5 Ways to Break the Pacifier Habit

The "paci", the "sucky", the "binky", whatever you call it, both you and your stubborn toddler may have become dependent on a pacifier for soothing and comfort. When it comes time to finally give it up, you may have a real struggle on your hands. Sometimes neither you nor your child is quite ready to give up that bit of babyhood for the leap into "big kid" land. There are several strategies that can make it easier on parents and children to finally give up pacifiers.

The Pacifier Fairy

One common strategy is telling your child you are going to leave the pacifiers for the "paci fairy" to give to the new babies. You gather up all the pacifiers, remembering to check the vehicles and diaper bags, and leave them for the "paci fairy." Much like the tooth fairy, a child should get something in return, perhaps a new toy. For older toddlers or if you really want them to embrace being grown up, leave them a gift card. You can take them to a store and let them pick out the new toy themselves. It can also work great for Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny to take the pacifier and then the reward is Christmas presents or an Easter Basket.

Stuffed Animal or Pillow Substitute

For an insecure child or a child you think will have a particularly hard time you can suggest sewing a favorite pacifier into a stuffed animal or pillow. The child can keep the pacifier for comfort while still breaking the sucking habit. You can use a build-a-bear, perform a little surgery on a favorite stuffed animal, or make a small special pillow. If you decide to go use this strategy make sure the pacifier is sterilized and completely dry before you sew it into something. Boiling water or submersion in alcohol is probably best to avoid any mold or fungus problems inside the stuffed animal or pillow.

Poking a Hole

For an extremely stubborn child you may want to use a strategy where he or she chooses to give up the pacifier. You can encourage this by carefully poking small pin-size holes in the pacifier, limiting the satisfaction of sucking. Eventually he or she will learn to soothe themselves some other way and lose interest in the pacifier. Make sure you use a sterile pin or needle cleaned with alcohol to poke the holes.

The Reward System

Another way to make it your child's choice is by using the reward system. Make a chart and every time he or she chooses to take a nap or go to bed without the pacifier they earn a star. So many are worth a special prize, maybe lunch at a favorite restaurant or a trip to the park, playground or pool. With this method children can decide when to go without the pacifier until they gradually give it up.

Cold Turkey

If you don't think any of the above methods will work or don't like the idea of rewards or substitution, you can always just take the pacifier away. If you are firm and stick to the restriction, your child will probably cry for a few days and maybe beg for a few more days, but they will eventually adapt.

One of the hardest things for both parents and young children is the transition from babyhood to "big kid". As parents you want them to grow up, but sometimes hate to say goodbye to the baby moments. Toddlers can be reluctant to rush into "big kid" time as well. One of the hardest transitions can be giving up the pacifier. Both parents and children rely on it to comfort and sooth a baby and it can be a hard habit to break. Remember that leaving behind the pacifier is necessary to proper development of teeth and language skills, so choose a method and follow through.

Tips for Success

Make sure you actually get rid of the pacifier, so you aren't tempted to give in.

Enlist the help of family to encourage the "big kid behavior".

:Pick one method and stick to it no matter how much they cry.

Remember: It's for their own good. Prolonged pacifier use contributes to increased ear infections, misaligned teeth, and delays in language development.

Things to Avoid

Don't belittle or humiliate a child.

Don't plan to do this when there are new stresses, such as a new sibling, new house, new daycare, starting preschool, etc.

Don't lose your temper for those few days of fussing and crying. It will soon be over and your child will be happier and healthier.

Don't give in.

Sources:

http://www.swedish.org/16592.cfm

http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/pa/pa_pacifier_hhg.htm