A baby pacifier or soother should be inspected regularly because the soft material can wear with repeated use, cleaning and chewing.
Replace if you see damage
Stop using the soother if there are tears, cracks, bite marks or separation between components.
Watch for changes in the material
Stickiness, unusual softness, swelling or deformation can indicate wear.
Age stage matters
A baby may also need a different soother size as they move from 0–6 months into a 6–18 month stage.
Check after heavy use
Babies who use a soother frequently or who have begun chewing may cause faster wear.
Follow manufacturer guidance
Always use the care and replacement instructions supplied with the exact soother.
For age-stage selection, read our baby soother and pacifier guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can a damaged soother still be sterilized and reused?
No. If the material is torn, cracked, stretched or otherwise damaged, replace it rather than trying to restore it.
Can I keep using a pacifier with bite marks?
No. Visible damage is a reason to replace it.
When should I move from 0–6M to 6–18M?
Use the manufacturer's age-stage guidance for the exact product.
Related soother guidance
See our complete baby soother and pacifier guide, browse current NUK soothers in Kenya, and check the latest NUK offers for age-appropriate options.