How to Wean Off Pacifiers


Weaning off the pacifier is a pretty straightforward process. It’s all about helping your baby learn to self-comfort and self soothe. For the first couple of days, you may find your baby still wants his binky. It’s OK! These first few days are about letting your baby know he’s OK without it.

What are the benefits of weaning off a pacifier?

Babies who use pacifiers are more likely to have ear infections in the first year of their life.

The National Health Service in the United Kingdom recommends that you should stop using a pacifier when your baby is 6 months old. The NHS also recommends that you should stop using breast milk or formula milk when your child is 12 months old.

The advantages of not using a pacifier are that it can reduce the risk of ear infections, dental problems, and speech issues. Disadvantages of using a pacifier are that the baby might find it difficult to sleep without one or they might find themselves sucking their thumb for comfort instead.

How to wean off a baby's use of a paci?

baby pacifier


There are many studies that show that babies who use pacifiers either do not learn how to suck on their thumb or find it difficult to do so. This is because they get used to the feeling of sucking on something different from a human breast.

The first step for weaning a baby off a pacifier is to provide them with a thumb or another toy that they can suck on or play with when the paci isn't available. It is important for parents not to force their baby into taking the thumb, but instead let it happen naturally. Remember, you cannot force your child into doing anything.

When should you start trying to get rid of the binky/paci?

baby girl with pacifier


What age is appropriate for a child to give up their pacifier or binky is often a question that mothers face. There is no set age, as every child is different. However, some children find it difficult to make the transition and may suffer from emotional distress as they give up their comfort object.

Parents should be aware of the emotional attachment they have with their son or daughter and gauge how it will affect them when they wean them off of the binky. If your son or daughter has a strong emotional attachment to the pacifier, you may want to gradually wean them off of it instead of cutting it off all at once.

Tips for Weaning Off Pacifiers

baby pacifier


The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be given a pacifier for naps, bedtime, and times when the baby is hungry or upset.

  • Start by limiting pacifier use to naps or bedtime.
  • Wait until your baby is 6 months old before using a pacifier at all.
  • If your child needs a pacifier because of sucking problems, consult with your doctor before weaning off the paci.

How To Get Your Baby to Sleep Without a Pacifier

  1. Give your baby a bath with lavender soap before bed
  2. Pick up the baby and walk around the house with them for a few minutes
  3. Put them in their crib and pat their back until they fall asleep

Conclusion

baby with pacifier


A lot of parents are struggling with their children’s sleep habits. They are breaking the habit of sucking on a bottle or item, and they need your help.

We want to break the habit of sucking on a bottle or item during sleep. This is tough to do by ourselves, but thankfully there are ways to help your child sleep through the night.

So, what can you do? You can try giving them a toy or book before bedtime so that they associate good feelings with bedtime. If your child still has trouble sleeping, try using a white noise machine to create soothing background noise for them at night. It might also be helpful to put their favorite stuffed animal in their crib or give them an extra blanket just in case they get cold during the night.

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