BABY BAUBLE Pacifiers as accessories are latest trend on fashion front (2024)

Out of the mouths of babes come trends: Believe it or not, th pacifier may be this year's hot accessory.

Anyone past puberty wearing or using one isn't regressing, but being fashion-forward.

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Pacifiers and peace pendants hang side by side in local teen accessory stores -- and some kids admit to scouring baby departments for the right touch.

Do pacifiers signify a yearning for inner peace in the youth of the '90s? Nah, they're more of a fad than a philosophy.

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Young sales clerks at Contempo track pacifiers to rap and Public Enemy's Flavor Flav. They remember Flav wearing a real one some years and videos ago. That inspired copy cats in the street fashion scene which was then copy-catted by quick-thinking manufacturers of plastic trinkets.

Now the plastic baby accouterments come in metallics and clear plastics as well as in the usual shades and can be found in street stalls, discount stores and shops that think young, such as Le Chateau in Owings Mills and Accessory Place in Harbor Place.

But this infantile accessory, which has been seen stuck into the mouths of adults, may have darker permutations. Mark Whitaker, fashion editor of Details magazine, the GQ of the twentysomething set, sees an oral and aural connection.

"In London's drug and rave scene, retreating into the music is a total escape. The big club called Ministry of Sound has a separate sanctuary room where you can chill out, retreat to the womb. It may be an extension of 'baby-grow' dressing, wearing oversize clothes to look like a kid and be innocent again."

He sees the pacifier as another commonplace and ordinary object being turned into an icon it was never meant to be. "It's almost the way punks depicted the safety pin -- perverse but obtainable."

At Sassy, the magazine that tracks teen-age attitudes and fashions, beauty and fashion director Mary Clarke kisses off pacifiers as just another fad accessory. "They're wearing them on the club scene. For whatever reason pacifiers started, other groups have picked them up and decided they were just fun to wear."

At the recent spring fashion collections in New York, designer Betsey Johnson had fun and accessorized models with big candy pop rings which looked for all the world like pacifiers. "Betsey's theme was 'Valley of the Dolls' and we showed ring pops as little-girl kind of jewelry," Heather Laing, Ms. Johnson's assistant and stylist explained. "It's candy and jewelry, the best of bothworlds."

Ms. Laing says she sees knick-knack pacifiers all over the street shops in New York but believes they had another origin. "It started with the rap underground and they wore real pacifiers. It was a homegirl/homeboy kind of thing to wear your baby's pacifier. Now they've surfaced as plastic replicas on key chains and strings. I suppose it's a teen-age version of kiddie candy rings."

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The kiddie connection shouldn't be discounted. At Dreamland, a vintage and accessory store near Baltimore's Mt. Vernon Place, owner Tim Potee admits to shopping the toy stores for plastic baby toys and teethers and rearranging them, and marking them up as "fine jewelry."

Baltimore artist and fancy dresser Madenney Carlisle claims pacifiers as accessories are old hat. "I have worn pacifiers, but I wore them first in '82. I like integrating baby things into my wardrobe, my art and my world. I had my second childhood. When I reached 17 I threw away baby things; at 22 I wanted them back," Mr. Carlisle says.

"Once something gets documented in the press and on MTV everybody will wear it," says Mr. Carlisle. "I don't go along, I create my own fads."

BABY BAUBLE Pacifiers as accessories are latest trend on fashion front (2024)

FAQs

When was the pacifier trend? ›

The pacifier was a staple of rave fashion back in the '90s, when people did a whole lot of drugs at once and tended to grind their teeth down to the gum. Pacifiers gave them something to chew on, and also made a fashion statement.

When were pacifier necklaces popular? ›

Pacifier necklaces have been relegated to baby showers these days, but back in the '90s, they were a status symbol for the truly trendy.

Which bibs pacifier was recalled? ›

Only the classic and daisy designs of the silicone baby pacifiers are included in this recall. The natural rubber options aren't recalled and are still available on Mushie & Co's website.

What are pacifiers designed for? ›

A pacifier is an object designed for use by children from two weeks to around five years old. It works replacing mother's breast nipple.

