How to Sterilize a Pacifier at Home and On the Go

Babies are often happiest when they’re sucking on something. From birth, they find 'non-nutritive sucking' comforting, which is why they might continue to suckle at the breast or bottle even after they're full. This instinctual behavior brings them a sense of calm and contentment.

This is precisely why Manhattan pharmacist Christian W. Meinecke patented the world’s first ‘baby comforter’ in 1901—parents everywhere owe him a big thank you! While the original teat, shield, and handle design remain much the same as they did over a century ago, modern pacifiers are now typically crafted from latex or silicone instead of rubber. 

Having a pacifier on hand during post-shot distress, restless before-bed moments, or cranky periods between feeds can be a game-changer. Whether you call it a paci, binki, wookie, or soother, this small but mighty object can make parenting significantly easier.

Learning how to clean a pacifier will help you make the most of it. When it inevitably falls to the bottom of your bag or stroller, it can get covered in crumbs and dirt—nightmare! Not to mention, pacifiers are often sneakily impossible to find.

But with a few simple steps, you can ensure your baby's pacifier is always secure and germ-free, whether you're at home or out and about. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about how to sterilize binkies. Plus, with The Pod by Tushbaby, you'll always have a sanitized pacifier within arm’s reach. Let's dive into how to keep those pacifiers spotless!

How to Keep a Pacifier Clean

Table of Contents

• Why Sterilize a Pacifier?
• How to Clean a Pacifier Before First Use?
• What are the Best Methods of Sterilizing Pacifiers?
• Can you Boil Pacifiers for Too Long?
• How Do You Clean the Inside of Pacifier?
• How to Clean a Pacifier on the Go
• Can I use baby wipes to clean pacifiers?
• Is it Necessary to Sterilize Pacifiers?
• At What Age Can I I Stop Sanitizing Pacifiers?
• When Should I Throw Away a Pacifier?
• Preventing Pacifiers From Getting Dirty

Why Sterilize a Pacifier?

Learning how to sterilize a pacifier is essential, especially before its first use and whenever it gets dropped in places like the car floor or ground. Knowing how to disinfect a pacifier effectively will prevent your baby from ingesting harmful germs and bacteria. While younger babies need more frequent sterilization due to their weaker immune systems, older babies can get by with regular cleaning. 

It’s helpful for you and your baby to have a clean pacifier handy for any fussy moments. If you know you have one clean and ready-to-go, you can avoid the scramble when things escalate quickly. 

How to Clean a Pacifier Before First Use?

Many parents wonder how to sterilize soothers before first use. It’s important to sanitize each new pacifier before you initially use it. We often forget how much bacteria pacifiers can be exposed to in transit, in stores, and before our babies use them. Sanitizing can be done by using boiling water to eliminate germs on the pacifier before your child uses it. Once your pacifier is sufficiently sanitized, store it in a protective case like The Pod by Tushbaby. You can clip The Pod onto your Tushbaby carrier, Totebaby diaper bag, or purse for easy access, far away from the bottom of your bag!

What are the Best Methods of Sterilizing Pacifiers?

There are several different ways you can ensure your pacifier is fresh and sterile for use when you need it most, but how to clean a pacifier will ultimately depend on what you have available. This can include boiling your baby’s binky the old-fashioned way or popping it in the microwave or dishwasher as a more convenient way to keep it clean. You can also sterilize a pacifier using UV or steam. Keep reading below for more information on each of these methods.

Sterilizing a Pacifier by Boiling

Boiling is a reliable method to sterilize pacifiers:

1. Boil Water: Use a pot or an electric kettle.
2. Soak the Pacifier: Place it in the boiling water for 5 minutes.

Dry Thoroughly: Let it air dry on a clean towel.

Sterilizing a Pacifier by Using the Microwave

Microwave sterilization is quick and easy:

1. Clean the Pacifier: Rinse it with water.
2. Microwave: Use a microwave-safe sterilization bag or a microwave-safe container with water. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for time settings.

Sterilizing a Pacifier by Using the Dishwasher

Many pacifiers are dishwasher-safe:
1. Top Rack Placement: Place the pacifier on the top rack of the dishwasher.
2. Use the Sanitize Cycle: Ensure your dishwasher's sanitize cycle is on.

Using UV Devices to Sterilize a Pacifier

UV sterilizers are another convenient option:

1. Insert Pacifier: Place the pacifier inside the UV sterilizer.

Follow Instructions: Run the sterilizer according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

Can you Boil Pacifiers for Too Long?

Parents learning how to clean pacifiers for the first time may wonder if it’s possible to boil a pacifier for too long. As we mentioned previously, the recommended time for allowing pacifiers to boil is about 5 minutes. With prolonged boiling or sterilization, a pacifier can lose its durability. It’s best to remove the pacifier after about 5 minutes in boiling water to keep it in good condition.

How Do You Clean the Inside of a Pacifier?

If you notice water on the inside of the pacifier after sanitizing, you can simply press out any excess water by squeezing the nipple. 

How to Clean a Pacifier on the Go

When your baby's pacifier takes a tumble in public, pacifier cleaning wipes are the quickest solution. These wipes are free from alcohol and harsh chemicals, making them safe and convenient for quick clean-ups. Remember, learning how to store a pacifier is key to keeping your paci fresh—for this, The Pod is your new best friend!

Can I Use Baby Wipes to Clean Pacifiers?

Since baby wipes are intended not to contain harsh chemicals, they can also be used to quickly clean your pacifier while on the go. 

Is it Necessary to Sterilize Pacifiers?

Sterilizing pacifiers is crucial to prevent your baby from putting unwanted germs in their mouth. While full sanitization is vital before the first use of a pacifier, it may not be required all the time. In fact, with too much sanitization, a pacifier can lose its durability. For older babies, regular cleaning with soap and hot water is often sufficient between full sterilizations.

At What Age Can I Stop Sanitizing Pacifiers?

How often you sanitize pacifiers may lessen as your baby gets older. Newborns are much more at risk of exposure to bacteria, which is why proper sanitization is important, especially early on. At about 6 months, sanitizing pacifiers may not need to be done as often. 

When Should I Throw Away a Pacifier?

Inspect pacifiers regularly for signs of wear and tear. Be sure to replace them every two months or sooner if you notice any cracks or damage. Remember, storing pacifiers properly in a case like The Pod by Tushbaby can prolong their life and protect them from germs and external damage.

Before giving your baby a pacifier, it’s a good idea to give it a quick inspection for any signs that it is wearing down. These signs will include pacifiers that have any tears or cracks. How often parents replace pacifiers can vary, but it’s safe to say you should replace a pacifier at least every 2 months. If you find yourself needing to sanitize pacifiers more often, keep in mind that this period before a replacement could be shorter. 

One of the best ways to keep a pacifier in good condition once sanitized is to ensure it’s stored in a safe place. This is another reason why The Pod will help keep your baby safe. Keeping a pacifier stored in a safe place will ensure it isn’t getting knicks or gunk from something in your diaper bag or purse.

Preventing Pacifier From Getting Dirty

After all the effort to sterilize, the last thing you want is a dirty pacifier. The Pod by Tushbaby is the cutest solution to keep your baby’s binky germ-free and ready to use. Simply clip it onto your bag or Tushbaby carrier to ensure your pacifiers are always sparkling clean and accessible. 

This chic holder allows you to store your baby’s pacifier in a safe place without having to rifle through everything in your bag when they need it most. On non-baby days, you can even use it to store essentials like your lipstick, credit cards or earbuds.

Keep your baby happy and germ-free with a clean pacifier always at hand. Try The Pod by Tushbaby today!