-
Step 1
Plan a trip to Build a Bear. Tell your toddler that he/she is too old now to suck on the pacifier,(maybe you call it a binky) but he/she can keep it forever in a very special bear. While placing the heart in the bear, allow him/her to put the pacifier in the bear before it is stitched up. This is a trade off, new cozy bedtime bear for an old baby pacifier!
-
Step 2
Another idea that seems to work for so many is snipping a very small tip off the pacifier and your child will quickly realize that it is broken. You just agree that the pacifier is broken and how you get rid of it is up to you, you can trade it in for a toy or just throw it away.
-
Step 3
Some children respond well to giving their pacifies to new babies. You can take their pacifier to the pediatrician’s office and turn them in. If you explain what you are doing, the doctor’s office will work with you on most occasions. Your child might want to even wrap them in gift wrap and make it a special gift for that new baby.
-
Step 4
Pacifiers are worth special toys. Allowing your toddler to make a purchase with his/her pacifier is another idea. Take them to the store and allow them to pick out a new big kid item to replace the “baby” item. Remind them, you can’t purchase big kid items without paying with and giving up your baby item.
-
Step 5
Here are some more ideas that I have heard of parent using. Leave for Santa, the Easter Bunny etc., Pacifier Fairy, Tooth Fairy or any other Fairy of your choosing. Whether it’s under the pillow or by the milk and cookies, tell your child that their pacifier will find a good home.
When all else fails, simply take the pacifier away and allow them to cry for several nights. They won’t cry forever and they will soon focus their attention on other things allowing them to break the hard habit. Good luck.
