Things You'll Need:
- pacifiers, binkies
- patience
- reward
- tradeoff item
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Step 1
Start out by gauging your child's dependency and use of the pacifier. Do they use it all day long or only for stressful times and naps and bedtime? Be prepared for resistance and know that this is a process that may take several days or weeks to accomplish.
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Step 2
If they like to walk around with it in their mouth all day for no reason than you need to start slowly and explain to them that they will have to ask for it when they feel upset or sleepy and they can only use it for those times. This may be difficult at first but they should get used to the idea in a few days.
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Step 3
Some kids may like carrying around the pacifier just to have something to hold in their hand. Explain to them that they are a big girl or boy and only babies need something in their mouths all the time and consider cutting off the nipple part of the binky and letting them keep the plastic piece in their pocket or toy box.
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Step 4
If there is a new baby in your toddler's life ask them if they would like to give their pacifiers or binkies to this new little baby who needs them more than they do. You might be surprised by the agreement on this one. Some toddlers will feel very grown up and empowered by doing this--others may refuse, but it's worth a shot.
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Step 5
Offer rewards for not using the binky. Take it day by day. Set goals and explain to them that they will get the toy they have been wanting or a visit to a fun play place or park when they have gone an entire day without the binky. Increase the number of days as you see fit and add another reward when they reach that timespan. Remind them about the reward if they get anxious about not having the binky and see how it goes.
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Step 6
Much cooler than a binky!Holidays can be a good time to trade the binky for gifts. For example, you can try to get them to leave their binkies for Santa or the Easter Bunny so they can deliver them to other babies who need them. In return for your child's kindness, they will receive some more big boy or big girl gifts that are much cooler than a pacifier.
Comments
cukoomom said
on 11/19/2009 my son is one going on 2yrs old..its so hard for me to really take it away from him..it seems to be an emotional crutch when he is crying and at nite time..but his teeth are getting curved and my husband doesnt like him with it...how can i do this easily..its my sanity...what can i do in order to get him out of this...also my other family members feels he is to old for it...OMG PLEASE HELP!!!!!
jenng said
on 11/1/2009 GREAT ARTICLE ON How to Wean Your Toddler Off the Pacifier or Binky 5*
bestmommy said
on 10/28/2009 amylaine,
That is the cutest story! Wish I could have seen that-whatever works!
amylaine said
on 10/27/2009 To wean our son off the binky we gave him a bear that had a pocket. Instead of putting it in his mouth he put it in the pocket.
xxbere13 said
on 10/7/2009 my son had a pacifier he would not let out of his sight. i tryed all the things books and tips had to say and it didnt help. so finally he some how ripped it even thou it was a small rip he still used it. then he tore the top part and asked me to fix it. i told i cant it ripped sorry. he took it like a champ and didnt even request it after that day. i did not go out and buy a new one. so i guess even babies have to see thats offically gone to let go. just like you have to introduce emotions to all toddlers. mind over matter and visual