Pacifier Addiction SIDS Reduction Weaning
Divide the weaning into 3 or 4 progressive phases.
Before weaning, encourage your child to use the bear for self-soothing(using the bear’s name) even when the pacifier is attached.
Once they know the pacifier is there and how to use it, don’t emphasize it…especially in toddlers. This will help him to feel just as comforted by the bear when the pacifier is gone.
Choose the easiest situation from which to wean your child first, then add more circumstances as your child adjusts.
For instance, take the pacifier off the bear while they play. Then take it off while out and about. Next, remove the pacifier from the bear for nap time. Finally remove the pacifier at bedtime.
Never take the pacifier away as a punishment.
Showing “respect” for your child’s beloved bear and pacifier will gain you credibility and a lot more patience when it is time to begin weaning.Be consistent, but be flexible!
Your child is an individual, and they will progress at their own rate.
Also, what may be phase 1 for another child may be phase 4, for your child.
Most children will refuse the bear in the beginning of each phase(a day or so) where the pacifier is removed, but ultimately will still want the bear.
The refusal is a “tantrum” aimed to make you give back the pacifier. In the end, they will be extra comforted by their familiar friend.
Reward you child when they give up the pacifier to you without a fight, but during extended periods of time without asking for the pacifier, don’t bring it up, even for the purpose of praise.
This sounds funny, but if your child isn’t missing it, don’t remind them! Extend praise for how long he went without it the next time he asks. But…
Always give him the pacifier when he expects it, unless it is time to begin the next phase.
This is all about trust. For example, just because they forgot about it during general playtime, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t offer it during nap time unless you are prepared to move to the next phase. They will progress through the phases easier if they trust you to not push them. Pushing them can result in them pushing back!
Always stay positive about the process.
There is no law about how much time it must take, and there is no crime in discerning when to “give in”. You are the best judge of what is best for your child. Trust your instincts and keep truckin’!
