Getting rid of pacifier......?

My son is 15 months old and I've heard from my mom since he turned one that he should be off the pacifier by one, along with the bottle. We had no problems getting rid of the bottles however the paci is a different story. He only takes it during nap and bedtime. When he wakes, if by chance he still has it in his crib he will hand it to me and I place it on his dresser. The paci never leaves his room and he never gets it at any other point during the day. He already sleeps with a blankie and a few stuffed animals so the option of replacing it is out! I tried to lay him down 2 days for nap without it and he screamed! I've never been one to let him cry himself to sleep so that's not an option for us. Is it possible that he will grow out of this?? Any advice?