Ditching the Dummy: A Gentle Guide to Pacifier Weaning

Dummies (pacifiers) can be absolute lifesavers in the early months — they soothe, comfort, regulate, and help babies settle. But over time, many families find the dummy becomes a source of:

• Frequent night waking

• Dummy replacement on repeat

• Bedtime battles

• Dependency for naps

• Confusion as baby grows older

Whether your goal is fewer night wakings, improved settling, or simply moving on from dummy use, dummy weaning can be done gently, respectfully, and successfully.

As a sleep consultant and founder of The Lullaboo Nanny, I help families navigate dummy removal in a calm, supportive way that protects sleep — not disrupts it. This blog will walk you through everything you need to know.

Is It Time to Ditch the Dummy?

Here are signs your baby or toddler is ready to move on:

1. Frequent Night Wakings for Dummy Replacement

If your child wakes multiple times because they can’t find the dummy, it’s become a sleep association that interrupts rest.

2. The Dummy Is the Only Settling Tool

If your baby cannot fall asleep without it — even when calm — it may be time to teach alternative comforts.

3. Over 6 Months and Not Self-Replacing

Between 6–9 months, babies may learn to replace the dummy themselves.
If they can’t or won’t, dependency continues.

4. Daytime Behaviour Changes

Toddlers may:

• Demand the dummy constantly

• Become upset if it’s not visible

• Use it to manage emotions beyond sleep

This hints it’s becoming more of a crutch than a comfort.

5. You’re Simply Ready

Your readiness matters.
Sometimes the dummy becomes more work than comfort.

None of this means you must ditch it — simply that you can if you want to.

When Is the Best Age to Wean the Dummy?

Here’s a gentle general guideline:

0–3 months

Dummy is fine — can help reduce SIDS risk and support newborn regulation.

4–6 months

Best time to gently reduce reliance before stronger habits form.

6–10 months

Dummy can be sleep-trained alongside self-settling.

10–18 months

Still possible — but toddlers protest more. Needs a clear plan.

18–36 months

Behaviour-driven, not need-driven. Requires consistency and clear boundaries.

Dummy weaning works at any age with the right method.

Different Ways to Ditch the Dummy (Choose What Fits Your Child)

There are three main approaches. Choose based on your baby’s age, temperament, and your parenting style.

1. The Gradual Approach (Recommended for Babies & Sensitive Toddlers)

This method reduces the dummy’s role slowly, decreasing emotional impact.

Step 1: Remove Dummy from Awake Time

Use it for sleep only.
This reduces reliance and prevents constant searching.

Step 2: Introduce a Comfort Object

A soft comforter can replace the dummy’s soothing role safely (over 6+ months).

Step 3: Put Baby Down Awake Without the Dummy

Begin putting your child down:

• Drowsy but awake

• Without the dummy

You can still settle them using:

• Patting

• Shushing

• Pick-up/put-down

• Hand on chest

• In-room comforting

Step 4: Offer the Dummy Only If Needed

If your child becomes distressed:

• Offer it once

• Let them settle

• Remove once asleep (if under 1)

Over several days, they rely on it less and less.

Step 5: Remove the Dummy Altogether

Once your child is settling with minimal dummy use, the transition is usually smooth.

This approach suits babies 4–12 months beautifully.

2. The “Cold Turkey” Method (Best for Toddlers)

This is removing the dummy all at once.

It works well when:

• Dummy is causing big sleep disruptions

• Toddler is old enough to understand

• Parents want a quick, clear transition

How to Do It

Step 1: Prepare Your Child

For toddlers, talk about:

• “Dummies are going away soon.”

• “You’re a big boy/girl now.”

• “The dummy fairy will visit.”

Use simple, positive language.

Step 2: Remove All Dummies at Once

Give them to:

• The “dummy fairy”

• A “new baby” doll

• A “special box” to say goodbye

Then remove from sight.

Step 3: Expect 2–3 Nights of Protest

Your toddler will ask for it — this is habit, not emotional harm.

Stay consistent.
Offer comfort, but don’t reintroduce the dummy.

Step 4: Provide Extra Comfort

Use:

• Extra cuddles

• Longer bedtime routine

• A comforter

• Sitting near the cot

• Gentle settling

This bridges the emotional gap.

This method usually succeeds within 3–5 days.

3. The Replacement Method (Great for 6–10 Months)

This method teaches your baby to find and replace their own dummy.

It can dramatically reduce night wakings without removing the dummy entirely.

How It Works

• Place 4–6 dummies in the cot

• Practice “dummy finding” in the day

• Guide their hands to locate it at night

• Use hand-over-hand support

Once they can self-replace, night waking often drops significantly.

From there, you can keep or remove the dummy — your choice.

What to Expect After Ditching the Dummy

Most babies and toddlers adjust faster than parents expect.

You can expect:

• Nights 1–2: Protest, seeking dummy

• Night 3: Settling improves

• Night 4–5: Habit begins to break

• Night 7+: Dummy fully forgotten

Every child adjusts at their own pace — but consistency always pays off.

Common Challenges (& How to Handle Them)

1. Increased Crying

This is communication, not trauma.
Stay close, offer comfort, and be consistent.

2. Difficulty Settling at Bedtime

This improves as the new routine becomes predictable.
Use a strong bedtime rhythm.

3. Early Rising

Very common after dummy removal.
Usually resolves within 1–2 weeks.

4. Toddler Tantrums

Stay calm, hold boundaries, offer comfort.
Consistency is key.

When to Seek Extra Support

You may benefit from personalised guidance if:

• Your baby relies on the dummy for every sleep transition

• You're facing constant night wakings

• Your toddler becomes extremely distressed

• Settling breaks down completely

• You want a structured, gentle weaning plan

• You feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start

You don’t have to navigate this alone — dummy weaning is one of the most common situations parents ask me to help with.

Let Me Support You With Dummy Weaning

As The Lullaboo Nanny, I specialise in:

✨ Dummy weaning plans
✨ Habitual waking support
✨ Gentle settling techniques
✨ Transitioning from sleep associations
✨ Toddler behaviour around sleep
✨ Full personalised sleep packages

I offer:

• Custom Sleep Plans

• Dummy Weaning Plans

• Virtual Consultations

• In-Home Sleep Support

If you’d like guidance to ditch the dummy gently — without tears, confusion, or chaos — I would love to support you.