The Paci Debate Rages On

First:  I love the paci/binky/100 Names for a Pacifier
Second::  There comes a time to take it away
Third:  My husband and I have differing opinions on when

For those questioning the use of a paci, understand it is a great way to teach a child to self-soothe.  That is an inportant skill to teach a baby from the very beginning.  Once the time to rock your baby to sleep is drawing near, a paci can help ease the transition.  I use it as a step in the bed time routine(we already discussed why that is so important.)  My husband and I agree on this part.

I think if child is awake and crawling/walking/playing, that a paci shouldn't be in their mouth.  Of course, it goes without saying that each child is different and each day's circumstances have to be considered.  For example, if you out of the normal routine the paci may be your link to "normal."  Perfect use.  It might allow your baby to calm down while you are furiously trying to get to a hotel/home/car/normal environment. 

When do you take the paci away?  Man, this is the hard one!  I think once they are about 18 mos old and most reading supports this timeframe.  For our family, the school teacher took it away and that was that.  The boys both slept at naptime at school with no problems.  SUCCESS!  Then it was time to follow through at home since the hard work had been done by our awesome teachers at school. 

Here's the hard part at home: Take the paci away when you are ready and DON'T slide backwards.  You might get some tears out of this stage but the stronger you are at resisting, the shorter this hard time will last.   At first we gave him the option..."Big boys get to sleep with Buzz Lightyear and babies sleep with a paci...Buzz Lightyear or paci?"  At First he chose the paci, but after a few nights he chose the Buzz Lighyear and I didn't look back. 

Notice I said, " I didn't look back?"  All the parents, babysitters and family must be on the same page.  (This is the disagreement part!)  If that group does not present a united front...your child will know it and act out for the paci. 

OK, I can talk more on this but the last thing I'll say is...you have to teach a newborn to want a paci.  They may have a difficult time adjusting to one or the other.  Try changing brands if you haven't noticed any improvement after about two weeks old.    (I started w/a couple of brands on hand to see which they had any success with--Playtex Ortho Pro for both boys)


MK