Pacifier, paci, pac pac, binky, whatever you call it, there will come a time when you want to start weaning your toddler off his or her pacifier. But be warned, this is not usually an easy task.
Babies and toddlers find pacifiers to be a soothing mechanism that they rely on to help put them to sleep and calm them when frustrated.
As parents we might find it easier to just let them have the pacifier and let them out grown it themselves, but honestly the longer you wait to wean them off the pacifier, the harder it will be.
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Some studies have shown that pacifiers can affect speech development, and also the alignment of their teeth as they get older.
Whatever the reason you might have, there are a few things you can try to help wean your toddler off the pacifier.
1) Snipping a very small hole in the tip of your toddler's pacifier will let all the air out making it more difficult for them to suck. Using the pacifier will become less enjoyable for them and eventually they won't want it anymore.
2) Cut back on your toddler's use of the pacifier. Start using it only at nap and bedtimes and never bring it with you when you are away from the home. Slowly transition to only at bedtime and not during the day at all. From there use it at bedtime when absolutely necessary until it is no longer needed. This is a slow transition that may take a few months.
3) Try trading your toddler's pacifier for another soothing object like a blanket or stuffed animal. Explain to them what you are doing and that they are getting something else in return for trading in their pacifier.
4) Offer little treats and rewards for every time your toddler goes without the pacifier, especially nap and bedtimes. Once your toddler sees that they are getting something in return on a regular basis in exchange for giving up their pacifier they are more likely to keep this momentum going for treats. Once your toddler has successfully given up their pacifier offer them a big reward for their job well done.
These are just a few ideas to help wean your toddler off the pacifier. Doctors have stated that it is not an absolute cause of concern for your child to give up their pacifier until around age 5. I know for many parents this is just too long to wait! Remember the sooner you get started, the easier the time you will have getting your toddler off the pacifier.