BIBS Dummies - Frequently Asked Questions

Pacifier Shield - Polypropylene (PP)

The shields on all BIBS Dummies are made from 100% food-safe material - completely free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates.

The shield is designed with holes to allow for air flow and minimise skin irritation.

All BIBS Dummies feature a lightweight shield that has been carefully designed to curve away from the sensitive and delicate skin around the baby’s mouth. This helps to ensure minimum contact with baby’s nose and mouth, which means less chance of moisture build-up from saliva that can cause rashes and soreness spots.

Pacifier Nipple/Teat - Natural Rubber Latex or Silicone

Natural Rubber Latex

Latex is a natural material made from a sticky milky fluid, tapped from the Hevea tree. The fluid is refined into a brown/yellow rubber, which is a soft, elastic and resilient material, resembling the softness of a mother’s nipple.

The rubber latex material comes with a natural aging process affected by natural influences like UV light, air, saliva, and heat. The elasticity of the material allows the nipple to change shape and size, because of baby’s strong sucking vacuum, which means that the nipple in some cases can expand if not replaced in time.

Rubber latex can also have a slight characteristic odour and taste from the rubber and may not be suitable for a baby with a latex allergy.

Silicone

Silicone is an industrially manufactured hypoallergenic, odourless, and taste-neutral material that is known for its purity.

It is 100% free of harmful and endocrine-disrupting ingredients such as BPA, PVC, and phthalates.

The smooth transparent nipple is not as soft as natural rubber latex, but it does retain its shape and is an allergy friendly material.

BIBS silicone nipples are made of food-grade silicone, which is manufactured under high-quality control procedures.

Both BIBS Dummies materials, latex and silicone, are very different and have great properties - most of the time it will come down to which material is most suitable for your baby or which they prefer.

When it comes to the nipple, no size or shape is right or wrong because all babies are different. It can be necessary to try out different shapes and sizes to find the perfect fit for your child. Some babies prefer a certain nipple shape, size, or material while others do not have any preferences and will take whatever shape, size, and material you offer. Babies have different preferences, different sucking techniques, and different mouth anatomy. Therefore, BIBS Dummies offer different pacifiers that meet all these different needs.

Rubber latex is a natural material and is affected by sunlight, high temperatures, and moisture which accelerates the ageing process of the material - the latex material can change its properties and can become brittle or sticky.

Whenever you experience a change in the material, the pacifier must be replaced.

If your new BIBS Dummies are different in size compared to older dummies, this will be due to the teat expanding through heavy use. The teat is made from a natural material, which doesn’t contain any stabilising chemicals to keep the shape of the nipple.

The enlarged pacifier nipple indicates that the nipple has been in use for a while, which has resulted in a swelling of the latex material. Therefore, the present size can differ from the original size and the new pacifier seems smaller than the old one.

It is recommended to have a few dummies in rotation so any size difference when introducing a new dummy, isn’t as noticeable.

BIBS Dummies is a high-quality Danish brand, established in the 1980’s. BIBS Dummies are designed and manufactured in Hillerød, north of Copenhagen, Denmark, EU.

We currently stock the following sizes of BIBS Dummies, covering from newborn up to 3 years

• Size 1 (0+months)
  
  
• Size 2 (6+months)
  
  
• One Size (0 to 3 years)
  (De Lux style silicone pacifier only)

Age and size indications are only a guide, as all sizes can be used from when baby is born, as per the manufacturer.

For many babies Size 1 BIBS Dummies will be too small - it is most likely that baby will accept a size 2 dummy from beginning to end.

Size 2 BIBS Dummies are the most commonly used size (labelled as 6-18 months, but suitable for newborn use, as per the manufacturer's recommendation) - as the teat length is crucial to getting baby’s sucking reflexes activated.

There are also Size 3 BIBS Dummies (for 18+ months), however we don't currently stock this size.

