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Old April 27th 04, 04:22 PM
Beth Kevles
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Default Indestructable Bite-Proof Pacifiers?? Desperate request!


Hi -

Rather than fnding new pacifiers, have you considered having the
"pacifier fairy" come to take them all away? One came to our house (the
kids were slightly older, 3 1/2) and gave all the pacifiers to "new
babies who didn't have any". The fairy left a gift for each of my kids
in place of the pacifiers.

Neither son turned out to have much trouble. My older son honestly
thought he would NOT be able to sleep that first night, and did stay
awake for fully an hour, but ultimately did fall asleep. The second
night it took 10 minutes, and that was that.

We celebrated with both kids that they were old enough to sleep without
a pacifier. I recall having a small party (cupcakes) with them that day
at nursery school to celebrate this major (for them) rite of passage.

Yes, there WERE tears, but the kids were old enough that the
accomplishment (and accompanying celebrations) were sufficient to offset
the trauma of disposing of the pacifier.

My little brother, many years ago, was told (at the age of 2 3/4) that
"the man at the store said he's too old for a pacifier and won't sell
them to us any more". My little brother said "ok" and calmly went to
bed without one from then on.

THe point is, at the age of three you should be able to come up with a
rationale that your child will accept for the removal of the pacifier.
(DON'T make your child feel as though it's his FAULT, of course. Just
make it a part of growing up, like throwing away outgrown shoes.) ANd
chewing up pacifiers IS dangerous, so you've got incentive to force this
particular issue.

If I knew of a tough brand of pacifier I'd tell you, but I'm afraid I
don't. Hence the alternate advice.

Good luck,
--Beth Kevles

http://web.mit.edu/kevles/www/nomilk.html -- a page for the milk-allergic
Disclaimer: Nothing in this message should be construed as medical
advice. Please consult with your own medical practicioner.

NOTE: No email is read at my MIT address. Use the AOL one if you would
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