Weaning Off The Pacifier Is A Great Milestone
Pacifiers are a popular part of newborn care, providing comfort, ease, and relaxation. On the positive side, pacifiers are well-known to reduce the risk of SIDS, but on the negative side, they have been linked to breastfeeding difficulties and other complications. One popular question that often arises is when is the right time to say goodbye to the pacifier? Weaning from the pacifier can be a challenging process but it is also a great milestone in your child’s early life. In this article, we will talk about weaning from the pacifier, along with 3 helpful tips for weaning off the pacifier.
When Is The Right Time to Wean From The Pacifier?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when to wean from the pacifier. However, most experts will recommend weaning from the pacifier between 6 months to 2 years of age to prevent further complications like anterior open bite and otitis media. Pacifier use is a risk factor for otitis media in infants and children. The incidence of acute otitis media may be reduced by decreasing or eliminating use of pacifier in the second six months of life (AAPD, 2024).
3 Tips for Weaning Off The Pacifier
1. Wean Gradually
When it comes to weaning from the pacifier, we have to take baby steps. Taking away a pacifier too quickly can lead to thumb-sucking or excessive crying. So it is important to approach this transition with patience. By gradually limiting and reducing pacifier usage, you can ensure that your child has time to adjust and find an alternative.
2. Offer More Breastfeeding For Comfort.
Breastfeeding naturally releases calming hormones like oxycontin. This makes it an excellent source of comfort during the weaning phase. If your child uses the pacifier to soothe then breastfeeding can offer a smoother transition from the pacifier that is comforting and relaxing. Also, if you use the pacifier to help your child fall asleep then try breastfeeding during the bedtime routine. By offering more breastfeeding when weaning from the pacifier, you can maintain the emotional bond between you and your child through this transition.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is the act of consistently rewarding desired behavior to further encourage it. During the weaning process, you can celebrate small victories with rewards and praises to motivate your child to keep making progress. You can also offer a new toy to replace the pacifier or a small party to celebrate the milestone.
Final Thoughts
Weaning from the pacifier is a huge milestone in your child’s life. Although it may come with certain challenges, it could also be a great chance to develop new coping skills. However, the most important thing is to be patient and supportive because weaning is a gradual process, not a race. We hope you found this article informative. Please don’t forget to share. You may also be interested in a previous article on Weaning From The Pump: 5 Essential Tips.
Sources
https://www.aapd.org/globalassets/media/policies_guidelines/p_pacifiers.pdf
