Pacifier Weaning Tips – TheraPlay4Kids.com

I’ve put together a few ideas that you may want to try to help get rid of that pacifier quicker. Good luck!

Sucking is a very natural soothing experience for a child. Parents may feel the time is right to get rid of that pacifier, while the child may not yet be ready. Some of the ideas and suggestions that follow are gentle ways to help your child (and you) in the process.

o   Limit use of the pacifier to certain times – naps, noisy settings, travel, medical appointments, high stress times; if at daycare, allow it for the nap-time if needed.

o   Create a special box that your child can decorate to keep the pacifier in when not using it – “it goes back in here when you are done with your nap” – that sort of thing. Having a special place or box lets your child know you understand how much they care about their pacifier safety, and help them feel more secure in “putting it away” for a time.

o   Talk about how they have such a beautiful smile and that you can’t see it when the pacifier is in their mouth – take some pictures of them smiling without the pacifier and then take a picture of it in their mouth – show them the difference and tell your child how you just love to see their whole face and smile and so on – make a big deal about how “big they are getting” and that they do not look as grown up with the pacifier in (careful on how you word this! You don’t want to call them a “baby”)

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o   Use a timer if they have to have the pacifier in during the day. “Ok, we are setting the timer for ?? minutes and when it goes off the pacifier goes back into its special place.”  You know your child best, so set the timer for what they may need at the start and then reduce the time day by day – finally set the timer for the time that they can hold the pacifier or keep it in a pocket – NOT in their mouth – you’ll have to work up to this, but that’s where you are heading. At the end when it’s no longer asked about, just let it stay out of sight and don’t bring it up. Keep it around for a few weeks just in case of a really stressful day or meltdown and needs to see their “friend” again.

o   Set pacifier free times during the day – give warning well ahead of time and repeat the rules well before they go into effect. All pacifiers get put away during 1) meals, 2) group play time, 3) walks outside, 4) story time, 5) music time – you get the idea – the times that it cannot be used get longer and longer day to day until eventually there is no time for it. Repeat and remind about the rules. If there are times you are allowing the pacifier, tell your child that you get to have it for ……… time, and that it’s in its special box waiting for you until then. If your child needs to “check” on it, and look in the box to reassure them self that it’s still there, that’s ok.

o   If they are resisting giving it up when asked for it, you could offer a choice – “Do you want to stay here on your bed or blanket or chair, or do you want to put the pacifier in its special place and join me for music, or reading, or a walk, etc” – Tie the pacifier use to “nap” time or “quiet time” but not to any group or fun time. Eventually reduce time to use at nap time.

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o   Some pacifiers are more soft and rubbery and one thing that you may try is to poke a small pin-hole into the nipple part – this reduces the firmness and the suck just is not as satisfying – it’s the same pacifier, but it just doesn’t work as well. Slowly increase the pin prick size allowing for an increased collapse of it while being sucked on. Use of the pacifier becomes more unsatisfying than wanting to continue to use. Do make sure you have an extra un-modified one on hand in case of any meltdown from changing up how the pacifier works!   NOTE: Watch for choking hazard of a modified pacifier; also if your child has teeth they may bite off the end or a piece of a rubbery pacifier so check it often!

o   Try changing the type and design of the pacifier – you are still providing one, but it’s not the same one. Like I noted above, have their normal one on hand as needed!

o   Provide another way your child can get their sensory and/or emotional support – provide soft toys, blankets, give hugs if they will accept, rock them gently, swinging, and other calming activities.

o   Check with your dentist regarding any adverse effects from long-term pacifier use. It’s not a given, but generally a child who stops using a pacifier before the age of 2 will not experience any long term effects to their teeth. After the age of 2 and up to the age of 4, some dental issues may result.

o   Try to remain positive and calm. Some children will suddenly resist, changing their mind, and decide they’re not ready yet – go with the flow, but continue to work toward the ultimate goal of giving up that pacifier!

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Disclaimer Note: Before beginning any new program, activity, exercise, or make changes, be sure to consult with your child’s doctor, and service providers for individualized guidance, direction, and supervision. These ideas and suggestions presented on TheraPlay4Kids are meant to help support and promote, however, since each child, diagnosis, medical status, and situation is different, one should seek help and approval from your child’s providers in order to achieve the best outcomes and ultimate safety for all involved. Please make use of this site and all the information presented at your own discretion for the safety and well-being of all involved.

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