10 Useful Tips on How To Wean Baby From Pacifier

Today, I am sharing 10 useful tips on how to wean baby from pacifier. Many new parents give their babies pacifiers to help them with self-soothing. Many toddlers give up their pacifiers around the ages of two to four. For some, it is not as easy, and they need a little assistance from their parents to stop using one.

10 Tips on How To Wean Baby From Pacifier

When you notice your little one is not too eager to part from his beloved pacifier, you can try these useful tips on how to wean baby from pacifier to make the process a little easier.

 

• Using praise as opposed to shame – reward your toddler for milestones. For instance, make a reward chart and add a star for every day that he did not use his pacifier.
• Keeping his little hands occupied – some kids use their pacifiers when they are bored. By keeping their little hands occupied with toys, fun activities or crafts, you can keep them from getting bored and reaching for their pacifiers.
• Consider the timing – Do not begin with the weaning process when there are already difficult circumstances at play. For instance, when you are busy moving, your child is not feeling well, he is going to school for the first time, or you are away on vacation.  
• Do it slowly – don’t take away his pacifier abruptly. Try restricting the use at specific times, for instance, only using it at bedtime and then eventually taking it away entirely.
• Reading children’s books – Children have incredible imaginations. Reading a creative story might just distract him enough to forget about his pacifier. You can also tell him that the pacifier is going back to a magic fairyland to other children that need it more. Reading is also an excellent way for bonding with your baby. There are plenty of benefits linked to reading to your child from a young age.
• Try using alternate soothing methods – instead of reaching for the pacifier, try rocking him to sleep or singing a lullaby.
• Throwing a goodbye party – this is another way where you can use your creativity to help your child through this transition.
• Opting for a replacement – Permit your child to select a special soft toy or any other toy that he can use for comfort to replace his pacifier.
• Standing your ground – if your little one whines and fusses without his pacifier, do not give in. You need to stand your ground. After a few days you will notice that he is getting used to the idea. And do not give it back to him after removing it.
• Getting caregivers on board – Alert nannies, babysitters, grandparents, and everyone that is involved with caretaking that you have taken his pacifier away. Tell them about these techniques so that they can do the same to make the transition easier.

Why is it Essential to Wean Baby From Pacifier?

Using a pacifier for too long can have a negative effect on the development of your little one’s teeth as well as the shape of his mouth. It can lead to the bottom teeth going inwards and the top teeth sticking outwards. This might require braces or other orthodontic procedures to rectify the issue.

After six months your child’s risk of developing ear infection might be higher if he is using a pacifier. The other issue is that he might become dependent on his dummy. He might cry during the night if the pacifier falls out, or he might have difficulty falling asleep during bedtime without his pacifier.

Advantages of Using a Pacifier

While prolonged use of a pacifier can lead to issues, there are some advantages linked to using one.

• It might lower the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
• Many pacifiers can be washed in a dishwasher, so it is easy to sanitize and clean them to help protect your baby’s fragile immune system.
• A pacifier might help his little ears adjust to pressure fluctuations during flights.
• Pacifiers can assist with soothing a fussy baby and help them fall asleep easier.

Conclusion

I hope you have found these 10 tips on how to wean baby from pacifier helpful and that it will make your little one’s transition a little easier. Remember it is never a good option to force the issue. Most kids will eventually adjust once they get used to the idea and if you handle it correctly. Sometimes all it takes is a little nudge and explaining to them why it is time to let go.