Quit pacifiers: tips & tricks
The pacifier is an indispensable helper and comforter for babies and toddlers. But at some point the moment comes when it is certain: the pacifier has to go. Learn how to gently wean your child's pacifier off here.
Gently wean the pacifier: planning is everything
Getting a baby used to the pacifier is usually done without pressure and on the side. Getting used to the pacifier usually consumes more energy and tears. So that your child does not have to be sad and you still get rid of the pacifier, there are several tips and tricks. We'll tell you what these are in this article.
- Getting used to the pacifier is usually a longer process. Most of the time it doesn't work overnight.
- An abrupt end can be too painful for your child. Spare yourself and your little one the associated frustration. It is better to plan to quit.
- To do this, you should let your child know about your plans. Slowly prepare your child for the pacifier to go soon.
- Never put pressure on your child - according to the motto, but now the pacifier has to go soon, you are already so big.
- You should also avoid setting a deadline on which the pacifier has to go. That only harbors more stress potential. What if your child is not in a good mood, particularly stressed, sad or sick on that day?
Popular methods of pacifier weaning
As already mentioned, there are numerous tips and tricks to make it easier for your child to say goodbye to the pacifier. Here are a few options for a gentle separation.
- Pacifiers as stress copers : A popular method is to leave the pacifier out in stress-free situations first - preferably in a familiar environment. When your child is relaxed at home, they no longer need a pacifier. If your child has got used to not using the pacifier at home during the day, you can agree with your child that the pacifier will not come along with small errands in the next step. In this way, you ensure pacifier-free zones piece by piece. In the last step, you should wean the pacifier at night.
- The pacifier fairy : The story of the pacifier fairy works especially for older children. Here you tell your child that in a few nights the pacifier fairy will come and collect the pacifier when the child is sleeping. Because the child is already so big and can do without a pacifier. As a replacement, the child receives a small gift. For you as parents, this means: On the night in question, you and your child place the pacifier under the pillow or in the child's bed. If your child is sleeping soundly, exchange the pacifier for a small gift. For example, this can be a small cuddly toy that will comfort the child from now on and protect it during sleep.
- Stop offering pacifiers : sounds banal, but is often more effective than many parents think. Over time, children often take their pacifier out of habit and not because they really need it. Just stop offering your child the pacifier during the day. Put the pacifier away and don't talk about it in the presence of your child. The motto here is: "Out of sight, out of mind." In many cases, the child "simply" forgets the pacifier.
- Giving away pacifiers : Another option is to "give away" the pacifier. This works especially when there is a new baby in the family who now needs the pacifier more than your child. If your child understands this, they will probably want to help the baby. Put the pacifier - a new one of course - in a small box and pack it as a gift. Your child can then give this gift to the baby. Your offspring will be proud that they are already so tall and have helped the baby.
The best time for weaning
First of all: There is no perfect time for all children. Every child is different. Accordingly, the right time for weaning the pacifier differs.
- Opinions differ on the pacifier. This applies not only to parents, but also to experts. Unfortunately, pediatricians and midwives are divided over the benefits of the pacifier. Some take the view that sucking on the pacifier is already a habit after the sixth month and is therefore unnecessary. Others say that the pacifier soothes and does no harm.
- What many experts agree: The pacifier is still easier to wean off than the thumb, which some children use as a pacifier replacement.
- Parents are often worried that if they wait too long to wean, they risk losing their teeth. This is actually the crucial point. Pacifiers can actually lead to teeth malposition. But: There is no reason to panic, because with milk teeth a possible misalignment is not yet tragic.
- Sucking gives an idea of the milk teeth. After weaning from the pacifier, this usually disappears within six months.
- With the second set of teeth, the pacifier should or should be weaned. It is no longer so easy to correct misalignments.
- There is no perfect age for weaning off the pacifier. Everyone has to decide for themselves. Most experts, however, advise weaning between the ages of two and four.
How to properly sterilize a pacifier can be read in another article.