What to expect when weaning paci in an older toddler?

[okinawamama]

DS is 3years 2 months. In an effort to wean the paci  we started cutting them about 2 months ago, but he still had one left that we were waiting to cut...he just chewed a hole in it. So here we are, slightly unprepared but ready to bite the bullet.

So those of you that weaned your child when they were a little older, what was it like? How did it go? How long until they were able to self soothe? Was OT a huge issue? Any words of advice or encouragement? We are dreading this as DS is still doesn't dependably sleep through the night, and does not deal with OT well at all.

[gogomama]

DS was a HUGE paci addict until almost 4 so much so that I dreaded the day I would have to put the foot down. Long story short he went to the dentist and she told us that it was starting to affect his bite. After we left, I told him the dentist said no more paci, so we went to the store and he picked out a toy to exchange for his pacis. The first night he cried for a bit and I just would remind him of the trade and the dentist. There were definitely some tears a few nights but it was no where near as bad as I expected and maybe almost easier that he could understand a little bit of what was going on. My advice would be to get your DS  in on the plan..maybe do a formal exchange and show him they are going in the garbage. Good luck!

[anna*]

Ladies since this thread is about older toddlers I'm going to move this over to that board OK? 

[Mom-of-boys]

My DS was a total paci addict!  He wanted one all the time, unless he was completely distracted by something wonderfully fun and amazing. . We did it cold turkey one day when my hubby was home, although we had talked about it for a while.  My son was just over 3.  We rounded up all the pacis in the house and DH took DS to the toy store where he picked out a cool new toy, but had to "buy" it with pacis.  I wasn't there, but apparently there were some tears when the cashier took all his pacis and he knew that was it. . But I was very surprised how quickly he adapted.  The next day, he asked for them a few times out of habit, and I reminded him that we used them to pay for his new ambulance.  Bedtime was a little rough for a few days, wanting us to stay with him until he fell asleep, but we were expecting that, and I'd say for about a week I noticed some increase in crying, tantrums, etc. while he was adjusting.  My DS finds any change VERY difficult, so I thought it was going to be a lot worse than it was. I know if he can do it, anyone can!