The pacifier definitely has its advantages when we want to calm the baby, but at the same time it also brings its undeniable negatives. Giving up the pacifier can be a real challenge, both for the child and for the parents themselves. If we are considering whether to take this step, there are some important factors to consider.
When we talk about giving up the pacifier, it is important to keep in mind the negative effects it brings . Besides becoming a hard habit to break, the pacifier has a negative impact from a dental point of view. Distortion of the bite during prolonged sucking of a pacifier is a proven fact. Many parents believe that this is hardly a cause for concern, since even if the baby teeth are crooked, the problem is solved when the baby teeth are replaced with permanent ones. However, this is not the case at all – the deformity affects the bite itself, which means that the problem remains even with permanent teeth at a later stage.
Weaning from the pacifier pacifier – when is the time?
The truth is that there is no universal answer to the question “When to remove the bib”. It is important to approach each child carefully and individually. Remember that a baby is not born with a natural need to suck on a pacifier or wear a diaper – parents themselves introduce these attributes for their own convenience, and then get angry when breaking the habit does not happen easily and immediately. According to many psychologists and paediatricians, after the age of two it is already a good time to start giving up the pacifier, because of the above-mentioned reasons related to the bite, and also because the longer time passes, the more difficult it is to wean.
Choose a period in which the child is not sick, teething or restless
The moment in which you decide to deal with the habit must be correctly selected. If your child is fussy because of teething, has a fever or is sick, this is hardly the best time. Do it when the people who comfort him the most (mom, dad, grandma, little brother) are nearby. Summer is a wonderful time – holidays at the sea, in the mountains or in the village give the child the opportunity for many and varied activities. When he is doing pleasant things, his mind is occupied with games and having fun, weaning becomes easier.
Gradual or abrupt withdrawal?
Here the opinions are divided into two groups. According to some, there is no gradual withdrawal, just as a smoker could not gradually wean himself off cigarettes. Followers of this view believe that if we decide to remove the pacifier, we should simply get rid of it and not recall its existence. However, this can be painful and traumatic for a young child. The other option is to deal with the problem gradually – by not giving a pacifier during the day, but only when there is pain, discomfort, when falling asleep, etc.
Cutting the teat tip
This is another popular method that has worked successfully for many children. Cutting the tip of the pacifier creates a vacuum in the oral cavity, which is unpleasant for the child and he very quickly just refuses to use the pacifier.
If the child is old enough, explain to him and make him participate in the decision
After the age of 2, children understand and realize much more. Therefore, try to explain to the child that it is time to give his favorite pacifier – to another baby, to some animal or whatever you think is appropriate. Or exchange it for something – the biba for something that is important and interesting for the child. If you see that he has a desire for such a “deal” and is inclined to give his favorite pacifier, this may be a good sign that the time has come. Of course, don’t expect a two-year-old to not cry and accept the breakup painlessly after he himself participated in making the decision. But it would be an idea less difficult that way than him feeling that mommy and daddy had taken something away from him by force.
The child experiences the loss
It is important for every parent to realize that getting used to the pacifier is a special condition that cannot be removed with a magic wand when we decide. The child experiences in a special way the loss of something that he considers vital, which calms him down. Of course, the other extreme is also not recommended – under the pretext that the child will suffer, there are parents who allow the permanent use of a pacifier until 4-5 years of age. That’s why – go through this stage with patience, with determination and with a lot of attention – because it really is just a stage.
