In some studies , pacifier use has been linked to a 3 times higher risk of ear infections . So if your child is prone to ear infections , it might be best to ditch the pacifier right away . Other than pressing medical reasons , however , there is no hard and fast rule for stopping pacifier use . The general rule of thumb is to begin phasing pacifiers out around the age of 2 , when children begin to develop higher level strategies of managing stress , and have it completely gone by the age of 4 . Continued pacifier use beyond the age of 4 can lead to dental issues , such as an overbite , cross bite , or open bite .

These problems can affect your child ’ s appearance and their ability to chew and speak , and often require orthodontics to correct . But it ’ s worth noting that not all children who are still using pacifiers over the age of 4 will develop these problems . It ’ s more about the frequency and intensity of the sucking habit .

There are many ways parents can get rid of the pacifier . Some find that the early approach , where they take the pacifier away between 3 to 6 months , works well . At such a young age , kids are less likely to make a habit of the pacifier , and they may not necessarily be aware that they ’ re losing anything at all . This saves parents from having to fight with their children about it or come up with an explanation . Other parents find that giving their kids a three-day countdown works well . Like adults , kids like a bit of warning so that they can anticipate big changes . On day one , tell them that it ’ s time to graduate to big kid things , which means saying goodbye to binky . Make sure you ’ re matter-of-fact about it and that you don ’ t sound like you ’ re asking for permission . If they protest , acknowledge their feelings , but stay firm . On day two , remind them in the morning and at bedtime the same way you did on day one . Then , on day three , start gathering up all of the pacifiers . It might be easier on your kids if you tell them that you ’ re giving all of the pacifiers to the “ binky fairy ,” the tooth fairy ’ s cousin , and give them a big kid gift the next day as a reward . Kids also respond better if they feel like they ’ re being helpful , such as if you tell them their pacifiers are being given to babies who need them more .

If ditching the pacifier doesn ’ t seem like a pressing need or if your child is especially resistant to change , you can take a more gradual approach . Instead of offering an explanation , simply remove the pacifiers one at a time during “ zero stress ” situations , like when your child is at home , happy , and playing . Start with all the pacifiers in the house and , once your child is used to not having them at home , start limiting outdoor use too . You could also simply let your child lead the way and wait for them to naturally stop using the pacifier themselves .

Regardless of what method you use , be prepared for 1 to 5 days of meltdowns or demands for their binky . No matter how much of a fuss they make , it ’ s important to hold your ground . Giving in will teach them that they can get anything they want as long as they fuss loud and long enough . Instead , try distracting them with playing a fun game , going outside , or doing something they love . Transitional objects , such as a stuffed animal or a toy , can help . Just be sure that you pay attention to your child and know the things that trigger them before you decide to say goodbye to the pacifier for good . Some children are more nervous and sensitive than others .

Forcing them to give the pacifier up before they ’ re ready may result in them latching onto another comforting mechanism , like thumb sucking or a blanket , or more destructive habits like nail biting . If you have a firm grasp on your child ’ s natural temperament , you ’ ll have a better idea of whether gradual or a direct approach is best .

Sources :

Lamb , Marguerite , “ Bye-Bye Binky : Ending the Pacifier Habit ”, Parents . com , https :// www . parents . com / toddlers-preschoolers / development / behavioral / bye-bye-binky-ending-the-pacifier-habit /

Sears , Dr . William , “ Ask Dr . Sears : Weaning Off Pacifier ”, Parenting , https :// www . parenting . com / article / ask-dr-sears-weaning-off-pacifier-21354759

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