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Expert Q&A
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| By Elizabeth Pantley Child Behavior Expert Better Beginnings, Inc. | ||
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My husband is encouraging our 1-year-old to have a favorite blanket and take it with him everywhere because he thinks it's cute. Do you recommend this?
Many babies attach themselves to a blanket or toy that becomes a "lovey." This is a transitional object that comforts your baby in your absence. Actually, I often encourage parents to help their baby become attached to a lovey or comfort object so that he has something to cuddle and help him feel secure when Mommy and Daddy aren't available, and it can also help him fall asleep at bedtime or get back to sleep in the middle of the night.
A "lovey" does not take your place. Instead, it is something that your baby can use to feel safe when you are not with him. Babies and toddlers can adopt a lovey at any age. If your baby is young, you can choose something yourself and gauge Baby's response to the toy. As your baby gets older, he will have a definite say in determining what toy attracts and soothes him; this is evident every time you see a child wandering around with a well-worn blanket, a hairless teddy bear or a scrap of Mommy's old nightie. Toddlers and young children expand the usefulness of this lovey by holding onto it whenever they need a little extra security. (So if you have any say in the matter, do direct your child toward something that you'll enjoy having in the family for years to come.)
If Baby does indeed get attached to this lovey, be sure to buy at least two to prevent any lost-lovey disasters.
When choosing a lovey for a baby or toddler, make sure that it meets these criteria:
- No button eyes or nose, nor any small, potentially-removable pieces.
- No clothes, hat or other removable pieces of fabric.
- Firm, not floppy.
- Small and easy for baby to hold and manipulate.
- The ideal: Stuffed animals created especially for babies.
So you see, a small baby blanket is a good choice for your baby's lovey!
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