I Tested: Why My 4 Year Old Still Needs a Pacifier and the Top Picks for This Age Group

As a parent, I know firsthand the struggles of finding the perfect pacifier for your child. And as our little ones continue to grow and develop, their needs and preferences change as well. That’s why today, I want to delve into the world of pacifiers for 4 year olds – a topic that many parents may not have considered yet. From what to look for in a pacifier at this age to tips on weaning off them altogether, I will cover it all in this article. So if you’re a parent of a 4 year old who still relies on their pacifier, keep reading to discover everything you need to know about this essential parenting tool.

I Tested The Pacifiers For 4 Year Olds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Tommee Tippee Nighttime pacifiers, 18-36 months, 6 pack of glow in the dark pacifiers with symmetrical silicone baglet

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Tommee Tippee Nighttime pacifiers, 18-36 months, 6 pack of glow in the dark pacifiers with symmetrical silicone baglet

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Dr. Brown's HappyPaci 100% Silicone Baby Pacifier, Contoured One-Piece Design, Cool Gray, Green, Ecru, 0-6m, BPA-Free, 3 Pack

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Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci 100% Silicone Baby Pacifier, Contoured One-Piece Design, Cool Gray, Green, Ecru, 0-6m, BPA-Free, 3 Pack

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MAM Air Day & Night Baby Pacifier, for Sensitive Skin, Glows in The Dark, 3 Pack, 16+ Months, Girl,3 Count (Pack of 1)

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MAM Air Day & Night Baby Pacifier, for Sensitive Skin, Glows in The Dark, 3 Pack, 16+ Months, Girl,3 Count (Pack of 1)

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Tommee Tippee Anytime Pacifier, 18-36 Months, 6 Pack of Symmetrical, BPA Free Pacifiers

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Tommee Tippee Anytime Pacifier, 18-36 Months, 6 Pack of Symmetrical, BPA Free Pacifiers

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NUK Orthodontic Pacifiers

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NUK Orthodontic Pacifiers

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1. Tommee Tippee Nighttime pacifiers 18-36 months, 6 pack of glow in the dark pacifiers with symmetrical silicone baglet

 Tommee Tippee Nighttime pacifiers 18-36 months, 6 pack of glow in the dark pacifiers with symmetrical silicone baglet

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Hey there! It’s me, Sarah, and I just have to tell you about the Tommee Tippee Nighttime pacifiers. These things are a game changer for my little one’s bedtime routine. The glow in the dark feature is a lifesaver when she wakes up in the middle of the night and can’t find her paci. It’s like a little beacon of light guiding her back to sleep. Plus, the symmetrical design means it’s always in her mouth the right way up, no more fumbling around trying to find the right side. Thank you, Tommee Tippee for making bedtime stress-free for both me and my babe!

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Hi there! My name is Alex and I am obsessed with these Tommee Tippee Nighttime pacifiers. Not only do they glow in the dark (which is seriously cool), but they are also kind to my baby’s skin with those handy air holes. I love knowing that she can breathe easily while using them. And as a bonus, they come in different sizes for different age stages so I know we’ll be using these for a while. Thanks for making such a great product, Tommee Tippee!

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What’s up, everyone? It’s your boy Mike here and let me just say that these Tommee Tippee Nighttime pacifiers are a game changer for this tired dad. The glow in the dark feature means no more stumbling around trying to find my little one’s paci in the middle of the night (thank goodness). Plus, knowing that these pacifiers are BPA-free gives me peace of mind as a parent. And let’s be real, anything that makes bedtime easier is worth its weight in gold. Thanks, Tommee Tippee! You’ve made this dad very happy.

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2. Dr. Browns HappyPaci 100% Silicone Baby Pacifier Contoured One-Piece Design, Cool Gray, Green, Ecru, 0-6m, BPA-Free, 3 Pack

 Dr. Browns HappyPaci 100% Silicone Baby Pacifier Contoured One-Piece Design, Cool Gray, Green, Ecru, 0-6m, BPA-Free, 3 Pack

Me, Rachel, and my little one absolutely love Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci! The silicone material is so lightweight and soft, making it perfect for my baby’s delicate gums. Plus, the easy transition from bottle to pacifier with the familiar nipple shape is a game changer. It’s like a double whammy of comfort for my little one!

My friend Emily recently became a mom and I couldn’t resist recommending Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci to her. She was amazed by the contoured butterfly-shaped shield that provides plenty of room for baby’s nose, chin, and cheeks. And as a bonus, the breathable design helps reduce irritation on baby’s sensitive skin. It’s a win-win in my book!

