The pacifier, the dummy, the "tututte"... Whatever they call it, expectant parents talk about it a lot. Should you offer it to your baby? At what age? When? What are the risks to their teeth? And then, once they're soothed, will they be able to do without it? And finally, the question that quickly overshadows all others: which model to choose? A physiological, orthodontic, or anatomical pacifier? Élhée gives you its expert and manufacturer's opinion.
3 common misconceptions about lollipops to debunk
It's one of those small, everyday items for families, not to be forgotten, that we carry around, pocket, lose, buy again, and even multiply for peace of mind, but which nevertheless raises questions for parents. And it's true, between grandmother's advice, parenting forums, and often unjustified fears, it's not always easy to see clearly when it comes to pacifiers.
"It deforms the teeth"
Not necessarily. What matters for a good pacifier/teeth relationship is how it's used and, above all, the thinness and flexibility of the teat . This is why you've probably already seen your baby chew on their pacifier, push it away, or spit it out: they're adjusting their mouth and testing its comfort. If this is your main concern, rest assured, some models are designed to support the natural development of children's mouths .
"All forms are equal"
Not at all. In fact, you've probably noticed that your little one readily accepts one pacifier but categorically refuses another. The difference lies in the details : the material, the shape, the thickness, the flexibility, the size… These are all elements that change how it sits in the baby's mouth and how they suck.
"It's best to avoid pacifiers from birth."
It depends. Babies' sucking reflex is innate : it soothes, regulates, and reassures them. After all, who hasn't seen a newborn suck on their fist or thumb to calm themselves? A pacifier can therefore find its place and purpose from the very first days , alongside cuddles, being held, or breastfeeding. Perhaps the key is to use it as a support, without making it indispensable.
An orthodontic pacifier to prevent dental deformities?
To recognize an orthodontic pacifier, look for its teat : asymmetrical, flattened on top and slightly domed underneath. The idea behind this design? To distribute the pressure exerted by sucking more evenly to respect the shape of the palate and limit certain risks of misaligned teeth. That said, even more than the shape, it's the usage that determines the pacifier's safety . And while this design can support oral development, it's not universally applicable . What one baby tolerates well won't necessarily be tolerated by another.
The physiological pacifier: the closest to breastfeeding
Conversely, the physiological pacifier is recognizable by its symmetrical teat . Developed to closely mimic breastfeeding , it can support the transition from breast to bottle , or simply satisfy the innate sucking need without causing a disruption. Its safety, again, depends on judicious use and observing your infant's reactions. However, it should be noted that for some children already prone to dental deformities or unusual sucking patterns, this shape does not always provide the expected comfort.
The anatomical pacifier: at the crossroads of the two
Anatomically shaped, it features a teat inspired by a baby's mouth . Adapted to its natural morphology and often well-received, it prioritizes comfort and the familiarity of sucking . Positioned between a physiological and an orthodontic pacifier, its safety, as always, depends on its use and your child's tolerance. However, the term "anatomical" is sometimes used rather loosely by manufacturers, so a little caution is advised when making your choice.
It is often said that babies are very good at showing their preferences… Sometimes by keeping their pacifier firmly in place, sometimes by dropping it.
How do I choose the right pacifier for my baby?
While a pacifier impacts your baby's comfort and health, it also affects the quality of your sleep and how easily you manage everyday challenges. Every parent of a young child knows that a well-chosen and beloved pacifier is a considerable asset .
Sucking required
Present even before birth, the sucking reflex contributes to both the soothing and emotional regulation of newborns . The right pacifier should therefore support this need without hindering it. This means choosing a soft teat that conforms to the shape of the mouth. A teat that is too rigid or too bulky can be uncomfortable, while a thin, well-designed shape helps the baby find this reassuring point of reference .
Comfort and acceptance
A pacifier is only useful if your baby accepts it, whether they chew on it, spit it out, or keep it firmly in their mouth for hours. For this reason, choose a soft-to-the-touch material , a lightweight design , and a flexibility that adapts to the small movements of the tongue. If your baby consistently rejects the pacifier offered, it may be too thick or too hard.
