text: “My child is too old for a pacifier!” If this thought has crossed your mind, you might be right. But how do you know for sure? Let’s dive into the world of pacifiers and when it’s time to say goodbye.
  Most pediatricians agree: it’s best to wean your child off the pacifier between 6 months and 2 years old. Why? Well, it’s all about those pearly whites. Prolonged pacifier use can mess with your child’s dental development. It might cause an overbite or affect speech development.
  But don’t panic if your toddler’s still hanging onto their pacifier. Every child is different. Some kids naturally lose interest around their first birthday. Others? They’re not giving it up without a fight.
  Pediatricians do have a hard line, though. By age 4, it’s definitely time to say goodbye to the pacifier. At this point, the risks outweigh the benefits.
  If you’re ready to start weaning, try limiting pacifier use to bedtime first. You can also try the “pacifier fairy” trick. She comes at night and trades pacifiers for a special toy. Magic! Remember, patience is key. Quitting cold turkey might work for some kids, but a gradual approach is often less stressful for everyone.