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Weaning from a Pacifier

26 March 2025

Create a gradual process

The process of weaning from a pacifier can be gradual and spread over several months. This way the child has a chance of getting used to life without a pacifier.

  • 1
    Foster a positive process

    Encourage and praise your child when they go without a pacifier for a while and celebrate success. Negative feedback and criticism may lead to negative feelings around the weaning process and create power struggles that will only prolong it.

  • 2
    Limit pacifier use to when needed

    During waking hours, limit pacifier use, for example, during playtime when the pacifier is not really needed.

  • 3
    Maintain consistency

    Once you choose to begin the weaning process until complete discontinuation, there may be difficult moments. These are a natural phase and part of the maturing process. Therefore, it is essential to maintain consistency.

  • 4
    Offer emotional support

    If the child experiences difficulty or crisis moments, this is the time to show understanding, to take an interest, and to talk with them about their feelings, and to help them cope. For example, give a hug and say, "I see that it's hard for you, but you can do it."

  • 5
    Sleeping without the pacifier

    In the next stage, it is advisable to decrease the link between pacifier use and the stage of falling asleep. Encourage your child to use other items instead of the pacifier, such as a doll or a beloved blanket.

  • 6
    Celebrate saying goodbye to the pacifier

    For the final stage of weaning, create a farewell ceremonial event with anything that can help the child part from the pacifier. This can involve giving the pacifier to a younger baby or hanging it on a tree and saying goodbye.

Please note

Please note


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