Help Wean Your Baby From a Pacifier




A pacifier can be a great way for your baby to sooth himself during times of stress. While it may be harmless when they are younger, as their baby teeth begin to come in and they begin to talk, a pacifier can negatively impact them. Here are some ways to help wean your baby from using a pacifier.

You may not want to end this process abruptly. It can take time for people to adjust and it depends on the age of your child when you decide to wean them from the pacifier. If your child is older, you may want to discuss this change with them and remind them that in a few days, they will no longer have this as an option. If they are younger and not quite at the point of understanding, attempt to use other items to sooth your baby.

When your baby is crying for a pacifier instead of giving them one, attempt to nurse or sooth using music and rocking. This can help pair the need for soothing with other activities, and if you are nursing, or you give a bottle it can help provide them with the sucking action they desire.

Make the choice and stick to the plan. No matter what decision you make and whether you remove the pacifier all together or only remove it during certain times, make the decision and stick to it. Once you make the decision to wean your child from their pacifier make sure you stick to the plan and don’t give in, otherwise your child may learn that they can cry and scream and get exactly what they want.

For more information on pacifiers and weaning your child from them, contact Dr.Fuller and his team today.

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