The pacifier is a comfort for many children. They are used to sucking, which makes them feel comfortable and at ease. But the long-term use of pacifiers will have a negative impact on children’s tooth development and occlusion. Therefore, parents should grasp the right time and method to let the baby say goodbye to the pacifier.
There is no clear time in medicine when a baby should give up the pacifier, but parents can consider using other things to transfer the child’s dependence on the pacifier when the child is about one year old and can have preliminary communication. The most important thing is that parents should give their children enough sense of security and satisfaction, and let them gradually break away from the attachment to the pacifier.
Here are some practical suggestions for parents to try.
Narrow the scope of use
You can make an agreement with your child to use the pacifier only at home. As he gets used to it, you can further narrow down the scope, such as only in the bedroom or only for a certain period of time every day. Children of this age can quickly accept the new rules, so you have to stick to them consistently.
Take your time
It usually takes a few weeks for a child to give up his pacifier. It’s very urgent. If you take your time, you will find that everything is in better control. It’s usually easier to do this during the day, but it’s hard for children to leave the pacifier at night, so you can take the night as the last “hard project”. Make sure your child doesn’t rely on a pacifier during the day, and then focus on the night.
Distract children
When the child cries for his pacifier, find something else to attract him. May as well let the child help you bake a cake, play with flowers and grass, etc. If a child is focused on something, sucking on a pacifier is unnecessary. But remember not to bribe him with food.
Ingenious reward
Make a form for your child. Every time he wants his pacifier and gives up, draw him a five-pointed star. When there are three five-pointed stars, reward him appropriately, such as a comic book, or go swimming once. The child will like this way very much, and also reduce the pain of weaning his pacifier.
Cancel the nickname of the pacifier
Many children will have a nickname for a pacifier. You should not use it with him, and try not to allow him to say it again. If the pacifier has a special name of its own, it becomes humanized and pet like, the child will regard it as a beloved toy or even a friend and unable to give up.
Send the pacifier to others as a gift
It’s usually more effective to wean your baby off the pacifier when weaning is about to succeed. You can tell your baby: “the pacifier is only for children, but you are a big child now.” If there is a newborn you know, it’s great. You can discuss with your child to give the pacifier to the baby as a gift. Generally, the child will be happy to do so, and the pacifier is also given to the people who really need it.
Don’t be soft-hearted.
Like your child, you will find it hard to say goodbye to the pacifier. If your child becomes depressed or anxious, don’t blame yourself for guilt. Although he may be really upset, as other things attract his attention, it will be gradually forgotten. So no matter how much he cries, you should stand firm. You know, to give up halfway means to give up all your previous efforts.