How to Wean Your Toddler Off Their Pacifier - Lifehacker

If you’re looking for the easiest time to wean a child from a pacifier, it’s probably earlier than you think—Dr.

But if they’re still sucking away by about age three, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says it’s time to wean them off it, before prolonged use leads to orthodontic problems.

If you’re going to go this route, you need to be committed.

To wean a toddler from a pacifier more gradually, start to set some limits in the amount of time they’re allowed to have it and under what conditions.

You might start by eliminating the use during times when they need it less, such as immediately after nap times, when they’re in the car, or when they’re playing with toys in the living room.

Eventually, get to the point where they’re only allowed to have it for nap times and at bedtime, and eventually eliminate that, too.

The fairy takes their old binkies to deliver to little babies who need them (only use this part if you think it won’t create jealousy) and leaves a new “big kid toy” in its place.

You can switch up the details about the magical creature that comes for the binkies and even let the toddler choose when they’re ready for the visit.

You won’t want to wean them from their pacifier if they’re going through any other kind of stressful transition, such as starting a new daycare, welcoming a baby sibling, or moving to a new home.

Choose a time when they won’t need to depend on the pacifier as much for soothing.