Did you know the use of pacifiers during sleep helps to reduce the chances of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) by 90 percent?
Pacifiers, binkies, soothers, dummies, or whatever else you call them are not just for soothing colicky babies anymore.
The best time to give baby pacifiers with stuffed animals attached to your little one is after breastfeeding. If not breastfeeding, offer the pacifier when the baby is well-fed.
However, some babies hate the pacifier, especially the breastfed ones. The good news is that there are some baby pacifiers with stuffed animals attached that are perfect for such babies.
When is it Right to Introduce Pacifiers with Stuffed Animals Attached?
Experts recommend soothers or other types of nipples should be delayed for the first 3-4 weeks of an infant’s life.
This wait helps mom to establish a proper milk supply. When introduced too soon, a pacifier may cause problems.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), your baby uses different mechanisms when sucking on a pacifier, and the breast.
Therefore, it is important to wait around the one-month mark before offering a pacifier to your little one.
If your baby is having issues with proper latching, then it is essential even to delay further the introduction of the pacifier until they can latch correctly.
This can be anywhere between 6-8 weeks after birth.
Our Top Picks of Baby Pacifiers With Stuffed Animals Attached
WubbaNub Brown Puppy Pacifier
What baby wouldn’t love a pacifier with an attached animal? It’s visually appealing, and the stuffed animal will sure be your little one’s favorite toy.
Since this a pacifier attached to animal, it will be easy for your baby to hold and difficult to get lost around the house.
It is also the best soother for babies with cleft palate as they have a hard time trying to form the suction necessary for keeping a pacifier in the mouth.
For such babies, mom may have to hold the pacifier in place, which beats the whole purpose of having a binky.
The WubbaNub Brown Puppy Pacifier is the ideal choice for such babies.
The weight of the attached stuffed animal makes it easy to keep in the mouth.
Its best for newborns up to 6 months. It’s not recommended for babies with teeth or those teething.
Pros
- Doesn’t contain BPA, PVC, latex or Phthalates
- Easy to grab for newborns
- Difficult to lose because of the attached animal
- One-piece constructed making it safe for baby
Cons
- It’s expensive
- It may be challenging to use for babies that keep moving around.
Nookums Paci-Plushies Buddies
How much more could a pacifier be appealing to your baby than with this cute detachable stuffed animal?
The Nookums pacifier not only helps in soothing your little one but also in developing their motor skills.
The attached animal makes it easy for babies to learn to hold the binky on their own.
The design is also perfect for your little one’s tiny fingers.
The stuffed animal easily detaches from the soother, and you can swap it with a different pacifier or use the Nookums pacifier.
Some brands that are compatible with these paci plushies are Avent, MAM, NUK, etc.
And when you finally decide it’s time to let go of the pacifier, the paci holder animal will help ease the transition as it is a familiar toy.
Pros
- The stuffed animal is detachable for ease of cleaning and sanitization
- Easy for baby to hold
- Compatible with different pacifier brands
Cons
- Some parents complained about the weight of the stuffed animal. It’s incredibly lightweight.
Philips Avent Soothie Snuggle Pacifier
Most doctors and nurses use this binky to soothe newborns, so it comes highly recommended.
ith the attached plush toy, it is easy for parents and caretakers to locate it if it gets lost.
The super-soft detachable pacifier animal makes things easier when cleaning or sterilizing the soothie.
Simply remove the stuffed animal and toss your pacifier in a dishwasher or boiling water to sterilize it.
Pros
- Made of medical-grade silicone that is BPA free and durable
- The plush toy helps keep the pacifier in place
- Stuffed animal detaches for ease of cleaning
- Easy to attach and detach
- The stuffed animal can be used with other pacifier brands
Cons
- May pull away from the baby when in the car seat.
WubbaNub Lamb Infant Pacifier
WubbaNub brand seems to be a favorite among parents, and for a good reason.
These pacifiers with a stuffed animal attached are highly durable and constructed with the finest of materials to guarantee your baby’s safety.
