How to stop my 17 month old to stop using a pacifier?

Question

My son is 17-months old. He is very intelligent and bright. He has almost a 50 word vocabulary and sings also. The day of his first birthday, I threw out all bottles and he has been using a cup ever since. He is a very active boy that loves to do what most boys love to do. The only problem I am having is getting him to give up his pacifier or "tasi" as he calls it. He only takes it at nap and bed time, but it is getting on my nerves. I hate to see him with it in his mouth because I feel he can do so much more like a big boy, that he should not have that pacifier. Of course every time I have tried to take it away, no one in the house gets any sleep. My husband believes he will grow out of it, but I don't want him to be 4 or 5 and still wanting a pacifier. Another thing is that if we are out all day he never needs it even when he falls asleep, it is only when we are home or at grandma's house. Please give me some tips that are tried and true.

Answer 1

Well it sounds like he has a high level of comprehension so this will probably work for him. Do you know anyone who is having a baby themsef? If not this will stil work but may not be as obvious to him. Tell him one day that now that he is a big boy it is time to pass his "tasi" onto another baby, let hinm wrap the tasis himself as a present. Get together with your prego friend (if you have one) and then have him give them to the new baby as a gift. In return take him to the store and get him some small toy like a cool ball or something to signal his big boy hood. If he gets upset at night time remind him what a great thing he did giving them to a new baby, and how big of a boy he is. Even offer to let hims lepp with his new thing (ball toy ect). It is very common for children to have a transitional object they sleep with well into their childhood. Just get him to love a new "big boy" thing.  

Answer 2

I had the same problem..I took my sons and never gave it back! he did cry for it all night for the first few nights..but after two or three days he just forgot about it.  Whenever he did ask about it we told him pappys are for babys and you want to be a big boy! Also giving him a stuffed animal to comfort at night really helped.

Answer 3

Cut the very tip of it off and it will not be as satisfying to suck on. Each week or so cut a little more off. It worked for my friends toddler. Good luck!