When Should Kids Stop Using Pacifiers?

Most kids drop the pacifier habit on their own, but others need a little help.

Pediatrician Jason Sherman, DO, talks about how to do it — and creative ways to keep it from turning into a battle with your toddler.

When should baby stop using a pacifier?

Aim to wean your child from daytime pacifier use by 1 year old, and no later than 18 months. But you can let them use a pacifier to sleep for longer.

“It’s typically fine to let kids use a pacifier for bedtime and naps up to age 3,” Dr. Sherman says. “But in general, pacifiers should only be used on an as-needed basis.”

If used too often and for too long, pacifiers can lead to dental issues and other health concerns in kids. (More on that in a bit!) To lower those risks, kids ages 1 and older shouldn’t have all-day access to pacifiers, even if they keep using them as sleep aids for a little while longer.

But how can you gently break them of a habit they’re so attached to? Let’s take a look.

How to stop using a pacifier

Putting an end to your child’s pacifier era isn’t always easy. But it’s doable.

“You may have to deal with a few days and nights of fussing,” Dr. Sherman concedes. “But stand firm.”​

He offers the following suggestions.

Start limiting pacifier use

“We typically recommend a gradual approach rather than making children quit cold turkey,” Dr. Sherman says.

Start removing your child’s pacifier when they’re at home, putting it somewhere they can’t see or find it. Limit its use to either mornings or evenings, then work your way up to taking it away completely.

Offer an alternate soother

Children suck on pacifiers to self-soothe — and self-soothing is an important skill that helps them sleep. If your child is 1 or older, you can put them to bed with a light blanket or stuffed animal to help soothe them as you try to make the switch away from pacifiers.

“Snuggling up with those special items offers them security and comfort throughout the night,” Dr. Sherman explains.

Get creative

For older tots, consider fun ways to say farewell.

You could, for example, throw a goodbye party for their pacifiers or encourage your child to “trade in” their pacifiers for a new toy they get to pick out on their own. Some parents even employ the so-called “Binky Fairy,” who takes away all of their pacifiers one night and leaves a treat or toy in their place.

“There’s always a way to get creative,” Dr. Sherman says. “Plus, these ideas offer a chance for kids to get involved and to understand the transition that’s about to take place.”

Offer positive reinforcement

Kids are motivated by praise. So, if you’re trying to convince your toddler to stop using a pacifier, be sure to tell them what a great job they’re doing of not using their pacifier.

And if they’re having a hard time making the switch, it’s especially important to prioritize a “You’ve got this!” strategy. As a 2023 study on behavior modification reported, “Positive reinforcement works exceedingly better and faster than punishment.”

Don’t forget to create a sleep plan

If your child is accustomed to using their pacifier to sleep, you’ll want to have a plan in place to help them learn to sleep without it. So, if you haven’t yet sleep-trained your baby, it may be time to start … before you remove the binky.

When pacifier use becomes an issue

It’s best for kids to give up pacifiers sooner rather than later, Dr. Sherman says. The longer they continue to use them, the higher the risk of health concerns like:

• Dental issues: Pacifiers can contribute to a misaligned bite, when your upper and lower teeth don’t align. “The sucking motion can alter the way kids’ jaws develop,” Dr. Sherman explains. “If they’re using a pacifier all day, their teeth can’t grow in correctly, which creates problems that can get worse over time.”
• Ear infections: Pacifier use has been associated with a slight increase in the risk of ear infections (otitis media), possibly due to pressure changes between the throat and middle ear. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says lessening or ending pacifier use from ages 6 to 12 months may reduce this risk.
• Language delays: Long-term pacifier use has been linked to language delays in kids. The sucking motion can change the shape of the roof of their mouth, which can make articulation difficult. Plus, they can’t practice talking if their mouth is occupied by a pacifier. But research is mixed on how big a risk the habit poses.

If you’ve tried everything and can’t seem to help your child break the habit, ask their healthcare provider for help. Kids should start seeing a dentist between the ages of 1 and 2 — and that appointment is a great time to discuss their pacifier use and any concerns you have.