The best dummies for breastfed babies and newborns

Finding the best dummy for your baby isn't an easy task and if you are breastfeeding your baby, you'll want it to be a suitable dummy for breastfed babies. While every baby finds comfort in different ways, suckling is a basic instinct for all newborn babies, both for feeding and comfort. That's why dummies provide a level of comfort for your baby.

The best dummies for breastfed babies at a glance:

• Best overall dummies for breastfed babies - MAM Comfort All-Silicone Soothers - View on Amazon
• Best dummies for breastfed babies for newborns - NUK Genius Baby Dummies - View on Amazon
• Best dummies for breastfed babies for sleeping - MAM Night Soothers 0+ Months - View on Amazon
• Best dummies for breastfed babies one-piece design: Nanobebe Baby Soothers 0-3 Month - View on Amazon

Sometimes, babies can suffer from 'nipple confusion' as they struggle to switch from a dummy back to your nipple and vice-versa, so it's important to find a dummy similar to the texture of your nipples. That's why looking at the best dummies for breastfed babies is in their best interest as well as yours.

To help you work out what is best for you and your baby, we've summed up the best dummies for breastfed babies on the market so that you can start shopping straight away. There are some that are compatible with dummy clips, whilst others are multipacks, so you'll always have one spare.

The best dummies for breastfed babies

Choosing the right dummy for you and your baby

Whether you're looking for the best dummies for colic, reflux or premature babies, there are a few things to look for, particularly with dummies for newborns. The dummies need to be made of latex and be BPA- and phthalate-free. It is also important that they are sized and shaped for your baby's mouth - always check the advised age range. Your baby's nose should be clear. Lastly, dummies should be taste-free and odourless.

It's better to invest in a dummy approved by the British Dental Health Foundation to ensure you purchase a safe and certified product.

When shopping for your baby's dummy, consider the following:

Materials – most dummies have a silicone teat with plastic handle but others can be made with a latex teat. While latex is softer, it probably won't last as long.

Age range – Make sure the dummy you buy is suitable for your baby's age range. They often start at 0-6 months, 6-18 months and 18 months plus.

Teat shape – We'd recommend opting for an orthopaedic dummy which is flatter in shape rather than a cherry-shaped rounded dummy while your baby is breastfeeding. This is because the orthopaedic teats are designed to encourage your baby to suck in the same way they would when breastfeeding.

Ease of cleaning – Most dummies clean easily with washing up liquid and warm water. For younger babies, we'd also recommend sterilising them too after cleaning.

Ventilation holes – To prevent suffocation, it's essential for your baby's dummy to have two or more ventilation holes on the shield.

Should you use a dummy for breastfed babies? Is it safe?

It's safe to give your baby a dummy. In fact, some special care units use dummies to comfort little and poorly babies while they are having tests or injections. Evidence shows that suckling eases pain, and when your boob isn't close at hand, a dummy will do nicely.

If you're breastfeeding your baby, then it's generally recommended to hold off giving your newborn a dummy until about six weeks to make sure they are settled, suckling your breasts.

Pros of using dummies for breastfed babies

• Dummies can prevent your baby from sucking their thumb

• Dummies are also called pacifiers, as they can calm your baby

• You can use a dummy to distract your baby during vaccinations

• If your baby has colic, using a dummy can keep them calm

• Most premature babies are given a dummy.

Cons of using dummies for breastfed babies

• Sometimes dummies can interfere with breastfeeding; to avoid this, you need to make sure your baby is feeding well and gaining weight before introducing a dummy

• It can be really hard to break the habit of using a dummy

• If your baby uses a dummy all day, it can be harder for them to communicate with you or begin to make sounds

• Your baby could suffer from 'nipple confusion' as they struggle to transition between using the dummy and breastfeeding. A sign of this could be difficulty latching on whilst breastfeeding.

To use a dummy safely and to minimise any dummy risks, there are a few steps to take. Don't tie the newborn dummy to your baby with strings or ribbons which could get tangled around your baby, and never dip it in sugar or foods of any kind.

Make sure you sterilise your baby's dummy regularly, especially if it gets dropped when out and about. You can do this using a bottle steriliser, a microwave steriliser or by boiling the dummy to remove any contaminants. Some are dishwasher safe too. Make sure to let it completely cool before giving it to your baby.

Check your baby's soother regularly to see if it has broken or if there are any cracks, and replace it as soon as you see any damage.

Are dummies good or bad for babies? What about their teeth?

Dummies are not bad for babies and how long you allow your child to have a dummy for really does depend on your baby and your personal preference as a parent.

It is important however to be aware of the potential implications of long-term dummy use on your baby. It's advised that your baby should give up their dummy once their teeth start growing through as it can lead to incorrect positioning of the teeth and also problems with speech development.

How do you clean a dummy?

Dummies are very easy to clean, and if you happen to drop it or get it dirty, it can wash easily in washing up liquid and warm water.

During the first six months of your baby's life, while they're still building their immune system, you should sterilise your baby's dummy every day which is why it's worth making sure you have a few before baby is born. Brand new dummies should also be sterilised before use to get rid of any germs.

Can you use a dummy over night?

According to the Lullaby Trust, the use of a dummy during sleep can help prevent SIDS, so it's definitely okay to offer your baby a dummy while they sleep at night.

If you notice their dummy falls out in the night, don't worry about putting it back in. Equally, if your baby is refusing to accept a dummy, that's also okay. Some babies simply do not like a dummy.

How to get your baby to take a dummy

Sarah Cantwell, mum of two, shares her popular tips and tricks for getting your baby to take a dummy. She used dummies for both her newborn babies to keep them comforted and to keep her nipples from getting too sore.

Her main advice is to remove your nipple from baby's mouth once you can feel them slowing down at the end of their feed and quickly popping a dummy in while they're drifting off to sleep. Hold baby for a bit in your usual breastfeeding position until they calm down. Then you can put them back in their cot or moses basket for a nap.

Georgia Aspinall is senior features writer at Grazia UK, formerly at The Debrief. She covers news and features across women's health and fitness, sex and relationships, real-life stories, travel and politics.