How to wean my toddler off pacifier

Is your toddler's pacifier a battle you never thought you'd face? You’re not alone!

When my little one turned two, I realized it was time to say goodbye to the pacifier. But how do you take away something that brings them so much comfort? I felt a mix of anxiety and determination. I didn’t want to cause meltdowns, but I also knew it was best for their development.

What worked for us was a gradual approach. I started by limiting pacifier use to nap times and bedtime only. This helped my toddler to not rely on it throughout the day. I explained that “the pacifier is going to the baby store for new babies” and that we could have a special goodbye ceremony. We even made a fun little game out of it!

After a week, I felt brave enough to cut it out completely. The first few nights were tough. There were tears, and honestly, I had to hold my breath more than once. But I reminded myself that this was all part of growing up. I offered extra cuddles and read more bedtime stories to soothe my toddler’s worries.

Each night got a little easier, and soon enough, my little one was sleeping soundly without it. I felt so proud of us both! If you’re struggling with this, just remember: it’s okay to take it slow, and every child is different. You've got this!