Experts and Real Parents on When to Stop Pacifier Use
Some habits are hard to quit—and the pacifier (or binky or whatever your pet name is for it) is definitely one of the hardest for babies. Sure, it provides lots of comfort for your little one, but at a certain point they’ve gotta learn to live without it. “I don’t think we can keep playing the pacifier game with our two little ladies. We’re in and out of the nursery all the time,” shares Wantastickybaby, a community member on The Bump. “They wake up every 45 minutes looking for the pacis and fuss if it’s not put back in their mouth right away. This also means that they’re waking each other up!” As with any breakup, there will be tears. Baby will be missing their binky, and you’ll be temporarily missing a good night’s sleep. But the good news is that you can both get through this! Follow these trusted tips from experts and real parents for tackling pacifier weaning head-on.
- Pacifier use should be weaned after baby’s first birthday, as they can start to affect the shape of baby’s mouth and teeth between the ages of 2 and 4, as well as cause speech delays.
- While there’s no best or easiest way to wean, experts cite going cold turkey as very effective—as long as parents are consistent. The best method will ultimately depend on what’s right for your individual family.
- Try offering baby an alternative comfort object as they wean, like a blanket or a stuffed animal.
- After weaning the pacifier, it’s okay to let your kiddo suck their thumb. This habit doesn’t affect their oral health in the same way, and it’s a habit they’ll naturally grow out of once they start school.
According to experts, when baby’s between 6 to 12 months old, it may be time to start weaning them from the pacifier. Preeti Parikh, MD, a pediatrician in New York City), says after age one, sucking is no longer an important source of soothing. While many toddlers continue using a pacifier for a couple of years beyond that, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says sucking on a pacifier past age 2 to 4 can affect the shape of baby’s mouth and how their teeth align as they come in. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) also recommends toddlers stop using pacifiers by age 3.
Most kids will stop using pacifiers on their own between the ages of 2 and 4, but others may need some help learning to let go of that little bit of security and soothing. And if your child happens to fall into that camp, don’t wait around for signs they’re ready to give up the paci. “They [may] never show signs!” says Natasha Burgert, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Pediatric Associates in South Overland Park, Kansas. “This is most often a parenting choice.”
The main reasons experts recommend weaning off the pacifier after age one is because it starts to affect children’s speech and dental development, says Karen Klawitter, MD, a pediatrician with Just Answer based in Illinois and Florida. Per the AAP, it could affect the alignment of your tot’s teeth and mess up their bite, leading to orthodontic issues and treatment later on. Plus, prolonged pacifier use has been linked to an increased risk of ear infections, which are already very common in kids under 2, Klawitter adds. “General consensus is to start weaning the pacifier between one and 2 years of age, with the pacifier [fully stopped] between 2 and 3 years of age. Ultimately, the earlier the better.”
Why do babies get attached to their pacifier?
Of course, stopping pacifier use in babies can often be easier said than done. Babies have an innate sucking reflex that helps soothe and comfort them, Klawitter explains. They become attached to their pacifiers because it mimics the comfort they feel while feeding. Plus, pacifiers can help babies fall and stay asleep. In other words, the pacifier can become baby’s comfort object, which makes a child unlikely to want to give it up.
I transitioned my second son just after 18 months. I wanted to go the sleep-only route but he wanted his paci all the time. I tried snipping small holes in the tip and that didn't work. As the holes got bigger it resulted in a massive drooling problem. I snapped and wanted it done, so I cut off the tip majorly and he didn't like it. I cut them all like that and whenever he wanted one, I showed them to him and he didn't want them… He whined and cried for a couple weeks during the day, but it was so much better than I feared… I think the sooner the better, before they really get the attitude. I've heard about people weaning from the paci at age 3—you know, when you think you can reason with them, and that sounds worse. They mope and tell you how sad they are without it!
