Pacifier??!! - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

AZ24 · 05-08-2007, 03:32 PM

So, my dd is about to turn 13 months old. She has been using a pacifier since she was a month old. She doesn't use it throughout the day, but she does use it for naps and during the night.

My dh and I have decided we no longer want her to use it. Today I tried to get her down for a nap without using it. I tried putting her down our usual way (sitting in her room and rocking in her chair). She was really squirmy, so I decided to wait a little longer. I waited until she was good and tired, gave her a cup of milk and when she was done, I think she was expecting her pacifier. She started crying and was confused and frustrated. After lots of crying, I gave in and gave it to her

. She fell asleep immediatly! I took her pacifier out of her mouth and when I went to put her in her crib, she woke up and started crying because she didn't have it. So I put it back in her mouth and she was OUT!

I know I can't keep giving in to her if I want to take it away! Does anyone have any experience with doing this! I don't want nap and bedtime to be a big struggle!

What should I do??? She isn't old enough to explain to her that they are going "bye bye."

Please Help!

KeltoKel · 05-09-2007, 05:37 AM

I don't think you need to take the pacifier away at her age. I believe she is too young. Wait until she is older.

I think it is great that she only needs it during naps. No harm done by allowing her to use it then.

Seraph · 05-09-2007, 06:05 AM

Yes, she is too young to know anything except that her comfort is being taken away. Wouldn't you rather have a happy baby, than make a minor point?

athome1 · 05-09-2007, 06:14 AM

I don't really have much experience with pacifiers. Both my kids never really got one. I do have a niece and nephew who are now 2 and 3 years and still need to have theirs at naptime and bedtime. I think you still have a bit of time before you would need to actively try to take it away. I never wanted to even face the struggle, so I never used one with my kids. I know each child is different, so my next one who is due any day may be the one child who needs it! Good luck!

liloulou · 05-09-2007, 08:26 AM

Gosh, I know I'll be in the same situation when my girl reaches your baby's age. She loves her pacifier to sleep with. It's like she's unsettled and lost without it. I'm hoping to take it away (slowly) starting at about 10 months or so... If you find a method, please let me know...
Good luck.