Courage: Pacifier Free
Courage: Pacifier Free
This morning, casually, while at the breakfast table with the boys, I mentioned to O that big boys don’t use pacifiers. I said, "Babies use them, but big boys don’t. You’re soon to be 2 (years) and no longer a baby. You’re a big boy now."
He asked to get down from the table where his pacifier was sitting. He marched into his room and grabbed his two lovies and came back to the breakfast table. It was as if he instantly knew he needed to look elsewhere for comfort. I didn’t take the pacifier away from the table and he didn’t ask for it again. When I left for clinic a bit later, I asked our nanny to try his nap without it today. Not wanting to set her up, I said, just explain that he’s a big boy (no mean, you’re-no-baby messiness) and see what happens. "If it doesn’t work," I said, "I’ll do it next week." But something seemed right about it.
I often tell parents in the clinic that they are the experts of their children. While I may have the medical knowledge, parents’ intuition about their own kids is unbeatable. One parent today in clinic perfectly encapsulated this when she mentioned how we, as parents, just know our children and can often predict their reactions and needs.
O has used his pacifier for sleep ever since I started giving it to him at one month old. I knew about the SIDS prevention benefits attached to pacifier use and our affectionately termed “plug” had worked wonders with my first son. We were very much fans of the ‘pacifier magic’ with O too. Although normally indifferent to pacifiers, O’s delight made me appreciate them. Watching him with it was truly heartwarming.
When I got home from clinic around 8:15 pm, the boys were still awake. After songs and books, I put O to bed. We sang songs, he grabbed his lovies, and I placed him in his crib. Just before I left the room he shyly asked, "Binkie?" I firmly but gently reminded him, "You’re a big boy now." I was the one with tears in my eyes, not him.
He took hold of his lovies, asked for one more hug, and then drifted off to sleep. His big blue eyes looked up at me with trust—a moment of courage and growth. I saw a new side of him, braver and more trusting, ready to take on new challenges.
There are numerous tips and techniques for weaning a pacifier. Here are my three golden rules for toddlers:
- Age: Aim to eliminate pacifier use by age 2. The earlier the better, as this prevents potential dental issues from developing. Correcting "bucked" teeth due to pacifier use gets harder with age.
- Temperament: Choose an approach that suits your child’s personality. You are the ultimate expert on your child. Whether it´s a clear, straightforward explanation, sending it off to another baby, or jointly throwing it out, find what works for your child.
- Never turn back: Giving the pacifier back after you’ve started weaning only makes the process more challenging. Consistency is key in maintaining credibility and ensuring success.
Preparing yourself may be the toughest part. We’re as attached to pacifiers as our children. In our home, the pacifier was the last significant baby item. Letting go means acknowledging that our baby is growing up. It takes courage to follow our children’s lead in becoming pacifier free.
For more information, visit HEORSHE.
Further reading: HE OR SHE Silicone Baby Bottle - Anti Colic Bottles - 5oz ...
Yucky pacifier issue - Community - The Bump
I noticed that a couple of DD's pacis look gross inside the nipple (we use MAMs). I've handwashed them, run them through the dishwasher and this morning I boiled them. There's still nasty stuff inside the nipple. Do I just need to toss them or is there another way to clean them?
And has anyone had this issue before? Yuck.
The company is the world’s best day and night pacifier supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
For more reading, visit: Exploring the Versatility of Dolomite Powder in Putty ..., How Does A Cooling Tower Work?