The little lamb is ideal for your newborn and will provide those needed soft cuddles to your little one.
The super-soft fabric and delicately small legs are perfect to hold for your wee one. Its unique design ensures it remains close and positions easily to the baby.
The pacifier is excellent for newborns. This is the exact one they give in hospitals.
It is designed for natural orthodontic, which helps prevent teeth problems and assists your baby transition smoothly from the breast to the pacifier.
Besides, it has a nipple that mimics a breast making it one of the best pacifier for breastfed babies.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Doesn’t contain BPA, PVC or phthalates
- Easy for baby to hold
- Durable
Cons
- Easy to find when lost
- Not detachable
- Difficult to clean
Star-Fly Safe Infant Pacifier
If you are a new parent, you will probably get these funny looking pacifiers as people come to see your little one. If not, then you definitely should buy one.
The Star-Fly Safe Infant pacifier is detachable, making it a favorite among parents as it is easy to clean.
These pacifiers with stuffed animals attached are a must-have baby accessory for parents.
The rounded nipple of the binky can help train a baby with a tongue tie on how to suck.
The adorable and soft elephant is the ideal size just perfect for tiny hands to grab. Your wee one can suck the nipple while playing with the stuffed animal all at the same time.
This paci holder animal is detachable and can be used with other brands. Furthermore, its ability to detach makes it easy to clean and sterilize.
The stuffed animal on the pacifier also makes it easier for babies to hold and put the binky into their mouths as they grow.
Pros
- The detachable stuffed animal makes it easy to clean
- It comes with a plastic cover for covering when not in use
- Super soft
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Too light
Advantages Of Using Pacifiers
For most parents, binkies are must-have baby essentials, just like diaper wipes. Here is why pacifiers are lifesavers.
Reduces the risk of Sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS)
The use of pacifiers when a baby is sleeping at night or during nap times can help lower the possibility of SIDS.
The baby is moving their mouths mimicking breastfeeding while asleep, and there is no potential of choking as the pacifier doesn’t have any liquid.
Help the baby to fall asleep
If you have a baby who fights sleep, baby pacifiers with stuffed animals attached are ideal for helping soothe them to fall asleep.
For breastfed babies that will only sleep when on the mom’s breast, a binky may help. However, the use of a pacifier doesn’t increase their length of naps or reduce nighttime wakings.
DO NOT leave the baby to sleep with the attached animal.
May reduce discomfort during flights
Does your baby seem to be a lot crankier while on a flight? Maybe you need to try giving him a pacifier during flights.
The movement of their mouths as they suck makes their “ears pop,” which may help reduce air pressure changes.
It might help soothe or distract a fussy baby
Some babies just love to suck on anything.
That’s what makes them happy. And since mommy can’t sit all day for them to suck, then a pacifier is best.
A pacifier with a stuffed animal attached also comes in handy during vaccinations, blood tests, or any other procedures where the baby may be fussy.
Easier to discontinue
When you decide it’s time to stop using a binky, all you need to do is take it away from your little one.
There may be some tears, but they won’t last forever.
However, if your little one loves to suck on his thumb, brace yourself. It won’t be easy to break that habit.
RELATED: Best Stuffed Animal for Baby to Sleep With That Is Cute And Cuddly
Disadvantages Of Using Pacifiers
Just like there are pros, there is also the downside of using pacifiers for your baby. They include;
Risk of ear infections
The use of pacifiers for babies may increase their risk of middle ear infections.
Since this risk of ear infections is usually low in infants, using a binky until they are around 6 months and then weaning them afterward would significantly reduce their risk of contracting ear infections.
Dependence
If your baby is dependent on their soother to fall asleep, you may have to wake up in the middle of the night to look for it when it falls off.
Early use of a pacifier may interfere with breastfeeding
Sucking on a breast is different from sucking on a binky. Some babies are more sensitive to such differences.
If you plan to nurse your baby, delay the use of a pacifier until your baby knows how to latch correctly.
