Pacifiers and thumb-sucking serve as important soothing tools for infants, helping them relax and fall asleep. However, a recent national survey reveals that many parents face challenges deciding the right time and method to stop these comforting habits.
According to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, about half of parents report their child has used a pacifier, while roughly a quarter have experienced thumb or finger sucking. Pediatric experts emphasize the benefits of these behaviors in infancy, noting that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends offering pacifiers during sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
“For newborns, sucking is a natural reflex essential for feeding and self-calming as they adapt to their environment,” explained Dr. Susan Woolford, pediatrician and co-director of the Mott Poll. “Pacifiers and thumb-sucking can be lifesaving in infancy by lowering SIDS risk, but their benefits decline as children grow older. Prolonged use may affect dental health and speech development.”
To minimize potential long-term issues such as dental misalignment or altered mouth shape, some specialists advise beginning to phase out these habits as early as six months.
When and How to Stop Pacifier and Thumb-Sucking Habits
The poll found that children most commonly resort to pacifiers or thumb-sucking at bedtime, naptime, or during moments of stress or fussiness. However, these habits often extend beyond these settings—about 10% of pacifier users and nearly 25% of thumb-suckers engage in the behavior while watching TV or videos. Nearly 18% of parents report their child uses a pacifier almost constantly.
“These self-soothing behaviors are part of normal development,” Woolford said, “but if they persist beyond toddlerhood or disrupt daily routines, it may indicate a child is relying on these habits for comfort instead of other coping mechanisms.”
More than half of parents believe children should stop thumb-sucking or pacifier use before age two. While many kids naturally outgrow these habits, some require parental guidance to break them.
Parents employ various tactics to discourage these behaviors. Common approaches to limit pacifier use include restricting it to bedtime, hiding or “losing” the pacifier, telling the child they’re too old, or removing it when the child is distracted. About 10% of parents even cut a hole in the pacifier nipple to make it less appealing.
For thumb-sucking, 18% of parents gave their child a stuffed animal as an alternative comfort object, while roughly 9% applied deterrents such as hot sauce, Vaseline, or mittens.
Woolford advises tailoring the approach based on the child’s age, temperament, and when they use the pacifier or suck their thumb. “Some children respond well to being told they’re too big for the pacifier, perhaps through books or videos, while others are motivated by rewards like stickers.”
She also suggests a gradual reduction in use for some children, starting with limiting the pacifier to certain times, while others may be ready for a clean break—sometimes marked by a “pacifier fairy” story to signify the transition.
Substituting a stuffed animal or soft doll can offer a new, healthy self-soothing option.
“As children mature, parents should encourage them to develop other ways to comfort themselves,” Woolford said. “This transition can be emotional, so it’s important to approach it with kindness and patience.”
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