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5 TIPS TO GET RID OF THAT PACIFIER

All good things must come to an end. Isn’t that the saying? The time to get rid of the pacifier has come and you are freaking out. It has helped your little one through so many situations, and let’s be honest, it has helped to give you some peace and quiet as well. No matter how much it has helped, it’s time for your child to give it up and you need some strategies fast.

tips to get rid of that soother

5 TIPS TO GET RID OF THAT PACIFIER

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START BY ELIMINATING DAYTIME USE

If your child is using the pacifier to soothe themselves during the day as well as at night, it is a good idea to start by limiting it’s use to sleep times only. Start by only giving them the pacifier during nap times and bed times. If your child asks for it, tell them nicely that it is only for use during sleep periods and redirect their attention somewhere else. If they ask for it because they are upset, teach them other ways to find comfort, sing a song, read a book or simply give them a hug.

ELIMINATE NAPTIME USE

Once you have stopped the need for the pacifier during the hours your child is awake, you can start phasing it out for nap times. Instead offer your child something else to help them fall asleep like a stuffed animal, a favourite blanket or a nice song to drift off to sleep. Your child may fight sleep for the first little bit, but going in to reassure them that you are there will help them to drift off eventually and it will get easier over time.

POKE THE END OF THE PACIFIER WITH A PIN

Try poking the end of the pacifier with a pin or cutting off the tip – if they still see the pacifier but it does not feel the same way in their mouth – they may have an easier time giving it up.

get rid of the pacifier

GET RID OF ALL THE PACIFIERS IN THE HOUSE

Once you have eliminated the need for the pacifier during the daytime and naptime, it’s time to take the next step. Talk to your child and explain that there will be no more pacifiers in the house and that they are big now and don’t require it anymore.

You can even choose to do something that involves them to get rid of it. Have them throw it out, and have a “Big Kid” party afterward or have them put them in an envelope and mail it together to a baby that needs it. If they participate in getting rid of them, they will know for certain that they are gone and also have a sense of accomplishment.

You can also read Binkies are for Babies or Patrick Paci Mouse: A pacifier weaning book with your child.

STICK TO YOUR GUNS

The first few days and nights might be difficult, but that is the hardest part. For your own piece of mind, mark off the days on the calendar to give yourself a light at the end of the tunnel. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Every time you reintroduce the pacifier and give in, it will get harder each time you try to wean them.

Remember you and your little one are fully capable of this! Good luck!

You may also like this post: HELP! MY 2-YEAR-OLD IS MEAN:

my toddler is mean

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Calvin

Friday 16th of March 2018

A good way to phase out of the pacifier! Very helpful post with some unknown tips

Tara Gauthier

Thursday 11th of January 2018

These are great tips. My son used a pacifier but would naturally spit it out naturally once fell asleep. Didn't use it at all during day, just to fall asleep. Then when daughter came along oh how we wished she would use one but never took to it.

Amanda

Wednesday 10th of January 2018

I'm still a little ways away from doing this, my son is only 7 1/2 months, but I m already anxious about it! It's funny how I was so hesitant at first of even giving him one (because he is my first and everyone scared me about "nipple confusion"), when in reality I am so glad I did! He loves it and it is such a comfort to him. I do know the day will come though when he will have to part with it, and I'll keep these tips in mind. I think the "sticking to my guns" will be the hardest for me lol

Great article! :) xo

nicky

Monday 8th of January 2018

Transitioning off the soother can be difficult for some kids, but at a certain point, it's important for their dental health.

Silvia D

Sunday 7th of January 2018

Great tips! I had it easy with my kids..my son well, we went on a long road trip when he was 9 months old, when we got home after 2 weeks he actually threw his from the crib and refused to use it again! My daughter, she never accepted one..now my step grandkids, one refuses to give his up!