This will also help to establish a good feeding pattern for your baby. Studies have shown no evidence links the use of pacifiers and poor breastfeeding.
Dental problems
The typical use of a pacifier does not have any adverse effect on your baby’s teeth. However, prolonged use (over 2 years) could affect his dental development.
How To Choose The Best Baby Pacifier With Stuffed Animal Attached
There are so many dummies out there. How do you ensure you pick one your child will like? Here are some consideration factors to help you.
Size
Pacifiers come in different sizes. Often, they are indicated in the package. Ensure you only buy what is ideal for your baby by reading the package sizes.
A soother for a newborn may be a choking hazard for a baby who is over 18 months.
Nipple material
Pacifiers are made of different materials such as silicone or latex. Try different types, and your baby will let you know what they prefer.
There are also soothers made from sturdy rubber but are often more expensive compared to those made of silicone or latex.
Guard
The guard part of the soother must be one and a half inches to ensure baby safety.
The guard is the part that prevents your baby from choking on the binky. Each pacifier brand has unique guard designs.
Most parents prefer curved shields, but your baby may fall in love with a different type of shield.
Furthermore, be on the lookout for one that has ventilation holes as they help air to circulate on your little one’s face. This helps in preventing skin irritations.
Color
When it comes to the color of the pacifier, it’s not all about pink and blue. Consider all the places it could end up getting lost.
This is why a lot of parents prefer baby pacifiers with stuffed animals attached as they are easy to locate if lost.
If your little one favors a specific color, go for that but look for one with a detachable pacifier animal.
Construction
Pacifiers are constructed with three different separate pieces. If the soother falls apart, then it can become a choking hazard.
If the dummy you are buying is made of different parts, pull the nipple hard.
Should it detach, then your baby will likely remove it too. And this may not end up well.
Nowadays, there are pacifiers constructed as a single piece. These are the safest type.
When To Replace A Pacifier
Baby pacifiers are certainly not those products that your second child will use.
No matter how well you take care of your little one’s pacifier, it will eventually wear out.
There is no specific timeline for when to replace a pacifier, as this depends on how often the baby has used it.
However, when you notice holes, tears, stretched nipple, faded color, or loose parts of the binky, then it’s time to let go.
Besides, if you notice the plastic has become sticky, then the pacifier is unsuitable for use.
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How To Clean Pacifier Attached To Animal
Your baby’s pacifier is likely to collect all sorts of dirt in and out of the house. The good news is that they are easy to wash and sanitize.
If you are out of the house, I recommend carrying some pacifier wipes. When at home, you can sterilize or boil the binky.
Having several of them will save your sanity as you won’t have to keep cleaning it every time it falls.
Simply rinsing off the soother with running tap water doesn’t kill all the germs.
Oh! And sucking it doesn’t cut either. Well, it can work with baby number 2. Kidding!
Some pacifiers have a detachable animal making them easy to clean. Others the animal doesn’t detach, so you are left with the option of spot cleaning just the soother.
When Not To Give A Pacifier
If you notice the following issues, it would be best to discontinue soother use.
The pacifier interferes with your baby’s feeding frequency. A newborn should breastfeed 8 to 12 times daily.
Mommy is having trouble establishing milk supply. You need to put your baby on the pacifier at every available opportunity and not on the pacifier to help increase your milk supply.
If your baby has recurrent ear infections, it’s time to discontinue the pacifier and seek professional help.
If your newborn has weight gain problems, do not give the dummy until that is resolved.
Conclusion
When used correctly, pacifiers will not cause any psychological or medical issues.
If you are on the crossroads about giving your baby a pacifier because you’ve read about nipple confusion, there is a way to work around it.
For moms concerned about weaning their babies from a soother, getting baby pacifiers with stuffed animals attached eases the transition.
I highly recommend the WubbaNub Brown Puppy Pacifier if you are looking for a stuffed animal that doesn’t detach.
However, if you want a detachable animal holder, Philips Avent Soothie Snuggle Pacifier is my favorite pick.
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