I give my 3 yr.old grandson a binky when he is potty training, over overtired/sick. is this wrong or ok?

Question

i am told it is wrong to give a 3 yr. old boy a binky on occasion. i do this when trying to potty train, or when he is overtired and can't sleep or sick....it calms him and seems to make everything ok. he still sleeps with a stuffed animal, and seems to need this comfort..on occasion...is this sooo wrong to do.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, you are enabling a dependency on the pacifier. Prolonged pacifier use can develop dental problems (malocclusions that can negatively affect his speech) and can even cause ear infections.

He is at the age where he should be learning/using other coping strategies, activities, or reinforcers that will sooth him or entertain him.  

The main purpose of a pacifier is to sooth fussy babies and offer temporary distraction to infants and very young toddlers. His dependency on the pacifier will increase if you don't wean it off.  :)

Answer 2

If it wasn't for the fact that the binky will mess up the alignment of his new teeth, it would be ok, but not for long. They have orthodontic ones. But it would be best to find a different comfort for him, better in the long run. Conflicted here, because these little guys are only babies for so long!!!

Answer 3

I completely understand the power of the binky. I would at least try to ween him off of it before he enters preschool.

One suggestion would be to have your grandson gather all his binky's and put them in a envelope. The you can pretend to mail them to some poor little babies who don't have binky's. When you check your mail the next day you can have a thank you note and a little treat for your grandson. Now he is a big boy.

Answer 4

3 is too old to be having or using a binky.  It will harm his teeth and cause orthodontia problems but he'll eventually be in preschool soon and the other kids are going to tease him if he has to take a binky to school to go the potty.

Answer 5

i wouldn't do that, there is no reason for it. if you want to give him a prize give him a pat on the back for using the potty like everyone else does. My son was potty trained at 1 and has never wet the bed. Maybe even at the end of the week go get him ice cream or something. But NOT every single time he goes.

Answer 6

I am a Certified Medical Assistant

There is nothing wrong with the Binky when he is sleepy or ill this sooths him. If he doesn't suck a Binky he will suck his thumb which isn't good for him either

A pacifier can be used up until 4

Do not use it a a reward for using the potty.

Answer 7

I think you're playing with fire...

How long do you want him using a binkie for comfort?

My son is 20 months and we haven't used one in forever.

Answer 8

it's bad that he's three and still needs a binky.  You're taking the easy way out, and are going to make it hard on his parents when he's at home trying to go potty.  It's not death or anything, but it's not helping him.  Next time try actually being involved, insted of taking the easy way

Answer 9

I think it's just fine.  Keep up the good work nana!