Research has shown that giving your baby a pacifier after breastfeeding reduces their risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Pacifiers can help soothe your young ones when they are distressed or help put them to sleep. However, there comes a time when your child is too old for a pacifier. You might be asking yourself when to wean your baby off their beloved pacifier. You are in the right place! This article will teach you everything you need to know about pacifier weaning.
It won’t be easy!
Your child develops the skill of sucking as early as 14 weeks in the womb. It should not surprise you that the sucking reflex is a real need for your infant. Naturally, the child will be hooked to a pacifier. Therefore, it would be best to brace yourself for some tough times ahead before you can eventually say your child can go without their pacifier.
Use your instincts
As a new mom, you might be wondering when it is time to wean you should start getting your kid off the pacifier. You might be wondering when should babies stop using pacifiers or whether your child is too old to be using one. Medical experts recommend around 6 months but you don’t have to wait that long. Listen to your inner voice and figure out whether your baby really needs a pacifier to calm down or when they are trying to fall asleep. Remember, it is always best to wean early to avoid physical dependency.
There might be crying spells
Your little one will not give up their beloved pacifier without a fight. There will be times when they throw tantrums to prove that you will give in to their demands if they yell long enough. You ought to stand firm and show them empathy during this tough time.
Your child might switch to sucking their thumb
If you take away your child’s pacifier when their sucking reflex is too strong, they might find other ways to satisfy their urge. In some cases, taking away their pacifier might cause them to suck on something else, such as their thumb, for comfort.
Try using a reward system
You can also try rewarding your little ones for venturing out of their comfort zone and going extended periods without their pacifier. You could create a sticker chart and add a star or smiley face every extra day they go without asking for their pacifier.
Offer comfort toys
Whenever your toddler asks for their pacifier, try to take a bit longer than you normally would before giving in to their request. As you stretch out the time, offer your little ones comfort toys to distract them from their sucking reflex.
Try and reason with your toddler
One other pacifier weaning is to let your toddler know that they are now too old to use a pacifier and that they can manage without one. Tell them stories about their age mates or imaginary friends who stopped using their pacifiers.
Bottom Line
Experts suggest you wean your child off a pacifier from 6 months but you can always start early. After all, getting rid of your baby’s pacifier at the right time will reduce their risk of developing dental malocclusions.
