Dubai, UAE -Babies have been using pacifiers for years. Pacifiers assist toddlers in navigating their many new emotions through self-soothing and providing comfort. It helps a baby fall asleep and to stay asleep—especially in those early days. There comes a time in every baby's life when it's time to say goodbye to the pacifier. For some babies, this transition happens naturally as they grow older and become more independent. Other babies may need a little help from their parents in order to wean themselves off of the pacifier.

The right time to say bye-bye to the pacifier
The quicker the better! Your baby should be off the pacifier by 12 months. Pacifiers are a great way to calm your baby and they can also be detrimental if used too much. As your child grows up, the use of pacifiers may sometimes have an impact on dental and speech development. As permanent teeth come in, sucking pacifiers may impact the growth and alignment of teeth as well as the palate. “Parents must do away with their child's pacifier before the age of 2— in case they are still dependent on pacifiers as their primary soothing mechanism. It is easiest to wean your child before they form an emotional attachment to the pacifier—which usually happens around 9 months of age—by gradually reducing the time spent with the pacifier” says Dr. Yasmin Kottait, the best pediatric dentist in Dubai. When the baby is old enough to hold a bottle or cup, you can stop using one. When they’re ready, try using a straw instead of a pacifier (or vice versa). If your child is old enough to drink from a cup and not just sips at times, then it's time to give up on pacifiers as well.

How to wean off the pacifier
If you're ready for your baby to get rid of the pacifier altogether, here are some tips:

Reward your little one
Reward your baby for quitting their pacifier. Offer them positive reinforcement whenever they manage not to use their pacifier for a certain period. This could include things like extra hugs, stickers, or special privileges like an extra hour of playtime.

Offer a replacement activity
Start by offering other forms of comfort like cuddles or a lovey instead of a pacifier. If your child is older than two years old, they may be able to give up the pacifier on their own. You can try supporting them by making sure that they have lots of things to do and play with at home so that they don’t need them as much anymore. Another option is to distract your child with toys or books when they start sucking on a pacifier—this will help get them used to not using their pacifier anymore so that when you take it away, they won't feel like they're missing anything at all. Gradually, they will lessen their dependence on the pacifier and break the habit.

Make it unappealing
If your baby associates a pacifier with poor taste, they eventually stop sucking. Dip them or soak the pacifier in something sour such as lemon juice - which is a safe and unappealing option for kids. The terrible taste is sure to eventually turn your baby off. Even better, they won't want it anymore. Another option could be to try putting the pacifier in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. The cold sensation might be enough to make them lose interest.

Talk to your child about giving up the pacifier
If your baby is old enough, have a conversation about what he or she expects will happen when the pacifier is gone. Let your baby know that it is time to give up the pacifier and explain why you think it is important and what good things could happen if they did. This can help make the process easier for both you and your child.

A farewell party
When your child is finally ready to bid farewell to the pacifier for good, celebrate by having a special party with balloons and treats. This will get your kid excited and establish a sense of achievement. An alternative option would be to take your kid shopping and allow them to consciously replace the pacifier with a new toy. Praise your little one for their efforts and let them know you are proud of them.


All babies are different
As you're waiting for your baby to become weaned, it's important to understand that all babies are different. Some will take longer than others and some might not even go through the process at all. “Your baby may be more attached to the pacifier than others—or vice versa! This is normal. If you feel like your child is being stubborn, let them have it. The quitting process needs to be gradual and smooth. If it doesn’t feel that way yet, don't worry! That binky will be long gone before you know it” says Dr. Yasmin.

Giving up the pacifier can be difficult for some babies. They may cry or act out as they adjust to life without their beloved binky. Weaning your baby off of their pacifier can take time, so be patient and keep trying different strategies until you find one that works best for you and your baby. Be prepared for these challenges and have patience while your child adapts. Remember, you don’t have to make a journey alone. Be there for your baby and help them along the way. Ultimately, quitting the pacifier will lead to increased independence and self-confidence in your child. If you have any questions about the process or alternative methods for dealing with your baby's pacifier habit, talk to your dentist!

About Dr. Yasmin Kottait: Having dedicated 16 years of her career to spreading smiles and imparting knowledge of oral hygiene to children, Dr. Yasmin is a renowned name and face in the field of pediatric dentistry in Dubai. Her joyful personality and magical kid-whispering powers make dental appointments for kids an easy sail – and lots of fun, that they never miss a single dental appointment with her! Dr. Yasmin is also one of the few Autism friendly dentists in the region, with a diploma in Cognitive Based Hypnotherapy and IBCCES Autism certification.