How to Stop Pacifier Use

Weaning Your Child off the Pacifier

Choose a non-stressful time to start the weaning process. Weaning your child from their pacifier will be easier if it’s done at a time where you and your child are relaxed. Avoid choosing a busy time, such as when you are busy at work, or your child has just started pre-school. Wait until your child is at least 6 months old. In the first 6 months of a child's life, a pacifier can help to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Try to wean your child before they turn two years old. This decreases the likelihood of any dental issues related to pacifier use. Either wean the pacifier gradually or take it away completely. Communicate how you plan to wean to other caregivers.

Remove the pacifier from sight while they are distracted. Your child has formed an attachment to their pacifier and giving it up may not be easy for them. Starting slowly can be an easier approach for some children. Take the pacifier away when the child is busy playing. When the child asks for the pacifier, tell them they can have it soon. If your child becomes distressed, reassure them that they are okay without it and continue playing with them.

Distract them with a snack or toy when they become distressed. Distraction is a great tool to make the weaning process more peaceful. Give your child a snack to distract them if they are upset when they notice the pacifier is gone. This can also help recreate the feeling of putting something in their mouth. Food that your toddler can suck or chew on is a good idea as it will feel similar to a pacifier. Try frozen fruit or healthy ice-blocks.

Isolate pacifier use to their bedroom. Try to slowly extend the length of time that your child doesn’t have the pacifier while they are awake. Tell your child that they can only use the pacifier while they are in bed Try attaching the pacifier to their bed with a pacifier-clip. These can be purchased from baby stores. This will help your child to understand that they can only use their pacifier in their bedroom. If your child struggles with the extended periods, allow them to sit in their room with the pacifier. It is unlikely that they will want to stay alone in their room for prolonged periods.

Warn the child before taking it away for day-time naps. Tell your child that they won’t be having the pacifier for their nap. This can help children understand what is happening and mentally prepare for the change. Use positive affirmations, such as telling them that they’re a big kid now. Replace pacifier use with a soothing activity, like reading a book, taking a bath, or rocking them until they fall asleep. Start this young so they grow accustomed to it. Consider buying your child a new soothing toy as an alternative. Communicate to your child that they have a new teddy or blanket instead of their pacifier.

Make a new bed routine when taking the pacifier away at night. When your child stops asking about the pacifier during the day, start eliminating its bedtime usage. Leave it hidden when they go to bed and only give it to them when they ask about it. Add a story, song, or bath into your child’s routine as an alternative soothing method. This can distract them and help the child to feel more relaxed. The first few nights can be difficult but it does get easier. Praise your child in the morning for not using the pacifier. If your child continues to ask for the pacifier each night, you will need to tell them that they can’t use it anymore.

Taking the Quick Approach

Explain to your child that they don’t need the pacifier anymore. Tell your child that they are a big kid now and that it time to say goodbye to their pacifier. If they get upset, try to calm them down by telling them about the fun and exciting things that older kids get to do (jump on trampolines, eat new food, go to preschool, etc.). Tantrums will increase in younger babies if they do not have their pacifier when they expect it. You could bury the pacifier in the ground or leave it on the table for the “pacifier fairy” to collect overnight. This method can involve crying and tantrums at first but it is generally the quickest way to stop the habit. The new pattern should feel normal for the child after three days.

Let the child choose a new toy to take to bed. This is a good way to distract your child and the new toy can offer comfort and support during the transitional period. Blankets or teddy bears are cozy options. Make sure that the toy is safe and doesn’t pose a choking risk.

Praise your child in the morning. In the morning, give your child lots of encouragement. This will help them feel more positive about the change. Remind your child that you are proud of them and they did really well sleeping all night. If your child needs extra encouragement, consider giving them a physical reward. Stickers and stamps are an inexpensive and easy option.

Using Alternative Methods

Create a sticker chart if your child responds well to incentives. For every day they go without their pacifier, let them put a sticker on the chart and praise them for doing well. If they ask for their pacifier during the day, let them know that they will not get a sticker if they use it. Choose a reward that your child will receive once they complete the sticker chart. This can act as an extra motivator to go without their pacifier.

Plan a date to stop using the pacifier if you want a quick approach. Birthdays work well for this, since the pacifier can easily be "replaced" by gifts. Gifts that your child recognize as signifying a transition to older childhood - such as a toy reserved for "big kids" - are especially effective for this.

Make the pacifier taste unpleasant if your child relies on it for comfort. If your child is very attached to their pacifier this is a good way to bring negative associations to it. Dunk the pacifier in lemon juice or vinegar to give it a bad taste before giving it to your child. Avoid using salt or pepper as these aren’t good for young children’s health.

Ask your toddler to give the pacifier away if they know a young baby. This method works best for children that are 2 years or older, as they will be able to comprehend what is happening. Suggest to your child that they give the pacifier away to a small baby. Ask a friend with a young baby to receive the pacifier from your child as a “gift” for their baby. This can help your child feel involved in the process of stopping the use of their pacifier. Give your child plenty of praise after they have given away their pacifier.

Try cutting a small slit in the teat of the pacifer/s so that it doesn't have that satisfying suck-sensation your child is used to. Some older pacifier users declare the pacifier "broken" and don't want to use them anymore. A younger toddler may just prefer not to use a less satisfying pacifier. Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut the slit. Make sure no loose rubber pieces can break off and become a choking hazard.