When Should I Wean My Child From Sucking On a Pacifier

Pacifiers are a common tool that are used to help your baby and toddler get to sleep and sooth themselves when they are upset. Pacifiers can also help your baby to transition during new activities or help reduce stress. There are a variety of pacifiers to choose from, and your baby may even have a preference, but when it comes time to wean them from the pacifier, this can become a battle of a lifetime.  So when should you wean your child off of a pacifier?

If your child is stepping into toddlerhood and is beginning to struggle with speech and language it is important to begin the process of weaning your child from the pacifier. In order for your child to be able to say certain sounds, it is important they are able to place their tongue up against their teeth in certain positions. Sucking on a pacifier can move teeth from the normal position and push them out further.

Once your child’s first tooth has erupted, you may want to begin the process of moving them from using a pacifier to sooth themselves to them using other methods, such as music, a story or a favorite stuffed animal.

If your child is just learning to talk, a pacifier can make it difficult for them to be understood. Encouraging them to remove the pacifier from their mouth and speak clearly can help break the habit.

For more information on how to help break the pacifier habit contact, Dr. Fuller and his team today.