I hate that my son is so dependent on the pacifier

[Fizzyfefe]

I just want to chuck the darn thing in the trash! For the last month or so, he will work himself up to a frenzy if he doesn't have it in his mouth at all times while he naps. What's really bothersome is that he will be almost asleep, spit it out, and then immediately wake up and work himself into a panic again. This happens throughout his daytime naps, ALL freaking day. I have to literally sit by him or hold him on my chest so that I can prevent it from falling out. Ugh! I keep hoping that he will go back to sleep without it, but it hasn't happened yet. Is anyone else's baby like this? Any suggestions? I do have a carrier but I can't always carry him around (for example, when I am cooking dinner or taking a shower, which I can only do while he's asleep).

ETA; reading over this, it seems like I am upset that I have to hold or sit by him while he naps, which is not the case. I don't like that I have to continually shove the pacifier back in his mouth during his entire nap.

 

[kiwilove]

My daughter only needs it while waiting for her bottle to be ready, or when im changing her diaper...she does not need it for naps. Their nap times are the only time we have to do what we need to do so I totally understand the frustration to always having to pop it back into his mouth. My daughter is only 4 days old and she cant seem to keep it in her mouth well yet, I always have to run back and forth from her and getting the bottle ready to pop it in her mouth...I couldnt imagine having to be right there at all times during her naps to make sure it was in her mouth. I hope someone has some helpful advice for you!

 

[erinprime]

We started using a Wubbanub around that age with my daughter because she was the same way. It is a pacifier with a slightly weighted small stuffed animal attached so it stays in better. It defInitely has its advantages. It is easy for little ones to grab, she has been able to find it again in the middle of the nights since 6 months, and it doesn't easily fall out of the crib. Be warned though, she still uses it for naps and nighttime at 17 months and is in love with the thing... she calls it her Ubby and I swear it gets better hugs than I do. Transitioning off of the pacifier during the day was easy though because we had a second one that we just cut the pacifier off of so she can still have the stuffed animal whenever. I am too scared to take away the good one for sleep but that day is coming very soon.

 

[Fizzyfefe]

Thanks for your responses, ladies! The weighted pacifier sounds like it would definitely help. I saw one on the shelves at motherhood maternity a few weeks ago, but didn't think anything of it at the time, other than it looked ridiculous! The cashier told me the stuffed animal was attached so that it was easier to find, but it makes sense that it would also add weight to keep it from falling out.