New parents often feel terrible about making their toddlers give up their beloved pacifier, but unfortunately there are many reasons why it is important to do. For instance, if a toddler continues to suck on a pacifier as their teeth begin to grow, the teeth can start to grow in at a misaligned way as continual pacifier use can cause small deformities in the upper jaw. Also, if your growing toddler always has their pacifier in their mouth, they are less able to babble and play with sounds and words like other developing toddlers do. This can actually lead to a slow language development. What many parents might not know, is that pacifier use has actually caused a 50% increase of ear infections in children.

So you know the pacifier has to be taken away at some point, but when is the right age to do it? There is no specific age that pediatricians say a child needs to start being weaned off their pacifier, however the general consensus is that it should start around the age of 18 months.

A good sign that it is time to start the weaning off process is if your toddler makes a complete fuss and tantrum that is pretty much uncontrollable unless you get a pacifier in their mouth immediately. In most cases the weaning off of the pacifier should be a gradual process in which you only allow your child to have the pacifier at bed time or at naps. Then gradually start taking it away at nap times and then bedtime too. Most toddlers adjust to this within just a few days.

There are a few other methods you can also use to wean your toddler off of their pacifier, starting with substitution or bribery if you will. This method simply involves giving the child a toy or fun activity in place of the pacifier; if they’re going to bed use a soft, stuffed animal or blanket.

Another method that works well with some toddlers is giving rewards for not making a fuss about wanting their pacifier. You can purchase or make a reward chart where you place stickers or check marks throughout the day and reward them with stickers, a treat and lots of positive reinforcement if they go long periods of time without asking for their pacifier.

You can try going cold turkey, but be prepared for lots of tantrums, crying and guilt trips. It might take up to two weeks of relentless fighting until your child finally gives up and adjusts to life without their pacifier. A variation of this is to put something bitter or bad tasting (but safe!) on the pacifier such as hot pepper or coffee.

No matter which method you use to wean your child off of their pacifier, be sure to be consistent. As hard as it might be to hear them cry and be upset over not having their pacifier, if you give in on occasion, your child will be confused why he or she can’t have their pacifier sometimes but they can other times. They will also have the idea in their mind that if he or she tries hard enough you’ll eventually give in.

Though not a dentst, Eau Claire writer Mike Rollins writes for a number of Eau Claire dentists and other health care providers in the Chippewa Valley and beyond.

Mike is a freelance writer who writes on a variety of dental topics. With exceptional knowledge of dental health and oral hygiene, Mike enjoys making these topics both educational and fun for lay-readers.
http://www.msdsmile.com and http://www.msdsmile.com/sedation-dentistry-eau-claire-wi.php

Author Bio: Though not a dentst, Eau Claire writer Mike Rollins writes for a number of Eau Claire dentists and other health care providers in the Chippewa Valley and beyond.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: dentist, dentists, dentistry, dental, eau claire, wi, wisconsin, chippewa valley