Quick answer

For effective soothing, pair the Bright Starts Sesame Street Cozy Coo Soothing Pacifier with the Jingle & Shake Elmo Rattle Ball. Use the pacifier for comfort and the rattle ball for gentle distraction during fussy moments.

Why Elmo toys work for calming

Babies often respond to familiar characters and soft textures. The Cozy Coo pacifier features a plush Elmo that stays close to baby, providing a sense of security. The Jingle & Shake Rattle Ball uses flexible Oball material with finger holes, making it easy for little hands to grasp and shake, which can redirect attention during crying spells.

Both toys are designed for different soothing moments: the pacifier for comfort sucking, the rattle for active play and distraction. Using them together can address multiple causes of fussiness.

When each toy works best

The Cozy Coo pacifier is ideal for sleep or quiet times when your baby needs oral comfort. The pacifier is detachable for cleaning, which helps maintain hygiene. The Jingle & Shake Rattle Ball is better for active soothing—when your baby is bored or needs sensory stimulation. The rattle's sound and bright colors can engage your baby and shift focus away from discomfort.

However, no single toy works for every baby. If your baby refuses the pacifier, try offering it at different times or after a feeding. If the rattle doesn't hold attention, try shaking it near your baby's ear or letting them explore it independently.

Soothing diagnosis: Identify and fix common calming issues

  • Symptom: Baby cries but refuses pacifier: Offer the pacifier after a feeding when baby is calm but still awake. If still refused, try gently rubbing the pacifier on baby's lips or cheek to encourage sucking reflex. If baby consistently refuses after several attempts, consider a different pacifier shape or nipple style.
  • Symptom: Baby is fussy and needs distraction: Use the Jingle & Shake Rattle Ball to redirect attention. Shake it near baby's ear or let them grasp it. The sound and movement can interrupt crying and engage baby's senses. If rattle doesn't capture interest, try moving it slowly across baby's field of vision or tapping it gently on their hand.
  • Symptom: Baby wakes frequently and needs comfort: Place the Cozy Coo pacifier with the plush Elmo close to baby during sleep. The soft toy provides a familiar scent and texture that can help baby self-soothe back to sleep. Always follow safe sleep guidelines: keep the pacifier and plush toy out of the crib for infants under 12 months unless supervised.
  • Symptom: Baby seems bored or overstimulated: Alternate between the rattle ball and pacifier. Use the rattle for active play to release energy, then switch to the pacifier for calming down. This cycle can help regulate baby's mood. If overstimulation persists, reduce sensory input: dim lights, lower noise, and offer only the pacifier without the rattle.

Product facts

  • Bright Starts Sesame Street Jingle & Shake Elmo Easy Grasp Rattle Ball: The Jingle and Shake Elmo Rattle is made with flexible Oball material with finger holes for easy grasping. This design helps babies develop fine motor skills while providing a soothing sensory experience through sound and texture.

    Bright Starts Sesame Street Jingle & Shake Elmo Easy Grasp Rattle Ball

    Bright Starts Sesame Street Jingle & Shake Elmo Easy Grasp Rattle Ball

  • Sesame Street Cozy Coo Soothing BPA-Free Pacifier with Plush Toy, Elmo: The Cozy Coo Soothing Pacifier includes a plush Elmo toy with a detachable pacifier and satin Taggies for extra sensory play. The detachable pacifier makes cleaning simple, and the plush toy stays close to baby, offering comfort and a familiar friend during soothing.

    Sesame Street Cozy Coo Soothing BPA-Free Pacifier with Plush Toy, Elmo

    Sesame Street Cozy Coo Soothing BPA-Free Pacifier with Plush Toy, Elmo