Dummies & Pacifiers

A dummy can be one of the most useful tools in a new parent's kit soothing an unsettled baby, supporting healthy sleep associations, and providing comfort during those inevitable moments of fussiness. Choosing the right dummy in the right size, shape and material makes all the difference to whether your baby actually takes to it

Choosing the Right Dummy for Your Baby

What is an orthodontic dummy?

An orthodontic dummy is specifically designed to support your baby's natural mouth and jaw development. Unlike a traditional rounded dummy shape, an orthodontic dummy features a flattened, symmetrical teat that mimics the natural shape of a breastfeeding nipple reducing pressure on the developing palate and supporting healthy oral development

Most paediatric dentists and health professionals recommend choosing an orthodontic dummy over a traditional rounded shape like the BIBS dummies, particularly for babies who use a dummy regularly or for extended periods. The symmetrical design also means an orthodontic dummy works the same way no matter which side faces up a small but genuinely practical feature for sleep-deprived parents fumbling in the dark

Dummy pacifier for newborns — getting the size right

A dummy pacifier for newborns needs to be sized specifically for a tiny mouth too large and your baby won't take it, too small and it won't provide the soothing pressure they're seeking. Most dummy brands offer a clearly labelled newborn or 0+ months size, designed with a smaller, lighter shield and teat appropriate for a baby's earliest weeks

As your baby grows, dummies typically progress through size stages usually 0–6 months, 6–18 months, and 18 months plus with the teat and shield growing proportionally to match your baby's developing mouth

Silicone vs latex dummies

Dummies are typically made from either silicone or natural rubber latex:

• Silicone dummies are firm, durable, retain their shape well, and are a popular choice for babies without latex sensitivities. They are also typically clear or lightly tinted, making it easy to check for wear
• Latex dummies are softer, more flexible, and closely mimic the feel of a natural nipple often preferred by breastfed babies. Latex naturally degrades faster than silicone and should be checked and replaced more frequently

Suavinex Dummies — The Natural Choice for Breastfed Babies

For Australian parents who have been using the Suavinex Zero Zero bottle range beloved for its natural-feel teat designed to mimic breastfeeding the Suavinex dummy range is a natural extension to the same philosophy. Suavinex builds their entire feeding and soothing ecosystem around one core idea: minimising nipple confusion and supporting babies who move between breast, bottle, and dummy with ease

Why Suavinex dummies pair so well with breastfeeding

The teat shape and material used across the Suavinex dummy range is designed using the same biomechanical research that informs their Zero Zero bottle teats focused on supporting a natural sucking action that closely resembles breastfeeding mechanics. For parents who are protective of their breastfeeding journey and worried that introducing a dummy might disrupt latch or technique, Suavinex dummies are one of the most evidence-considered choices on the market

The Suavinex dummy range includes:

Suavinex Colour Essence Butterfly SX Pro Soother — featuring a distinctive butterfly-shaped shield designed for comfort against chubby newborn cheeks, with an orthodontic teat and skin-soft silicone shield. Available in 0–6 month and 6–18 month sizing

Suavinex Bonhomia Owl SX Pro Soother — a whimsical owl-themed soother combining the same orthodontic comfort and skin-soft shield, available across 0–6 months, 6–18 months, and 18+ months, growing with your baby through every stage

Suavinex Wonder SX Pro Dummy — a clean, modern design focused on everyday comfort with the signature orthodontic teat and skin-soft shield that defines the SX Pro range

Suavinex Wonderland Butterfly SX Pro Dummy — combining the butterfly shield design for chubby-cheek comfort with the brand's most premium orthodontic teat technology

Suavinex Zero Zero SX Pro Dummy - your ultimate solution for zero chafing and zero confusion when switching from breast to bottle to soother

What makes the Suavinex SX Pro range stand out:

• Orthodontic teat design — supports healthy oral and jaw development, consistent with paediatric dental recommendations
• Skin-soft silicone shield — gentle against delicate newborn and baby skin, reducing irritation during extended wear
• Butterfly shield options — specifically shaped to sit comfortably against fuller newborn cheeks without digging in or leaving marks
• Age-appropriate sizing — sized progressively from 0–6 months through to 18+ months to match your baby's growing mouth
• Designed alongside the Zero Zero feeding philosophy — ideal for breastfeeding families who want consistency across bottle and dummy sucking mechanics

For Australian parents already using or considering the Suavinex Zero Zero bottle for breastfeeding support, choosing a Suavinex dummy from the same range creates a more consistent sucking experience for baby potentially easing the transition between breast, bottle, and dummy with less risk of confusion

Dummy Cases & Cleanliness

A dummy case is one of those small but genuinely useful accessories that makes life with a dummy-loving baby significantly easier. Designed to keep your dummy clean, contained, and protected when not in use, a dummy case is an essential addition to the nappy bag, the pram, and the car

Why every parent needs a dummy case:

Hygiene on the go — a dropped dummy picks up dirt, bacteria, and debris instantly. A dummy case gives you somewhere clean and contained to store a dummy until it can be properly washed — rather than shoving it loose into a nappy bag pocket

Protection from damage — a dummy case protects the teat from being squashed, torn, or contaminated by other items in your baby bag

Easy identification — particularly useful if you have multiple dummies or multiple children, a dummy case keeps your soother easy to find and identify at a glance

