Silicone or Latex Pacifiers, Which Is Better for the Baby?

 

Are Silicone or Latex Pacifiers Better?

There is no one answer to this question.

Each family’s choice will be different depending on many factors including budget, baby’s personality, and sensitivity to plastic.

So before you start shopping for your baby’s pacifier, read this brief article and learn about the pros and cons of each type of pacifier.

But first, let’s talk about the differences between these two types of pacifiers.

Silicone is definitely more durable than natural latex. It can withstand washing and drying without breaking down. It is also sturdier and, in general, feels a little more solid and less slippery.

However, since silicone is a synthetic polymer and at times undergoes various chemical reactions, some parents also prefer a more organic material such as natural rubber (which has some advantages) for their baby’s pacifier.

Even though the convenience of a “pure” silicone can be tempting, it might be best to select another material.

Latex on the other hand is extremely cheap and has a very long shelf life. This is great if you want to use plastic liners for the next five years!

However, it’s been shown that some babies do develop allergies to plastic materials, which should make you rethink your choice. One of the biggest concerns with plastic is the fact that it leeches chemicals into the food that is served to your baby while he or she is sucking on it.

So are silicone or latex pacifiers better? While you may not have any immediate concerns, you should consider how frequently you’ll be changing and washing your baby’s mouthpiece.

Silicone is easier to clean up after a while, but it can be difficult to get the stains out of it. Latex, on the other hand, is stain resistant and can simply be thrown away – much like disposable diapers.

The only real concern with this material is that it can easily tear and cause mild skin irritation if accidentally swallowed.

One last thing to consider is the texture of the pacifier. Both latex and silicone are smooth and do not have many seams, so they aren’t as likely to irritate your baby’s skin.

On the flip side, a smooth material can also be difficult for your baby to grip and take off. In general, it’s a toss-up between these two materials as you want something that your baby is comfortable with.

One final thing to think about when asking “are silicone or latex pacifiers better?” First of all, many pediatricians recommend that you wait until your baby is sitting up and ready for milk before giving him or her a pacifier.

This is because babies can sometimes develop a sensitivity to the material of the pacifier and not want to nurse if they can’t completely remove the material from their mouth.

Also, if a baby is older, he may have developed a more complicated allergy to latex, which means that this type of pacifier is not always better.

At the end of the day, choosing between these two materials just comes down to your personal preference. I would personally use latex.

It feels nice against my baby’s lips and is generally comfortable as well. If you have to choose between them, I’d opt for the natural feeling of the silicone.

Now that you know “are silicone or latex pacifiers better?” Hopefully, this article has given you some insight as to why this type of pacifier may be a better choice for your baby.

Just remember that you need to consider your baby’s comfort and lifestyle when making this decision. It really doesn’t matter much if a pacifier is made from both types of material as long as it is comfortable for your baby.