Ditch the Pacifier: 6 Tips for Transitioning

young child sleeping in bed with pacifier next to them. Cuddling a bear

Ditch the Pacifier: 6 Tips for Transitioning

Moving away from the pacifier is a rite of passage for children and parents alike, but it’s a task that is easier said than done. Who would think that taking away such a small object from your little one could be so hard?  

For a young child, pacifiers can help lower stress, reduce crying and improve their sleep. However, prolonged pacifier use can have a negative impact on your child’s dental health by interfering with teeth growth and alignment. While the process of ditching the pacifier may be difficult, it’s a necessary step for your child’s health.. Keep in mind that there’s no rush to separate a baby from their pacifier; it’s normal for children to use a pacifier from infancy to age three. Experts note that the weaning “sweet spot” is between 6 and 7 months of age, before a child has a chance to develop a strong connection to the pacifier. Otherwise, it’s recommended that you reduce pacifier usage starting at 18 months of age so that your little one isn’t taken by surprise when they have to part with it.  

Here are a few ways to approach saying goodbye to “paci”: 

  • Slowly reduce the amount of pacifier time. When you gradually remove pacifiers from your home, the transition will be less jarring. You can start by taking the pacifier away in calm moments when your child isn’t in distress. Next, stop allowing the pacifier outside of the crib. Finally, take it away for good. Be sure to avoid weaning your child off their pacifier during major life changes, like moving or starting at a new school. 
  • Find creative ways to say goodbye. Saying goodbye to the pacifier doesn’t have to be a dramatic event. For a creative way to ditch it, visit a toy store together and have your child “pay” for a new toy using the pacifier as “payment.” After you make the real purchase while your child is distracted, they’ll think that they were able to get a new treat from this trade.  
  • Read together. There are a number of children’s books that feature stories about moving on from the pacifier. Reading a book inclusive of that with your little one can help them feel more comfortable with the idea and see that other (make-believe) “big kids” have gone through the same process and been okay. 
  • Offer another source of comfort. While your child is adjusting to life without “paci,” it may help to soothe them in other ways, like cuddling, singing or introducing a soft blanket or stuffed animal. 
  • Give the pacifier away. Turn this milestone into an act of kindness by explaining to your child the benefit their pacifier could have for someone else. Explain that there is someone like Santa Claus, who needs their pacifier to do his magic, or a scientist who needs to recycle it for an important experiment. Help them go through the ritual of leaving it out for Santa or the scientist, and then reinforce the importance of their kind gesture to help others. 
  • Just ditch it. One of the simplest methods for moving on is getting rid of the pacifier all together. Remove every pacifier from your home and don’t buy any more. Your child will definitely express their disappointment, but they will adapt to the change sooner than you think.  

As with many parenting strategies, the key to success is following through and being consistent. Make sure that other family members, teachers and caregivers are aware of your plans so that your child’s experience is the same throughout the day.  

And remember that every child is unique and reacts differently to this change! They may give it up easily or need more time with this transition. There’s no right or wrong way for your child to react, so treat the situation with patience and love. 

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