Are you unsure which pacifier is best for your baby? Many parents use pacifiers to soothe their child and support sleep – and for good reason. A good pacifier can help your baby settle down, stimulate natural sucking, and support healthy oral and cranial development. But not all pacifiers are created equal.
As osteopaths, we see every day how the choice of pacifier can affect a child's development - especially the jaw, tongue and skull structure. In this guide, you will get our best advice for choosing a pacifier that suits your baby and supports healthy oral motor skills.
Why do babies suck their thumbs and fingers?
Babies have a natural and strong need to suck – both for security and to regulate the nervous system. Many babies start sucking their thumbs or fingers just a few weeks after birth. It is a way of finding peace, but also a sign of a need for stimulation in the mouth. If your baby sucks very vigorously, it may be a sign of tension in the jaw, tongue or neck – and here the right pacifier can be an important support.
What should you look for in a pacifier?
The best pacifier for babies supports natural tongue movement and reduces unnecessary pressure on the jaw. Here's what you should choose:
✅Round shape (cherry shape)
Supports upward tongue movement and promotes natural language development. Ideal after tongue tie cutting (frenotomy) or oral tension.
✅Soft and flexible material
Choose pacifiers made of medical silicone or natural rubber. They are gentle and minimize tension.
✅One whole part
Avoid pacifiers with multiple parts – this makes them safer and more hygienic, and causes less friction on the gums and palate.
✅Age-appropriate size
The pacifier should be appropriate for the child's age and mouth size to avoid overloading.
Osteopathically recommended pacifiers
We recommend these pacifiers, which are known to support proper oral and cranial development:
⭐ BIBS Natural Rubber
• Round, breast-like teat
• Ventilation holes to prevent skin irritation
• 100% BPA-free natural rubber
⭐ PhysioForma from Chicco
• Developed with orthodontists
• Supports correct tongue position and nasal breathing
• Narrow neck minimizes jaw strain
⭐ MAM Start Newborn
• Small and light for newborns
• Symmetrical design that supports the jaw
• SkinSoft™ silicone provides good acceptance
How to use the pacifier correctly
-Introduce the pacifier only when breastfeeding is established (approximately 4–5 weeks)
-Use the pacifier for sleep and soothing – avoid constant use during the day
-Never dip the pacifier in sugar or sweet liquids
-Replace the pacifier every 4–6 weeks or when there are signs of wear
-Wean off use around 2–3 years of age to avoid dental problems
When should you seek osteopathic help?
If your baby has:
-Difficulty sucking or breastfeeding
-Tight tongue tie or breastfeeding problems
-Colic, restlessness or difficulty finding peace (read more about colic)
-Flat back of the head (plagiocephaly)
-Mouth tension, asymmetry or preferring thumb/fingers over pacifier
...then an osteopathic assessment may be beneficial. We gently examine the skull, jaw, tongue and neck for tension, asymmetry and reduced mobility.
Baby sucks very vigorously – what does it mean?
A strong need to suck can be due to an imbalance in the child's nervous system, tension in the mouth or unresolved birth stress. Osteopathy can address underlying causes and support natural development.
The clinic is centrally located in Copenhagen.
We offer osteopathic treatment for babies and mothers from all over Copenhagen – with easy access from Nørrebro, Amager, Frederiksberg and Østerbro. The clinic is located close to Amager Strand, Islands Brygge and Fælledparken. You can easily reach us by metro, bus or bike.
The treatment is carried out by experienced osteopaths: Deborah Tassi and Guilherme Talefe, specialized in babies, breastfeeding challenges and oral motor skills. (BOOK NOW)
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