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Most babies and toddlers like to haveĀ something soft and comforting, such as a blanket or toy to help them feel secure as they fall asleep.
WhileĀ youĀ may be embarrassed by their tatty condition or fear what will happen if they get lost, is there any problem with your child using a comfortĀ item?
ComfortĀ items, also known as comfortĀ objectsĀ can be very useful in helping little ones settle and go from waking to sleeping. They can also help babies and toddlers feel more secure whenĀ they'reĀ away from mum and dad.Ā That'sĀ why they're known as transitional objects. They help your child transition from one state to another (e.g. waking to sleeping) and provide feelings of comfort and security whenĀ a baby or toddler isĀ away from familiar people and surroundings.
Because these comforters help your child feel safe,Ā calmĀ and happy, you shouldn't discourage them, no matter how worn and grubby they look. They areĀ actually aĀ sign that your child is developing skills to help them cope with their independence.
Most babies and toddlers will choose their own comfortĀ itemĀ at around 6 months old. They tend to choose something with a soft texture and a familiar smell, such as a favourite toy,Ā comfortĀ blanket or piece of clothing. If your childĀ doesn'tĀ choose something themselves, there's no need to encourage it, but a comfort object may be worth a try if they don't sleep well.
Although babies and toddlers choose their comfortĀ itemĀ early, you may notice that they need it more aged between 18 months and 2Ā Ā½ years old.
WhileĀ it'sĀ fine for your little one to use aĀ baby comfort blanket or toyĀ to help them sleep, it's important that it's safe for them to do so.
You should never leaveĀ your babyĀ unattended with anything that has a cord or ribbon attached to it, or any toy with parts that may come off when sucked and chewed (e.gĀ teddy's nose or eyes).
It'sĀ also a good idea to remove theĀ comfort itemĀ fromĀ baby's sleeping area, cot or bedĀ once your baby is asleep.
Many parents worry about the effect that pacifiers can have on little one's developing teeth and mouth. Look for dentist approved pacifiers which are shaped to suit your baby's mouth.
Parents sometimes worry that their child will becomeĀ so attached to a comforter that they become inconsolable without it. Losing that precious toy orĀ blankyĀ can then become a real source of stress.
If your little one is particularly attached to a comfortĀ item,Ā it'sĀ a good idea to have another one in reserve. Or, ifĀ they'reĀ attached to something larger, like aĀ comfortĀ blanket, you may find you can cut it into smaller pieces to have some spares. Remember to alternate them so each comforter is equally worn and picks up the same kind of smells.
Most children will gradually wean themselves off their comfort object, with it gradually becoming less important as they develop their independence. But you may still find the odd much-lovedĀ blankyĀ in University halls of residence.