, durability, and tolerability.

How to Choose the Right One?

Several criteria help guide the selection of an appropriate silicone pacifier:

Size by age: 0–6 months, 6–18 months, 18 months and older
Nipple shape: anatomical, orthodontic, or physiognomic (recommended for oral-dental development) rather than the classic round shape
Collar: wide enough to prevent aspiration, with ventilation holes to prevent skin irritation
Ergonomic ring that makes it easy for the baby to grasp and for the parent to remove
Compliance with European Standard EN 1400 and CE marking required
Materials free of BPA, phthalates, BPS, and PVC
Well-known brand sold in pharmacies and drugstores
Traceable origin; preferably manufactured in Europe

For breastfed babies, consulting a pediatrician or lactation consultant can help you choose a shape that best mimics the mechanics of breastfeeding. For babies who feed voraciously and for spitting up in general, specific resources are available.

BPA- and phthalate-free: how can you verify this?

Several labels and certifications guarantee that silicone pacifiers sold in pharmacies are free of controversial substances:

“BPA-free” (bisphenol A)label on the packaging: a substance that has been banned in Europe in products intended for infants since 2011
“Phthalate-free” label: a family of plasticizers subject to strict regulations
“BPS-free” (bisphenol S, a BPA substitute whose safety remains in question)
"PVC-free" (polyvinyl chloride)
CE marking certifying compliance with European safety requirements
EN 1400 standard specific to pacifiers and nipples

Silicone pacifiers sold in pharmacies and drugstores consistently meet these criteria. Products without certification, sold at very low prices, or on unverified platforms should be avoided as a precaution.

How should it be cared for and sterilized?

Impeccable hygiene is essential for the infant’s health and safety:

Initial sterilization is mandatory before first use: boil in water for 5 minutes, use a steam sterilizer, or a microwave sterilizer designed for this purpose
Wash daily with hot soapy water and rinse thoroughly with clean water
Regular sterilization for newborns (1 to 2 times per week) and always after any infectious illness
Dishwasher safe on a high-temperature cycle if explicitly authorized by the manufacturer
Check before each use: ensure the nipple is intact, free of cracks, and retains its elasticity
Replace regularly every 4 to 8 weeks, or immediately if worn
Do not clean with an adult’smouth (transmission of cariogenic bacteria)
Do not apply sugary substances to the nipple (honey, syrup, sugar): risk of tooth decay and infant botulism from honey
Store in a clean, dry carrying case, protected from light

Silicone withstands repeated sterilization cycles particularly well without degrading, which is a significant advantage over latex.

Is it safe for teething?

Using a silicone pacifier during the teething period (generally from 4–6 months to 2–3 years) is safe and can even provide comfort in addition to appropriate teething rings. The smooth, soft texture of silicone is gentle on sensitive gums. Some pacifiers feature subtle raised patterns or nubs that gently massage sore gums.

However, the teething period requires extra caution: emerging teeth can damage the nipple more quickly. Daily inspection is necessary to check for cracks, holes, or other signs of damage. Replacement should then be more frequent, sometimes every 3 to 4 weeks. For irritated gums and sensitive gums in general, specific products are available.

Should you use a pacifier clip?

A pacifier clip can be useful during the day to prevent the pacifier from falling on the ground or getting lost, especially during walks or outings. Several precautions should be taken when choosing one:

Regulatory length not exceeding 22 cm when closed (European standard EN 12586)
Safe materials: silicone, non-toxic treated wood, certified cotton
No small detachable parts that could be swallowed (beads, loosely attached rings)
Secure attachment system to clothing
MandatoryCE marking

The pacifier clip is strictly prohibited during sleep and at night: serious risk of strangulation. It must always be removed before bedtime and before any nap, without exception. Specific resources are available regarding children’s sleep and infant formula in general.

Premature babies: Which model?

Silicone pacifiers designed for premature babies feature a smaller, thinner, and lighter nipple, tailored to the size of the mouth and the limited sucking strength of a premature newborn. They support the development of the non-nutritive sucking reflex, an essential step toward feeding independence and oral maturation.

Their use is generally supervised by the neonatal team in the hospital setting and then continued at home under pediatric supervision. The transition to a standard 0–6-month size is made gradually once the baby reaches sufficient weight and maturity, following medical advice. Your pharmacist remains a valuable resource to help you choose the right silicone pacifier for your child, in addition to regular pediatric follow-up.