Hi Ladies,
We weaned my three year old off of his paci Saturday (he bit a hole in his regular one, so we decided to call it quits). We're past the waterworks, but he is really having trouble falling asleep. He only used his paci at naptime and bedtime, so he must associate it with falling asleep at home (sidenote here: I asked the sitter he goes to twice a week, and she doesn't even give him his paci there, so it must be a home thing). It has been taking 30 minutes to fall asleep at naps and 60+ at night. I've thought that maybe he's ready to drop the nap, and that may be part of the problem, except that he looks and acts very tired at naptime.
Anyway, any tips for helping him get to sleep now that the paci is gone? We've got a 15 month old, too; so I'd be happy to hear how other have weaned the paci that might have worked better than what we've done with our 3 year old!!
Edit: We've stuck with the bedtime routine, and I have been trying to cuddle him a bit longer (part of our routine is a 10 minute cuddle/song/prayer time). He stays in bed most of the time, but calls out to us, says he needs to go potty, asks to be tucked in, sings to himself, etc. It's a bit tricky, because he just never got attached to a lovey or blanket or anything. Thanks for the input!
Just give him some time to develop new patterns. We always gave my son a lovey to hold with his paci so when we took the paci away, just before he was 3, it wasn't so terrible because he still had the lovey.
My son was about that age when we stopped his binky.
Anyway, it took my son 2 days. BUT.... he also has a Lovey, that he sleeps with. So that, I believe, really helped.
I really hope the Sitter does not give it to him.
Does SHE put him to nap???
And without any trouble and no pacifier????
If so, how?
Have you asked her?
Anyway, my son is now 4 and he still naps everyday. He needs it. He naps 2 hours at least. Per day. He gets overtired and does not last the whole day without a nap... and if he does not nap, he turns into a TROLL.
So... no, for your son: its not him not needing a nap.... it is because... he no longer has his pacifier. And he is still... adjusting to that change.
But for him, he obviously needs a nap still... and exhibits, being tired at nap time. Like usual. The only thing 'different'... is he no longer has his Pacifier.
If your son does not have a Lovey... then maybe let him have one... or something else to sleep with... that is comforting for him.
For us, to wean our Son from the Binky.... we told him that Santa needed it to help the other kids. Then we simply, with him, went all over the house and collected ALL his Binkies and put it in a bag, to 'mail' to Santa. Then that was that. He didn't cry/tantrum/get upset. He had his stuffed cow (his lovey), and he'd ask for his Binky.... then I'd say "We gave it to Santa... remember?" Then he'd say "oh, yah. I miss my Binky...." and I'd let him express his feelings of 'missing' his Binky.... and console him. Then he'd go to sleep. Hugging his cow. And in about 2 days.... he adjusted. Every once in awhile.... even just like a month ago.... my Son would ask or talk about his Binky. He remembers it very "fondly." But he does not 'need' it now. He said it was his best friend. But he says that about his Cow lovey, too.
all the best,
Susan
What is he doing between going to bed and falling asleep? Is he getting out of bed, jumping around, trying to get your attention, or is he just laying there or talking or otherwise just being quiet before falling asleep?
If you have any other routine in place, stick with it - stories, cuddles, soft music. We have a routine for our 3 year old that really has not changed over the past 2 years, expect for dropping the pacifier last year. She also has her favorite stuffed animals and blankets to sleep with. If you keep the rest of the routine the same, he will eventually get over needing the pacifier.
My son was the same age. It will take a little while but he will be able to settle down soon. You could try a blanket and a stuffed animal or something else he really likes. By the way, I think cold turkey is the best way to go. Good luck!
You just need to give it a little more time. It will happen. I know its hard but well worth it.
i threw the paci away at 18 months and i just let them fight the sleep. she forgot all about it after a week
He'll get used to it soon. He used that paci to relax and distract. If you lay on the bed with him and read a bedtime story you might find he'll fall to sleep fairly easily.
It does sound like he may be ready to drop the nap -- he's probably very tired b/c he isn't getting to sleep at night. Try to have "quiet time" at nap time -- tell him he doesn't have to sleep if he doesn't want to, but must stay in his room and read books and play quietly (try at least 45 min-an hour). You could also try to move his bedtime up a half hour or so, too. The only thing I would suggest you not do is give him back the paci. Good luck!
