Mummy and Me Magazine August 2014 August 2014 | Page 11

Birth & Beyond

Is it a

problem

that my baby
is attached to a comforter?

ATTACHED TO A COMFORTER?

C

omfort
blankets
The main problem is if the object gets
and toys are
lost or left behind somewhere. If this
Something
known
as
happens it can be very distressing
to consider...
“transitional objects”
indeed for a child. For this reason, if
If your child doesn’t
and as the name
you notice that your child is forming
choose something of
suggests, can be
an attachment to a particular
very useful in helping
object, you should try and get hold
their own accord,
babies and toddler make
of another identical one. Alternate
there is no need to
the transition from awake
their use so that each becomes
encourage it.
to asleep. They also help little ones
equally worn and also so that one can
feel more secure when separating from
be washed whilst the other is being used. 
parents – at the nursery or crèche for example.
Andrea Grace - Children’s Sleep Specialist
Because a comforter helps a child to feel safe, calm
www.andreagrace.co.uk
and happy, its use should not be discouraged, no
matter how grubby and worn it looks. If your child
has a comfort object it is a healthy sign that they
are growing up and learning how to cope with their
independence.
At least half of all babies and toddlers have a
comforter, and most will choose their own object
at around 6 months old and their need for the
comforter is at it’s greatest between 18 months
and 2 ½ years old.
Babies tend to choose items with a soft texture
and a familiar smell, such as a pillow case, soft
toy or even mummy’s nightie! If your child doesn’t
choose something of their own accord, there is no
need to encourage it.
Most comfort objects will not pose a danger if
taken into a child’s cot as a sleep aid, but parents
should discourage anything with a ribbon or cord
on it measuring more than 30cm or any toy with
parts that could be chewed or sucked off and
choke a child [a teddy’s eyes or nose for example.]
Small blankets, muslin squares, pillow cases and
so on, made from natural fibres can be considered
to be safe, as a child can breathe through them.
Unlike dummies, comfort objects seldom get lost
during the night and need finding and replacing.
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