How to help your child give up their pacifier
Play the “Goodbye Paci” song
Giving up their pacifier is likely to be an emotional experience for your child, no matter how you approach it. But you can help them by framing the transition as an exciting part of growing up.
Weaning from the pacifier doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Some families choose to gradually limit when and for how long their child may use a pacifier—just at bedtime, for example, or only in the car. Experts suggest that both a slow weaning process and a quicker approach can work well. The key is to maintain the limits once you’ve set them. Here are some tips that may ease the transition.
Anticipate some disrupted sleep
Choose a time when you’re both ready, and not traveling or working through other transitions. If you’re using a gradual approach, you could start by eliminating the paci during daytime, then nap time, then finally bedtime at night.
Be confident and cheerful about the change
You can say, “We’re going to say goodbye to your pacifiers today, just like Clementine did. I know you can do it and I’m here to help you. Let’s go on a paci hunt and put them in your special bag. Shall we play the ‘Goodbye, Paci’ song?”
Stay clear and consistent about limits
Whether you pare down to a single pacifier at night or pick a date to say goodbye to all of them at once, it’s important to stick with your decision. Giving in during difficult moments can be tempting, but experts say giving in is more likely to confuse your child than comfort them. Instead, offer your love and support: “I understand why this feels hard. I’m here with a hug if you need one.”
Let your child make (some) important decisions
The bigger choice about whether to give up the pacifier belongs to you. But your child can make smaller choices—like which pacifier to keep in their bed or how they’d like to celebrate once they’ve given up the pacifier for good ❤️
Help them find a new source of comfort
Losing a pacifier may be easier for your child if there’s something to take its place. A lovey or transitional object can reassure them that comfort is still possible—even without their pacifier. You can encourage an attachment to an object your child already has, like a blanket or stuffy, or let them choose something new to celebrate this important step forward. (You can find Clementine’s blue blanket here if you think it might help.)
More expert advice
The Lovevery App
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The Lovevery Podcast
In this episode of The Lovevery Podcast, CEO Jessica Rolph talks with Dr. Amy Conrad, host of “Ask Dr. Amy,” about the pros and cons of pacifier use and transitioning off the paci.
Pacifiers: In or out? – My New Life
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