When to Stop Using a Pacifier
Are you the parent of an infant who currently uses a pacifier? Many parents do not know when to stop giving their child a pacifier to suck on. Some parents feel like their children need their pacifiers in order to fall asleep but allowing this dependence to continue to develop actually hurts the child in the long run.
Many experts have written opinions on when to stop pacifier use. “The AAP and AAFP recommend weaning children from pacifiers in the second six months of life to prevent otitis media. However, the groups say, pacifier use should not be actively discouraged and may be especially beneficial in the first six months of life. The child should be weaned from the pacifier between the ages of six months and no later than four years.”
Child development specialist Warren Umansky, PhD, recommends weaning from the pacifier at eighteen months. If your child isn’t ready to give up the habit at this age, it may help to start gradually by giving a pacifier to your child only at nighttime or nap time to help him fall asleep.
Parents need to be brave and unwavering when they decide to stop giving their children their pacifiers. It is crucial to make sure that the child understands what is going on. You are trying to help your child not punish them by taking something meaningful away from them. If stopping pacifier use around age six months then you should do this process slowly and limit the use to just bed time at first. Do not give it to the child during the day or at night time so that the child can slowly get used to what is going on. It is very hard to break a habit such as this in younger children.
When dealing with children over the age of eighteen months you want to speak to them on their level and convince them that big boys and girls do not use pacifiers to go to sleep. Children this age do not want to be thought of as babies so this helps them adjust their mentality toward the pacifier. Gather all of the pacifiers that you own and place them in a bag. If you know of a baby who uses a pacifier then maybe have the child give theirs to the baby as a symbolic gesture. Then, the parent of that child can throw them away when they get home without your child seeing them.
As a parent it can be hard to wean your child from a pacifier. You will hear crying, wailing, and screaming but in the long run being steadfast and holding your ground will help your child sleep without depending on something to suck on. Your child will thank you down the road for your efforts.
Sources:
http://www.drwalt.com/blog/?p=605
http://www.swedish.org/16592.cfm
photo by emdot
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