How can my child give up the pacifier?

It would be good, since there is no golden rule, and for this reason, by the time the child is 3 years old, he should have cut the pacifier. This age limit exists because, apart from the difficulty that the use of the pacifier can create in the nursery and the child’s social relationships, in free play, but sometimes also in the development of speech, it is important that the oral cavity also develops smoothly.

But it is also important that the child does not feel that we have taken away from him something that he loves and that has helped him to calm down and feel safe until now. It is better that he leave her alone.

We can initially help the child to limit the use of the pacifier only at home and ideally at the time of relaxation and sleep. If the child uses a pacifier at school or on the walk, it is a little more difficult to break the habit, but it is by no means impossible.

The most common way to get rid of the pacifier is to make one or more small holes in the plastic nipple to change the sensation of sucking.

What we must remember throughout the process of stopping, is that during this time our child experiences frustration, disappointment and separation from a favorite object. And that’s why he may escalate his behavior, cry and strain more often in general.
In these moments, we shower him with empathy and love to help him manage his frustration. It is very important to always have the child’s side as a guide in order to know how to react. Until now, the pacifier provided him with a sense of security and comfort.Now that he doesn’t have her, it’s important to embrace it with love, with understanding, paying attention to what he feels and not for a moment degrading his feeling.

Phrases like:

• “Come on now, throw away the pacifier, you’ve grown up.”
• “The other kids make fun of you with that pacifier all the time.”
• “I wonder what you find in that plastic thing,” are no help at all.

Instead we can say:

• “I understand my love how much you miss your pacifier.”
• “You’re really upset that you don’t have your pacifier, are you? Come let me give you a hug.”
• “How brave of you to manage and sleep at night without a pacifier! Well done!’

Crying is always welcome and is a huge sign that the child is feeling safe and working through difficult emotions, so it’s an opportunity for parents to get close to the child, strengthen the connection they have with each other, and together have the desired outcome.