Kicking the pacifier habit can be a bit of a challenge, and there’s definitely no one-size-fits-all approach for how to wean off the pacifier that works for every toddler. “There’s no best way to wean a pacifier,” Klawitter says, adding that the key is to be consistent and push through to the end once you make the decision to wean. That said, there are a few pacifier weaning techniques you can try:
Go cold turkey
Burgert and Klawitter both recommend ditching the pacifiers in one fell swoop. “Toddlers have simple minds,” Burgert says. “Either things exist or they don’t. So at the end of the pacifier-weaning process, the paci moves from ‘present’ to ‘absent.’ You may as well just make that transition swiftly rather than lengthening it out.” Klawitter agrees, noting that while it may be hard to hear baby’s cries, she’s found it to be the fastest and most effective technique for many—but the key is consistency. “Throw away all pacifiers at once and never look back,” suggests Klawitter.
Set some parameters
Of course, going cold turkey may not work for every family. If that’s the case for you, start limiting the times and places where baby can use a pacifier—such as only in bed or during naps, Klawitter says. Eventually the goal is to get rid of it completely, but taking a gradual approach may help ease the transition for some kiddos.
Snip the pacifier
Another common weaning approach is cutting the nipple of the pacifier. This makes it “less appealing for a child to suck,” Klawitter explains. “We clipped the end of the nipple a little bit every few days. Eventually, she didn’t want the paci,” shares LoCarb, a community member on The Bump.
Try positive reinforcement
When it comes to toddler developments, positive reinforcement can go a long way. Praising baby when they avoid using the pacifier can help encourage the behavior you want to see. Depending on your child, you might also opt to use a reward system or try distracting them with other activities.
Trade it for something desirable
So-called bribery can often be an effective tool for pacifier weaning. Tell your toddler they can trade it in to “pay” for something enticing—like a new toy or a favorite treat. Or, Klawitter recommends offering them an alternative comfort item, such as a blanket or stuffed animal.
Use the binky fairy
A clever take on the tooth fairy, the “binky fairy” takes away the pacifier in exchange for a treat, Klawitter explains. For example, “plant” the pacifier in the backyard and replace it with a cake pop or lollipop for your kiddo to find the next day. This turns it into a game and peaks their curiosity, distracting them from the situation at hand.
Don’t cave
Got a stubborn sucker? Once you’ve said you’re getting rid of the pacifier, don’t give in to your toddler’s demands. “Be quick, confident and convicted,” Burgert says. “Regardless of how attached a kid may be, you’ll have three bad nights. That’s it.” It’s a small price to pay for saying bye-bye to the binky for good.
We’ve been binky free for eight days now! My daughter never took it during the day, other than for naps and bed… On the first two days, we gave her a binky with the tip cut off. When she looked at it funny, we told her it was broken. After two days with the ‘broken’ binky, we told her it was going ‘bye bye,’ and I let her watch me throw it away. I reminded her that it was broken. The next day, we didn't give it to her for either her nap or bedtime—I’m not going to lie, it was rough. It was still rough by the fifth day, but has gotten better since. The past two days and nights, she has gone to bed/nap binky free without fussing! Honestly, I think we could have skipped the whole ‘broken binky’ part and just gone cold turkey.
According to Klawitter, how long pacifier weaning will take can depend on multiple factors. “The weaning process can take days, weeks or even months, depending on the age of the child, the method used to wean the pacifier, the individual child’s needs and parents’ consistency to follow through,” she explains, adding that cold-turkey is often quicker than a gradual approach. Plus, a lot of it also has to do with your child. “Some children are easy going and not bothered by an absent pacifier, [while] some strong-willed children tend to be harder to wean,” she adds. Babies under a year old also tend to wean faster, as they don’t have as strong an association with their pacifier.
Keep in mind that baby may also experience pacifier withdrawal, which can last a few days or a few weeks. “This may manifest as crying more, attention seeking and sleep issues. In most cases this resolves spontaneously, as baby finds other ways to self-soothe,” Klawitter reassures.
