This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For concerns related to your baby’s health, development, or sleep, or your own physical or mental wellbeing, always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
A Parent’s Guide to Pacifier Weaning
Why Wean?
The pacifier serves an important purpose in the early months, helping your baby self-soothe and reducing the risk of SIDS. But as your baby grows, prolonged pacifier use can increase the risk of ear infections, dental changes, and may affect speech development.¹,² The earlier you wean, the lower the risk of these complications, and most dental changes will resolve on their own if the pacifier is stopped early enough.³
When to Start
Around 6 months is an ideal time to begin the weaning process. This is when your baby starts solid foods, and their oral skills are naturally maturing. Research shows that the biggest shift in sucking patterns happens between 6 and 9 months, as babies begin to chew, mouth objects, and explore food textures.⁴ Their need for non-nutritive sucking naturally decreases during this window. Starting the weaning process at this stage works with your baby’s development rather than against it.
Aim to complete the weaning process between 9 and 12 months.
A Step-by-Step Approach
Step 1: Replace daytime pacifier use with mouthing toys (around 6 months)
As your baby begins solid foods, they are learning to chew, bite, and explore with their mouth.⁵ This is a perfect time to swap the pacifier for age-appropriate mouthing toys and teethers during the day. These give your baby something safe to chew on and help develop the oral motor skills they need for eating, all while reducing their reliance on the pacifier. Continue offering the pacifier for naps and bedtime during this phase.
Step 2: Gradually remove the pacifier at sleep time (around 7 to 9 months)
Once your baby is comfortable without the pacifier during the day, begin gently removing it at night. When your baby is drowsy but not yet fully asleep, gently slide the pacifier out. Gently rocking the crib or patting their back while you do this can offer a soothing distraction, helping prevent fussing or waking. This helps your baby learn to fall asleep without it. Over time, work toward putting your baby down without offering the pacifier at all. You can offer a substitute comfort object, like a small stuffed animal or soft blanket (following safe sleep guidelines appropriate for your baby’s age).
Step 3: Complete the transition (aim for 9 to 12 months)
By this stage, your baby’s oral motor skills have matured significantly.⁴,⁶ They are chewing foods, babbling more, and developing new ways to self-soothe. Praise your baby when they settle without the pacifier. Positive reinforcement, such as extra cuddles, focused attention, and verbal praise, is the most effective strategy research has identified for helping children move past sucking habits.⁷
Tips for Success
– Be consistent. Once you begin reducing pacifier use, try not to go back and forth.
– Expect some fussiness. It is normal and temporary.
– Offer comfort in other ways: rocking, singing, a favorite blanket or toy.
– Both gradual reduction and stopping all at once can work. Choose the approach that feels right for your family.
If Your Baby Is Struggling
If your baby is 12 months or older and is unable to regulate or settle without the pacifier, this is not a failure. Some babies need extra support during this transition. Visit our directory and search “pacifiers” if you need professional support. You don’t have to do this alone.
References
1. Garcia DS, Garcia KW. Pacifiers: common questions and answers. Am Fam Physician. 2025;111(2):161-168.
2. Niemelä M, Pihakari O, Pokka T, Uhari M. Pacifier as a risk factor for acute otitis media: a randomized, controlled trial of parental counseling. Pediatrics. 2000;106(3):483-488.
3. Arpalahti I, Hänninen K, Tolvanen M, Varrela J, Rice DP. The effect of early childhood non-nutritive sucking behavior including pacifiers on malocclusion: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Orthod. 2024;46(1):cjae003.
4. Martens A, Peterman N, Allison K, et al. Longitudinal changes in infant non-nutritive sucking across the first year of life. Early Hum Dev. 2025;202:106178.
5. Zubler JM, Wiggins LD, Macias MM, et al. Evidence-informed milestones for developmental surveillance tools. Pediatrics. 2022;149(3):e2021052138.
6. Lawlor CM, Choi S. Diagnosis and management of pediatric dysphagia: a review. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020;146(2):183-191.
7. Borrie FR, Bearn DR, Innes NP, Iheozor-Ejiofor Z. Interventions for the cessation of non-nutritive sucking habits in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(3):CD008694.