Why did people wear pacifiers? ›

Many ravers chew on baby pacifiers or lollipops to offset the effects of involuntary teeth grind- ing caused by MDMA. Pacifiers are worn around the user's neck, often on plastic beaded necklaces. Many people bring various items to rave events to enhance the effects of MDMA.

Why are pacifiers so popular? ›

Pacifiers are popular for a reason. They can bring your baby comfort, help them sleep, and even reduce their risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Provides comfort. Your newborn is experiencing their senses all at once for the first time outside of the womb.

What is a pacifier necklace? ›

Blue Pacifier Necklaces feature a plastic pacifier which hangs from a round-beaded plastic necklace strand. Scatter these cute baby items on tables to decorate a precious baby shower, or let your guests wear them at a gender reveal party!

What was the last decade that choker necklaces were popular? ›

In the 1990s, chokers again became fashionable and many celebrities sported them.

Were pacifiers a thing in the 90s? ›

That Pacifier Phase. Oh, how it pains me to admit that I once fell prey to the fad that was pacifiers. While they were purely ornamental, that does little to assuage the intense feeling of facepalm-ness triggered by memories of wearing a plastic pink pacifier necklace for more than a hot minute in the '90s.

What is the number 1 pacifier? ›

Best overall: Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier

This popular Philips Avent pacifier is often used in hospitals and recommended by doctors. It features one-piece construction from hospital-grade, BPA- and latex-free silicone and has a five-star average rating on Amazon—and more than 50,000 shoppers have weighed in.

Which pacifiers to avoid? ›

Pacifiers can be silicon, latex, or plastic.

Latex is softer and more like a mother's nipple but needs to be replaced every six to eight weeks. Also, if there's a history a latex allergy in your family, I'd avoid these. Also, latex also has a higher risk of becoming infected with Candida.

What is the most expensive baby pacifier? ›

This Black Diamond Pacifier is for the Extremely Pampered Toddler. If you want to spoil your baby a ridiculous amount, pamper them with the black diamond pacifier. This soother should only be awarded to the most well-behaved child in the world, as it's probably one of the most expensive baby accessories out there.

What do Mexicans call pacifiers? ›

Spanish Translation. chupete. More Spanish words for pacifier. el chupete noun. dummy, lollipop.

What do Australians call pacifiers? ›

Pacifiers have many different informal names: binky or wookie (American English), dummy (Australian English and British English), piece, paci, bo-bo, nookie, teething ring, device, sugar tit, teether, comforter, soother (Canadian English and Hiberno-English), and Dodie (Hiberno-English).

What shape of pacifier is best? ›

Most seasoned parents and baby experts recommend bulb-shaped (cherry-shaped) pacifiers for these newborns. This is because bulb pacis are similar to the natural nipple your little cutie knows. A round paci may also work for your newborn, but every baby is different!

What is a Molly Binky? ›

Pacifiers and lollipops are used to prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching when high on Ecstasy/ MDMA/ Molly.

Why do hospitals not give pacifiers? ›

"They do interfere in the beginning with breastfeeding sometimes so that's why we don't have them in the hospital and have them for the first three to four weeks," explained Dr. Theresa Patton, with Methodist Dallas Medical Center. "Pacifiers are gone from general use.

What did parents use before pacifiers? ›

Objects similar to pacifiers have been used for centuries. Some cultures gave babies toys for teething and comfort made of wood, stone, ivory, bone, or even coral. Later iterations of these toys were comprised of things like silver, gold, gourds, corn cobs, sugar canes, or small linen pouches filled with sugar.

Why do Americans use pacifiers? ›

Reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages pacifier use when putting baby down for naps and bedtime to help reduce SIDS.

Are pacifiers still recommended? ›

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend weaning children from pacifiers in the second six months of life to prevent otitis media. Pacifier use should not be actively discouraged and may be especially beneficial in the first six months of life.

Why are kids obsessed with pacifiers? ›

Babies like sucking on pacifiers because it reminds them of being in the womb. In fact, sucking is one of 5 womb sensations (known as the 5 S's) capable of triggering a baby's innate calming reflex.

