It's funny the reactions that I get from people with weaning from binkies. Some think that we waited way too long, some wonder why I was so adamant to get it done so early. I know, with my motherly intuition of course, that we did it just in time.
Most kids quietly suck their binkies as they fall asleep. Not my boys. Nope. Seth and Sam's binky usage went along with a very, very, VERY loud "mmmmmmmmm" sound; so loud, in fact, that if Ben and I were sleeping in the same room with them (traveling), we could have ear plugs in, pillows over the head, and still be able to hear it. The week before we weaned, Seth was waking up from 4-5 and sucking so loudly I was sleeping on the couch. I had had it!
People had described all the techniques to weaning. I kept discussing this with Ben. He didn't understand why so much "to do" about getting rid of the dang things. So we went with his technique...we just pulled the plug, literally. Cold turkey.
Night 1, a fair amount of crying for the binkies. Fell asleep only 15 minutes later than usual. Sam sleeps through night, Seth 1 wake up. Crying in the morning, but not too bad. Nap 1...no sleep.
Night 2, still some crying before going to sleep. Asleep 30 minutes later than usual, but mostly because the boys are talking to each other without having something to suck. Sam sleeps through the night again. Seth wakes up frequently with the cold that throws a wrench into weaning. It's hard to comfort a stuffed-up, coughing child multiple times in the night without the binky they are used to. Nap 2...tire the kids out at zoo all morning resulting in a short nap.
Night 3, supposed to be the "best" and final night of trying to wean. Our worst. Both boys have a cold now and want their binkies when they wake up sick. Ugh. Nap 3, decent.
Night 4, try "warm sock treatment" as recommended by friend on facebook. Miracle worker. Seriously, look this up as a natural treatment to congestion. Kids sleep wonderful and wake up without runny noses.
Night 5, same treatment, same result.
Currently, 2 weeks weaned off of the binky and we've never looked back. The weaning process was not as bad as I assumed. It still takes Seth and Sam longer to go to sleep than it used to, merely because they are in the same room and they yap and play without something to plug them up. About half the time we split them up so that they will fall asleep better. Overall, I'm thrilled with the peace and quiet of no loud binky sucking!
Bye, Bye Binky!
Way to go Mama! My boys only have a month or so with theirs. Getting through the initial stages of potty training before I add another battle. :) Glad it went better than you though. I think cold turkey is how we will have to go s well. As you know cutting it did not work. haha!
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