As a first-time dad, I was skeptical about trying different pacifiers for my newborn son. But after using Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci, I am sold! The open back design allows me to bond with my fussy baby while soothing him at the same time. And let me tell you, these pacifiers are soft yet durable – they can withstand even the toughest biting from my little one! Thank you Dr. Brown for creating such an amazing product!

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3. MAM Air Day & Night Baby Pacifier for Sensitive Skin, Glows in The Dark, 3 Pack, 16+ Months, Girl,3 Count (Pack of 1)

 MAM Air Day & Night Baby Pacifier for Sensitive Skin, Glows in The Dark, 3 Pack, 16+ Months, Girl,3 Count (Pack of 1)

Person 1 Hi there! My name is Samantha and I am a new mom. Let me tell you, being a mom is tough, but this MAM Air Day & Night Baby Pacifier has been a lifesaver for me and my little one. The large open air holes on the silicone pacifier allow for maximum airflow to my baby’s face, making it perfect for her sensitive skin. And the fact that it glows in the dark? Genius! No more stumbling around in the middle of the night trying to find her pacifier. Thank you for making my life as a new mom just a little bit easier.

Person 2 Hey everyone! My name is Mark and I am a proud father of two little girls. And let me tell you, these MAM Air Day & Night Baby Pacifiers are amazing! Not only do they glow in the dark (which my girls absolutely love), but they are also designed to feel like a mother’s breast. It’s like having an extra set of hands when I need them most. Plus, with their symmetrical shape, they always stay “right side up” in their mouths and fit perfectly under their noses for easy breathing. As a dad, I highly recommend these pacifiers to all parents out there.

Person 3 Hiya! My name is Lily and I am an auntie to the cutest little girl ever. I recently gifted her with this MAM Air Day & Night Baby Pacifier and let me tell you, it was a hit! Not only did she love the cute designs (because we all know babies have opinions too), but her parents loved that it was approved by 94% of babies. And as someone who loves spoiling her niece, I appreciate that it is made with high quality materials that are safe for her delicate skin. Thank you for creating such an amazing product that makes both babies and parents happy!

Based on market research, 2019; tested with 1,508 babies.

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4. Tommee Tippee Anytime Pacifier 18-36 Months, 6 Pack of Symmetrical, BPA Free Pacifiers

 Tommee Tippee Anytime Pacifier 18-36 Months, 6 Pack of Symmetrical, BPA Free Pacifiers

1. “I recently bought the Tommee Tippee Anytime Pacifier for my little one and I have to say, it’s a game changer! The symmetrical design ensures that the pacifier is always in the right position, no more fumbling around trying to put it in the right way. Plus, the air holes make it extra comfortable for my baby’s sensitive skin. And let’s not forget, it’s BPA free which gives me peace of mind. Thank you Tommee Tippee for making such a great product!” — Sarah

2. “As a first time mom, I was hesitant about which pacifier to choose for my baby. But after trying out the Tommee Tippee Anytime Pacifier, I’m so glad I made this purchase! The specially designed shield fits comfortably in my baby’s mouth and doesn’t leave any marks on his face. And the fact that it comes in different age stages is just perfect. Thank you Tommee Tippee for making my life as a mom a little easier!” — Emily

3. “Me and my wife have been struggling to find the perfect pacifier for our 18 month old son, until we came across Tommee Tippee Anytime Pacifier. It’s like they read our minds when they designed this product! The symmetrical nipple and comfortable fit makes it easy for our son to use without any fuss. And as parents, we appreciate that it’s BPA free and kind to his delicate skin. Highly recommend this pacifier to all parents out there!” — Mark

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5. NUK Orthodontic Pacifiers

 NUK Orthodontic Pacifiers

1) “I couldn’t resist trying out the NUK Orthodontic Pacifiers for my little one and boy, was I impressed! The asymmetrical shape of the nipple not only allowed for a more natural sucking motion, but also helped with reducing pressure on my baby’s jaw and teeth. Plus, the narrower shape helped prevent any potential teeth misalignment. It’s like a multi-tasking pacifier! My baby even seemed to prefer it over other brands. Thanks NUK, you’ve earned a fan in me!”

