How To Wean a Toddler Off a Pacifier

Once their dependency on using the pacifier during the day has waned, start eliminating the pacifier at your child’s naptime. It helps to offer a comforting substitute, such a special toy, stuffed animal, or blanket.

At bedtime, begin emphasizing the need for the substituted object over the pacifier. For example: Ask, “Where is ‘Tiger?’ It’s ’Tiger’s’ bedtime too. We have to find ‘Tiger’ so you can help him fall asleep.”

After successfully reducing the pacifier to an “also-ran” at night, introduce the idea to your child that they are a big girl or boy now, and probably don’t need a pacifier anymore.

After a sufficient period of positive reinforcement, enlist your child’s help to solve the problem: A baby you know cries a lot because he has no pacifiers. “How can we help? Maybe we can give the baby your old pacifiers so he’ll be happy and stop crying.”

Offer a reward as a replacement – a new toy, or something your child has expressed keen interest in getting. Reach the following agreement: Tomorrow, the two of you will give their old pacifiers to the baby; then you’ll go to the store to get that present.

Follow through. Get the agreed-upon reward directly after accomplishing the hand-off, and again, heap on the praise every step of the way. Throw in a little for yourself too, for a job well done.