How to Break a Baby From Pacifiers

Parents turn to pacifiers to help soothe their fussy babies. If your baby has become dependent on her pacifier, you might be looking for some techniques to help break her from the habit. Older babies and toddlers who are attached to their pacifiers initially could have a hard time getting rid of their favorite soother, so use some techniques to help the transition go more smoothly.

Things You'll Need

  • Pacifier
  • Reward chart, if desired
  • Rewards such as toys, if desired

Instructions

  1. Breaking Your Baby's Pacifier Habit

    • 1

      Figure out when your baby uses her pacifier most often, and distract her during those times. Is your baby used to getting her pacifier when she's upset? Or perhaps she only uses it to get to sleep? Dr. William Sears, Parenting.com contributor, suggests getting your baby's mind off of the event that triggers pacifier usage. If your baby gets a pacifier every time she's upset, perhaps you could work to soothe her yourself and offer plenty of hugs instead.

    • 2

      Give her other self-soothing alternatives. Teach your baby others ways to take care of her emotions when she's upset. You might have to give her a lot of extra attention in the first few days. Just look at this as an opportunity to strengthen your bond with her, Sears says. You can also distract her with games or activities. Don't allow your child to turn to thumb-sucking, Sears warns.

    • 3

      Reward your child's efforts. Once your child has been pacifier-free for a certain number of days, allow her to pick out a new toy. Older children might also enjoy a chart that can have stickers or stamps added for every day they're pacifier-free.

    • 4

      Stay consistent. If you've weaned your baby, don't reintroduce the pacifier.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Remedies for Baby Gas
      All babies have gas, and gas will often cause discomfort---it is natural. However, when your baby experiences excessive, painful gas, you might need to intervene. The following article discusses the causes and symptoms of gas in bottle- and breast-fe
    • Remedies for Baby Earache
      Babies get earaches for many reasons: trauma, irritants, colds, viruses, allergies and infections. If you suspect your baby has an ear infection, especially if he is younger than 6 months, your pediatrician will probably treat the ache with antibioti
    • What to do when my baby fell from bed?
      Im sorry to hear your baby fell from the bed. Its understandable to be scared and worried. Heres a breakdown of what to do:Immediate Actions:1. Assess the Situation: * Check for breathing: Is your baby breathing normally? * Check for conscious