When to Take the Pacifier Away From a Baby

Many parents worry about their new baby beginning a pacifier habit. However, using a pacifier can be beneficial for babies. Not only does it provide the baby with comfort, it also may prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Usually, children give up their pacifier before any problems may occur with their teeth; however some children may need a little extra encouragement to stop the habit. Ideally, children older than 4 should not be using a pacifier.

Benefits of Pacifier Use

• Using a pacifier with young babies has been associated with a reduced risk of SIDS. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that parents give their baby a pacifier during nap times and overnight sleeping. Pacifier use also is less likely to cause dental problems than thumb sucking. In addition, a pacifier offers comfort and is a much easier habit to break than thumb sucking. Most children naturally give up their pacifier sometime between age 2 and 4.

Pacifier Problems

• Some children continue to enjoy their pacifiers through the toddler years, which generally is acceptable. However, as the time approaches when permanent teeth are emerging, pacifier use can cause structural problems in the mouth. Permanent teeth usually start to appear at age 4 or 5. Pacifiers should be taken away well before the appearance of permanent teeth to prevent structural damage.

Giving Up the Pacifier

• As a child gets older, a parent or dentist may be able to reason with them about the potential damage they are doing to their teeth. In severe cases, a mouth appliance may be placed in the child's mouth to prevent him from sucking on a pacifier, his fingers or any other object.

  Babycenter.com offers some creative ways to help a child give up his pacifier. For example, the parent might allow him to leave the pacifier for the "binky fairy," who then would leave a special toy in exchange. Also, the parent might encourage the child to give the pacifier to a younger baby who needs it. In addition, parents can try purposely losing all the pacifiers.