Thanks for raising this growin.

The only problem I see is if a child substitutes the pacifier for their thumb or fingers, I know this can happen, because it happened to me. It is much harder to stop a child sucking its thumb and you can't throw that one away. My Mother had a terrible job trying to get me to stop sucking my thumb. Luckily my teeth haven't suffered as a result.

I think it is important to get a child away from the habit of the pacifier, but I think you have to do it in a thoughtful and sensitive way to stop the child simply substituting. Of course all children are different and some will just cry for a couple of days and then forget it, and some will look for a substitute. See the previous post of pacifiers where people had some good ideas on how to break the pacifier dependency - including build-a-bear.

Since day one we have only offered the pacifire when it is bedtime or nap time, it soothes them to sleep and then after about fifteen minutes of hard sleep they push it out on their own. I will allow them to continue this until they don't want to do it anymore. Don't see how this will hurt anything. If they are five and still do this, then so be it. As long as they are not walking around with it all day everyday, I don't see an issue.

Thanks for posting this. I've been debating on whether to throw out my DD's pacifiers. She's working on cutting more teeth and she will chew on just about anything- my leg, her toys, anything wooden, and she's even tried chewing on the walls. The one thing she won't chew on are her teething rings (URG!!!!). If her teeth really start to bother her, she will start to grind them. I've been putting a pacifier in her mouth with some teething gel when she gets like that.

Should I wait a bit longer to take away the pacifier? She's only been 1 since 7/29.

growin- I think your post is a little harsh. While I am sure some children hold onto their pacifier for a long time, or parents let them have it without limits, I don't agree with your attitude of "ripping off the bandaid". While we don't hear about adults who mourn for their pacifier, could we just fathom the bigger issue of security and trust? there are tactful ways of weaning and limiting its use and discussing the entire issue with the children so they are aware of our intent and what is expected of them. If my son wants to suck on his pacifier to soothe him while going to sleep and feels safe and secure, then bring on the dental bills. Really that is the most ridiculous thing I have heard.

Carebear...I think you misunderstood what I was trying to say. I'm not cruel, nor would I recommennd traumatizing your child. Each one is different. I was merely indicating that when a child reaches around a year old, new ways of them feeling secure should be introduced. ( In my son's case, after I ("Ripped off the Bandaid) I allowed him a special stuffed animal to hold on to and it worked like a charm. When your toddler becomes 2 and 3 and still has the need for the pacifier, it becomes that much harder to get rid of it. I also agree that if thumb sucking begins to take the place of a pacifier, perhaps it was too soon to take it away. That is a habit in itself that is very hard to stop. That's all I was trying to do, was offer some advice to new parents who aren't sure when is the right time. Everyone is different and entitled to their choices and opinions. In my opinion, security and trust don't come from sucking on a pacifier. So to say that these 2 things will cause trust and security problems is a bit over the top. Again, this is just my opinion just like you had the need to have your opinions about my motive and character. I wish you well and will say a prayer for you and your family that you will be Blessed with another beautiful child.

My granddaughter uses her pacifier & she uses it when she asks for it; or when she sleeps. My son had one when he was little, and he had no problems with his teeth. In time, he gave it up on his own with no problem. If it soothes the child & adds a little security, I see nothing wrong with it, unless they are 4 or 5 yrs of age - then I'd say they'd probably be too old for it - it really depends on your child. Just my opinion, that's all. My daughter sucked her thumb and yes, you can't take that away; and the same with her, as she got older, she just stopped on her own.

my daughter used the soothie pacifiers for a long time but I switched to the orthodontic pacifiers once she turned a year old, she still uses one sometimes, naps and bedtime for sure, and if we are going to be running around a lot i bring one just in case she gets grumpy. She doesn't have it with her 24/7 though. By age 3 though it will be goneeeee

She originally was sucking on 2 of her fingers all the time so i introduced the pacifier to substitute

My one year old uses a pacifier and I am not getting rid of it at this point as he is about to start daycare.

Thank you for your opinion, but not everyone may share your view. I personally have 2 boys (one is 5 and the other is 20months). I let my first child have it untilhe turned 2 and I will do the same with my youngest. But again, this is my choice. As for the teeth, this is not as common as you may think. My oldest child has perfect teeth after sucking on a paci for more than a year and his adult teeth are coming in just fine as well. They make orthodonic pacis and unless you buy them at the doillar store, they are available almost anywhere.

As for "ripping off the bandaid" some children are more sensitive than others and that's not always the right method. it';s up to the mom and dad what method they feel is appropiate to get rid of the pacifier.

Again, I respect your opinion, but maybe think you need to tone it down a bit when expressing it.

To all that have replied to my post. I thank you all and respect all of your opinions. Anyone who knows me understands that my heart and intentions are never meant to be cruel. I am NOT one to sugar coat anything. This is just who I am and how I choose to deal with life in general. For me, I know that some people are more sensitive to words than others, but I assure you, I'm not looking to battle or cause anyone grief. Just like all of you...this post was merely 'My Opinion' Nothing more and nothing less. So those of you that seem to be taking it so personally...there's really no need. Afterall, you're gonna do whatever you as a mom sees fit anyways,just as I try to do the same. I wish you all the best with you and your kids.