BIBS Colour, Boheme and De Lux pacifier shields come in one size, no matter the nipple size.

BIBS Infinity pacifier shields come in two different sizes that match the nipple size - the bigger the nipple, the bigger the shield.

Round teat/nipple

The round nipple resembles the shape and size of a mother’s breast and promotes a similar tongue placement and sucking technique as when breastfeeding, since the round shape allows the sides of the tongue to elevate and cup around the nipple.

The nipple is equipped with a valve, that lets out air when baby closes down on the nipple. This ventilation system causes the air from inside the nipple to be pushed out through the valve thereby flattening the nipple to shape naturally after the baby’s oral cavity.

There are three different shields available with the BIBS Dummies round nipple/teat:

Colour - the original BIBS pacifier has the signature round BIBS shield with three vent holes and round BIBS engraved handle ring. Colour is available in natural rubber latex in size 1 and 2.

Boheme - is inspired by the modern bohemian style, with its natural elements and organic silhouette, it appears in a fresh, creative, and aesthetic design. Boheme is available in natural rubber latex in size 1 and 2.

De Lux - is a modern and timeless pacifier, with an enlarged front. The front makes it easy to print a name on the pacifier, making it perfect for daycare. De Lux is available in silicone in Onesize for 0-3 years

Symmetrical teat/nipple

The symmetrical nipple has a flat-drop-shape to accommodate babies who prefer a flatter symmetrical nipple shape. The drop-shaped nipple promotes a tongue placement and sucking technique where the tongue is flat and presses the pacifier flat against the palate, which means that the baby does not need to suck as hard (as with a round nipple) for the pacifier to flatten inside the mouth.

The nipple is equipped with a valve, that lets out air when the baby closes down on the nipple. This ventilation system causes the air from inside the nipple to be pushed out through the valve thereby flattening the nipple to shape naturally after the baby’s oral cavity.

There are two different shields available with the BIBS Dummies symmetrical nipple/teat:

Infinity - features an infinity shaped shield, created by elegant intertwined circles, with a symmetrically shaped nipple. This drop-shaped nipple promotes a tongue placement and sucking technique where the tongue is flat and presses the pacifier flat against the palate, which means that the baby does not need to suck as hard for the pacifier to flatten inside the mouth.

The shield comes in two different sizes that match the nipple size. The bigger the nipple - the bigger the shield. The nipple comes in silicone only, in size 1 and 2.

Colour - features a round and lightweight shield, that is carefully designed to curve away from the sensitive and delicate skin around the baby’s mouth to less chance of moisture build-up. The shields come in one size no matter the nipple size. Colour is available in natural rubber latex in sizes 1 and 2.

Anatomical nipple

The anatomical nipple is curved at the top, for a natural fit to the baby’s palate with an angled tip for easy tongue placement. The curved top promotes a tongue placement and sucking technique where the sides of the tongue cup around the nipple, as it, does during breastfeeding.

The angled tip means that the baby does not need to suck as hard (as with a round nipple) for the pacifier to flatten inside the mouth.

The nipple is equipped with a valve, that lets out air when the baby closes down on the nipple. This ventilation system causes the air from inside the nipple to be pushed out through the valve thereby flattening the nipple to shape naturally after the baby’s oral cavity.

There are two different shields available with the BIBS Dummies anatomical nipple/teat:

Infinity - features an infinity shaped shield, created by elegant intertwined circles, with an anatomically shaped nipple, curved at the top for a natural fit to baby's palate with an angled tip for easy tongue placement - this nipple shapes gives less pressure on the jaw, gums and teeth.

The shield comes in two different sizes that match the nipple size. The bigger the nipple - the bigger the shield. The nipple comes in silicone only, in size 1 and 2.

Colour - features a round and lightweight shield, that is carefully designed to curve away from the sensitive and delicate skin around the baby’s mouth to less chance of moisture build-up. The shields come in one size no matter the nipple size. Colour is available in natural rubber latex in size 1 and 2.

