Quick answer

Choose a pacifier clip that attaches securely to your baby's clothing and holds your preferred pacifier without slipping. Dr. Brown's Pacifier Clips have a loop that fits most pacifier sizes and brands, plus an easy open-and-close clip. For most families, one or two clips are enough to keep pacifiers clean and within reach.

Why a pacifier clip changes your daily routine

A pacifier clip attaches one end to your baby's clothing and the other end to the pacifier, so the pacifier stays off the floor and close by. That means fewer drop-and-clean cycles, less bending, and a calmer baby when you're out and about. It also helps you avoid the classic scramble of searching through a diaper bag while your baby fusses.

The clip is not a toy or a teether. It is a practical accessory that works only when it fits your pacifier and your baby's clothes. If the loop is too loose, the pacifier slips out. If the clip is too tight or the wrong shape, it can damage fabric or pop off. Fit is the whole game.

How to match a clip to your pacifier and your baby's clothes

Start with the pacifier. Look at the handle or shield shape. A clip with a loop that fits most pacifier sizes and brands, like Dr. Brown's Pacifier Clips, gives you flexibility if you switch pacifier types. If you use a pacifier with a very thick handle or an unusual shape, test the loop before relying on it for a full day out.

Next, think about clothing. Ribbed knits, thin cottons, and loosely woven fabrics can stretch or snag if the clip is too aggressive. A clip with smooth edges and a gentle but secure grip works best for everyday onesies and sleepers. For thick sweaters or coats, you may need a clip with a wider opening. Always attach the clip to clothing, not to a strap, bib, or cord, and never around your baby's neck, wrist, or ankle.

Safety checks before every use

Pacifier clip safety comes down to three checks: attachment, length, and condition. Attach the clip firmly to a flat seam or edge of clothing. Give it a gentle tug to confirm it stays put. The cord or strap should be short enough that it cannot loop around your baby's neck or get caught on crib slats, stroller parts, or playpen rails.

Inspect the clip regularly. Look for cracks, fraying, loose stitching, or a stretched loop. If any part feels weak, replace the clip. Never lengthen a clip with extra cord, ribbon, or string. Never use a clip during unsupervised sleep or in a crib. And never tie a pacifier around your baby's neck with a string, ribbon, or cord.

Cleaning and care for clips and pacifiers

Keeping pacifiers clean is easier when the clip itself is easy to clean. Most pacifier clips wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap, then air dry. Check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific clip before washing. If the clip has metal parts, avoid soaking it for long periods, which can encourage rust.

For the pacifier, follow the care instructions that came with it. Silicone pacifiers can often be washed in warm soapy water and rinsed well. Some can be sterilized, but not all. If you are unsure, check the packaging or the brand's care page. A clean clip paired with a clean pacifier is the simplest way to reduce the amount of dirt and lint your baby picks up.

What to look for when comparing pacifier clips

Focus on four things: the loop opening, the clip mechanism, the material, and the length. A loop that fits most pacifier sizes and brands gives you room to change pacifiers without buying new clips. An easy open-and-close clip is faster to move between outfits and less likely to bend or break. Materials should be smooth, durable, and free of sharp edges. Length should be short enough to stay safe but long enough to let your baby bring the pacifier to their mouth.

Price is not a reliable signal of quality here. A simple, well-made clip can cost less than a fancy one and work just as well. Dr. Brown's Pacifier Clips, for example, are a practical option with a loop that fits most pacifier sizes and brands and an easy open-and-close clip. If you want a backup for the diaper bag or grandma's house, a second clip is often more useful than a more expensive single clip.

Decision rules for buying a pacifier clip

  • Match the loop to your pacifier: Check that the loop fits the handle or shield of the pacifier you use most. A loop that fits most pacifier sizes and brands gives you flexibility. If you use a very thick or unusual pacifier, test the fit before you rely on the clip for a full day. If the pacifier slips out when you gently tug, the loop is too loose for that pacifier.
  • Match the clip to your baby's clothing: Attach the clip to a flat seam or edge on a onesie, shirt, or sleeper. Smooth edges and a secure but gentle grip work best for thin fabrics. For thick knits or outerwear, look for a wider opening or a stronger clip. If the clip leaves marks or pulls threads, it is too tight or too rough for that fabric.
  • Keep the length short and safe: Choose a clip with a short cord or strap that cannot loop around your baby's neck or catch on crib slats, stroller parts, or playpen rails. Never add extra string, ribbon, or cord to lengthen a clip. If you can double the cord around your baby's neck, it is too long.
  • Check condition before every use: Look for cracks, fraying, loose stitching, or a stretched loop. Replace the clip at the first sign of wear. Never use a clip during unsupervised sleep or in a crib. A damaged clip is a safety risk, not a backup.
  • Buy for real life, not for looks: One or two well-fitting clips cover most routines. A second clip for the diaper bag or a caregiver's house is often more useful than a more expensive single clip. Focus on fit, safety, and ease of cleaning. If a clip is hard to attach, hard to clean, or does not fit your pacifier, it will end up in a drawer.

Product facts

  • Dr. Brown's Pacifier Clips: Dr. Brown's Pacifier Clips keep your little one's pacifier close by and off the ground. The loop attachment fits most pacifier sizes and brands, and the clip is easy to open and close. You can switch between pacifier types without buying a new clip, and the easy-open clip makes it quick to move from one outfit to another.
  • Dr. Brown's™ Baby Bottle Brush: Dr. Brown's Baby Bottle Brush has a combination bristle and sponge head and a ridged nipple cleaner that thoroughly scrub bottles and nipples. If you pump or use bottles alongside pacifiers, this brush helps you keep the whole feeding routine clean with one tool.
  • Dr. Brown's™ Folding Baby Bottle Drying Rack: Dr. Brown's Folding Baby Bottle Drying Rack holds multiple Dr. Brown's Narrow or Wide-Neck bottles and most other brands, fits accessories like cups, bowls, pacifiers, and teethers, and folds up for storage. A dedicated spot for drying pacifiers and bottle parts keeps them off the counter and away from dirt, and the fold-flat design saves space when you are not using it.

Is a pacifier clip right for you?

Best for

  • Parents who are tired of picking pacifiers up off the floor
  • Families who use pacifiers during stroller walks, errands, and daycare drop-offs
  • Caregivers who want a simple way to keep a pacifier clean and within reach

Not for

  • Unsupervised sleep or crib use, where a clip should never be used
  • Babies who do not use a pacifier or who refuse one
  • Anyone looking for a teether or a toy, since a pacifier clip is neither