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Dummies (pacifiers) are both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, they soothe an unsettled baby and help with the discomfort of teething. On the other, there are concerns that they can cause dental problems and affect speech development, as toddlers get older.
Experts recommend you ditch the dummy by a child's first birthday – the earlier you to do it the easier it is as the child hasn't had chance to become dependent on it; by 18 months a child has developed a strong attachment to the dummy and it will be harder to remove. There are several different approaches to ditching the dummy. A lot depends on your child, their age, and how often they use the dummy.
Cold Turkey
For younger babies (12-18 months old), going 'cold turkey' is often the most popular. Though it might bring a few nights of upset, it is usually the quickest way. If your baby is really unsettled, try offering the dummy just as they fall asleep for four days, and then take it away for the rest of the night. During this time, introduce an alternative soother such as a taggie blanky.
Do it at the weekend, when you can be fully present and keep them entertained with lots of activities – go to the park, the beach, or any place where they wouldn't want a dummy anyway. This way, they might also have their naps in the car or pram, which will help with falling asleep without the dummy too. Introduce a special toy at night, for them to focus on, and though they might be difficult to settle the first night, the worst is usually over within two or three nights. Try not to go back, once you've started. If they see their crying changes your course then the crying and screaming will only get worse. Be patient, there will be fussiness but it will pass.
'Forgetting' to pack the dummy when going on holiday is an easier way of ditching the dummy cold turkey. Children are excited about the holiday, bedtimes are often later and parents aren't under the added pressure of work the next day, making the dummy much easier to forget than it would be at home. Including extra treats such as trips to the beach and a new soothing 'holiday' toy or blankie, can make the first few days go smoothly.
Weaning
If your toddler is using dummies during the day, the first step is to limit it to bedtime only. Make sure that dummies stay in the bedroom, try putting them in a box on the shelf when your child wakes up, and bringing the box down only at bedtime. If they ask for it during the day, offer cuddles or an activity to distract and comfort them. Keep an eye on which particular times your child is asking for the dummy (for example are they upset, or tired), to help you plan for when they will be distressed.
For older toddlers, giving up the dummy is a big deal, so plan ahead and time it around special events. To minimise the stress on the child, don't try it when there is a new baby on the way, or when they are toilet training.
Because babies get pleasure from sucking, a few activities that can help include:
- Blowing bubbles through a straw into water
- Sucking smoothies through a straw
- Using a bottle with a straw (change from using bottle teats)
- Squeezy toys and bath toys
- Gripping soft toys and fabric books
Dummy Fairy
Suitable for older kids (over three years old), this age group usually responds quite proudly, when posed with the responsibility of passing their dummies onto new babies, especially if the Dummy Fairy will leave them a surprise! At this age, losing the dummy is more emotionally distressing so this method uses their vivid imagination to make the experience magical. Let them be a part of the decision so they feel in control, and because they are a 'big' girl or boy they are much more likely to do it. Be prepared for difficulty settling them at night, spend time offering plenty of stories, cuddles, and singing songs together. And do actually throw the dummy away, rather than hiding it somewhere 'just in case'! So you aren't tempted to go back.
Are you looking to remove your child's dummy, with as little anxiety as possible? We have a copy of Daniel and the Dummy Fairy to giveaway! The book follows the journey of two-year-old Daniel, who is ready to give away his dummies. When Daisy the Dummy Fairy flutters into his house at night to collect the dummies and leave him a special surprise he accidentally breaks her wand! Will he be able to fix Daisy's wand so she can complete her very special job and send his dummies to new babies? Will Daisy come and visit you next? Follow the author's four top tips and embrace pretend play while reading this book. You can even set up a Fairy Door with Fairy Footprints the night she visits for the full Fairy effect.
To win your very own copy of Daniel and the Dummy Fairy simply email and tell us a crazy story a Mum you know told their child when removing their dummy.
Daniel and the Dummy Fairy is available through various bookstores or direct from the author by visiting www.littlekidsbusiness.com.au |
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