Best Dummy for Breastfed Babies in Australia (2026)
The best dummy for a breastfed baby is an age-appropriate one your baby accepts, once breastfeeding is established. For a straightforward first purchase, consider the Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Stayput 0–6 months. Philips Avent Ultra Air is another practical option if you prefer a separate shield and a storage case. No brand can promise your baby will take it.
Updated October 2026. We may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you. This researched guide compares four dummies listed by an Australian retailer. The picks reflect their documented design and suitability, rather than hands-on testing. We have left out prices because packs, colours and offers change.
Before buying for a breastfed newborn, Raising Children Network recommends waiting until breastfeeding is well established. That is often around four to six weeks, but the calendar alone does not tell you whether feeding is going well. Ask your midwife or maternal and child health nurse if you are unsure.
Quick comparison: dummies available in Australia
| Dummy and checked size | Who it may suit | Useful feature | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Stayput | Families wanting a simple 0–6 month option | One-piece silicone design; symmetrical teat and shield | Stayput is a product name, not a promise it will stay in your baby’s mouth |
| Philips Avent Ultra Air | Parents who want a 0–6 month dummy with a case | Large shield ventilation holes; storage and sterilising case | Separate teat and shield need careful inspection |
| Philips Avent Soothie | Parents preferring a 0–6 month one-piece design | Flexible silicone and curved heart-shaped shield | A different shape from conventional shield-and-ring dummies |
| Nanobébé Flexy | Families trying a rounded teat for a baby aged 0–3 months | One-piece silicone construction and curved shield | The checked newborn size has a shorter age range |
All four have Australian product listings, checked for this update. Store stock and delivery availability can vary by postcode. Check the age label on the actual pack: an older size in the same range is a different purchase.
How to choose a dummy for a breastfed baby
Start with feeding, then fit, then convenience. A pretty design or a long list of claims will not help if the dummy is the wrong size or your baby refuses it. Buying one small pack gives you room to change course without a drawer full of unused soothers.
Check the age range on the packet
Brands use different size systems. One newborn dummy might be labelled 0–3 months and another 0–6 months. Do not assume that “size 1” means the same thing everywhere. Buy for your baby’s current age and follow the manufacturer’s replacement and size-change instructions.
For a premature baby or a baby with feeding difficulties, get individual advice before choosing a dummy. A product labelled for newborns does not settle every question about a particular baby’s needs.
Look for a practical shape, rather than a breastfeeding promise
Some babies accept a rounded teat; others prefer a flatter or symmetrical one. Descriptions such as “breast-like” can help you picture the design, but they do not establish that a dummy will protect breastfeeding or prevent feeding difficulties. A dummy also has a different job from a breast or a bottle: it offers sucking comfort, rather than milk.
Compare the shield as well as the teat. Look at the position of the nose cut-out, ventilation holes and any handle. The ACCC’s dummy safety guide explains why an adequate shield and ventilation matter. Buy a sealed pack with care instructions from a seller you can contact.
Think about the cleaning routine
A one-piece design is worth considering if you prefer fewer joins to inspect. A case can be useful when you need somewhere clean to put the dummy in your bag. Neither feature removes the need to follow the cleaning instructions, and a case needs cleaning too.
If a case doubles as a microwave steriliser, read its directions before using it. The water quantity, microwave setting and cooling time are product-specific. Do not borrow the instructions from a different brand’s case.
Four dummies to consider
1. Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Stayput 0–6 months
This is our practical starting option for parents who want a one-piece silicone design. The Australian retailer listing · Check price on Amazon AU describes a symmetrical teat and shield, so the dummy can be offered either way up. It comes as a two-pack with a reusable microwave sterilising case.
The appeal is a fairly simple buying decision: a clearly labelled newborn size, a spare in the pack and a case for storing or sterilising it according to the instructions. That makes it a sensible candidate to try once feeds are going well.
Who it suits: families who prefer a one-piece design and do not want to worry about which side faces up. What to consider: your baby can still spit it out. Do not interpret “Stayput” as a guarantee or buy several packs before checking acceptance. The range includes older sizes, so check your cart carefully.
2. Philips Avent Ultra Air 0–6 months
The Ultra Air two-pack listed at Baby Bunting · Check price on Amazon AU has large ventilation holes in the shield and a case for storage and sterilising. The checked listing is for the mixed-design 0–6 month pack. Match the Ultra Air model name and age on the packet when ordering, as Ultra Soft is a different range.
This is a useful alternative if you want a conventional separate shield rather than an all-silicone design. The holes are a visible design feature, not a guarantee against skin irritation. If your baby develops a rash, stop and seek advice rather than assuming another colour or pattern will fix it.
