Last Updated on November 16, 2021 by Sarah
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Looking for the best natural rubber pacifiers for babies & toddlers?
Even if you swore you’d never use one, there’s little doubt pacifiers help many babies or toddler self sooth, especially if they struggle to sleep.
But if you’re looking to avoid plastic, which are the safest, most natural & eco friendly pacifiers available to buy?
The Benefits Of Natural Rubber Pacifiers
Whilst BPA is now banned in many baby products, such as bottles and sippy cups, research suggests harmful chemicals may still be present in plastic based pacifiers. Plastic, of course, is also harmful to the environment.
So choosing a pacifier that’s made of 100% natural rubber is often a safer, more eco friendly option. Usually sustainably sourced from the Hevea tree, natural rubber is free from chemicals such as PVC, phthalates, parabens, chemical softeners and artificial colorants. It’s also naturally biodegradable.
And whilst silicone pacifiers are often a popular choice over plastic, rubber is softer than silicone, mimicking the breast better. This often makes natural rubber pacifiers a good choice for breastfed babies.
Here are 5 natural rubber pacifiers for babies & toddlers:
5 Of The Best Natural Rubber Pacifiers That Are Eco Friendly
1 – Hevea Rubber Pacifiers
On a mission to help take care of our children & the planet, Hevea have been making eco friendly natural rubber products & pacifiers since 2007. From the Hevea Classic natural rubber pacifier to the newer coloured versions, all pacifiers are 100% natural rubber. Dyes used in the coloured versions are also non-toxic & eco friendly. Featuring an orthodontic teat, pacifiers are BPA, PVC & phthalates free. Available in 3 sizes.
2 – EcoPiggy Rubber Pacifiers
Made from sustainably sourced, 100% natural rubber, the EcoPiggy rubber pacifier is free of chemical softeners, colourants, BPA, phthalates, PVC & parabens. Moulded in a hygienic, single piece design to help avoid bacteria build up in cracks or joints, this eco friendly pacifier is available in 2 styles: Orthodontic & Rounded. Designed to emulate the soft feel of the breast, pacifiers are available for 0-3 months or 6 months & over.
3 – Natursutten Rubber Pacifiers
Designed in Denmark & made in Italy, the one piece, natural rubber pacifier from Natursutten is free from BPA, PVC, phthalates, nitrosamines, chemical softening agents & artificial colours. Available in a range of sizes, to suit baby’s age, choose from an orthodontic or rounded nipple. The cut-out top of a Natursutten Butterfly pacifier also gives the shield a butterfly shape, making more room for baby’s nose.
4 – Frigg Rubber Pacifiers
In Norse mythology, Frigg was the goddess of mothers & the Frigg rubber pacifiers are a popular choice with parents. Designed & manufactured in Denmark, Frigg rubber pacifiers feature a 100% natural rubber teat that’s BPA, PVC & phthalates free. With it’s modern design, the outward curve of the pacifier helps keep the pacifier off baby’s delicate skin, plus you’ve got loads of colours to choose from. Keep in mind, it’s only the teat that’s rubber, the shield is polypropylene.
5 – Sweetie Rubber Pacifier
Made from natural rubber sourced in Malaysia, Sweetie rubber pacifiers are BPA, nitrosamines, PVC, phthalates, chemical softeners & artificial colouring free. With a soft, lightweight, one-piece design, pacifiers are available in a heart, star or round shape. Available in small, medium & large, you can also choose from a round, symmetrical or orthodontic nipple, depending on your baby’s needs.
Are Natural Rubber Or Silicone Pacifiers Better?
Whether you choose natural rubber or silicone pacifiers really comes down to personal choice.
Natural rubber is softer than silicone, so it tends to resemble the breast more closely. This can make rubber pacifiers a good choice for breast fed babies. However, as a 100% natural material, rubber does break down quicker than silicone. So for safety & hygiene reasons it’s generally recommended you replace a rubber pacifier every 4-8 weeks, otherwise the rubber may get sticky or start to peel.
Silicone on the other hand is firmer than rubber and doesn’t break down as fast. This means pacifiers made from silicone are sturdier than rubber ones and longer lasting.
Rubber on the other hand is completely natural, whereas silicone isn’t – it’s a polymer mostly made from silica (sand), although, like rubber, it is commonly regarded as non toxic.
Rubber is also the more eco friendly choice, as it’s sourced directly from the Hevea tree, which is fast growing & generally considered a sustainable source.
Natural Rubber Pacifiers – Conclusion
If you’re looking for a pacifier that’s made of natural materials, 100% natural rubber pacifiers have been made with the health of baby in mind.
Not only is natural rubber free of chemicals such as BPA and pthalates, natural rubber can also be a good choice over silicone, due to it’s soft flexibility. This can help the pacifier to form better to baby’s mouth and doesn’t leave marks on baby’s face. Sustainably sourced rubber is also more eco friendly than materials such as plastic.
When shopping for a natural, non toxic pacifier, rubber or otherwise, look for pacifiers that are free from artificial colours, chemical softeners, BPA, parabens, PVC and phthalates.
If you’re interested in more green and eco friendly baby products, you might like these Guides to Non-Toxic Toys and Bath Toys.
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*Important Note: Although rare, some children may have a latex rubber allergy.
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