How to Sterilize Pacifiers — Plus, When It's Sufficient to Sanitize

Safety First: 4 Simple Methods to Sterilize Pacifiers & When to Opt for a Warm Soapy Wash

Sterilizing pacifiers is not always essential, according to pediatric expert Dr. Emily Grant.

Updated: February 20, 2024
Originally Published: April 26, 2022

With the joys of parenthood come endless chores, including the never-ending cycle of cleaning. From diaper blowouts to an array of tiny garments and baby items, the cleaning list can be overwhelming. One important item that babies often rely on for comfort is the pacifier. Given how frequently babies toss them around, it’s understandable that new parents may be concerned about their cleanliness, especially with the various methods available for sterilizing pacifiers.

In the past, when access to clean water was limited, healthcare professionals advised sterilizing all items that a baby might put in their mouth, such as bottles and pacifiers, to eliminate harmful bacteria. Nowadays, with most U.S. households having reliable access to clean water, frequent sterilization is generally unnecessary—except in certain situations. Dr. Emily Grant, a family medicine physician, notes, “It’s crucial to sterilize bottles, pacifiers, and sippy cups before their first use with babies and toddlers. After that, it’s really up for debate. Regular washing with warm, soapy water is key.”

At the end of each day, you can place your baby’s pacifiers in the dishwasher for a standard wash cycle. If you’re out and about and a pacifier touches a dirty surface (and you don’t have a spare), simply washing it with warm, soapy water before giving it back is usually adequate.

When to Sterilize Pacifiers

Besides the initial sterilization, Dr. Grant advises that it’s particularly important to sterilize pacifiers if your baby is under three months old, premature, or has a compromised immune system. In these cases, consult your pediatrician for the best approach. Generally, she recommends boiling pacifiers in water for five minutes.

It’s also a good idea to sterilize pacifiers if your baby has been ill, before using a shared pacifier (like one from a sibling or friend), or if your baby attends daycare, where their pacifier might come into contact with other children. Neglecting to sterilize in these situations could lead to bacterial infections or the spread of viruses.

Methods to Sterilize Pacifiers

There are several straightforward methods to sterilize pacifiers without requiring elaborate equipment:

Boiling Water: As Dr. Grant suggests, boiling pacifiers in water for about five minutes will eliminate most germs. Exercise caution when handling them, and let them dry on a clean, dry surface.
Dishwasher: Running the dishwasher on a hot wash and dry cycle is typically effective. For added safety, use the sterilize setting, especially if washing items that may have come into contact with raw food. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
UV Sterilizer Box: Many baby product brands offer UV sterilizer boxes that can disinfect pacifiers in under a minute, eradicating 99.9% of harmful germs. However, these should only be used on pre-cleaned items.
Microwave: For a quick method, place pacifiers in a microwave-safe bowl filled with water and microwave for 2-3 minutes. Allow the bowl to cool for another 2-3 minutes before removing the pacifiers to dry on a clean surface.

For newborns, daily sterilization is essential, but as they start exploring the world by putting things in their mouths, you can reduce the frequency. Always use hot water and detergent for cleaning, and ensure pacifiers are dry before storing them to minimize bacterial growth.

What to Avoid When Caring for Pacifiers

Now that you know how to properly sterilize a pacifier, it’s essential to understand what to avoid:

Don’t follow the five-second rule: If a pacifier falls on the floor or in dirt, it needs to be cleaned. While you may not need to sterilize it based on your baby’s age or health, washing it with warm soapy water is necessary. If you have a safe cleaning wipe, that can work too, as long as it’s free from harmful chemicals.
Avoid using your mouth to clean: This method can transfer your germs to your baby, which is not advisable.
Replace worn-out pacifiers: Dispose of any pacifiers that appear cracked or damaged, ideally after about two months of use.
Don’t sweeten pacifiers: Dipping pacifiers in sweet substances can encourage bacterial growth and harm your child’s teeth. Instead, consider freezing fruits or giving them other safe foods to suck on.
Avoid tying pacifiers around the neck: This presents a strangulation risk. Clipping it to their collar is a safer alternative.

In summary, aim to sterilize pacifiers at least once a month while cleaning or sanitizing them daily. Pro tip: always keep extra clean pacifiers handy! For more information, check out this post on home insemination and explore resources from Make a Mom and Johns Hopkins Medicine for additional insights.