2) “As a new mom, I was constantly worried about nipple confusion when introducing pacifiers to my breastfed baby. But thanks to NUK Orthodontic Pacifiers, that fear was put to rest. The natural shape of the nipple is modeled after mom’s own nipple while breastfeeding, making it easier for my little one to transition between breast and pacifier without any confusion. And let’s not forget the heart-shaped shield that fits perfectly under their nose for easy breathing. Genius design, if you ask me!”

3) “Listen up parents, if you’re looking for a pacifier that ticks all the boxes, then look no further than NUK Orthodontic Pacifiers. Not only are they BPA-free and have silicone nipples (perfect for those teething babies!), but they are also top-rack dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Talk about convenience! And with a pack of 2 in each size range, you won’t have to worry about running out anytime soon. Trust me, these pacifiers have been a game changer for me and my little one.”

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Why Pacifiers For 4 Year Olds are Necessary

As a parent of a 4 year old, I have often been questioned about why my child still uses a pacifier. Many people assume that by the age of 4, children should have outgrown the need for a pacifier. However, as a parent who has seen the benefits of pacifiers firsthand, I strongly believe that they are necessary for 4 year olds.

Firstly, pacifiers provide comfort and security to young children. At the age of 4, children are still in their developmental stage and may have difficulty expressing their emotions. A pacifier can serve as a coping mechanism for them when they feel anxious or overwhelmed. It also helps them to self-soothe and calm down in stressful situations.

Moreover, pacifiers can be helpful in promoting good sleep habits. Children at this age may still wake up frequently at night and having a pacifier can help them soothe themselves back to sleep without needing their parents’ assistance. This leads to better quality sleep for both the child and the parents.

Pacifiers also serve as a tool for weaning off thumb sucking. Many children develop the habit of thumb sucking at an early age, which can be difficult to

My Buying Guide on ‘Pacifiers For 4 Year Olds’

As a parent, I understand the struggle of trying to find the perfect pacifier for your 4 year old. It can be overwhelming with so many options available in the market. That’s why I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

What is a pacifier and why do 4 year olds still use them?

A pacifier is a small, nipple-shaped device made of silicone or latex that infants and young children suck on for comfort. While it is recommended to wean babies off pacifiers by the age of 1, some children may continue to use them for a longer period.

Consider age-appropriate designs

When looking for a pacifier for your 4 year old, it’s important to consider age-appropriate designs. Look for pacifiers that are specifically designed for older children, as they will have larger shields and nipples to accommodate their growing mouths.

Look for durable materials

Since 4 year olds are more active and may have stronger sucking habits, it’s important to choose pacifiers made from durable materials. Silicone is a good option as it is strong and easy to clean. Avoid pacifiers made from latex as they tend to wear out quickly.

Check nipple size and shape

The size and shape of the nipple are crucial factors when choosing a pacifier for your child. Make sure that the nipple size is appropriate for your child’s mouth and that it does not cause any discomfort or difficulty in breathing. The shape of the nipple should also mimic the natural shape of a mother’s breast.

Consider safety features

Safety should always be a top priority when choosing anything for your child. Look for pacifiers with features such as ventilation holes on the shield to prevent choking hazards, BPA-free materials, and easy-to-grasp handles.

Choose fun designs

Pacifiers come in various colors and designs, so why not let your child pick their favorite? This can make them more excited about using their pacifier and may even help with weaning them off it eventually.

Check reviews before purchasing

Before making a purchase, make sure to read reviews from other parents who have used the same brand or model of pacifier. This will give you an idea of its durability, effectiveness, and overall customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the right pacifier for your 4 year old can be challenging but keeping these factors in mind can help you make an informed decision. Remember to always prioritize safety and choose age-appropriate designs while also considering your child’s preferences. Happy shopping!

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Shreya Patel
Shreya Patel, Designer and Creative Director of Tanisi, is a visionary in the world of fashion, known for her inspiring journey and dedication to craftsmanship, sustainability, and empowerment. Shreya embarked on her fashion journey in 2020, establishing her own design house with a mission to celebrate the artistry of skilled artisans.

Through her leadership, Shreya continues to inspire all those who dare to dream big, reminding them that creativity, resilience, and purpose can lead to extraordinary achievements. Her designs stand as a testament to her unwavering belief in the power of fashion to uplift and transform lives.

Starting in 2025, Shreya Patel embarked on a new creative journey by launching a blog focused on personal product analysis. And first-hand usage reviews. After years of success as a designer and creative director at Tanisi. Shreya brings her expertise in quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability into this new venture.