Get Rid of Pacifiers!

Is your Mama intuition telling you it’s time to get rid of pacifiers? Maybe your pediatrician saying to begin weaning? Your well meaning Mother-in-Law is making comments? Our 2 year old has been chewing through a few pacifiers a week because of teething. If this becomes a habit for him, we will be saying goodbye to his beloved pacifiers. And I will be sad to say goodbye to them as well, as they have helped me though the hours of 4-6pm, enabled him to fall back asleep on his own and given me some time of quietness.

Ask yourself WHY it needs to go: Did your OT/dentist/doctor recommend stopping pacifiers? Do you intuitively feel as if it is time for them to go? Are you expecting a big change in family dynamics in the next few months? Is it becoming more of a hassle to find them and replace them?

Ask yourself HOW it will go: The following are ideas, which all have pros and cons. The method you wean off of a pacifier is best when you take into consideration your child’s temperament, adaptiveness to change, and regularity.

Here are some ideas to get rid of pacifiers:

• Slowly and gently, wean off by only allowing the pacifier in the crib/bed for a week before saying goodbye. Cuddle with favorite stuffed animal during shows or times where your child asks for a pacifier.
• Get a box or garbage can and have your child help you throw the pacifiers away. Commit to this and be a confident leader for your child. Children are literal, it could be helpful for them to physically see the pacifiers going away.
• Firmly tell your child that tomorrow her pacifiers will be all gone. Ask her where she wants to put them/give them to. She might come up with “baby cousin, garbage, bury them, mail them away, etc.” This tip provides input from your child, helping them feel more autonomy and control over the situation.
• If you notice your child sucks to calm their nervous system, teach them other tools they can use to self regulate. These tools include squeezing a stress ball, hugging a pillow or blowing out a pretend candle (their fingers).

2 Approaches to Getting Rid of Pacifiers that I do not frequently recommend:

Some articles suggest a “magic fairy” or trading them in for a toy. The abstract and fantasy of a fairy might take away from the end goal: goodbye pacifier for good, as well as give them a false sense of schema around fairies.

What about trading in pacifiers for a toy?: If your child is old enough, they might realize that trade was not worth it and be hesitant to trust any other deals you make in the future.

You know what will work best for your child as you get rid of pacifiers, stay strong!

Need help deciding when and how get rid of pacifiers? Set up a consultation with me and I can create a simple plan of action to set you and your child up for success.