Soothers are a product your baby is likely to use a lot. Soothers develop the sucking function as well as keeping your baby calm. Therefore it’s totally normal to be a little picky when choosing a soother.

Soothers are made from two materials, either rubber or silicone. Round-shaped soothers mimic a more natural experience as they a similar to a breast due to their puffed round design. 

Rubber is a natural material and is more flexible, and therefore softer than their silicone counterpart. Rubber does tend to smell though, which occasionally can disturb the mom or baby. They also get dirtier easier, need replacing more regularly and become deformed faster due to the water content of rubber. Rubber soothers need to be cleaned with special disinfectants or cold sterilization methods. It is not a heat resistant material so cannot be cleaned with a boiling method.

Silicon is a natural material containing silicum. Unlike rubber, it is odorless and tasteless, harder and more durable. They do not become deformed as easily and are heat resistant meaning you can clean with the boiling sterilization method (with steam or boiling water). As they are smooth and transparent, they are also easier to clean. Therefore we generally recommend silicon soothers over rubber ones. 

More Resources

• Are soothers harmful for your baby?
• How do you choose a soother?
• Soothers Made of Which Materials Are Healthy?
• What are the properties of a cherry-shaped soother?
• What should you consider when choosing a soother holder?
• When should a baby stop using a soother?
• When should you use a soother?