Are pacifiers with beads safe? ›

Pacifier clips with wood or silicone beads are often advertised as “unique, modern, and safe” for babies, with materials that are “non-toxic, Phthalate & BPA-Free.” However, these beads pose a serious choking hazard to infants.

What is a Bobo pacifier? ›

Description. Very practical, Beke Bobo's pacifier clip is incredibly soft. A miniature version of our world-renowned therapeutic teddy bears, they are, of course, shaped like a teddy!

What are the two holes in a pacifier for? ›

The holes are there to keep your baby from suffocating in the unlikely event a pacifier is aspirated. Look for pacifiers that have a handle specifically designed to hold a pacifier clip or attacher.

What choker did Princess Diana wear? ›

The Delhi Durbar Emerald Choker

This Art Deco diamond-and-emerald choker was a gift to Queen Mary by the 1911 Delhi Durbar, or "Court of Delhi," held to commemorate the coronation of an emperor or empress of India during British imperial rule. Diana also wore this sparkling necklace as a headband.

What does the black choker mean? ›

In 1860's chokers were a representation of societal status, related with prostitutes as depicted in Manet's famous painting, "Olympia," (1863) a prostitute wearing a black ribbon around her neck. During this era, a ribbon around the neck could mean a woman was a prostitute.

What does choker with bell mean? ›

This collar with bells would have been used to deter attempted escape by a slave that had previously tried to win his or her freedom by running away.

Why can't adults use baby pacifiers? ›

Even with regular washing and boiling, a pacifier can continue to harbor and grow bacteria. As for mental health risks, using an adult pacifier for anxiety may cause you to put off seeking more effective, long-term treatment, which could worsen your symptoms.

What is the truth about pacifiers? ›

Pacifiers can harm the growth and development of the mouth and teeth. Prolonged use can cause changes in the shape of the roof of the mouth. Prolonged use can also prevent proper growth of the mouth and create problems with tooth alignment. Pacifiers can increase the risk of acute middle ear infections.

What did old pacifiers look like? ›

It appears to be a cloth pouch, perhaps filled with poppy seeds or sugar. The first recognizable pacifier was patented in 1901 by Christian W. Meinecke, who called it a “Baby Comforter.” It consisted of a nipple made of India rubber and a disc-shaped shield. Later innovators added a ring to the pacifier.

What is better than a pacifier? ›

The most common thing you can use as an alternative to a pacifier is a soother. Soothers are used by mothers who breastfeed their children. Soothers look like a pacifier but are made of softer, flexible material and come with holes on the side to prevent the child from sucking on them.

What is the max age for pacifier? ›

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, pacifiers should be discouraged after age 4.

What percentage of babies like pacifiers? ›

Cohort studies report that 58%–85% of infants use pacifiers,16 peaking around age 3 months. There is conflicting evidence regarding whether and when pacifiers should be offered, with both risks and benefits reported.

Does the shape of a pacifier matter? ›

The shape of your baby's pacifier may seem like a small detail, but it can have an effect on your child's comfort and oral development. Some babies simply reject pacifiers based on their shape while others find enormous comfort in holding on to their favorite paci.

At what age does a pacifier affect teeth? ›

As early as about 24 months of age, continued use of a pacifier may encourage oral issues.

Do parents still use pacifiers? ›

Many parents find pacifiers helpful at night or in public areas. Using a pacifier also can be helpful during your baby's common medical procedures. This includes vaccinations and blood tests. Sucking on a pacifier when sleeping may lower your baby's risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Which pacifier is closest to breast? ›

1. Nanobebe Flexy Baby Pacifiers. These Nanobebe pacifiers are a new design made from super soft silicone and are designed to contour around babies mouth for a snug fit. Unlike some other pacifiers, they are made from 100% flexible silicone to gift a soft-feeling experience like mom.

What pacifiers do hospitals use? ›

The Wee Thumbie, for hospital use only, is the first pacifier designed expressly for use by very low birth weight babies. It is modeled after the size & shape of the preemie thumb to facilitate sucking behaviors normally learned in utero.