Concern about pacifier use in relation to breastfeeding often stems from the fact that the sucking technique used during breastfeeding are different from those used with artificial nipples on bottles and pacifiers.

The round nipple is the one health professionals recommend when breastfeeding baby - this is because the round nipple makes the baby roll its tongue around the pacifier just as it does during breastfeeding. It is also important to focus on the pacifier’s length so that it enters the mouth and touches the soft part of the palate, which stimulates the natural sucking reflex.

The natural soft latex cherry shaped nipple and matte lightweight shield on the BIBS Dummies Colour Pacifier is designed to be the most similar shape to a mother’s breast and is therefore recommended by midwifes to support natural breastfeeding - as both the specific length and shape of BIBS Dummies gives baby the right sucking technique at the breast.

BIBS Dummies Night or Glow pacifiers make it easy for both parents and little ones to find their pacifiers in the dark, without needing to turn on the light to find a lost pacifier. BIBS Night pacifiers feature a ring with a practical luminescent effect - simply hold the pacifier up to a light source for 5 to 10 seconds to activate the effect, which will last for 8+ hours.

The luminescent part of the night pacifier is produced by adding a luminous pigment, instead of the colour pigments, to the material from which the pacifier's gathering and handle are made - this is why the handle is white on the Night pacifiers, as no colour pigment has been added.

The glow material is completely safe and has been thoroughly tested - the shield and the luminescent part are made of a 100% food-safe material and are BPA-free.

The luminescent pigment "charges" during the day by absorbing daylight. When it gets dark, it emits the absorbed light and can therefore be seen in the dark.

Before first use - sterilise the BIBS Dummies when you take them out of the packaging, by putting them in plenty of boiling water for five (5) minutes. This applies to both latex and silicone pacifiers. Latex and silicone pacifiers should be sterilised separately before their first use.

Sterilisation by scolding

This method is recommended for cleaning both latex and silicone BIBS Dummies -

1. Put the pacifiers in a clean bowl
2. Pour boiling water over the pacifiers and let them soak for five minutes
3. Let the pacifiers dry and cool off on a clean towel
   (use the towel to press out any excess water inside the nipple)
4. Most dummies are equipped with a valve
   If the nipple has a valve, be sure to squeeze excess water out of the nipple after the dummies have cooled off

Natural rubber latex can in rare cases smear off to the shield, so it is important to scald in plenty of water and not too many pacifiers at a time.

When the child is more than three (3) months old, you can also sterilise the dummies by placing them in a sieve and pouring boiling water over them. This method is faster and avoids excess water inside the nipple.

Following the above method is sure to kill any bacteria on the dummies, without compromising the durability of the pacifier.

BIBS Dummies only recommend boiling the pacifiers before the first use, not subsequent cleaning, as pacifiers are not meant to be boiled repeatedly and can be destroyed by continual exposure to high heat.

Sterilisation by microwave sterilisation

BIBS Dummies do not recommended sterilising Natural Rubber Latex pacifiers by microwave sterilisation, as they will break down if temperatures exceed 100°C.

As silicone endures higher temperatures than latex, microwave sterilisation can be used for silicone pacifiers - as long as the temperature does to exceed 110°C as the PP pacifier shield will break if temperatures exceed 110°C

Note - repeatedly exposing pacifiers to temperatures above 100°C can be harsh on them, and it will shorten their durability and lifespan over time.

Check the microwave manufacturer’s instructions about heat and watts, to make sure the temperature does not exceed 100°C. In most microwaves, this means that the pacifiers must be heated for a maximum of 60 seconds at max. 800W. Always remember to put the pacifiers in water in a sterilisation box made for the purpose - never place the pacifiers in the microwave without.

Sterilisation by electric steam sterilising devices

BIBS do not recommended sterilising Natural Rubber Latex pacifiers in an electric steam steriliser device, as they will break down if temperatures exceed 100°C.

