As parents we are constantly bombarded with different opinions and philosophies making it so overwhelming and confusing at times. All we want is the best for our kids, but what is best depends on so many factors that there is never a clear answer to almost any question we have. Is the pacifier our friend or the enemy? It all depends who you ask.
Here is some information and tips that I happen to agree with.
Sucking is a natural reflex for babies that starts before they are even born. Infants and young children feel comforted by the sucking of their hand, finger or pacifier. Are pacifiers a problem? In the very early years, probably not. If sucking continues past the age of two, there is an increased risk of developing protruding teeth or an improper bite.
Tips for weaning off the pacifier:
1. Substitute. Find other ways to comfort your baby. Could be a teddy bear for bedtime, a blanket, a "sippy" cup and the most effective of all is mom or dad attention and love.
2. Peer pressure. Arrange for play dates with kids that are either older, already weaned or just do not like pacifiers. Keep mentioning the names of kids that are not using the pacifier anymore. This will work better with kids that your child likes and admires.
3. Rewards. Offer rewards and praise for being a big boy or girl.You can also give your child a trade off gift for the pacifier. You can create together a calendar and give your child stickers and coloring papers to decorate for each day that passes without the pacifier.
4. Be consistent. Maybe some days you will be tempted to hand your child the pacifier as a quick solution, but do not. It has to be done cold turkey if you want this to work.
Alejandra Awad http://www.formomswithlove.com
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