NUK Perfect Match Air Soother 2 Pack

The NUK Perfect Match Air Soother is a dummy for babies aged 6 to 18 months, made for non-nutritive sucking — the comfort sucking that can help settle an unsettled little one between feeds, at nap time or at bedtime. Part of NUK's newer Perfect Match system, this soother (also called a dummy or pacifier) pairs an ultra-soft silicone teat with an open, breathable shield, so it stays light and gentle against your baby's face during the busy older-baby months.

As babies grow, so do their preferences, and this stage-specific soother is shaped and sized with older babies in mind. It's worth remembering that soothers complement — rather than replace — feeding, closeness and a settled routine, and that acceptance is always individual: some babies take to a particular teat straight away, others don't.

How it works

• Ultra-soft silicone teat: The soft, flexible teat is designed to adapt smoothly to the shape of your baby's palate, in keeping with the Perfect Match approach to a gentle feeding and soothing feel.
• Extra-thin teat neck: The slim neck lets the lips close more naturally around the teat, for a more natural sucking experience.
• Natural sucking support: The teat is shaped to leave space for the tongue, encouraging natural sucking movements.
• Orthodontic shape: The teat is curved to sit against the palate — a design intended to support natural oral development. "Orthodontic" describes the shape's intention, not a guarantee about how your baby's teeth or jaw will develop.
• Breathable, skin-friendly shield: The mouth shield is shaped to keep contact with the skin to a minimum, and its extra-large air holes are designed to promote airflow and help reduce the trapped moisture that can lead to drool rash and skin irritation.
• Ultra-lightweight build: The low overall weight means gentle soothing without much pressure on your baby's mouth.

How to use and care for it

1. Before first use, boil for approximately 5 minutes, then leave to cool.
2. Clean with a mild washing-up liquid before each use, and disinfect regularly.
3. After cleaning or sterilising, squeeze out any trapped water and allow the soother to dry fully.
4. To sterilise in the microwave, fill the transport box with water up to the marking, insert the soother, place the closed box off-centre in the microwave and heat only according to the time and power stated on the box. Leave the microwave closed for 5 minutes afterwards, then carefully pour away the remaining water — it will be hot.
5. Store in a dry, hygienic place, away from direct light.

The included sterilising transport box does double duty — a hygienic way to carry the soother when you're out, and the vessel for quick microwave sterilising at home.

Best for

The NUK Perfect Match Air Soother is a good fit for parents who:

• Have a baby in the 6–18 month range who takes a dummy for comfort sucking
• Want an open, breathable shield design to help keep the skin around the mouth drier
• Prefer a soft silicone teat and a lightweight soother for everyday settling

It may not suit you if your baby has shown they'd rather not take a dummy, or if you're looking for a soother outside this age range.

A few safety notes

• Always consider hunger first — rooting, mouth opening and hand-to-mouth movements can signal that a feed is needed, and a soother shouldn't be used to postpone one.
• Never attach cords, clips, ribbons or toys to a soother during sleep, and follow full safe-sleep guidance for your baby's sleep space.
• Inspect the soother before every use. Replace it every 1–2 months for safety and hygiene, even if there's no visible damage, and sooner if you notice cracks, tears, stickiness or thinning.
• Do not sweeten, alter or clean the soother in your own mouth.