According to medical studies, it's
a good idea to start weaning your toddler off a pacifier somewhere
after the age of 18 months or so.
A toddler pacifier, if used beyond 2-3 years, has
the potential to cause a multitude of problems.
One of the most common problems doctors attribute
to the over-use of a pacifier is a middle ear infection
because the sucking motion interferes with the ear's Eustachian tube
function, making a toddler much more susceptible.
Excessive pacifier use can also impede a toddler's
speech due to the awkward position of the tongue and lip muscles during
the sucking motion.
So, how do we get rid of our toddler's pacifier? I
can promise you this; it's not usually going to be easy, but I can
assure you, it can be done in a fairly short time with a little
patience and reinforcement.
The basis of the following method to get rid of
your toddler's pacifier revolves around distracting your toddler with
other objects when they want the pacifier, and withholding the pacifier
as long as you can before your toddler appears to be on the edge of
crying or visibly disturbed.
Here's the method I used for my
youngest son Kyle, just recently:
When your toddler wakes up, the first thing he or
she looks for is yep - you guessed it - the pacifier! Here's the
perfect opportunity to use distraction by showing your toddler a book
or favorite toy. When your toddler becomes agitated, try soothing him
or her by talking in a soft tone and distracting once again.
At first, your toddler's anguish will demand that
you put the darn pacifier in his or her mouth already, but with time,
your toddler will start to form a distance from relying on the pacifier.
Use the same process throughout the
rest of the day, stick to your guns, put a lot of effort into it, and
the toddler pacifier will make an exit on its own, for good!
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