All of my kids have taken a pacifier since day one. Literally, they were each born, placed on my chest to nurse, then swaddled and pacified. I know not all babies take pacifiers, and not all parents give them, but a paci has been as essential for me as diapers, bibs, and burp cloths. Not only to soothe my babies, but to give mama some quiet time as well.
At least for the first year, which is as long as each boy got to have them.
Twelve months, almost to the day, and I would discreetly remove them from the bags, drawers, and pockets, and stop the attachment before they were too aware of it. That was a tip my older sister gave me, and it worked like a charm (or so I thought…) But this baby here, my forever baby, still has hers, and you know what? I still love it.
I’m happy to partner with Munchkin to share my experience being a pacifier mama.
Around when Plum turned one, I started to think about getting rid of the paci again. That had been my experience, my schedule and both boys hadn’t even noticed when I swiped them. Somehow, though, because she’s my last baby and the paci made her so happy, calm, and quiet, I didn’t take it away. Her birthday came and went, and she sucked away, content as ever.
After a month or so I remember thinking back to the other two were each around her age. I had always said that they both got harder, louder, and more busy as soon as they turned one. It was like a switch flipping, and I assumed it was because that’s when they started walking. But when Plum started walking and was still easily soothed, and still happy almost all the time, I began to realize that not only had the walking affected the boys, but taking away their pacifiers had too! Of course they were louder and more fussy without it, because pacifying is what pacifiers do!
I don’t think taking it away from them that young made any lasting impact on their well being, but it did make my life a little tougher for several months until they began learning to talk, express what they wanted, and soothe themselves in different ways. A pacifier isn’t always about the child. Sometimes, it’s about the mom, too, and keeping the peace for everyone.
So, here we are at 18 months and counting with pacifiers still stashed by the handful into the glove compartment, backpack, and stroller. From the beginning I’ve kept one clipped onto her for easy locating. (That works most of the time!) The Latch Pacifiers by Munchkin, can even come with a cute coordinating clip, although they also have a loop in the lightweight silicon to attach whatever type you prefer, like the simple leather strap I’ve always used. 
My kids are all growing up, and I guess I’m happy to keep my baby a baby for a little while longer. I love hearing her jabber and laugh with us and her brothers when her paci is out. And I also love when her pacifier brings instant calm, comfort, and quiet so I can snuggle her close and soak in these fleeting sweet moments when she still fits in my arms and still wants to cuddle me close. I want to memorize this feeling. I want her squishy, soft, snuggles forever.
At times when she’s somewhat stuck, like in her carseat, or settling down for a nap in her crib, I love being able to calm her wiggles with her pacifier. Of course she still cries from time to time, but being able to break it up with some quiet time gives me a chance to regroup, build up my patience and energy and love for the busy, emotional, wonderful job of mothering.
She won’t have a pacifier forever, but she’ll always be my forever baby.
Thank you Munchkin for partnering with me on this post. You make being a mom easier, and more fun!