Who it suits: parents who value an included case and a well-ventilated shield. What to consider: inspect both the teat and its connection to the shield. Do not confuse Ultra Air and Ultra Soft variants, or assume every pack in the range has the same age rating.
3. Philips Avent Soothie 0–6 months
The current Philips Avent Soothie listing · Check price on Amazon AU describes a two-pack of flexible silicone dummies with one-piece construction and a curved, heart-shaped shield. This replaces the old Bear Soothie recommendation with a specific Australian-listed version.
It is worth comparing with the Ultra Air if you are deciding between one-piece silicone and a separate shield. The design difference is more useful than brand loyalty: choosing a Philips bottle does not mean your baby will prefer a Philips dummy.
Who it suits: parents who want a silicone one-piece option with a different shield shape from the Tommee Tippee. What to consider: compare the whole dummy, not just the teat in a photo. Your baby’s acceptance remains the deciding factor, and accessories shown separately are not necessarily included.
4. Nanobébé Flexy 0–3 months
The Nanobébé Flexy sage two-pack · Check price on Amazon AU is listed in Australia for 0–3 months. Its documented features include one-piece silicone construction, a curved shield and a rounded teat. It is another option to try if you want that combination in a newborn size.
We have kept the useful design details and left out claims that it prevents nipple confusion or guarantees healthy oral development. Retailer or manufacturer wording is not the same as evidence that one dummy is better for breastfeeding.
Who it suits: families interested in trying a rounded teat in a one-piece design. What to consider: the checked size only covers 0–3 months. Look up the instructions for the next size when needed, rather than assuming a 3+ month listing is identical.
Introducing a dummy without losing sight of feeds
Offer a dummy when your baby is calm enough to try it. If they turn away or spit it out, leave it for now. A different shape is an option, but you do not need to keep buying dummies until one works. Plenty of families manage without them.
Keep your feeding routine central. Raising Children Network notes potential breastfeeding concerns with early dummy introduction. If a dummy starts replacing opportunities to feed, or you are worried about milk supply, weight gain or painful feeds, speak to your midwife, GP or maternal and child health nurse.
If you also express, our Australian breast pump guide can help you compare equipment. For broader preparation, see the newborn checklist. A dummy is an optional item on that list, rather than something every baby needs.
Safe use, cleaning and replacement
The ACCC recommends checking dummies before each use. Inspect the shield, handle and teat, and pull the teat in different directions. Discard it at the first sign of weakness or damage. Follow the maker’s replacement interval even if the dummy still looks tidy; do not wait for it to tear.
- Keep the packaging or photograph the product name, size and care instructions. This also makes it easier to check a recall notice.
- Never tie a dummy around your baby’s neck or improvise an attachment with ribbon or string.
- Follow the product’s washing and sterilising directions. Keep a clean spare for outings.
- Use an ordinary feeding dummy rather than a decorated novelty item with detachable extras.
Raising Children Network’s newborn dental guide advises against cleaning a dummy in your own mouth. Do not dip it in sweet food or liquid. For cleaning other feeding equipment, our bottle steriliser guide explains the main options.
Dummies at sleep time
Red Nose advises that babies who consistently accept a dummy can be offered it for sleep, and it does not need to be replaced if it falls out after they fall asleep. Do not force a baby to take one.
Remove dummy clips and attachments before sleep. Red Nose’s dummy information statement warns against clothing attachments for sleeping infants. A dummy does not replace safe sleep practices or make an unsafe sleep space safe.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best dummy for a breastfed baby?
There is no single winner for all babies. Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Stayput is a practical first option for its one-piece construction; Philips Avent Ultra Air suits parents who want a separate shield and case. Choose the correct age range and introduce it after breastfeeding is established.
Which dummy is best for a newborn in Australia?
Look for a newborn-labelled size, care instructions and Australian safety compliance. This shortlist includes three 0–6 month options and Nanobébé Flexy in 0–3 months. “Suitable from birth” describes the product’s age range; it does not override breastfeeding timing advice.
What if my breastfed baby refuses every dummy?
It is fine to stop offering one. There is no requirement to find a brand your baby accepts. Try settling approaches that suit your family, and get feeding support if the real concern is hunger, painful feeds or difficulty settling after feeds.
Are orthodontic dummies better for teeth?
Do not treat the label as a guarantee against dental problems. Raising Children Network links prolonged dummy use, especially beyond three to four years, with dental problems. Ask your dentist or child health nurse about reducing use as your child grows.
Which dummy should I buy for a baby over six months?
Choose the age-appropriate version specified by the manufacturer. The newborn packs compared here should not automatically be kept as your baby grows. Recheck the next size’s packet, and replace damaged dummies immediately rather than holding on to a favourite.
