MY TODDLER WON'T QUIT THE BINKY

How would you help your little one give up their pacifier habit?

My kid will not give up her pacifier! We have tried taking them away but she still begs for it. She is so smart and mature for her age, which is why I’m surprised she still wants it at three years old (don’t judge!) Any tricks to get your toddler to quit the binky? 

I’m sure we can all remember the comfort items of our childhood and how attached we were to them. Whether it was a stuffed animal, and blanket, a night light or a pacifier - it is hard to break a habit. Working as a nanny and in other child care for many years, I have helped multiple kiddos quit the binky. It is not always easy but I have some ideas… 

First thing to do is to get rid of all but one pacifier. Extras have to disappear. Many kids will get smart and hide them around so check couch cushions, cracks in the crib mattress and toy bins! Once there is only one left, limit the use to only nap time and bed time. Keep it out of sight other times of day so it stays as out of mind as possible. If you can start to take it away for naps and keep it only for bed time, thats great! Just keep consistent with whatever you decide. 

Then the best trick comes. If she is three, she is at the perfect age for Build-a-Bear workshop. Now hear me out… this has worked for so many little ones over the years! Take the pacifier and your girl to Build-a-Bear and explain that she is a “big girl” now and can not suck on a binky anymore BUT she can have a “binky-bear” so she can still always have her binky with her. Make it fun, make it a playful secret, however you have to explain it to get her on board. When they go to stuff the bear, pop the binky into the back and they will stitch it up inside! No more binky! Pick out a cute outfit for the bear, go grab some ice cream and make it a great memory. 

If you do not have one of these stores near you, there are a bunch of stuff-your-own bears online and you could do this at home. Either way - it has to be fun and special. Most kids will love the idea of an enjoyable day with the attention all on them and a toy to take away from it all. 

The most important thing to remember is to just stay consistent and firm. She might get upset or throw a fit - the pacifier can not be the answer. Try to find other rewards and distractions to help her through tough moments. Maybe an M&M or a cute sticker every time she does something “like a big girl”. Use water bottles with chewy rubber straws that she can carry around when you are on the go. Get creative!

Best of luck helping your baby girl quit the binky! It is so hard at first but just keep at it and approach it all with love, compassion, patience and fun. Hope she loves her new binky-bear and her fun day out with you! Report back to us if all goes well! xo