You mentioned that you have a toddler who still uses a pacifier but you also have an infant who uses a pacifier so, of course, the logical question is how do you get the toddler off of it while your infant still uses it? That's a really good question. The one benefit to having a toddler is that they can understand you even if it's just a little bit that's beneficial. You can have a conversation with them about getting rid of the binky. They probably won't like it but you can also realize that they're turning to the binky for comfort and they might be able to replace the binky with something else that brings them comfort. Maybe you could take your toddler shopping and buy a special, soft toy or get a new blanket that your toddler can use a night or when they're in need of comfort instead of the binky. Maybe by approaching it this way they the toddler will feel like they're special because the baby doesn't get that new toy and that might be advantageous when trying to get them off it. Another you can try, and I did this with my own kids, you can just cut the top off the binky and when they try to suck on it, it doesn't work. They decide on their own free will and choice that it's not something they want to do anymore because it doesn't work how it used to or offer them the comfort that they're seeking. In most cases kids get mad and they throw it and that's that. If you get them out of sight it's usually out of mind. Some kids just move past it. If not, and you continue to struggle with it know that it will probably just be a battle for a few days and your child should get over it. There is always the chance that they'll go find the baby's binky and if you find that your toddler is doing that then have a conversation with them about how those are the baby's and if it escalates then maybe some sort of time-out would be necessary. Again, try to replace it with something that brings your child comfort and hopefully that will help. Good luck with it and if you have any other questions for me in the future feel free to ask them on our Facebook page at Facebook.com/IntermountainMoms and recommend us to your friends and family too.
