Are you wondering where to buy baby pacifiers to find the best options for your baby? Pacifiers are a necessity for many new parents. They provide numerous benefits for babies and can make the difference between a peaceful night's sleep and a fretful one. These must-have items are available at most supermarkets and drugstores. However, not every pacifier is the same, and it may take some research to find the right one for your baby. Before you go shopping for pacifiers, learn about the different types available and where to purchase them to find the right one for your baby.
Benefits of Pacifiers
Many people think of pacifiers as soothers to help babies fall asleep easier or calm down if upset. Pacifiers are soothing to babies because they can fulfill a baby's natural need to suckle. Yet, pacifiers can also serve an important health benefit by helping to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends that a baby sleep with a pacifier to help prevent SIDS.
Some parents choose not to give a pacifier to their baby if she is breastfed because pacifiers can interfere with the proper latch technique in breastfeeding. Other parents also worry that pacifiers can cause future dental problems for the baby. There are pacifiers that are shaped with nipples similar to the shape of a human nipple that claim to interfere less with breastfeeding as well as orthodontic pacifiers that are more dental-friendly. Parents should weigh the pros and cons of pacifier use before they determine whether or not to use pacifiers for their baby.
Types of Pacifiers and Where to Buy Them
The baby product market produces hundreds of pacifier options for parents to choose from. Types of pacifiers include the following:
- Silicone pacifiers: Silicone is considered a safer option than latex because of possible latex allergies. Some parents claim that silicone holds up better than latex. Silicone pacifiers are available at most supermarkets.
- Latex pacifiers: Latex is a common pacifier material, and some babies prefer it to silicone pacifiers. Latex pacifiers can be found at most grocery stores.
- Orthodontic pacifiers: The nipples on orthodontic pacifiers are shaped to prevent future dental problems such as a need for braces. Despite this, some babies may still encounter future dental problems based on frequent pacifier use. Look for orthodontic pacifiers at most drugstores.
- Traditional round pacifiers: Traditional round pacifiers have the original shape that most people associate with pacifiers. Purchase round pacifiers at supermarkets and drugstores.
- Breastfeeding-friendly pacifiers: Some pacifier brands such as Avent claim that their pacifier nipples are shaped similar to a mother's breast to prevent breastfeeding problems. These nipples are designed to allow the baby to latch onto the pacifier in the same way that she latches onto her mother's nipple. Avent pacifiers are available in the baby product aisle of most stores.
- One-piece pacifiers: Many pediatricians recommend one-piece pacifiers over other styles because it prevents choking, which can occur if pieces come loose on multiple piece pacifiers. Soothie is a popular one-piece pacifier brand available at drugstores and baby product stores.
- Designer pacifiers: Many high-end pacifiers carry designer names and many fancy decorative elements, but some of these expensive options are not necessarily safe or better than a cheaper brand. The Internet is the best source for designer pacifiers.
- Personalized pacifiers: It is possible to get your baby's name printed on a pacifier. Some stores in the mall and online retailers sell personalized pacifiers.
- Humorous pacifiers: Whimsical and funny pacifiers that are more fun than functional are also available at baby specialty stores and through the Internet.
Finding Where to Buy Pacifiers Online
The Internet has numerous websites that sell many different types of pacifiers for babies. While pacifiers are easy to purchase locally at most stores, the Internet can save parents money by offering cheaper prices on each pacifier, deals for bulk orders and a selection of specialty pacifiers.
The following online retailers sell pacifiers:
- GumDrop Pacifier: The GumDrop Pacifier has a low-profile one-piece design.
- Nuk: This Gerber site has information about the popular Nuk pacifiers and where to purchase them.
- Avent: Philips' Avent site has product information and a link to their online store for Avent pacifier purchases.
- Drugstore.com: Drugstore.com has deals on top brand pacifiers, including many decorative designs.
- My Pacifier: The site sells personalized baby pacifiers.
- Target: This major retailer has a number of sales on pacifiers and accessories.
- Ulubulu: The site sells personalized and unique pacifier designs.
Pacifier Shopping Tips
Here are some pacifier shopping tips to help find safe pacifiers at affordable prices:
- Buy only a few pacifiers before the baby is born. After the baby arrives, see what type of pacifier works best for the baby before stocking up on them.
- Look for coupons on pacifiers whenever possible to save money. Many parenting magazines and the new parent informational packages from the hospital contain coupons on baby products such as pacifiers.
- Check around for free pacifier deals when shopping for other baby products or as gift bag items from other baby-related events such as parenting classes or baby product shows.
- Make sure each pacifier package is unopened and not tampered with.
- The pacifier should have a shield that is at least 1.5 inches wide with air holes.
- Never buy used pacifiers or use the same pacifier for more than one baby to prevent bacterial contamination.
Use our guide when you shop for pacifiers to get a better idea of which pacifier works for your baby and where to buy pacifiers.
