NUK Silicone Star Soother

The NUK Silicone Star Soother is a single silicone dummy for babies aged 6 to 18 months, designed for non-nutritive sucking — the comfort sucking a baby does for soothing rather than milk. It arrives in a sturdy, reusable box that keeps the soother clean and dry when you're out and about, and doubles as a steam steriliser at home, so you have a hygienic way to store and clean it from the start.

What sets the Star soother apart is NUK's asymmetric teat shape: rounded on the upper side and flatter underneath. The upper side has a special soft zone where the silicone is very thin, designed to nestle gently against the palate, while the flatter underside is shaped to leave room for the tongue's natural sucking movements. It's BPA-free, made in Germany, and complies with the European safety standard EN1400.

How the design works

• Asymmetric teat: Rounded on top and flat underneath, the shape is designed to leave space for the tongue's natural sucking movements.
• Special soft zone: The silicone is very thin on the upper side, so it can nestle gently against the palate.
• Thin, narrow neck: The slim neck is designed to reduce pressure on the developing jaw and teeth.
• Vented heart-shaped shield: The curved shield is shaped to fit the anatomy of a baby's face and leaves space to breathe.
• Air channels: Channels around the mouth shield allow ventilation of the skin around baby's mouth.

NUK describes the Star as breastfeeding-friendly, and in independent market research in Germany the brand reports that it calms 99% of babies. As always, acceptance is individual — some babies take to one teat shape and not another, and that's completely normal.

Cleaning and sterilising

1. Before first use, place the soother in boiling water for 5 minutes, using enough water to avoid damaging it.
2. Before every further use, clean thoroughly with a mild washing-up liquid, then sterilise.
3. To use the box as a steam steriliser, place the soother inside with the teat facing down, add water up to the indicated line, close the lid and microwave for 4 minutes.
4. Carefully remove the box, pour out any remaining water, and press out any liquid trapped in the teat.
5. Let the soother cool and dry fully before giving it to your baby.

Best For

The NUK Silicone Star Soother is a great option for parents who:

• Have a baby aged 6 to 18 months and want a silicone soother for comfort sucking
• Prefer NUK's asymmetric, orthodontic-shaped teat with a flat underside and soft upper zone
• Like that it comes with a reusable box that also works as a steam steriliser

It may not be the best fit if you:

• Have a younger baby who needs a smaller size stage
• Have a baby who prefers a round or cherry-shaped teat, or who doesn't take to a dummy

Good to know

For hygiene and safety, replace the silicone soother after 1 to 2 months of use, or sooner if you notice any tears, cracks or changes to the material. Offer a soother only after you've checked baby isn't hungry — it shouldn't delay a feed — and never force it, sweeten it or modify it in any way. During sleep, follow safe-sleep guidance and don't attach clips, cords, toys or ribbons to the soother. Colours and designs vary across the range, so the exact design supplied may differ from the one pictured.