So many parents come to me wondering how they can stop the “paci popping”!! While it is up to you to decide to keep or ditch the pacifier, what I can offer is to help you teach your baby pacifier independence. Babies will be able to master this skill closer to 6-7mo. For now, it’s important to accept that your baby will need you to help replace the pacifier when they are up at night or in the middle of a nap.
At 4/5mo, you can begin to guide your baby grab the pacifier on their own & bring it into their own mouth, but remember it’s patience game until they are a tad older.
How To Support Your 4 Month + Baby In The Daytime With Pacifier Mastery
During the day, make sure the baby is getting an opportunity to grab the pacifier on their own and is practicing placing it in their mouth.
One scenario is that they are on the floor at tummy time. You can place a pacifier in front of them on the floor mat. If they struggle to reach it, you can push it closer to them. If they still struggle to grab it:
Place your hand gently over their hand
Move their hand slowly to help them to reach it and grab it
Below you will find more on daytime and nighttime practice with the pacifier independence.
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