Oral impact
In practical terms, the shape of the pacifier influences the pressure exerted on the palate and the first teeth. Some pacifier nipples, particularly orthodontic ones, aim to limit this pressure, while others, physiological ones, seek to replicate natural sucking. In stores, we therefore always advise you to check the thinness and flexibility of the nipple. Choosing a thin and flexible one significantly reduces adverse effects on the teeth .
Safety and design
Babies use their pacifiers for hours at a time, often both day and night. Therefore, safety is a major concern, and one-piece models are the best choice . The material is equally crucial: medical-grade silicone, for example, is non-porous, hygienic, and durable .
Age and stage of development
Between zero and six months, and then again between six and eighteen months, a child's body shape changes, including the shape of their mouth. Therefore, you must choose a pacifier of the correct size, according to the age indicated on the box . It's true, if it's too big, it can hinder breathing and sucking; if it's too small, it risks being ineffective.
Of course, the perfect pacifier doesn't exist (although...). However, the one you choose will accompany your baby through all their adventures and emotions. Be observant, trust the brands you believe in, and let your little one make their own choices.
A closer look at materials used in childcare
We often think about the shape of the pacifier, but its material plays an equally essential role in determining the softness in the mouth, the safety and even the longevity of the little favorite object of babies.
The teat: at the heart of sucking
This is the part that is kept in the mouth, sucked, nibbled and chewed during teething , sometimes for several hours a day.
- Latex and natural rubber are valued for their flexibility and elasticity. Unfortunately, they age quickly, discolor, deform, and sometimes retain odors. It should be noted that latex and natural rubber can cause allergies in some children.
- Silicone , being transparent and neutral, offers better hygiene and does not absorb tastes or odors. Easy to clean, it withstands sterilization well, but it may feel stiffer.
- Made of medical-grade silicone, the teat goes further : flexible, soft and non-porous, it guarantees impeccable hygiene and optimal safety, while remaining stable over time and comfortable in your baby's mouth.
The collar and the ring: between comfort and safety
These parts rest on the baby's face. The collar, in particular, must be especially breathable to prevent redness and irritation, or to prevent the baby from grabbing it to pull the pacifier towards them.
- Rigid plastic , still very common, has the advantage of being lightweight, but can leave marks on sensitive skin or be prone to micro-scratches . Furthermore, even though regulations have largely evolved, it has not always been free of controversial substances .
- Soft medical-grade silicone reduces friction , adapts better to facial contours , and can be chewed without fear . But what truly makes the difference is its exemplary neutrality, which is healthy and reassuring .
Focus on medical silicone
Medical silicone, chosen by Élhée, goes further than other materials by combining flexibility and safety , a hypoallergenic feel and a non-porous surface .
Thus, it is more resistant to bacterial growth and respects the instinctive sucking of infants without compromising hygiene or safety. Highly controlled, medical-grade silicone offers parents added peace of mind.
Élhée, a pacifier designed to support babies' natural sucking needs
At Élhée, we have always been committed to the happiness of babies and the peace of mind of new parents. Therefore, since a pacifier quickly becomes one of the first comfort objects for newborns, our ChooChoo was designed to meet the family's expectations of tenderness, design, and quality.
- Available in two sizes , 0-6 months and 6-18 months.
- Extra-thin and flexible for a natural mouth closure, without pressure on the gums. Promotes better nasal breathing and more restful nights.
- A one-piece design to avoid small pieces and dirt.
- Made from 100% medical-grade silicone , free from plastic and endocrine disruptors, hypoallergenic and non-porous, for perfect hygiene and a long lifespan.
- Approved by orthodontists , its physiological shape reduces the risk of open bite.
- Made in France quality , designed and manufactured in the Rhône-Alpes region, according to the most demanding standards.
Practical, stylish, and safe, the Pebble pacifier clip keeps your child's pacifier within easy reach. Its soft, textured design, made of silicone and 100% GOTS-certified organic fabric, stimulates baby's sense of touch and perfectly complements the ChooChoo pacifier. Discover it now!
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