As silicone endures higher temperatures than latex, an electric steam steriliser device can be used for silicone pacifiers - as long as the temperature does to exceed 110°C as the PP pacifier shield will break if temperatures exceed 110°C

Note - repeatedly exposing pacifiers to temperatures above 100°C can be harsh on them, and it will shorten their durability and lifespan over time.

Check the steriliser manufacturer’s instructions, to make sure the temperature does not exceed 100°C.

Both latex and silicone BIBS Dummies should not be put in a dishwasher, as the cleaning agents can damage the materials (both latex and silicone) and they can become brittle. Most dishwashers will also not reach temperatures high enough to sufficiently sterilise the pacifiers.

BIBS Dummies do not recommended using a UV sterilising device to sterilise either natural rubber latex or silicone pacifiers. 

BIBS Dummies do not recommended using a sterilising solution for either natural rubber latex or silicone pacifiers, as the solution can damage the material if the pacifier is left in for longer than recommended.

Part of good pacifier hygiene is frequent cleaning. The younger the child, the more important it is to maintain good pacifier hygiene.

Premature infants and babies younger than three (3) months need more thorough and frequent cleaning.

• 0-3 months: The pacifier must be scalded at least once a day
  In addition, the pacifier must be scalded every time it has been on the floor
  
  
• 3+ months: Scald the pacifier once a day and rinse it under cold water if it has been on the floor

BIBS Dummies advise not to freeze your pacifiers with or without water inside for two reasons:

• The latex nipple is not intended for that kind of use - the material properties aren't guaranteed to stay the same after such treatment
  
  
• The latex nipple has a low wall thickness, hence you should always avoid skin contact if frozen. Direct skin contact and even indirect skin contact with ice can cause skin injuries and frostbite

BIBS Dummies recommended that both natural rubber latex and silicone pacifiers should be replaced every 4-6 weeks, for both safety and hygienic reasons.

Rubber latex is a natural material and is affected by sunlight, high temperatures, and moisture which accelerates the aging process of the latex material - therefore, the material changes its properties and can become brittle or sticky.

Whenever you experience a change in the material the pacifier must be replaced. Keep an eye out for any changes in the surface, changes in size and shape, or rupture in the material, and replace the pacifier if you notice any differences.

When baby has teeth, make sure to pull the nipple in all directions and inspect it carefully before use and replace the pacifier at the first sign of damage or weakness.

Keep an eye on the nipple size as latex can expand rather quickly due to the newborn’s strong vacuum - changes in size can create challenges when replacing the pacifiers if the baby has gotten used to the expanded size.

BIBS Dummies do not come with a cover or a lid, but should be kept dry and protected from dirt when not in use.

Avoid placing the dummy in direct sunlight or heat, as this may weaken the natural latex.

Do not store the dummies in disinfectant or sterilising liquid, as this can affect their durability.

All BIBS Dummies meet the applicable requirements and highest standards.

The product complies with Consumer Goods (Babies’ Dummies) Safety Standard AS2432-1991 2017 and European Safety Standard EN 1400. Full care and safety instructions are enclosed within the packaging, which should be retained for future reference.

WARNING:

• Do not tie dummy around baby's neck as it presents a strangulation hazard
• A torn or broken dummy poses a choking hazard
• Inspect carefully before each use, especially when a child has teeth
• Pull pacifier in all directions
• Throw away at first signs of damage or weakness
• Always use this product under adult supervision

All BIBS Dummies pacifier shields comply with strict requirements to size and shape and cannot be swallowed. The shields are carefully designed with holes to ensure that in the case that a child puts an entire pacifier in their mouth, the baby can still get air. If you experience this, do not panic - gently remove the pacifier from baby’s mouth.

It is not recommended to dip the pacifier in products containing sugar or medicine, as this can affect the child's teeth and health.

Please make sure the child only uses the pacifier for the intended use.