There are two main approaches to ditching the pacifier: gradual or cold turkey. One approach is not better than the other, as experts advise both methods to be effective. First, you’ll want to pick the method that you feel best about: will you say goodbye to the pacifier on one special day, or will you slowly take the pacifier away during certain parts of your day over several weeks until it is no longer used? This part is up to you.
Regardless of your approach, keep in mind:
This is an emotional milestone. It’s a goodbye, and goodbyes can be bittersweet. No matter how fun and upbeat you can make the transition, try not to get too attached to this needing to be a happy one. Hold space for it to be tricky. This way, you’ll be better prepared to welcome and allow all emotions your child may go through.
If your child is an older toddler or preschooler, give them some choice in deciding how they want to say goodbye! While there are many creative ways you could plan the goodbye on their behalf, giving your child a say in the planning can help them feel like they are in control rather than feeling like you took something away from them.
Be consistent with limits. You will likely experience some whining and protesting, whether in a gradual or cold turkey approach. Being consistent in going without it will be the key to helping them process the change and move forward sooner. Going back on what you’ve said will make the transition confusing and can generate bigger feelings. So, instead of giving in and reverting to the pacifier, consider redirection to another comfort item, such as a stuffy or special blanket.
Further, while it might seem like a slight change in your child’s daily life – it can feel big to them. Talk about the change and offer books that talk about saying goodbye to the pacifier in the same way you’d offer language and preparation around other transitions.
3 creative ways to move on from the pacifier:
Mail it to the hospital for new babies.Let your little one help wrap the pacifier into a special box that can then be “delivered” to the hospital for a new baby who needs it.
Toy store trade-in.Allow your child to “upgrade” and trade in their pacifiers for a new big-kid toy. If you call a local toy store and tell them the situation, they will most likely play along and accept the pacifier at the register.
Introduce the “pacifier fairy.”Offer a magical alternative in which your child places out their pacifier before bedtime, and a fairy comes to pick them up while they are asleep. In turn, she leaves out a new special comfort item to replace the old one.