The use of the pacifier can give your baby a sense of security and comfort and help to calm your baby down. When your baby has begun to learn to walk, it is the time for him or her to break this habit as long-term use of a pacifier can affect the alveolar bone and teeth arrangement. Experts recommend limiting pacifier time once a child is 2 and ceasing its use by age 4 to avoid dental problems. Over the age of 4, children who use pacifiers tend to have more dental problems and may have additional problems with speech and language development.

Furthermore, if the baby does not break this habit earlier, he or she will then become more and more dependent on the pacifier and it will become harder and harder for him or her to kick out this habit.

1. Be prepared

Whatever method you are going to use, it is not going to be easy when you want your baby to kick out this habit. When you take away the pacifier or hide it, it is almost definite that he or she will cry and get frustrated. Parents should be patient when this happens and do not give up or give in or stop halfway. It is recommended that parents try the method below on a weekend so that you do not need to worry about work next day.

2. Hide the pacifiers or throw them away

You should hide all the pacifiers at home or simply throw them away. When your baby looks for it, you should tell him or her that the pacifiers have been stolen or lost. Your baby will become frustrated or cry. But the situation should improve after a few days, by then, he or she will accept the fact the pacifiers are stolen.

3. Cut a hole on the pacifier

You can cut a small hole on the nipple of the pacifier. When your baby puts the pacifier into his or her mouth, he or she may feel differently and she or he may spit it out. After several attempts, the baby may no longer like the pacifier anymore.

4. Divert attention

When your baby is crying for a pacifier, parents should try to get his or her attention on something else. Parents can give him or her a new toy, play with him or let the baby kiss you. If the baby needs the pacifier for bedding, you may read stories before he or she falls asleep.

5. Positive encouragement

Instead of scolding the child for wanting and using the pacifier, offer praise for not doing so. Children often suck on their pacifiers or thumb when they are feeling insecure or need comfort during a difficult period, such as being separated from family members. Hence, occupy the children with activities or enroll them into a playgroup which will distract them and allow them to engage in other activities which lead them towards healthy growth, increased maturity and better emotional health.

6. Compare with other kids

Take your baby out and tell him that other kids are no longer using pacifier. Tell him that the pacifier is meant for very little kids and he have grown up and should stop using a pacifier.

7. Bribing

Bribe your child with his or her favourite snack or hobby for once and make it a deal to trade for the taking away of the pacifier. The results may vary from child to child but there is no harm trying.

8. Gradually wean your child off of the pacifier

If taking it away and going "cold turkey" is not your cup of tea, try slowly weaning your child off of the pacifier. Start by giving it only at nap-time and bedtime. After a couple of weeks, stop offering it at nap-time. If your child fusses and cries, try giving her a soft toy, rock her gently or soothe her with a calming lullaby. After a period of time, allow your child to adjust to going to bed at night without it as well.

9. Mentally prepare your child

You can also mentally prepare your child by telling them they have grown up and would need to say goodbye to their pacifiers in 3 days. Children are very much like adults, they like to prepare themselves physically and emotionally for change.

The most important thing is to be firm, matter-of-fact and not to make it sound like a choice and also show that you are empathetic towards their feelings by saying "I know you don't want to".