How to smoothly wean your child off pacifiers

Pacifiers can be an effective tool to help soothe babies, satisfying their instinctive sucking reflex. Many parents opt to give their babies a pacifier during naps or overnight sleep as a way to offer comfort. Most babies outgrow their desire to suck on a pacifier over time, but others continue to rely on a pacifier for comfort well into toddlerhood. This attachment can leave parents wondering when and how to wean their child off pacifiers.

When to wean your child off pacifiers

“The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends weaning off the pacifier between 12 to 18 months and definitely by age 3,” advises Dr. Janice Lubas, a pediatric dentist at Advocate Children’s Hospital. “If the pacifier habit extends beyond 3 years of age, it can cause an anterior open bite or a posterior crossbite, which can lead to the need for early interceptive orthodontic treatment.”

Dr. Lubas explains that research has shown pacifier use can reduce SIDS but also points out some studies have shown children who use pacifiers regularly have a higher incidence of ear infections, so limiting the use to falling asleep is recommended.

“Pacifiers can be a good thing, and your dentist can offer recommendations on which type of pacifier to use,” she says, “However, overuse and improper cleaning can have negative results.”

Dr. Lubas says prolonged pacifier use can even have a negative effect on speech, especially if a child is trying to talk with a pacifier in their mouth. Additionally, pacifiers that aren’t properly cleaned carry a risk of oral yeast infection.

Tips for weaning your child off pacifiers

Dr. Lubas offers the following guidance to facilitate the smoothest weaning experience for both parents and children:

1. Assess the situation: When is your child most reliant on a pacifier? If it’s providing them comfort while in bed, try offering a cozy new blanket or stuffed animal instead.
2. Start small: Begin by removing the pacifier from certain times of day. For example, if your child relies on a pacifier throughout the day, tell them in the morning that their pacifier stays in the crib or bed and will be waiting for them later.
3. Praise every win: If your child successfully takes a nap or sleeps through a night without a pacifier, acknowledge the accomplishment and reward them. Over time, the small successes will compound into habit breaking.
4. Be thoughtful with your word choice: Don’t say things like, “Only babies use pacifiers.” This will only upset your child, not make the process any simpler. Instead, focus on encouragement and positivity.
5. Offer to swap them out: Some children are willing to trade their pacifier for a new toy or stuffed animal.
6. Cut a small hole in the pacifier to eliminate the satisfaction of sucking.
7. Don’t be afraid to pivot: If your current method isn’t working, it’s OK to move on and try something else. It may take some trial and error to find the right process for your child’s weaning.

“Reach out to your child’s pediatrician and/or dentist if you are feeling stuck in your journey and would like additional guidance,” says Dr. Lubas. “Give both you and your child grace as you navigate the process. Pacifier weaning can be difficult, but you don’t have to go through it alone.”

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