We’re back with Part 2 of “Pacifiers and the SLP Perspective”! In Part 1, we answered all of your FAQs, including the benefits, the impacts, and direct links to SLP approved pacifiers! You can find Part 1 HERE.
Today’s post will focus on tips and tricks to weaning a pacifier. Sometimes little ones can love the pacifier a little TOO much, and this can make weaning the pacifier harder for all involved. We’re here to help! Keep reading for our suggestions, favorite teethers, and books.
Where to start?
First, we want to enforce that it is NOT recommended to remove the pacifier when your child is sick, teething, going through any big life changes (potty training, family moves, new sibling) or demonstrating any signs of separation anxiety. We also want your child to have a strong sleep schedule established and not rely solely on the pacifier to soothe them to sleep. Ultimately, we want your child feeling their best, most confident self… ready for this exciting new change ahead!
Beginning the Weaning Process
It’s important to consider that all children learn, process emotions, and develop differently! This means, some children may benefit from a slowed weaning process. If your child is the latter, we recommend first beginning to limit the pacifier to naps or sleep time only. This means, the pacifier can stay in their bed (or a special spot in their room) and they can retrieve it when it’s time for rest.
Next, choose a day and tell your child that the pacifier will be going away. You can remind your child for the few days leading up to it or even write it on your family calendar for them to see and reference!
Weaning Ideas
You’ve selected a date to begin weaning… now what? Below are some of our favorite concrete ideas. You can select which one fits best for your child. For example, if your child loves fairies, then they may love the “Paci Fairy” idea!
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Paci Present: Tell your child you’re giving their pacifiers away as a gift to a new baby at the hospital. Put their pacifiers in a box and wrap the present. You can involve your child by having them draw on the present box or even make a little card for the new baby! Then, “send” it away!
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Paci Fairy: Explain to your child that the “Paci” Fairy is coming- how exciting! This fairy will take your child’s pacifier and in exchange give them a gift as a thank you for being such a helpful “big kid”. Make it a big celebration!
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Paci Garden: Plant a “Paci” garden! Explain to your child that you need their help planting their pacifiers into a flower pot or in the ground. Include your child by having them dig up dirt, “plant” the paci, and water it. Let them know that the pacifiers will turn into a flower garden or lollipops! Then, overnight, plant a flower in the area or stick lollipops in the pot as if they “grew”!
Additional Weaning Ideas
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Cut a little off the top of the pacifier nipple or piece a hole in the pacifier. This eliminates the vacuum effect and will make sucking on the pacifier much less satisfying for your child.
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Keep busy! Switch up your routine to keep your child’s mind off the pacifier. Head to story time at the library, pack a picnic to have outside, or meet a friend at the park!
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Replace your child’s pacifier with another soothing item. Your child may be seeking oral input and using the pacifier for this. A teether can also help provide
oral input through chewing, which is much more developmentally appropriate! Some teether options include: a pillow, a small blanket (remember safe sleeping recommendations), a silicone straw, or a silicone teether. Check out some of our favorite teethers below!
Check out some of our favorite books & songs below:
Weaning a pacifier is hard work! For some children, it’s their ultimate happy place and we value your children’s emotional regulation. These weaning tips aim to make this an enjoyable and safe process for both you and your child.
Do you have concerns about your child’s pacifier use or speech and language development? Contact us!
Northern VA:
703-470-6957
info@owlstherapy.com
Philadelphia’s Main Line:
610-579-0914
philadelphia@owlstherapy.com