Which soother is best for newborns?
Choosing a soother for your newborn baby can be a jungle. A soother is not just a soother, and there are many things to consider when choosing the best soother for a newborn baby.
For example, should the soother part be made of natural rubber or silicone? And what type of soother is best for a newborn baby? And last but not least, there's the shield, which also comes in two different shapes. Each thing has its function.
This guide will help you choose the best type of soother for your newborn baby.
Are silicone or natural rubber teats best for newborns?
Soothers are made with either silicone or natural rubber (also called latex) teats. The two materials each have their strengths and weaknesses. You can easily tell the two materials apart. Silicone is completely transparent/clear, while natural rubber is yellow-brown/matt.
Silicone is the more hygienic and hypoallergenic of the two types of material. As silicone is industrially produced, it is 100% free of allergenic substances. Silicone can withstand higher temperatures than latex and has a longer shelf life. Silicone is easier to clean than latex, which is why it is recommended for newborn babies.
The other type of material, latex, is softer and more elastic than silicone.
Whereas the surface of silicone can be very slippery for baby to suck on, natural rubber is more like the breast/skin in its texture. This is why some babies prefer latex soothers.
NOTE: If there is a latex allergy in the family, it is not recommended that you give your baby a latex soother. In rare cases, latex soothers can cause an allergic reaction.
Which type of soother is best for newborn babies?
There are three basic types of soothers, of which all soothers on the market are a variation: round, symmetrical and dental. The difference between the three types is the shape of the soother and how much pressure they put on the gums and teeth.
- The round soother is the shape most similar to the breast. After being on ice for a number of years, as this shape is not so good for teething, this soother has become popular again. This is because more breastfeeding counsellors and midwives recommend round natural rubber soothers to support breastfeeding.
- Symmetrical soothers are similar to round soothers in shape but are flatter and more teardrop-shaped in the soother part than the round one. This makes them a little gentler on the teething position, while still being very reminiscent of the breast.
Best soother for premature babies
Although the general recommendation is not to give a baby a soother until breastfeeding is fully established, premature babies are often given soothers from the start.
This is due to several reasons: First, baby needs comfort and reassurance. Secondly, many premature babies need to train their suckling reflex so that they can become strong enough to breastfeed on their own - a soother can help them get started.
As premature babies' immune systems are not fully developed, a silicone soother is often the best choice. This is because silicone soothers are easier to clean, and dirt and grime do not stick to silicone to the same extent as latex. In addition, you also spare baby the allergens in latex when you give a silicone soother.
Find the best Lullaby Planet soother for newborns
Lullaby Planet soothers come in each of the three basic soother types: round, symmetrical and dental - so you can choose the soother that best suits your baby's needs.
Be aware, however, that while some babies will take any sother you put in their mouth, others will be very picky and only take one particular soother.
At Lullaby, we've created a starter pack with each of the three basic soother types, so your baby can choose exactly the soother that fits best in his/her mouth at their leisure. The starter pack also includes a soother box that can be used to keep the soother clean, for example in the changing bag, and can also be used to sterilise baby's soother when you're out and about. All you need is a few tablespoons of water and a microwave.