Nanny To The Rescue: How do I wean my daughter off the pacifier?

Our in-house nanny answers your baby, toddler and preschooler questions…

Q: How do I wean my daughter off the pacifier? She’s almost 16 months old.

See if these tips help:

*Gradually, reduce how long she gets to use it during the day. Try making it bitter to taste.

*Allow her use at bedtime if she’s used to it soothing her to sleep, then, start withdrawing it some nights, despite her resistance.

*Don’t employ punishment or humiliation to enforce giving it up. Involve her in the plan to stop by explaining to her she’s a big girl now and doesn’t need it anymore.

*Offer choices; throwing it away, giving it out to a baby (tell her the baby needs it more because he’s so little) or leaving it under the pillow for the ‘tooth fairy.’ You could also offer to exchange it for something else, like a toy (which won’t break the bank) she loves.

*Let her express her feelings (anger, regret, anxiety, and whatever else). Give special hugs to make her feel better.

*Praise her little efforts and tell her you are proud she’s really trying to act like the big girl she is now.

*Don’t give in for whatever reason if she asks for the pacifier days or weeks later. Tell her she’s grown up now and the pacifier is gone for good!