Cleaning & Care Tips for BIBS Pacifiers
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If you’re here, chances are your little one has fallen hard for their BIBS pacifier — and honestly, we get it. With their timeless Danish design, natural rubber nipple, and range of gorgeous colours, these soothers are basically the runway models of the pacifier world. But with all that drooling, sucking, and constant use, proper cleaning and care are essential to keep your baby’s pacifier safe, hygienic, and long-lasting.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about caring for your BIBS pacifiers — from first-use prep to daily cleaning routines, storage, replacement schedules, sterilization tips, and insider advice for keeping them in tip-top shape.
Why Pacifier Care Matters
We know — washing pacifiers probably isn’t at the top of your fun things to do while sleep-deprived list. But here’s the deal: babies put pacifiers in their mouths for hours every day, which means they can quickly collect bacteria, dust, and mystery fuzz (you know the one). Newborns and young infants have developing immune systems, which makes them more susceptible to germs. Without proper care, pacifiers can harbour harmful bacteria or even mould in tiny cracks you might not see at first glance.
Keeping your BIBS pacifiers clean helps prevent illness by reducing exposure to bacteria and viruses, extends the life of the natural rubber nipple by protecting it from premature wear, and keeps them looking cute.
Step 1: Prepping a New BIBS Pacifier
Before your little one’s first suck, you’ll want to give that pacifier a proper clean. New pacifiers can have trace dust or residue from the manufacturing and packaging process. Although they are made in hygienic conditions, sterilizing before first use ensures your baby’s first experience with their new BIBS soother is perfectly clean.
To do this, bring water to a boil in a pot or kettle. Place the pacifier in a clean, heat-proof bowl — avoid putting it directly in the pot, as this can damage the lightweight shield or warp the natural rubber nipple. Carefully pour the boiling water over the pacifier until it is fully submerged, and let it sit for about five minutes. This kills any lingering germs and softens the nipple for your baby’s comfort. Once the time is up, remove it carefully (it will be hot), place it on a clean towel, and allow it to air dry completely before use.
Why not just boil it directly? Direct contact with boiling water and constant movement can cause natural rubber to break down more quickly or change shape. The pour-over method keeps the pacifier sanitized without causing unnecessary wear and tear.
Step 2: Daily Cleaning Routine
Once your BIBS pacifier is in regular rotation, it’s important to keep up a daily cleaning routine.
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For newborns up to 3 months old, you may want to sanitize their pacifier before every use since their immune system is still developing.
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For older babies, a thorough wash once or twice a day, plus cleaning after any big drops, is usually enough.
Start by rinsing the pacifier in warm water and a mild, baby-safe soap. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or antibacterial sprays — they can leave harmful residues and damage the rubber nipple. If the pacifier hits the floor, lands in a questionable spot, or your baby shares it with a curious toddler sibling, sanitize it again using the same hot water pour-over method from the first step.
When you’re out and about, a BIBS Pacifier Box can be a game-changer. This compact storage container keeps a clean soother ready to go and prevents it from collecting crumbs or lint in your diaper bag. You can even pop a freshly cleaned pacifier inside, so you’re prepared for those “uh-oh, it’s on the floor again” moments.
Step 3: Deep Cleaning & Sterilization
Sometimes, a quick rinse just isn’t enough. If your baby has been sick, the pacifier has been heavily used, or you simply want extra peace of mind, it’s time for a deeper clean.
You can sterilize BIBS pacifiers safely using boiling water, but with a few important notes: always pour boiling water over the pacifier in a heat-proof bowl and let it soak for five minutes. Gently squeeze the nipple to release trapped water and then air dry completely. This method is safe for both latex and silicone pacifiers.
Microwave sterilization? Yes, but only for silicone BIBS pacifiers, not natural rubber latex ones. Use a microwave-safe sterilizing box (like the BIBS Pacifier Box), add two tablespoons of water, place the pacifier inside, and microwave for no longer than 60 seconds. Temperatures should not exceed 110°C (230°F). This is a quick, convenient method when you’re on the go, but never microwave natural rubber pacifiers, as the heat can warp or damage the nipple.
Electronic steam sterilizers: These are generally not recommended for latex pacifiers due to the higher temperatures potentially damaging the material. Silicone pacifiers can be sterilized this way, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer's instructions closely and avoid temperatures above 110°C (230°F).
One more heads-up — while sterilizing regularly is important, over-sterilizing can weaken the pacifier’s materials, especially natural rubber nipples. Striking a balance is key: sterilize regularly when the baby is younger or during illness, but daily warm water and soap cleaning is usually sufficient for everyday use.
Step 4: Proper Pacifier Storage Between Uses
After cleaning, storage matters. Use a ventilated pacifier case to allow airflow and prevent moisture build-up that can lead to mould. Avoid sealed plastic bags or airtight containers for long-term storage, since trapped moisture encourages bacterial growth. Keep pacifiers out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources — heat can dry out natural rubber, making it brittle and prone to cracking.
Step 5: Knowing When to Replace a BIBS Pacifier
Even with perfect care, pacifiers aren’t forever — and natural rubber nipples have a shorter lifespan than silicone. Over time, the nipple can swell, darken, develop tiny cracks, or change shape from repeated use and cleaning.
As a general rule, replace your BIBS pacifier every 4–6 weeks. You may need to replace it sooner if you notice any discolouration, sticky texture, swelling, cracks, tears, or mould. If your baby suddenly refuses their favourite soother, it could be because the shape or texture has changed without you noticing. Having a few backups on hand is essential — both for hygiene and your sanity.
Extra Tips for Pacifier Care:
Rotate your pacifiers so each one gets time to fully dry between uses. This not only helps prevent bacterial growth but also extends the life of each soother.
If your little one is in daycare or spends time with other caregivers, label their pacifiers to prevent mix-ups. And finally, don’t forget to have fun with it — BIBS offers a huge range of colours, so you can match pacifiers to your baby’s outfit or your own style!
BIBS Pacifier Care FAQ
Q: Can I put BIBS pacifiers in the dishwasher?
A: No — the high heat and detergents can damage the natural rubber nipple and reduce its lifespan.
Q: How do I get water out of the nipple after cleaning?
A: Gently squeeze the nipple between your fingers to push the water out, then air dry completely. A little water inside isn’t harmful, but it’s best to remove it.
Q: Can I use a pacifier clip?
A: Yes! A pacifier clip like the BIBS Paci Braid helps prevent drops and keeps your soother cleaner for longer. Just ensure it’s used under supervision and not during sleep.
Q: Why does the nipple look bigger than when I bought it?
A: Natural rubber can expand slightly over time with use and cleaning — this is a sign that it’s time for a replacement.
BIBS Pacifiers & Accessories:
At Snuggle Bugz, we carry a wide selection of BIBS pacifiers and matching accessories to make pacifier care simple and stylish. Our range includes the BIBS Colour Pacifiers, the iconic round nipple loved by parents worldwide; the BIBS De Lux, a modern twist with a silicone nipple option; and the BIBS Boheme, perfect for boho-loving parents.
Don’t forget to grab a BIBS Pacifier Box for clean, on-the-go storage and a BIBS Paci Braid to keep your soother within reach. Whether you’re a first-time parent figuring out your cleaning routine or a seasoned pro looking for a refresh, keeping your baby’s pacifier clean is a small task with a big payoff — a healthier baby, a happier parent, and more time for those sweet snuggles.
Final Takeaway: Your baby’s BIBS pacifier is more than just a soother — it’s a source of comfort, calm, and (let’s be real) a little slice of sanity for you. With the right cleaning and care routine, you can keep it safe, hygienic, and ready for many more soothing moments!