Getting Rid of Pacifiers!

Sarah - posted on 01/25/2009

We're dealing with this issue right now... I've tried to limit my DD pacifier to nap and bedtime, but DH is notorious for asking her (when she doesn't even want it!), "where's your binky?" Sigh. As she's getting older she's wanting it more and more. Granted she's been getting a set of 2-year molars for almost 3 weeks now (poor thing), and I can't keep the binky from her when she really needs soothing. So, for now, I'm confiscating it when she drops it on the floor and when she asks for it I redirect her to something else. It works about 50/50. I still give it to her for naps and bedtime. I just don't want her walking around with it all day....and TALKING with it in her mouth (drives me bonkers). I think by 3, when she has a better understanding of something going away permanently, that we'll tackle the big picture issue. For now it's just trying to limit her usage. I sucked my thumb as a child and *that* was tough for my mom...you can't cut off a thumb. So despite my anxiety over the pacifier, at least I know when the time is right we can get rid of it (not so true with the thumb!)

Kelly - posted on 01/25/2009

I have never heard of a pacifier causes ear infections. The main cause of ear infections is mucous from a cold going into the ear because babies don't know how to drain their own noses. The mucous collects in this are of the ear, causing infection.

My son is 15 months old, and only uses his pacifier at nap and nighttime. However, if he's sick or with new people, he definitely looks for it. I personally had a pacifier until I was three. My mom said I was just too hooked on it, and turning three with the title of being a "big girl" was the only reason I gave it up. But she said I had a countdown, so I was completely aware of when I had to give it up. And whenever I cried for it, she didn't give in. I plan to do the same for my kids, but hopefully before they turn three. :)

Sara - posted on 01/25/2009

When my son would lay his down while playing I would pick it up.  He eventually did not miss it during the day.  Then I started telling him to leave it in his bed and we would tell it bye bye.  I think the big thing is to come up with a plan and stick with it.  He is 2 and still uses it at night.  I am getting ready to get rid of it all together. 

Sarah - posted on 01/25/2009

When we tried to take away the pacifier for my oldest (when she was about 18 months) she cried and carried on for weeks. I couldn't stand it and I caved. She kept it until she was 3. She weaned herself to using it only at nighttime by the time she was 2 and she got rid of it totally on her own by the time she turned 3. I guess I don't have great advice. I just know that my baby uses a pacifier, and the oldest (now 4 1/2) doesn't want to use it at all!! Your little one will out grow it, too.