How to Use a Pacifier Clip: Secure Pacifiers, Sippy Cups & More

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Learn to safely use loop-style or clip-style pacifier clips

Co-authored by Denise Stern and Devin McSween

Last Updated: July 6, 2025 Fact Checked

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Loop-Style Clip

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Snap-Style Clip

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Attaching the Clip

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Other Ways to Use

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Video

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Tips

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Warnings

Pacifier clips are incredibly useful for keeping track of your baby’s pacifiers. Otherwise, you might find yourself spending a fortune from losing pacifiers all the time. Pacifier clips usually attach to pacifiers with either a snap closure or a loop. Then, you simply clip the other end of the strap to your baby’s clothing. In this article, we’ll explain how to put the clip on a pacifier and attach it to your baby’s clothing, and tell you about other ways to use your clip. Read on to learn more!

Putting on a Pacifier Clip

Parenting expert Denise Stern says to push the loop end of the pacifier clip through the pacifier’s handle, pull the clip end of the strap through the loop, and tighten the loop around the handle of the pacifier. For safety reasons, always remove the clip or any other attachments when putting the baby down to sleep.

Section 1 of 4:

Attaching a Loop-Style Pacifier Clip

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1
Push the end of the loop through the handle of the pacifier. Locate the handle or ring on the outside of the pacifier, which is where you want to attach the pacifier clip. Squeeze the end of the loop to make it smaller and then push it through the handle. Pull the loop out on the other side of the handle until the edge of the pacifier is up against the strap.^{[1]
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- The loop is often made from a thick material, such as leather, cord, or canvas.
- Warning: Do not pull the loop through the small holes in the pacifier, as this can be a safety hazard. These are ventilation holes that give your baby access to air in the very rare case they swallow their pacifier. So, obstructing the holes can be a choking risk.^{[2]
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  Consumer Reports
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2
Insert the end of the clip’s strap through the loop. Next, bring the clip end of the pacifier strap around and through the loop. Insert the clip and strap through the loop.^{[3]
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- The strap may be a flat ribbon, or it might have beads or other decorative items on it. However, it should still fit through the loop easily.
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3
Pull to tighten the loop around the pacifier. Tug on the strap until the loop tightens around the pacifier’s handle. This will secure the pacifier clip to the pacifier—it is now ready to use!^{[4]
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- To remove the clip, simply pull on the knot to loosen the loop. Then, pull the handle back through the loop.
Tip: Make sure that you can still undo the loop when needed. Don’t pull it so tight that it will be difficult to remove the strap if you need to wash it or sanitize your baby’s pacifier.

Section 2 of 4:

Attaching a Snap-Style Pacifier Clip

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1
Undo the snap at the end of the strap. Locate the snap and use your fingers to pry it open. Pull it apart so that the end of the strap is accessible.^{[5]
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- If the strap uses Velcro, then use your fingers to pull apart the Velcro.
Tip: Some pacifier clips are made specifically for certain brands of pacifiers. Check to see that the pacifier and clip you are using are compatible before you try to attach them.
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Slip the strap through the handle of the pacifier. Locate the handle or ring on the outside of the pacifier. Insert the strap through the handle with the snap facing out and away from the nipple of the pacifier.^{[6]
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- If the strap uses Velcro to secure itself, then make sure the Velcro is facing away from the nipple.
Warning: Do not attach the clip to the small holes on the pacifier. The holes provide ventilation in the very rare case that your child swallows the pacifier. Therefore, inserting the clip through the holes can be a choking hazard.^{[7]
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Consumer Reports
Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing

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3
Press the snaps together to secure the clip. Line up the snap pieces on the other side of the pacifier handle. Then, press them together again to secure the strap to the pacifier.^{[8]
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- If the strap uses Velcro, press the Velcro together to secure the strap.
- To remove the clip, simply pull the snap or Velcro apart again.

Section 3 of 4:

Securing the Clip on Your Baby’s Clothing

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1
Squeeze the clip to open it up. The clip part of a pacifier clip is at the opposite end of the strap where you attached the pacifier. Locate it and squeeze the handles on the clip to open it.^{[9]
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- For some types of clips, you flip a plastic piece on the clip to open it up.^{[10]
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Find an unobtrusive spot low on your child’s clothing and pinch it. A good place is towards the bottom of your child’s shirt or sleeve of their onesie. This is also often where fabric is doubled up on onesies, so it may be a more secure place to attach the clip. Use your fingers to grasp a piece of the clothing where you want to attach the clip.^{[11]
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- The clip is probably too strong for your child to undo, but it’s still a good idea to attach it somewhere they won’t be as tempted to mess with it.
- Warning: Do not place the clip close to your child’s neck. While the straps are kept short to prevent the risk of strangulation, there is a chance they could get wrapped around your child’s neck if placed higher up on their body.
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Slip a piece of your child’s clothing into the open clip and close it. Continue to hold onto the clothing with 1 hand and the open clip with the other hand. Slide the clothing piece into the clip and then release the handles to close the clip around the clothing.^{[12]
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- Warning: Be extra careful not to pinch any of your child’s skin or hair in the clip when you attach it.

Section 4 of 4:

Other Ways to Use a Pacifier Clip

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Feel free to secure the pacifier clip to other objects besides your child’s clothing to easily keep track of their pacifier. For instance, clip the pacifier onto your stroller, diaper bag, purse, or even your own clothes.

Warning: Do not attach the pacifier clip to your child’s crib, as this can be a strangulation hazard, or their car seat, as it can potentially hurt them in the case of an accident.^{[13]
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Health information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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Attach the clip to sippy cups or snack containers instead of a pacifier. Most pacifier clips easily attach to other objects that have handles, holes, or openings. So, use the clip to keep your child’s other items easily accessible. For instance, loop the clip through sippy cups, snack containers, teething rings, toys, and even blankets.
- Don’t attach these items to your child’s clothing, as they’re much heavier than a pacifier. Instead, secure them to your child’s stroller, diaper bag, or your own clothes.

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Tips

Wash the pacifier clip whenever you clean the pacifier, or whenever you notice that the clip is dirty. To clean most clips, wipe them with warm water and mild soap. However, check your pacifier clip’s instructions for any specific directions.^{[14]
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According to Denise Stern, a parenting specialist, you should replace pacifiers every 2 to 3 months, or when they start to look worn.^{[15]
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Denise Stern
Parenting Specialist

Expert Interview} So, it’s a good idea to replace the clip every 2 to 3 months, too.

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Repurpose your pacifier clip once your child outgrows pacifiers. For instance, attach the clip to your keys to help keep track of them. Just clip the other end onto your clothing or bag.

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Warnings

Remove the pacifier clip from your baby's clothing while you’re not actively watching them and before you put them down for a nap or to bed at night. Give them a pacifier that is not attached to a clip strap, instead. Leaving the clip on while your baby is unattended or asleep puts them at risk of strangulation.^{[16]
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Only attach the pacifier clip to the handle or ring of the pacifier. Attaching it to the small holes on the pacifier can be a choking risk, as these are ventilation holes that help prevent your baby from choking in the very rare case they swallow the pacifier.^{[17]
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Consumer Reports
Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing

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Keep the pacifier clip away from your child’s neck to reduce any risk of strangulation. Instead, attach the strap low on their clothing (e.g., shirt hem, end of the sleeve).^{[18]
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Consumer Products Safety Commission
Independent U.S. government agency responsible for protecting consumers by developing safety standards and conducting product research

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