Pacifier HELP!!!!

[AnnieJ515]

My 5 week old loves her pacifier, but she can't keep it in herself. It is driving me nuts. I got up 13 times to put it back in last night. Can I take it away cold turkey all day? Should I? I actually like it when she is gassy and fussy or tryingto keep her feeding extended a bit. Then i love the pacifier. What should Ido?

[dropgoal3]

well they have found that it helps to stop cot death

[kh_merrills]

Take it away!!!!

I always thought the dummy was both a best friend and worst enemy - if you are getting up to put it back in then definatly take it away - soon (a couple of months or so) it will become a game and she will spit it out for fun when she should be sleeping through the night.

I would go cold turkey today.

It will be hard for about 2-3 nights but the sooner the better, the longer you leave it the harder it will get.

It also good practice to get her to self settle asap anyway - some thing that won't happen if you jump up everytime she cries.

Obviously, its totally up to you but it's something I encountered and sorted.

Good luck with whatever you choose!!!! xxxxx

[Sparkles3]

I would agree with kh_merrills. It will get better as she gets older as she will be able to put it back in - but there are rather a lot of disturbed nights between then and now. In terms of cot death, is that because you have to keep going in and out to replace the dummy and hence checking on the baby?

I would take the dummy away in the morning so that she has a day to get used to it, rather than at nighttime when you are bound to give in as you will be so tired (I know, I've done it!). Once you have taken it away, DON'T GIVE IT BACK! else you will be back to square 1! :-o

The younger the baby, normally the easier to start or change a routine. It shouldn't take long for you to get her used to going to sleep on her own - and then you can all have a good night's sleep!

Good luck

[dropgoal3]

the dummy and cot death relation is that the dummy keeps there face out of the mattress and keeps air flowing to there face.

also my son has one and i never have any problems with him and you have to get up to feed anyway.

[Sparkles3]

Each to their own. I decided before I had children that they would never have a dummy...but at about 4 weeks old, my son became a proud owner! My first had a dummy, my second didn't. My 2nd has settled herself at night much better - but whether the dummy has any relevance at all, who knows. You have to do what works for you at the time - there isn't a perfect answer.

[Why??]

Just a suggestion but it may worth trying a different style of dummie. I had this problem with my son (now aged 8) he couldn't keep the new born style in so I tried the more traditional cherry shaped and they were fine. Some babies just need to suck, my son was very 'Colicy' and the dummie was great at helping him settle, and it saved him from using me as his dummie!

[jules1968]

I wouldn't have been without my sons dummy! I had the same problem as you for a while though and it also drove me nuts! They soon get the hang of it. I agree with trying a different type though. even now, my son only likes certain dummies, the teat has to be the right shape. I have had loads of people come up to my son and say "get that dirty thing out of your mouth" It really gets my goat! I even got shouted at in the middle of town by some woman. disgraceful. I say if it pacifys them, then there is no problem.It is natural for a baby to want to suck At least you can take a dummy from them when the time is right whereas you can't with a thumbsucker.I would say try and wean them off them when they start to talk if you can. My little boy suddenly decided he didn't want it in the day anymore but he still loves his dummy and blanket at night time and if it helps them sleep, then wheres the harm!

[meltoadhall]

take it away.

i would say she doesnt want it really if you keep putting back in.

[kh_merrills]

It's got nothing to do with how it looks why I said Annie should take it away but if she isn't already getting up with her to feed (and even if she is and having a dummy means getting up more regulary) I would get rid of it personally.

[AnnieJ515]

Thanks to all who have replied. I actually got a little something out of all the responses. You all have valid points. I am letting her have it during the day, and she does take some naps with it in her swing, but she is propped up a bit and then it does not fall out. I have not been giving it to her at night right before going into her crib because I do want her to self soothe. She does cry for about half an hour though. I plan on taking the pacifier away totally at 7 or 8 weeks.

Thanks again

[The Tiggster]

I had the same dilema about 6 weeks ago & decided to go cold turkey & get rid of as everyone was exhausted popping it back in every 2 minutes. It was hard going for a couple of days, started not giving it at nap times then I found that night time wasn't so important for him to have one & he gave it up totally within 5-6 days.

He can now self soothe with his hands, but back then when he was crying we adopted the shh, pat method to calm him rather than letting him cry it out. This involved swaddling him, lifting him, patting on the back in between the shoulder blades in time to a clock tick-tocking & saying over & over again sshhhh, sshhh (quite lenghty sounds). Once calm put him back down & repeat as necessary.

It was the best move we made as he no longer needs it or misses it. He actually seems a lot calmer all round & is easier to deal with when tired/grumpy.

At the end of the day it is your choice, they do serve a good purpose & we wouldn't have got through the 1st couple of months without one. All I am saying is that it will be rough for a few days if you decide to go without 1, but it does get better.

Good luck x

[nic..nic32]

i agree with why because my babbie now 3 months old and sleeping all night (hoooray) had the newborn shape and couldnt keep it in until i tried her with the cherry shape and no problems since