The pacifier can be a wonderful thing: it can calm a fussy baby, help him fall asleep, or provide a temporary distraction. Once breastfeeding is complete, the American Academy of Pediatrics According to an offer for nap and bedtime, the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) can be reduced. But at some point, between two and four years old, they may need help to give up the habit.
If you’re looking for the easiest time to wean a child off a pacifier, it’s probably sooner than you think – Dr. Harvey Karp, from The happiest baby on the block, says six or seven months old is the sweet spot for many babies (at nine months they begin to be emotionally attached). Even if you let them hang on their pacifiers after childhood, many toddlers will no longer use them alone. But if they keep sucking away by the age of three, it’s them American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says it’s time to stop using them before prolonged use causes orthodontic problems.
There are several different methods you can try – some are fast, some are slow, and some involve magical beings. Let’s discuss.
The three day method
This is probably the fastest way to go, and all it really takes is a few conversations with your toddler and a steely determination. If you want to go that route, you have to be committed. As Marguerite Lamb writes Parents.com::
In the morning and before bed, tell your child that you can see that they want to do many things that will make them older. Tell her this is a good idea and that in three days it will be time for her to say goodbye to her pacifiers. Tell her you know she can and that you will work on it together. Hold the conversation for 30 seconds and don’t sound like you’re asking for permission. When your child responds, reflect on their feelings – “I know you don’t want to” – and then move on. Don’t worry about making your child anxious if they get a warning. “That’s a myth,” says [Mark] Burner, [author of Pacifiers, Blankets, Bottles & Thumbs: What Every Parent Should Know About Stopping and Starting]. “Like adults, children like to prepare physically, psychologically and emotionally for change.”
G / O Media can receive a commission
On the second day, you have the same two factual chats about what the day is tomorrow. And on the third day, use their help to collect all of the pacifiers, put them in a plastic bag, and take them outside to be “recycled” into other children’s toys. (Don’t just toss them in the trash. If you think your beloved binkies will do more good for the world, it will take some time.)
And then prepare for the very real possibility of a breakdown. You can, of course, be empathetic about how they feel, but you also need to be firm. Brenner says Most toddlers will overcome losing their pacifiers in about two days.
The step-by-step approach
To wean a toddler from a pacifier more slowly, set some limits on the amount of time they can have and under what conditions. You can start by stopping their use at times when they are less needed, e.g. B. Immediately after a nap, when they are in the car or when they play with toys in the living room. Eventually get to the point where they’re only allowed to have it for a nap and before bed, and eventually get rid of it too.
You can also choose that if the pacifiers are lost or damaged, they simply will not be replaced. They’ll move from one in each room to a couple at some point, stating that if the last one is missing or broken, then using a pacifier will be the end.
Some experts also suggest poking a hole in the pacifier or cutting off its tip so that it loses its suction (and therefore its attraction). However, if you do cut the tip off, be careful as this can cause a small piece to come off and create a choking hazard. Do not let them use it unless they are supervised.
The magical approach
We have fairies who come to steal our children’s teeth; Why can’t we have fairies who take their pacifiers too? The magical binky fairy is popular with parents of pacifier-loving toddlers, and for good reason. The binky fairy comes on a special day, which could be her birthday or another milestone day. The fairy takes her old binkies to deliver to little babies who need them (only use this part if you think it won’t cause jealousy) and leaves a new “big kid’s toy” in her place.
You can swap the details on the magical creature that is coming for the binkies and even let the toddler choose when they are ready to visit.
Here is how Emily is a parent in ours Descendants Facebook group successfully dealt with it: “We spent several months talking about the ‘binky birdies’ that would leave a gift if we gave them binkies, if we were willing to give them up (for a nearly three year old). One Friday he was ready to give up the green and the next the blue, and we’ve been enjoying the duplo ever since! “
Whichever approach you take, keep timing in mind as well. You don’t want to wean them off their pacifier when they are going through another stressful transition, e.g. B. open a new daycare center, welcome a sibling or move into a new home. Pick a time when they don’t have to rely on the pacifier as much to calm themselves down.
