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Guide 4 min read ·

Choosing a dummy: size, shape and material

Choose a dummy by the size for your child's age, the teat shape and the material. Dummies fall under the EN 1400 standard.

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Short answer: Choose a dummy first by the size for your child's age; each brand has its own age groups. Then choose the teat shape (round or flat) and the material (silicone or natural rubber). Dummies fall under the European standard EN 1400.

The details below come from the manufacturers, the product data and the standard. LeBaby does not test anything. Always read the leaflet that comes with your dummy, and ask your health visitor or baby clinic for advice on using one.

Size follows age

Every brand sorts its dummies into age groups. The size is on the pack and in the product name.

The groups differ between brands. Compare within one brand, and choose the size the maker gives for your child's age.

Dummies by age

Round or flat: the teat shape

There are two shapes.

Which shape your child likes often only shows by trying.

An orthodontic teat is flattened on one side.

Silicone or natural rubber

The teat itself is made of silicone or natural rubber (latex).

  • Silicone. MAM puts the material in the name, as on the Original Pure Silicone and the Supreme Silicone.
  • Natural rubber. Frigg, for example, sells the Rope size 1 and the Moon T2 in natural rubber. BIBS also has natural rubber dummies, such as the BIBS Colour. Natural rubber contains latex, which the pack states.

How to clean a dummy, and whether it can go in a steriliser, microwave or dishwasher, is in the leaflet.

Flat teats and natural rubber

The shield and extras

The shield is the plastic part in front of the mouth. EN 1400 sets requirements for, among other things, the shield's dimensions and its ventilation holes. Philips Avent points to the large air holes in the Ultra Air shield. Some dummies have a glow-in-the-dark button or shield, such as the Philips Avent Ultra Soft Nighttime, so they are easier to find at night. Some dummies come with a cover or case for keeping the teat clean.

Dummy clips and EN 12586

A dummy clip holds the dummy to your child's clothes. Dummy clips have their own European standard: EN 12586. Choose a clip whose maker says it meets that standard, and follow the leaflet. Examples are the BIBS Pacifier Clip Loop, which BIBS says fits every BIBS dummy, and the Suavinex Wonder dummy clip.

Checking and replacing

Packs of dummies that meet EN 1400 carry the maker's warnings. Philips Avent and MAM, for example, write that you inspect the dummy carefully before every use, especially once your child has teeth, pull it in all directions and throw it away at the first signs of damage or weakness. MAM also says to use only dummy clips tested to EN 12586. How often to replace a dummy is in the maker's leaflet.

Compare every dummy and clip under dummies.

Frequently asked questions

Which dummy size does my baby need?

The size the maker gives for your child's age. Philips Avent, for example, uses 0 to 6 months, 6 to 18 months and 18+, BIBS sizes 1, 2 and 3. The groups differ between brands.

What is the difference between an orthodontic and a round dummy?

An orthodontic (or dental) teat is flattened on one side. A round teat has a cherry shape and can go in either way up. Which one a child likes differs from child to child.

Is a natural rubber or a silicone dummy better?

It is a matter of choice. Natural rubber contains latex, which the pack states. The leaflet explains how to clean each and whether it can go in a steriliser.

Which standard should a dummy clip meet?

The European standard EN 12586. Dummies themselves fall under EN 1400. The maker states on the pack or in the product data which standard a product meets.

Keep looking

LeBaby doesn’t test products. This guide sets out what the standards and manufacturers say. Always follow the manual of your own product.

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