How Often Should You Replace Your Baby’s Pacifier?

Babies are sooo expensive. Diapers alone can make you question every financial decision you've ever made. Then come the wipes, bottles, clothes they grow out of immediately, and approximately 900 things you never knew a baby needed.

One expense I never really thought about? Replacing pacifiers.

If your baby is a pacifier kid, you're probably wondering, How often should I replace this thing? The answer depends on the pacifier, but the general rule is simple: inspect it regularly and replace it when it's damaged, worn, or when the manufacturer recommends replacing it.

And if you're anything like me, you might be thinking, Wait… pacifiers have to be replaced THAT often?

Why Do Pacifiers Need to Be Replaced?

Pacifiers go through a lot. Your baby sucks on them, chews on them, throws them, drops them, and somehow manages to get them into places you didn't even know existed.

Over time, the material can wear down. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends regularly checking pacifiers for damage and replacing them if the nipple is torn, cracked, discolored, sticky, or otherwise deteriorating.

You also want to make sure you're using the correct size for your baby's age and following the manufacturer's care and replacement instructions.

The Hidden Cost of Being a Pacifier Mom

All three of my kids were pacifier kids, so I know firsthand how quickly you can go through them.

We loved WubbaNubs, but they were around $15 each when we were buying them. And then I discovered that they recommend replacing them every 4-6 weeks.

NO WAYYYYY. Not cool.

Because it's not just the pacifier you're replacing. If you're using a holder or accessory that only works with that particular pacifier, suddenly you're buying the whole setup again.

And babies already cost enough.

Why I Loved the Ingy Bingy Band

With my third baby, I was so excited to have the Ingy Bingy Band.

It's a buttery-soft pacifier wristband that attaches to your baby's pacifier, and one of my favorite things about it is that you can use it with different pacifiers. So when the pacifier itself needs to be replaced, you replace the pacifier, not the band.

That felt like such a small thing until I realized how much money and frustration it could save over time. I also never loved traditional pacifier clips because of the safety concerns around cords and clips, so having another option was a huge win for me.

The Ingy Bingy Band didn't mean I never had to buy another pacifier. It meant I wasn't constantly replacing the accessory along with it.

And as a mom of three, I'll take every little money-saving win I can get.

So, When Should You Replace Your Baby's Pacifier?

There's no magic number of days or weeks that applies to every pacifier. Check your specific pacifier's instructions and inspect it regularly.

If you see damage, replace it. If your baby's pacifier is outside the manufacturer's recommended age range, replace it with an appropriate size.

And if you're tired of watching perfectly good pacifier accessories get tossed out along with the old pacifier, consider an option that can grow with your baby's pacifier preferences.

Because diapers are expensive. Wipes are expensive. Babies are expensive. Let's not make pacifiers more expensive than they have to be.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you replace a baby pacifier?

It depends on the brand and type of pacifier. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and inspect it regularly. Replace it sooner if you notice any damage or deterioration.

How do I know when a pacifier needs to be replaced?

Look for cracks, tears, discoloration, stickiness, changes in texture, or other signs that the material is breaking down. When in doubt, replace it.

Can pacifiers wear out?

Yes. Regular sucking, chewing, cleaning, and everyday use can cause pacifier materials to deteriorate over time.

Do I have to replace my pacifier holder when I replace the pacifier?

Not necessarily. With the Ingy Bingy Band, the band is designed to attach to different pacifiers, so you can replace the pacifier without automatically replacing the band.

Are pacifier clips safe?

Pacifier clips must be used according to their safety instructions. Never tie a pacifier around a baby's neck or use homemade cords or strings, which can create a strangulation hazard.

 

 

 

The Ingy Bingy Band is not your everyday pacifier clip! This game-changing pacifier wristband helps babies self-soothe at a younger age than ever before! Instinctively, babies gnaw on their hands in an attempt to soothe. The Ingy Bingy pacifier wristband keeps their pacifier right where they’ll find it, allowing your baby to comfort and calm themselves while you do whatever it is you need to do!

Our buttery soft wristband comes in two styles to accommodate every pacifier.

Our Pacific style should be used when your baby’s pacifier holes are near their nose and chin when in use. It is most commonly used with Avent, BIBS, Dr. Brown’s, MAM, Nuby, NUK, Medela, FRIGG, Nanobébé, Tommee Tippee, and Chicco pacifiers. 

Our Sequoia style should be used when your baby’s pacifier holes are near their nose and chin when in use. It is most commonly used with Itzy Ritzy, Ryan & Rose, and The Dearest Grey pacifiers.  

If you are still unsure which pacifier wristband style is right for you, check out our style guide or text the name and/or picture of your preferred paci & we’ll let you know which style is right for you!