Moms learn pretty quickly that babies are born with a strong natural instinct to suck. Sucking is important in ways beyond feeding, as it helps the development of the nervous system and teaches babies about temperature and texture. Using a pacifier also helps soothe a baby, but a child cannot use a pacifier forever, as it can eventually lead to dependence and dental problems.
So, deciding on when to stop using a pacifier does not have to be a mystery. Experts share some tips about when and how to wean baby from the binky.
Pacifier pros and cons
Why wean?
Would it be easier if little ones never had to wean from a pacifier? The truth is that your child’s future dental health is at risk if they are never weaned. “The pacifier can alter the way your child’s jaw develops,” shared Dr. Jason Sherman, D.O., with Cleveland Clinic. Children have soft, malleable bones. Continuous sucking on a daily basis can cause problems, so at some point every child must be weaned.
Weaning is a personal choice
Moms often experience social pressure to wean their baby off a pacifier, but that decision is not for others to make. A mother must find the right time and the right approach that works for them. Otherwise, the transition will not only be difficult for the baby but for the mother as well.
Weaning methods that all parents need to know
An abundance of sleepless nights does not have to be in your future. Check out the methods below, and maybe you'll find one that fits your style to help your baby transition from the pacifier.
Going cold turkey
Parents might be surprised at what might result from an abrupt ending. “Naps were a little rough for about a week, but other than that, she was fine,” mom Anne Meade told The New York Times about how she and her wife weaned their daughter from her pacifier cold turkey. Discomfort will be there no matter what, but know that it is only a transitional period.
From pacifier to security object
If your child is older or has already become attached to their pacifier, you can try replacing the pacifier with another security object, like a stuffed animal. Be patient with your child while they're going through this transition — they just lost their favorite security object. If your child cries while lying down for ther nap, place the new item right next to them.
When to avoid weaning
Weaning your child from a pacifier after they've developed object awareness is generally a recipe for stress on everyone. “It’s much harder to get rid of things like pacifiers after a year," warned Dr. Lori Feldman-Winter when speaking to The New York Times. Avoid this attachment period, and wean early. Don't make it any more difficult than it needs to be.
