How to Get Rid of the Pacifier Cold Turkey

Pacifiers have their place. They may help your baby fall asleep, soothe him between feedings and reduce his risk for sudden infant death syndrome. However, if your child has not given up his precious binky by the time he is 2 or 3 years old, your pediatrician or dentist may recommend that it's time. You can drag out the process by weaning him gradually, but many parents prefer to be done quickly by going cold turkey. To help your child make it through this transition without too much crying and anxiety, take several steps before you make him give up his pacifier once and for all.

Things You'll Need

  • Books
  • Video
  • Bleach
  • Box

Instructions

    • 1

      Read one or two books that are written for toddlers specifically about giving up pacifiers. For example, "The Binky Fairy" by Karen Shaw-Lott is a story about a fairy who gives binkies to babies who need them. "Pacifiers Are Not Forever" by Elizabeth Verdick describes what it's like to give up pacifiers and how to replace them with fun activities. Your little one can also watch a video, such as a "Sesame Street" DVD entitled "Bye-Bye Pacifier: Big Kid Stories with Elmo."

    • 2

      Talk to your child about what he just read or saw. Explain to him that he is a "big kid" now who, like the kids in the books or videos, does not need a pacifier anymore. Emphasize that pacifiers are only for babies.

    • 3

      Go on a mission with your child to find all the pacifiers in the house. You can throw them away or pretend to give them to a fairy. Or you can clean them with a 10 percent bleach solution, put them in a box and send them to a friend who has baby. Add a little note stating that the pacifiers are a gift from your child to her baby. Your friend does not need to actually use them, but the thought of a new baby using the pacifiers helps ease the transition for some children.

    • 4

      Give your child a special stuffed animal, toy or blanket as a replacement or reward for giving up his pacifier. Then -- as hard as it may be -- stand firm and don't give in. In one or two days, your child is likely stop crying for his binky, according to Dr. Jennifer Shu, coauthor of "Heading Home with Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality."

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