As noted, offering a replacement comfort item, such as a blanket or stuffed animal (once your baby’s old enough to have them in the crib) can help. If you’re gradually weaning and your child is still using a pacifier to fall asleep, Klawitter suggests removing it once they’re asleep and starting to phase it out. She notes some other ways to help your little one calm down before bed include:
A consistent bedtime routine Extra cuddles and stories before bedtime as they wean off the paci Singing familiar lullabies and songs White nose machines
“It’s also okay to allow other self-soothing behavior like finger- or thumb-sucking,” Klawitter adds. It may feel like a step back, but, as the AAP notes, most children stop sucking for comfort pretty quickly once they start school due to their peers. While you do want to wean your child off a pacifier to prevent damage to their oral development, if they still use sucking for comfort every now and then, don’t put too much pressure on them. They’ll grow out of it completely on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to wean baby off the pacifier?
While there’s no “easiest” or “best” way to wean baby off the pacifier, Klawitter does note that a cold-turkey approach is often the most effective with consistency. “I find using additional methods like positive reinforcement and transference to other comfort objects work well in conjunction with the cold-turkey method,” she adds.
Does the Lily Method work for pacifier weaning?
The Lily Method is a system for weaning off pacifiers that uses five nipples that gradually get smaller. “This decreases the satisfaction of sucking for the child,” Klawitter explains. “It can be effective for some children who are especially attached to the pacifier… Often by the fifth nipple, children lose interest entirely.”
When do pacifiers start affecting baby’s teeth?
According to Klawitter, pacifiers start to affect baby’s teeth between 18 and 24 months. “Prolonged use of pacifiers after this age can lead to teeth misalignment, bite and palate changes,” she says.
Does prolonged pacifier use cause speech delays?
Yes, prolonged pacifier use can cause speech issues, Klawitter notes. For starters, babies practice sounds less when they have a pacifier in their mouths. Plus, it can impact oral motor development and the muscles used for talking, as well as teeth and jaw alignment and how the tongue positions itself for speech. “Finally, it can increase the risk of recurrent ear infections, which in turn can affect hearing and thus speech,” she adds.
Is it okay for baby to continue thumb sucking after weaning?
“Thumb sucking is okay after pacifier weaning, as it’s a form of self-soothing and calming for the child,” Klawitter says. Plus, “most children will stop this practice on their own by age 3 or so.” What’s more, thumb sucking doesn’t have the same effect on teeth, unless kids continue the habit past age 5, when permanent teeth start coming in.
Is it worth giving baby a pacifier at all?
With all the information on weaning, you might be wondering if, as a new parent, it’s worth it to give your newborn a pacifier at all. Many experts recommend waiting until’s baby’s established breastfeeding (if nursing) to avoid nipple confusion, but Klawitter says pacifiers can be a useful tool for both newborns and postpartum moms. “Sometimes babies just need to suck, and a pacifier will aid in this important innate newborn reflex to give mom a break,” she explains. Not to mention, they’re also recommended by the AAP as they reduce the risk of SIDS.
It can be hard to wean baby off their pacifier, especially if it comforts them. But know that, as hard as it is in the moment, it’s best for baby’s development in the long run. And if you have any questions or concerns about the process, reach out to your provider.
Plus more from The Bump, What You Need To Know About Growth Spurts:
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Natasha Burgert, MD, FAAP, is a pediatrician at Pediatric Associates in South Overland Park, Kansas, and the blogger behind KC Kids Doc. She earned her medical degree from University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
Karen Klawitter, MD, is a pediatrician with Just Answer based in Illinois and Florida. She’s affiliated with Ascension Alexian Brothers Hospital and Loyola University Medical Center. She earned her medical degree from Loyola University Chicago and has over 20 years of experience.
Preeti Parikh, MD, is a pediatrician with Westside Pediatrics, located in New York City, as well as a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. She earned her medical degree from Rutgers University and completed her pediatric residency at Mount Sinai Hospital.
American Academy of Pediatrics, Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking, November 2020
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Policy on Pacifiers, 2024
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Pacifier use and the occurrence of otitis media in the first year of life, February 2001
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