How to Choose the Right Dr Brown's Soother Stage for Your Baby
By Dr Browns | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to pick the right Dr Brown's soother for your baby's age, from 0-6 months to 6-18 months, with clear decision rules and trade-offs.
Quick Answer
Choose a Dr Brown's soother based on your baby's age: the One Piece Silicone Soother 3 Pack for 0-6 months and the PreVent Butterfly Soothers for 6-18 months. Consider your baby's dental development and comfort needs.
Why Age Matters for Soothers
Babies' mouths grow rapidly, and a soother that fits well at 2 months may not be suitable at 8 months. Using the right size helps ensure comfort and reduces the risk of dental issues.
Dr Brown's designs soothers with specific age ranges to match mouth development. The 0-6 months size has a smaller shield and teat, while the 6-18 months size is larger to accommodate growing jaws and teeth.
Trade-Offs to Consider
A soother that is too small for an older baby might not satisfy the sucking need, while one that is too large for a newborn can be uncomfortable and hard to keep in place.
The PreVent Butterfly Soothers are designed by a paediatric dentist to help prevent dental problems like posterior crossbite. This is a key consideration if you're choosing a soother for an older baby with emerging teeth.
Both options are made of safe, BPA-free materials, but the One Piece Silicone Soother is lightweight and soft, which might be gentler for younger babies.
Decision Rules for Choosing a Soother Stage
- 0-6 months: Start with the One Piece Silicone Soother: If your baby is under 6 months, choose the Dr Brown's One Piece Silicone Soothers 3 Pack. The lightweight, soft silicone and contoured shield are designed for newborns and young infants. Check that the shield curves away from the nose and cheeks for a comfortable fit.
- 6-18 months: Switch to the PreVent Butterfly Soothers: When your baby reaches 6 months, move to the PreVent Butterfly Soothers (6-18 months). The larger size and dentist-designed shape accommodate a growing mouth and emerging teeth. If your baby is between 6-18 months and you're concerned about dental alignment, this is the better choice.
- When to Replace: Replace soothers regularly, especially if they show signs of wear or damage. Also, follow the age range: don't use a 0-6 months soother for an older baby, and don't give a 6-18 months soother to a newborn. Inspect soothers frequently for cracks or tears, and replace them as needed.
Soother Options at a Glance
- Dr Brown's One Piece Silicone Soothers 3 Pack 0-6 Months: 100% silicone is lightweight and soft, with a contoured 'butterfly'-shaped shield that curves from nose and cheeks. This design helps keep the soother comfortable and in place for younger babies, without irritating sensitive skin.
Dr Brown's One Piece Silicone Soothers 3 Pack 0-6 Months - PreVent Butterfly Soothers Blue Dinosaur / Lemon 6-18 Months: The PreVent Soothers are designed by a paediatric dentist to help prevent dental problems like posterior crossbite. For babies 6-18 months, this dental-friendly design supports healthy mouth development as teeth come in.
PreVent Butterfly Soothers Blue Dinosaur / Lemon 6-18 Months
Who Should Choose Which
Best for
- Newborns and babies under 6 months who need a soft, lightweight soother
- Parents who want a simple, easy-to-clean option (dishwasher and steriliser safe) for younger babies
Not for
- Babies over 6 months who need a larger size and dental-friendly design – choose the PreVent Butterfly Soothers instead
