Why We Limit Pacifier Use at School (and Why That’s Okay)

At Sea Island Sprouts, pacifiers are only used during nap time or moments of genuine distress. Even then, we treat them as a temporary comfort tool rather than part of a child's daily routine. This practice is grounded in early childhood development research—and in my own personal experience as a parent.

My son is currently 27 months old, and while we've mostly moved beyond pacifiers, we still occasionally give him one for special circumstances. For us, the transition away from pacifiers was actually smoother and easier than we anticipated. Why We Try to Move Away from Pacifiers

Pacifiers can be incredibly helpful in soothing infants, particularly during their first year. However, as children grow older, frequent pacifier use can begin to interfere with their development, especially regarding speech and oral health.

A pacifier in the mouth limits a child’s ability to talk, babble, and practice making new sounds. Each of these activities is crucial for early language acquisition and social interactions. The more time spent with a pacifier, the less practice children have communicating vocally.

Long-term pacifier use, especially after the age of two, can also affect how a child’s mouth and teeth develop. Extended pacifier use may lead to dental alignment issues, open bites, and other concerns that might require orthodontic treatment later in childhood.

Because of these developmental risks, we gently and consistently help children reduce their pacifier dependence. Many parents are pleasantly surprised to find that starting preschool can be an ideal opportunity to naturally phase out pacifiers, as children see their peers thriving without them.

The Classroom Approach: Out of Sight, Out of Mind

In our classrooms, we keep pacifiers out of view as much as possible. If one child is seen with a pacifier, others tend to request theirs too. This can lead to frustration, arguments, and sometimes even attempts by children to share pacifiers. (Yes, that actually happens. And yes, we disinfect immediately!)

Another reason we keep pacifiers out of sight is because they can significantly reduce children's opportunities for talking and interacting verbally—and we definitely want our classrooms filled with joyful babbling, conversations, songs, and laughter.

While quiet might seem appealing, we celebrate the noise and chatter as signs of growth, exploration, and connection among peers.

My Personal Experience as a Parent

At home, I’m experiencing this journey right alongside you. My son is just over two years old and no longer regularly uses pacifiers, but there are still a few hiding around our house, car, and diaper bag. Sure enough, when he finds one, he immediately pops it in his mouth. And honestly, that's okay.

We still occasionally rely on pacifiers during specific situations. If he's sick, traveling on an airplane (where it also helps with ear pressure), or even on a long road trip, I don't hesitate to allow it. Temporary regression isn’t something to worry about; it’s a normal part of childhood development.

One strategy we've found helpful at home is letting my son throw away pacifiers once they become damaged or chewed. It’s a simple act that gives him control and pride in the process of growing up.

Gentle Transitions, Not Rigid Rules

At Sea Island Sprouts, we won’t judge or rush your child. Every child’s pacifier journey is different, and we respect your family's timeline. If you’re working to phase out the pacifier at home, let us know, and we’ll reinforce those efforts here. If your child still occasionally needs one for comfort, we’ll support that while gently encouraging other soothing methods.

Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that children are competent and capable individuals who can achieve significant milestones at their own pace with gentle guidance and consistent encouragement.

If you have questions, or would like help developing a transition plan tailored for your child, please reach out—we’re always here for you.