Travel convenience — a compact dummy case clips easily to a nappy bag, fits in a car door pocket, or sits in a stroller cup holder keeping a spare dummy within reach wherever you go

We recommend keeping at least 2–3 dummies in rotation with a dedicated dummy case for each — minimising the inevitable mid-outing dummy crisis

Dummy Clips — Never Lose a Dummy Again

Alongside dummy cases, dummy clips are an essential accessory for any family using a dummy regularly. A dummy clip attaches your baby's dummy to their clothing, pram, or car seat preventing it from being dropped, lost, or contaminated on the ground

Look for a dummy clip with a secure, easy-to-attach clasp, a ribbon or strap length appropriate for safe use, and a design that complements your dummy brand and aesthetic. Suavinex and other premium dummy brands offer matching dummy clips designed specifically to pair with their soother range

Important safety note: always ensure dummy clips are used correctly and the ribbon length is short enough to prevent any risk of entanglement never attach a dummy clip to a cot, crib, or anywhere your baby sleeps unsupervised

Dummy Safety: What Every Australian Parent Should Know

Check regularly for wear — inspect your baby's dummy regularly for cracks, tears, or stickiness, particularly with latex dummies which degrade faster than silicone. Replace immediately at the first sign of damage

Replace on a schedule — most manufacturers recommend replacing dummies every 4–6 weeks even without visible damage, as the material can weaken over time with regular sterilising and use

Sterilise before first use and regularly thereafter — boil, steam sterilise, or use a steriliser solution to keep your baby's dummy clean, particularly in the newborn months when their immune system is still developing

Never tie a dummy around your baby's neck — always use a properly designed dummy clip that attaches to clothing rather than improvising with ribbon or string around the neck, which poses a strangulation risk

Choose the correct size — using a dummy pacifier for newborns that is too large, or continuing with a newborn size once your baby has grown, can affect comfort and oral development. Move up sizes according to the manufacturer's age guidelines

Consider weaning timing — most paediatric dentists recommend weaning from a dummy by around 2–3 years of age to minimise the risk of dental and orthodontic issues. Speak with your dentist or GP if you have concerns about prolonged dummy use

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best dummy for a newborn?
A dummy pacifier for newborns should be specifically sized for a tiny mouth look for a clearly labelled 0+ months or newborn size. An orthodontic dummy shape is recommended by most paediatric health professionals to support healthy oral development. Suavinex dummies in the 0–6 month size are a popular choice for Australian newborns

What is an orthodontic dummy and why does it matter?
An orthodontic dummy features a flattened, symmetrical teat shape designed to reduce pressure on a baby's developing palate and support healthy mouth and jaw development. Most paediatric dentists recommend choosing an orthodontic dummy over a traditional round shape, particularly for regular or extended dummy use

BIBS dummies vs Suavinex dummies — which is right for your baby?

Both BIBS and Suavinex are trusted, well-loved dummy brands at Baby Central, and the right choice often comes down to your baby's individual preference and your family's specific needs

BIBS dummies are known for their natural rubber latex teats, breathable vented shields, and beautiful Scandinavian design a popular choice for parents who want a soft, flexible teat with a classic aesthetic. Latex is a good option for babies who prefer a softer feel, though it does degrade faster than silicone and needs more frequent replacement

Suavinex dummies are designed using the same biomechanical research behind their popular Zero Zero breastfeeding bottles making them a particularly good fit for breastfeeding families who want consistency between bottle and dummy sucking mechanics, and want to minimise the risk of nipple confusion. The butterfly shield options are also specifically shaped for comfort against fuller newborn cheeks

If your baby is exclusively or partially breastfed and you're looking for the closest match to natural sucking mechanics, Suavinex is worth trying first. If your baby has already taken well to a softer latex teat, or you love the BIBS aesthetic, there's no reason to switch from what's working

As with most dummies, the best choice is often the one your individual baby accepts and settles with many Australian parents try a couple of brands before finding their baby's preference

Do I need a dummy case?
A dummy case is highly recommended for any family using a dummy regularly. It keeps the soother clean and protected when not in use, makes travel and outings significantly easier, and prevents a dropped dummy from being used again without proper cleaning. We recommend pairing a dummy case with each dummy in your rotation

How often should I replace my baby's dummy?
Most manufacturers recommend replacing a dummy every 4–6 weeks, even without visible damage. Check latex dummies more frequently than silicone, as latex degrades faster. Replace immediately at the first sign of cracking, tearing or stickiness

What is the difference between silicone and latex dummies?
Silicone dummies are firm, durable, and retain their shape well a good choice for babies without sensitivities. Latex dummies are softer and more flexible, often preferred by breastfed babies for their closer resemblance to a natural nipple, but they degrade faster and require more frequent replacement.

When should I wean my baby off a dummy?
Most paediatric dentists recommend weaning from a dummy by around 2–3 years of age to reduce the risk of dental and orthodontic complications. Speak with your dentist, GP, or maternal child health nurse if you have concerns about your child's dummy use or weaning timeline

Can I attach a dummy clip to my baby's cot?
No — dummy clips should never be attached to a cot, crib, or anywhere your baby sleeps unsupervised, due to strangulation risk. Dummy clips are designed for use during supervised awake time only, attached to clothing, a pram or a car seat

Free delivery on orders over $99 Australia wide. Shop with confidence — Baby Central is Australia's trusted baby specialist, with expert team members available to help you find the right dummy, orthodontic dummy, or dummy case for your baby