Babies like to suck, so soothers can help calm at bedtime or when your baby is tired or cranky.  But regular and extended use of a soother can create problems with your child’s speech.

Ear infections are more frequent among children who use a soother often.  Studies have indicated that repeated ear infections can significantly affect adequate speech development.

Soothers prevent babies from babbling—an important step in learning to talk, so only use them at set times, like bedtime.

When your baby cries, he is trying to tell you something, so try to find out what is troubling your baby first and use the soother as a last resort.

Remember, learning to talk can be tricky, so toddlers need lots of practice.  A soother will discourage your toddler from chatting with you, which she needs to do to develop her language skills.

If your toddler is still using a soother, always ask him to take it out before you talk to each other.

Try to wean your child away from soothers after six months of age.  Limit use of the soother to sleeping or when baby is really upset.  Understand that the earlier you take away the soother, the easier it will be for baby to adjust.  Ideally, the soother should be eliminated by 18-24 months of age.

Ideas to help wean your child from their soother include:

• Leave it in the crib for sleep times only.
• Slowly cut off or put a hole in the tips to reduce suction.  This will make the soother less appealing.
• Make a clean break—throw away the soother over a weekend, or at a time when you have support.  Most babies and toddlers will fuss for no more than two or three days.
• Replace the soother with another comfort item like a blanket or stuffed animal.
• Have the pacifier fairy come take them away!

To find out how other parents helped break the soother habit, visit literacytrust.org.uk/talktoyourbaby/soothertips.html