At the start of your toddler’s life, the pacifier plays an important role. It allows your baby to soothe themselves, so they can get to sleep.

But by the time they are toddlers, it might be time to think about getting rid of the pacifier. This can be a challenge, as your child has come to rely on it. But it needs to be done. Here are some of the steps you should follow to help your child learn to sleep without relying on a pacifier.

Reduce Their Reliance

How you choose to wean your toddler off a pacifier will depend on how heavily they rely on it. Some toddlers will use pacifiers most of the day, even when they aren’t sleeping. If this is the case, it’s best to start to reduce their reliance. Try to scale it back until they are going to bed.

Explain What is Happening

Once you are ready to remove the pacifier for good, it’s time to have a chat with your toddler. Explain that since they are now big kids, they don’t need to use a pacifier anymore. It’s also good to mention that their old pacifiers will be sent to new babies, who will need them. Have this chat a few days before you plan to remove the pacifiers, this allows the idea to sink in.

Create an Inviting Sleeping Area

In exchange for giving up their pacifier, your child can get to choose an item for their room. This can be a new lamp or a new type of bedding. The thought of a reward can be a good motivator, helping them through the discomfort of being without a pacifier.

It’s important to make sure that you are choosing a sleeping area that they will feel comfortable in. This will make the transition a lot easier. There are many ways that you can do this. Make sure that they have a supportive comfortable mattress. You’ll also need to make sure that they have a good pillow. This will provide support for the spine and neck. If you want to know what to look for, check out this guide to small toddler pillows.

Expect Some Tears

Even though they might agree to go to bed without a pacifier, this will still be a big adjustment. For the first few nights, you can expect some tears as they get used to it. You will need to provide some support through this difficult time. It can be tempting to give in and allow them to use a pacifier. You must stay firm.

The good news is that this won’t last for long. Often, the crying will only last for two to four nights. After this, they will get used to sleeping without their pacifier.

Conclusion

There will come a time in every toddler’s life when they need to learn how to sleep without a pacifier. This can be a difficult transition. But after a few days, they’ll settle into their new routine.

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