Dr. Chheda – I actually do like the use of pacifiers. Babies will learn to self soothe, and whether they use their fingers, their thumb, or a pacifier, they will find something to soothe themselves with. And I would rather a pacifier because I can get rid of a pacifier. I can’t really get rid of a thumb or finger.

At 18 months of age, what you want to do is cut the tip of the pacifier, give it back to the child. They will immediately look at it, say “broken” and throw it away. Within two to three days, your child will not ask for the pacifier anymore. It’s a very easy way to get rid of it. And around 18 months is when most babies are ready to get rid of their pacifier, or their finger and thumb. But you want to make sure that if it is a finger or a thumb, you talk to your pediatrician about how you might have your child stop that habit.

But I do like pacifiers because they are so easy to get rid of.