Hi Jenn...just popped over here from your Naps thread and thought I'd offer my two cents' worth.
Personally, when we get long (~1h), happy (i.e. talking to self, cooing) night wakings it's because we need an increase in A time. Granted, we usually notice the need for an increase in his naps first--naps get shorter--and then his body exhibits it in the night to really catch our attention. Then if neither is heeded, then we head over into the OT territory after a couple of days and we end up with a mess to clean up. That said, I think the multiple wakings is OT.
I say all of this to you with great trepidation because of the difficult time he's had in increasing his A times. I don't want to add fuel to the fire.
However, if you think the pacifier has turned into a prop--versus a comfort item that he can control--then I would wean it; or if you think he likes it, encourage him to find it. If he's not really used it before the holidays, then I don't think there's any point in introducing it, tbh.
What does his routine look like now?
Perhaps I'm misreading this; so hopefully other moms will chime in, too
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