Advantage Stage 1 vs Stage 2 Soothers: When to Switch
By Dr Browns | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Comparisons
Compare Dr Brown's Advantage one-piece silicone soother Stage 1 and Stage 2 on fit, design, and price to decide when to change soother size.
Quick answer
Start with the Advantage Stage 1 soother for a newborn and move to Stage 2 when your baby is around six months old or seems to need a larger nipple. Both share the same soft, one-piece silicone build, so the switch is mostly about age and fit rather than a different design.
What stays the same across both stages
The Advantage line keeps the same core design in Stage 1 and Stage 2: a soft silicone one-piece body that is gentle on skin, a fully symmetrical and reversible shape so it always sits correctly, and an open back that lets water drain instead of trapping it inside the bulb. That means you are not trading away cleaning convenience or skin comfort when you size up.
Because the nipple shape is symmetrical, you do not have to check which way is up before offering it. This is a small but real benefit during night feeds or outings when you are fumbling in a diaper bag.
Where Stage 1 and Stage 2 actually differ
The supplied catalog does not list exact nipple dimensions or flow rates for either stage, so the clearest difference is the stage label itself and the color packs: Stage 1 comes in Pink/Mint and Stage 2 in Green/Yellow. Treat the stage number as the primary guide, and use your baby's comfort and latch as the real test.
The catalog price also differs: Stage 1 is listed at USD 5.32 for a 2-pack and Stage 2 at USD 4.53 for a 2-pack, both against a comparison price of USD 7.19. If you are stocking up before a switch, the Stage 2 pack costs less at the time of writing, but check current pricing because it can change.
The trade-off of switching early or late
Switching to Stage 2 before your baby shows signs of needing it may mean a larger nipple that feels unfamiliar and gets rejected. Waiting too long can mean a soother that no longer fits comfortably or that your baby works harder to keep in place.
There is no universal deadline. The stage labels are a starting point, not a rule, and the absence of published size specs in the catalog means you should judge by how the soother sits in your baby's mouth rather than by the calendar alone.
Stage 1 vs Stage 2 trade-offs
- Age fit: Use Stage 1 as the starting point for a newborn and Stage 2 from around six months, but let your baby's comfort override the calendar if the fit seems off. If the soother leaves marks or slips out constantly, revisit the stage before changing anything else.
- Design consistency: Both stages share the soft one-piece silicone, symmetrical shape, and open-back bulb, so you are not giving up cleanability or skin gentleness when you move up.
- Cost and stocking up: The Stage 1 2-pack is listed at USD 5.32 and the Stage 2 2-pack at USD 4.53 against a USD 7.19 comparison price, so buying the next stage ahead of time is low-risk if you already know you will switch. Keep one unopened pack of the next stage so you can switch without a last-minute order.
Product facts
- Advantage One-Piece Silicone Soother, Stage 1, Pink/Mint, 2-Pack: Stage 1 2-pack in Pink/Mint, made with soft silicone and an open back that prevents water from getting trapped inside the bulb. The open-back design makes cleaning and drying easier, which matters most in the newborn months when soothers are used constantly.
Advantage One-Piece Silicone Soother, Stage 1, Pink/Mint, 2-Pack - Advantage One-Piece Silicone Soother, Stage 2, Green/Yellow, 2-Pack: Stage 2 2-pack in Green/Yellow, fully symmetrical and reversible so it will always be placed correctly. You can offer it without checking orientation, which is handy once your baby is older and grabbing the soother themselves.
Advantage One-Piece Silicone Soother, Stage 2, Green/Yellow, 2-Pack
Which stage fits your baby
Best for
- Newborns and babies up to about six months who need a soft, easy-to-accept soother
- Parents who want a symmetrical soother that is simple to clean and position
Not for
- Babies who clearly need a larger nipple or who reject the Stage 1 shape
- Parents looking for a soother with published size or flow specifications, since the catalog does not list them
