How to Wean Off the Pacifier: Tips, Tricks, and Recommended Reading

Weaning a child off the pacifier is one of the first major transitions in a child’s life and can be a challenging moment for both the child and the parents. This is a change that must be approached with patience and empathy, as the child is being separated from an object that has been very important to them. The pacifier takes on different meanings as the child grows: from being a tool to explore the world before six months, to becoming a way to evoke parental closeness and comfort.

However, there comes a time when letting a child continue using the pacifier becomes counterproductive or even harmful. Around the age of three, children develop the ability to evoke feelings of love and security associated with parents without relying on an object. This is, therefore, the ideal age to start weaning the child off the pacifier. It is also important to remember that prolonged pacifier use can cause serious behavioural and oral developmental issues. When the right age arrives, parents should arm themselves with patience and gradually start removing the pacifier, without giving in to cries or demands.

How to Wean Off the Pacifier Without Trauma

Parents often look for methods and tricks to take the pacifier away easily and without causing stress to their child. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts—only a few key principles: gradualness and listening.

• Gradualness: Avoid any sudden, abrupt removals. Avoid tricks like telling the child the pacifier is lost or that an elf has taken it. Such approaches may communicate that the world is unpredictable, causing feelings of insecurity and fear.

• Listening: It is essential to consider the child’s emotions without minimising or mocking them. Listening is crucial, as is supporting the child’s autonomy in deciding to give up the pacifier. To make the separation less traumatic, the child should be guided by the parent towards an independent decision to stop using the pacifier.

Finally, to avoid further difficulties, do not coincide pacifier removal with other major changes, such as the birth of a sibling or starting school.

Books to Help Wean Off the Pacifier

Applying all these suggestions can be challenging, but a book that helps the child understand why they must give up their beloved pacifier can be a great support.

• Step by Step. By to my Dummy – a sweet board book written in collaboration with Paola Segantin, a teacher and pedagogy expert. Perfect for children who need to give up the pacifier, following the story of Little Panda, helping them understand the reasons for this change. The book also supports parents, following Big Panda’s example, in guiding the child through the process.

No matter how your child approaches giving up the pacifier, it is important for parents to remember that difficulties arise from the strong affection the child feels towards them. The pacifier is, in fact, an object that represents security and parental love, which should be replaced with equally gentle support.

We thank Paola Segantin, whose valuable advice inspired this article. 

https://www.youtube.com/embed/qb2qLndZldA?si=-RVVQZhDuZ3VPGfc