What pacifier product was on Shark Tank? ›

Doddle & Co | Pacifier That Pops When It Drops | As Seen on Shark Tank – Doddle & Co®

What do Irish people call pacifiers? ›

Dodie: Northern England and Ireland.

What do Puerto Ricans call a pacifier? ›

Growing up in Puerto Rico, “babas” (bottles: biberón/botellas) and “bobos” (pacifiers: chupetes/chupón) were very common among the families and children of the island.

Why is it called WubbaNub? ›

Schneider, who works out of her home, named her product the WubbaNub, after her favorite stuffed dog from childhood.

What is a ninny pacifier? ›

Meet Ninni Pacifier. Made of a 100% silicone, twice as soft as any pacifier on the market. Designed by moms to mimic actual breastfeeding movement.

What is the British form of pacifier? ›

Pacifiers have many different informal names: binky (American English), dummy (British English and Australian English), soother (Canadian English).

What can a baby do that an adult Cannot? ›

Smell, hear, feel, taste, and see all at the same time. A newborn baby experiences the world very differently to how an adult does. We cannot actually imagine what that is like any more. The best thing you can compare it to is 'soup': everything is one entirety.

Why are round pacifiers better? ›

Rounded pacifiers feature a nipple shaped like a small ball (or a flattened ball) while orthodontic pacifiers are flat on the bottom and round on the top. Studies have shown that orthodontic pacifiers are better for the development of a baby's palate and jaw.

How often should you wash a pacifier? ›

It is recommended to sterilize the pacifier before first-time use, so all possible bacteria are killed. After this, if your baby uses the pacifier every day, it is recommended to clean it every day. For babies of six months or older, cleaning their pacifier once a week is sufficient.

What is the difference between pacifier and soother? ›

Pacifiers, also known as dummies or soothers, are often used to calm, pacify or soothe a fussy baby. Babies love to suck for comfort and security, as well as nutrition and a pacifier provides a bottle-fed baby with a substitute to frequent comfort sucking at the mother's breast.

Did they have pacifiers in the 1950s? ›

The nipples were processed with sulphur and some were tinted white, contaminating the pacifier with lead. Bone, ivory, and aluminum were used for the shields. Eventually latex and silicone replaced the rubber nipples and plastic was used for the shields and rings. The pacifier hasn't changed much since the 1950's.

What did moms do before pacifiers? ›

It told us that parents gave their wee one small, clay objects shaped like pigs or frogs, featuring a hole in the mouth from which baby could suck honey or sugar. Probably not recommended by the dentist. In fact, many of the subsequent pacifiers wouldn't top the recommendation lists by dental professionals these days.

What age do people stop using pacifiers? ›

Stopping pacifier use before 2 to 4 years is usually suggested. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), agrees non-nutritive sucking is normal for babies and young children and recommend weaning from the pacifier by age 3.

What is a nickname for a pacifier? ›

20 Adorable Pacifier Nicknames
  • Binky.
  • Bip.
  • Bobo.
  • Bubba.
  • Button.
  • Chupy.
  • Fee Fee.
  • Hushie.
May 19, 2016

What does Montessori say about pacifiers? ›

In my Montessori training, we learned that babies should ideally not use a pacifier. So if you haven't started using one, then this is something to consider. A pacifier can be used to give the parent some quiet, when the child is actually trying to communicate their needs.

What is a pacifier called in England? ›

The exact origin of the name “pacifier” is unclear, but it may have come from the first baby comforters, which were sold in the U.S. as “pacifiers.” In Canada and Britain, pacifiers are also commonly called “dummies.” This may have originated from an article published in 1915 in The British Journal of Nursing ...

What is the most common pacifier? ›

Natural rubber latex and silicone are the most common materials for pacifiers. Although latex pacis are softer and more flexible, they often deteriorate faster and aren't dishwasher safe.

What do doctors say about pacifiers? ›

Pacifiers have been studied and found to help prevent the risk of SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents consider offering pacifiers “to infants one month and older at the onset of sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.”

Do French parents use pacifiers? ›

French parents are not afraid to give their children pacifiers well into middle age.

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