Dummy

[Whoknows11]

My son is coming up to 2 and a half and has is dummy when he wants 🙈 I’m keen to get rid of it but unsure how to go about it.

Any advice from experienced parents please?

I'd start with just giving it at sleep times for a while. It's just a habit now but the bedtime thing might be much harder for him than the day so I'd do it in 2 stages. personally I don't mind how long my DC have a dummy for if it's just in their bed but it's up to you.

I would start by reducing the amount of time he has it first. Maybe limit it to bed and nap time then go from there. My Dd is 28 months and still loves hers. So can't see her giving it up anytime soon. I'm not overly concerned ATM. My DS (now 6) also loved his but decided he know longer wanted it just after his third birthday. So I'm not gonna rush DD. Good luck!

Thank you. I’ve already started reducing it which some days are great, others not!

I’ve decided to get rid of it as he’s talking with it in his mouth and I find it hard to understand him as it’s hindering his speech. Also I’ve noticed he has a large overbite with his teeth!

I know I need to be strong and hopefully I’ll find it from somewhere!

In that case OP, why not get him a nice teddy/cup or a present to exchange it for? You could maybe make a star chat and put a star on each day he goes without his dummy (he has no choice but will enjoy getting stickers) then after 7 days you take him to the toy shop for a special 'big boy treat'? Something like that might help.

Keep him busy in the day too, lots of busy play and outside time. Maybe some big boy sweeties as a one off. If his mouth is busy he won't think about it either. Someone once suggested lollies to me with my eldest but obviously that's a teeth issue/another bad habit but I put it in here as it might be an ok temporary measure or give you an idea for something similar-maybe a fruit bar?

Thank you Mamabear there are some great ideas you’ve given me and will prob try all of them.

So we’re going on a walk to visit the fairy tree on Sunday and plan to leave his dummies at the tree in a box for the fairies to take and give to the babies who need the dummies. My thinking is then he’ll know they’ve gone and aren’t coming back and hopefully fingers crossed grasp that and won’t ask me for one.

I’ll update you early next week probably when the little hair I have left would have gone grey 🙈

I’m feeling strong and know it’s what's needed.

Oh OP I could have written your post. DS is 2 years 7 months and went to the dentist yesterday who said his dummy (night time, naps and occasional day time use) is really affecting his teeth.
I am dreading taking it away as it is such a comfort to him and he still seems so small. But he goes to nursery three days a week and doesn’t have it at all there, so I know he can sleep without it.
I was thinking of doing the same as you and explaining that the new babies need the dummies. Thank you Mamabear for the ideas about the treats and stickers.
Let us know how it goes OP.

So we went to visit a fairy tree today to leave the dummies for the fairies to take to the babies. All was well until we left and my son was distraught! However a quick distraction of sweets and all was well!
He’s gone to bed tonight asking for it but not upset. Given lots of reassurance and distraction with books etc and he’s fallen asleep without it - the first time since he was around 8 wks old!!!! I’m amazed!!

I just hope he doesn’t wake up in the night now and we’re over ‘the worst’!

Tomorrow I’ll plan a very busy day and hopefully the dummy will soon be a distant memory!

Hi just been reading your posts as also got rid of my little boys dummy's 4 nights ago. How did it go in the end? My lo is waking very early around 5 as this is when hes in a lighter sleep and usually has his dummy to comfort him. Also screaming to sleep at night time. Looking for any tips/advice? X