How to Ditch the Dummy
The perfect age to get rid of a dummy- before 4 months or after 2 ½ years.
Due to their stage of cognitive development it is very hard for a child 4 months to 2 ½ years to understand why they suddenly don’t have a dummy. The dummy is such a strong sleep association, it is best to teach them to find and replace their own dummy from 7-8 months of age. At 2 ½ years you can explain what is happening.
*Step one- make dummies for sleep only. The dummy stays in the bed / cot or under the pillow.
*Step two- plan the method. Think about what your child will respond best to:
A fairy, a Superhero or character (Batman, Spiderman, Paw Patrol etc…), a party
*Step three- prepare your child for imminent departure of the dummy! The day before. Make it exciting! Share the exciting news with grandparents, early childhood educators, older siblings or get your child to tell them. Tell your child “you are too big for dummies now, so the dummy fairy / superhero is going to come tomorrow. The fairy / superhero will take all your dummies to a little baby who needs them. They will leave you a present to say thank you”.
Or “We are having a bye bye dummy party tomorrow. I am going to collect all your dummies to give to a little baby who needs them. You are so big now, you don’t need them anymore. You will even get a very special present”
*Step four- on the day you have chosen, take your child outside to hang their dummies in a little bag on a tree or in a box on the front door step. Explain that the fairy / superhero / character will take their dummies away to give to a little baby who needs them. Take your child back inside or on an outing. Arrange a way for the dummies to be taken and disposed of (make sure your child will not see them again!). Replace them with a gift such as a comfort item like a teddy or something they will really enjoy playing with. You can get creative and leave a sprinkling of fairy or superhero dust, a footprint or a thank you note behind! (like the tooth fairy)
Or have a ‘Bye Bye Dummy Party’. Something simple that will appeal to your child, a few balloons and some party food. Collect up all of the dummies, place them in a box and explain they are going to be given to a little baby who needs them. Give your child a gift. (like a rite of passage)
*Step five- No matter what, the dummy does not come back. If your child asks for it say “dummies are all gone”. Say this in a calm, very matter of fact way, no fuss, then change the subject. This should only take a few days. Remember to collect ALL dummies! Check the car, at day care, with the grandparents, in the pram….. or you will end up back at square one.
There you have it, dummy ditched 🤗