How to Transition Out the Pacifier
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Whether you call it a binky, paci, pacifier, nub or any other cute name, there comes a time when you as a parent decide that the pacifier has got to go. Babies have an inborn need to suck. By the toddler age, many parents think it’s time to phase out the nub.
A lot of parents decide that the only way to do this is to go cold turkey. They throw out all the pacifiers in the home and don’t give in to their toddler’s pleas to give it back. Other parents decide to do this in a more gentle fashion, afraid of traumatizing their child. Remember that many toddlers use the pacifier as a source of comfort, so this may be an easier method.
What can you do to make the transition easier?
- Limit its use in the home. You can specify that it’s only for bedtime, or only for nap time.
- Make them feel proud to be a “big girl/boy”. “You’re doing so good using binky only in your room. You’re such a big girl now!”
- Make it a positive experience. Never threaten, punish them over the binky. Use a rewards system. You can give them a choice of a treat like candy or going watching a DVD and not using their binky that evening.
- Hold a farewell party for the pacifiers. It’s a great idea I read in a children’s book. Parents can gather all the binky in the house for the “Binky Fairy” to take away, leaving a toy, or some other treat in its place.
For those parents having a hard time phasing the binky out, relax. If the above steps don’t help the first time around, wait another couple of months and try again, or just let them wean themselves. Experts have agreed that the pacifiers won’t really do any damage until after 5 years old. Most children wean themselves off of them by then. Sooner or later, they’ll let the pacifiers go, with or without your intervention.
Lissa says...
We were lucky that our son just decided to stop one day. I’m really not sure the reason why but I’m glad that’s one less thing we have to worry about.