Pacifiers soothe many infants and toddlers, providing parents with a useful tool for calming fussiness. Parents often begin thinking about breaking the habit of pacifier use as the toddler years approach. In addition to the social stigma of an older child sucking a pacifier, it may also cause dental problems and ear infections, according to MayoClinic.com. A child who is particularly attached to her pacifier won't likely give it up easily. Patience and consistency aid in getting your child to break the pacifier habit.
Step 1
Purchase one last pacifier for your child. Let her know that once it is worn out, lost or otherwise gone, she won't get a replacement. This gives her plenty of warning about the upcoming change.
Step 2
Reduce the use of the pacifier when you are home. If your baby sucks on the pacifier most of the day, take it away when she is content.
Step 3
Limit the pacifier use to the home. American Baby recommends simply telling your child that the pacifier cannot leave the house anymore. This helps further reduce the time your child uses the pacifier.
Step 4
Restrict use of the pacifier only to the crib. Many babies who use a pacifier rely on them to fall or stay asleep at nap and bedtime. This rule allows them to still use the pacifier during these times but limits the overall pacifier use.
Step 5
Distract your baby with other activities if she wants her pacifier during the day. Keep her busy with active play, or offer her a snack to keep her hands and mouth busy.
Step 6
Help your baby calm down with other methods if she becomes upset and wants her pacifier. Cuddling with her is one way to provide comfort without letting her have her pacifier back.
Step 7
Create a sticker chart if you have an older baby or toddler who is trying to break the pacifier habit. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using the sticker charts along with reminders.
Step 8
Get rid of all pacifiers with the help of your child. There are different ways to do this. Throwing them in the trash or mailing them to Santa to pass out to new babies may work. Make it into an event to celebrate the decision.
Step 9
Lose the pacifier on purpose if your baby isn't willing to part with it on her own. Ask Dr. Sears recommends distracting your child if she begins looking for the lost pacifier.
Step 10
Replace the lost pacifier with a new toy or other reward. Remind your child of the replacement item if she becomes upset about the lost pacifier.
Tips and Warnings
- Prepare yourself for crying and temper tantrums when you eliminate the pacifiers.
- Avoid punishing or belittling your child for pacifier use. Avoid making comments about pacifiers only being for babies.
