At age 2, we decided it was time to say goodbye to the pacifier, otherwise known as "UM"
UM soothed, quieted, calmed, and distracted. UM made bedtime quick and painless. I was sad to see UM go. Daughter number one was distraught. The night we took it away she cried herself to sleep. The next night she sobbed as if we had killed her best friend. What to do when it's time to take the pacifier away?
TRY THIS: Step 1. Prepare the child for the day when they have to give up the binkie (e.g. your going to be a big two year old in two weeks, that is when it is time to say goodbye to the pacifier). Step 2. Let your child know it is sometimes hard to give up the pacifier but that it is important to give up as you get older to be healthy (e.g. teeth and ear infenctions). Step 3. On the day you choose, collect all the pacifiers and have your child say goodbye. Step 4. Throw ALL of the pacifiers away. Step 5. Provide the child with a substitute soother like a stuffed animal or a soft blanket. Step 6. Be prepared to do a lot of extra comforting for the next week. Step 7. Do not give in (this will be easier if you did Step 4).
NOT THAT: Step 1-6 followed by a run to Target to buy more pacifiers.
WHY? Until 6 months, children benefit from non-nutritive sucking as a method of self-soothing. Pacifiers aid with this process. A child can become very attached to their pacifier because they associate it with helping them feel calm and relaxed; therefore it can be very difficult to say goodbye. But by providing a transition object (a lovey), being consistent, and supporting the child with extra hugs, comfort, and new skills for self-soothing, the goodbye process will be a little easier.
