Pacifiers are one of those baby items that can easily get lost or dropped. Investing in a pacifier holder, such as a pacifier clip, will save you money in the long run from replacing lost or damaged pacifiers.
In addition to the clip style, pacifier holders come in a plush toy style. Pacifiers attached to small stuffed animals, and in some cases, a mini blankie, are extra soothing for little ones. Some toy-style holders, like Chicco’s pink bunny pacifier holder, even feature a storage pocket to keep the pacifier safe and clean for when you toss the holder in your bag.
What to know before you buy a pacifier holder
Clip style
The pacifier clip is a popular style of pacifier holder and consists of either a fabric strap or a beaded teether. One end of the teether features a plastic or metal clip with teeth that clamp onto your child’s clothing. The other end features a looped string that loops around the pacifier ring or through the holes in a pacifier guard. Clip-style holders typically don’t include a pacifier but are compatible with most types. For choosing the best pacifier, consult the full pacifier buying guide from BestReviews.
Blankie style
A less common style of pacifier holder includes a mini blankie or lovey, a small square of cloth that the baby can grasp onto for self-soothing. A fabric tag in the middle of the blankie snaps around the pacifier’s ring. Free of a clip with teeth, this style is very safe for babies and provides the extra security and comfort of a mini baby blanket. This style is also easy to clean and generally machine-washable but is only compatible with pacifiers that have ring handles.
Plush toy style
Baby’s choice for a pacifier holder is the plush toy style. This popular holder combines a mini stuffed animal with a pacifier. While the pacifier is generally included with the holder, check that the attachment is compatible with your baby’s preferred pacifier. Some toys feature attachments for both bar-handle and ring-handle pacifiers; others come with a pacifier sewn in that cannot be removed.
Pacifier holder features
Strap fabric
When it comes to choosing a pacifier clip that features a strap, you want to choose a fabric that’s durable and machine-washable, like cotton or polyester. Some straps are made from braided fabric.
Teething beads
Other clip-style pacifiers come with a beaded teether. The beads are made of either wood or, more commonly, food-grade silicone. Both are safe for little ones to chew on and serve as teething relief. Be sure teething pacifier holders are CPSIA certified, meaning the materials are nontoxic to your baby.
Retractable cord
A third feature for clip-style pacifier holders is a retractable teether. These extend the length of the teether if you need to clip the holder to a stroller or further down a baby’s clothing. While retractable cords can extend up to 10 inches, they should always be used under close supervision as they can pose a choking risk.
Pacifier case
A nice accessory that select pacifier clips come with is a pacifier case, which holds both the pacifier and the clip when not in use to keep them clean. These cases often feature zip closures and stylish exteriors.
Pacifier holder cost
Pacifier clips can cost as little as $1 per clip when bought in a multi-pack and up to $11 for a silicone teething clip. Toy- and blankie-style holders cost $9-$16.
Pacifier holder FAQ
Should I get a pacifier clip with a metal or plastic clip?
A. There are pros and cons to both. A metal clip is sturdier and will hold onto your child’s clothing better. The downside is that metal can rust and in some cases tear your child’s clothing. Select a metal clip with teeth with beveled edges to reduce sharpness.
Plastic clips won’t rust but can break more easily. Plastic teeth are less likely to tear your child’s clothing but may not grasp onto it as well.
What length of pacifier clip should I get?
A. A safe length for a pacifier clip is between 6.5-8 inches. You don’t want a clip with a teether that is long enough to wrap fully around your baby’s neck. Pacifier clips are not recommended for crawling babies as they can pose a choking hazard. Always supervise a baby wearing a pacifier clip.
Which pacifier holder should I get?
Best of the best pacifier holder
Chicco Pocket Buddies Soft Pacifier Holder: available at Amazon and buybuyBaby
Our take: A 2-in-1 pacifier holder that’ll soothe and entertain your child with a plush toy attachment that can also store a pacifier in its built-in pocket.
What we like: Plush and soft, the bunny stuffed animal gives your baby something to cuddle and play with. Toy can hold two pacifiers at once. The material is lightweight and won’t weigh down the pacifier. It’s also machine-washable on a gentle cycle.
What we dislike: This holder is only compatible with ring-handle pacifiers.
Best bang for your buck pacifier holder
YooFoss Pacifier Clip: available at Amazon
Our take: For about a buck a piece, this six-pack of pacifier clips is made of sturdy cotton fabric and won’t tear clothing.
What we like: This set comes in six different designs in blue, as well as a four-pack of pink patterns, so you can match your baby’s outfits. The pacifier holders feature a plastic clip that won’t rust or snag. The best part is that these clips can be thrown in the washer and dryer for easy cleaning.
What we dislike: While highly affordable, the cotton strap can wrinkle and crumple and need ironing.
Honorable mention pacifier holder
Philips AVENT Soothie Snuggle Holder with Detachable Pacifier: available at Amazon
Our take: A highly popular pacifier holder with an elephant attachment that’s designed for your newborn.
What we like: This plush toy-style holder comes with a pacifier for babies ages 0-3 months. The attachment is compatible with both ring handles and bar handles. The pacifier is removable for cleaning, unlike other stuffed animal holders.
What we dislike: The pacifier can easily come undone because it’s not sewn in.
Ana Sanchez is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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