Lately things have not been easy for children or parents.  It seemed we could all use a little self care to calm us.

Pacifiers can be a powerful way for babies learn to self-sooth.  Sucking is one of an infant’s natural reflexes; it makes them feel secure and happy and learn about their world.    Non-nutritive sucking provides comfort, state regulation and an opportunity to organize oromotor development.   There is evidence that pacifiers may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), shorten the length of a preemie’s stay in the neonatal intensive care unit and even help relieve pain during medical procedures.  However, over time, babies can become dependent on them and they may increase the risk for middle ear infections in older babies.    Prolonged use can lead to dental problems such as anterior open bites and posterior cross bites, which are often challenging to correct.

We recommend weaning children from the pacifier before 3 years old to minimize the deleterious effects on their teeth.   Having said that we think you will find it easier to wean your child around 12 months, as the habit is less firmly established and the protective benefits for SIDS decreases.

Here are some weaning strategies that have worked for other parents:  

• Go cold turkey.   There will almost certainly be a few rough nights but then it will be over!
• Make the pacifier less available.   Limit times or locations for using the pacifier, and then limit further as time goes on.   
• As they are lost or broken, do not replace them.
• Have a visit from the pacifier fairy, who can leave a special treat.
• Try the FridaBaby Pacifier weaning system.    This system offers progressively shorter pacifiers and eventually becomes just a handle.    This is an alternative to cutting or poking holes in the pacifier, which may pose a choking hazard.