Pacifier size by age: when do you move up to a bigger size?
Difrax pacifiers come in five sizes: Newborn, 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months and 18+ months. With each size, the shield gets slightly bigger and the teat slightly firmer, because your baby's face grows and their sucking strength increases. The age on the packaging is a guideline. Move up a size when your little one has trouble keeping the pacifier in their mouth.
Which pacifier size suits which age?
| Size | For | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | Newborn and premature babies | Smallest shield and teat |
| 0-6 months | The first months | Soft teat |
| 6-12 months | From six months | Bigger shield, firmer teat |
| 12-18 months | From one year | Firmer teat for more sucking strength |
| 18+ months | Toddlers | The firmest teat |
The Dynamic pacifier from Difrax LOVI comes in two sizes: 0-6 months and 6-18 months.
Is your child smaller or bigger than average? Then a size may fit for a shorter or longer time than the age suggests. So above all, watch your child.
When do you move up to a bigger pacifier?
What matters most is that your child can keep the pacifier in their mouth properly. The difference in shield and teat is especially clear between Newborn, 0-6 months and 6-12 months. Look out for these signals:
- Your child visibly has to make an effort to keep the pacifier in.
- The pacifier quickly falls out of the mouth, or your child keeps pushing it out.
- The shield leaves a mark on the cheeks.
Do you notice one or more of these signals? Then a bigger size will probably be more comfortable for your child.
As your child gets older, their sucking strength increases. When moving from 6-12 to 12-18 months, you will notice this mostly in the teat: it is firmer and suits the greater sucking strength. From 18 months, the teat has the firmest build of all sizes.
From what age can your baby use a pacifier?
A pacifier can be used from birth. If you are breastfeeding, it is better to wait until breastfeeding is well established. For many babies, that is after two to four weeks. Not sure? Ask your midwife, lactation consultant or child health clinic. Read more in pacifiers and breastfeeding: 10 frequently asked questions.
When you start with a pacifier, choose the size that matches your baby's age. For newborns, that is the Newborn size. Is your baby going to use a pacifier for the first time and do you want to know what to look for when buying one? Then read the guide to buying the first pacifier.
Check the pacifier every day
Your child's jaws get stronger. That is why you should check the pacifier before every use. Pull firmly on the teat and look for small tears, weak spots or bite marks. Is the pacifier damaged? Replace it straight away. Also replace the pacifier when you see nothing, after six weeks at the latest, in line with the European guideline. Pacifiers sold in Europe comply with the EN 1400 standard for material, dimensions and strength.
Is your child starting to bite the pacifier? Then gradually stop using it and offer a teething ring.
Read more in our tips for safe pacifier use, or find out which teat shape suits your baby: orthodontic pacifier, Natural or Dynamic.
