Getting your baby off the pacifier is far from an easy task because its soothing effect is as addicting to parents as it is to children. This “convenience” often leads to the pacifier being used by babies longer than it should be. And once it becomes a long-running habit, needless to say, it can be very difficult to get your child and yourself to transition off the pacifier.
If you’re sailing in the same boat, there’s no need to worry. We’re here to help you with a few simple tips. Let’s start with understanding why it is crucial to let go of the pacifier.
Why stop using the pacifier?
Every parent knows that when it comes to infants, pacifiers are the superheroes coming to the rescue! Studies have revealed that 68% of parents give pacifiers to their babies before 6 weeks; that’s actually a pretty huge chunk of the market. Although pediatricians approve of the use of pacifiers because it reduces the chances of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), an overstayed welcome of them can lead to many other issues.
The extensive use of pacifiers over a long period of time can lead to dental problems such as deformation of the palate, mouth breathing, dry mouth, and shifting of teeth. All of this also increases the chances of tooth decay and cavities.
Doctors suggest that it’s best to stop using a pacifier by the age of 3 before the front permanent teeth come. The sooner the child is off it, the lesser are the chances of dental problems. Not to scare you or set you in a panic, but studies have revealed that the use of pacifiers is also linked to ear infections, gastrointestinal infections, and oral thrush.
As adults, it’s easier for parents to understand the consequences of pacifiers, however, children require more than talking to get off their constant companion. Lecturing your child or simply snatching it away is of course not the best solution; it will only be counterproductive. This is why you can try these hacks to help your child let go of this habit smoothly and confidently.
#1 – Use children books to share the story
Instead of immediately taking the pacifier away from your child, get children’s books like The Last Noo-Noo or Pacifiers Are Not Forever which talk about this topic in simple words that your child may be able to understand. After listening to or reading the stories, your child may be a little more willing to let go of it.
#2 – What’s better than getting a teddy bear!
Take your child to a Build a Bear store and let them, on their own, deposit their pacifier into the stuffing of their teddy bear. This way your child won’t feel the loss of the pacifier, because they’ve got a brand new friend and this technique is a good reminder of the kid’s younger days.
#3 – Tell them you’re donating the pacifiers (don’t do it literally though)
Collect all your child’s pacifiers and explain to them that they’re being donated for a good cause. On hearing this, they may be more likely to get convinced since they’ll think it’s for a good cause. Then visit a friend with a baby and let your child “donate” their pacifier collection to them. Your friend can later dispose them off.
#4 – Snip, Snip
Make a small hole in the pacifier. After a point, it will lose its appeal and your child will give it up himself/herself. However, get rid of the torn pacifier quickly, because it could become a possible choking hazard if your child continues to use it. It may even collect a lot of bacteria on it.
Fear not, it’s just a phase
If your child is too fond of his/her faithful friend, there’s no need to panic. Regardless of how stubborn the baby is, he/she will get over it sooner or later. It’s just about a matter of time. We’re excited for you to try out these techniques. Do let us know which one worked for you.