1. They’re Comfortable
Why Every Baby Needs a Lovey: The Importance of Comfort Objects
Having a comfort object for your newborn is an essential step in helping them feel secure during their first few months. Not only do they provide security, but it can help improve sleep quality, reduce separation anxiety and foster an affectionate relationship with you as well.
It can also serve as an adaptive tool to help your baby adjust to unfamiliar places and situations. For instance, it could be beneficial during doctor's visits, waking periods after sleep, injuries, meeting new people, and crowded events.
Jennifer Trachtenberg, MD of Ask Dr. Jen, recommends waiting until your child is at least 12 months old before introducing a snuggly toy or blanket to bed with. This way, you can ensure they get enough rest before bedtime comes around and they won't feel overwhelmed by it, according to Trachtenberg's advice.
Furthermore, loveys can pose a choking hazard if they contain any small parts that could come off. This is particularly important for babies who are unable to roll over yet, according to Ponti. If you're worried about your child's safety, speak with a healthcare provider.
When your baby is a newborn, they are especially sensitive to scents. Your newborn may be nursing on mother's milk or colostrum and will associate the smell of that with comfort, so it's helpful to bring along something special that has your scent when nursing, bottle-feeding or rocking them.
Sarah Mintz, PhD of The Happiest Baby Guide suggests that having a friend nearby when in unfamiliar or stressful circumstances can help your baby feel more secure. It also allows them to feel closer to you if they aren't breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
If your baby has already formed an emotional attachment to something special, they might become distressed or frustrated if you take it away from them. This is completely normal and does not indicate any weakness or insecurity on your part.
If your baby loses their favorite toy, it's essential that they know that you will bring it back soon. You can also let them know that once the wash is complete, they can snuggle with it once again.
2. They’re Safe
Baby loveys are like security blankets for new borns. They boost confidence and self-soothe during challenging developmental stages. Plus, these cuddly toys make excellent tools during sleep training!
Parents who struggle to put their child to bed may find comfort in using comforters. Your little one will get used to having something with them at all times, which helps promote good night's rest for both of you!
When to Introduce a Lovey
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, loveys should not be introduced before a baby's first birthday in order to prevent SIDS and other potential suffocation hazards. When using such items with your infant, make sure there are no long strings that could strangulate them or small parts which could present choking hazards if removed.
Before your baby turns twelve months of age, it is recommended that you avoid placing a lovey in their crib during naptime. This helps avoid potential risks of suffocation and other sleep safety issues which are especially high when they are left without cover in their crib - such as with stuffed animals.
When to Introduce a Lovey
Start by cuddling the lovey between you and your baby when nursing or feeding. This will infuse it with your scent, helping them associate it with affection. According to sleep consultant Brooke Nalle, this strategy will help create quicker attachments to the object of affection.
Another way to help your baby bond with their furry friend is by giving it a name and making it part of their everyday life. Doing this will make them feel more like an integral part of the family unit as well as a reliable friend.
Rotating loveys is ideal to prevent them from developing the same smell and feel. Doing this also helps ensure your baby doesn't become attached to one and then lose it if you accidentally leave it in the car or go on vacation without it, which could be a very stressful experience for them.
3. They’re Fun
A lovey is a transitional object that can help ease your baby's anxieties about new places and situations. They often come in the form of stuffed animals with attached blankets, making them especially helpful when your child adjusts to being away from you or begins settling into a new routine.
Loveys not only provide comfort to your baby, but they can also be an excellent sleep aid, helping them to relax and wind down. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, loveys are especially beneficial for babies who experience anxiety about going to bed or are prone to separation anxiety.
They can be an excellent tool to help your baby gain independence from their parent while still feeling secure and safe. This is particularly important between six months and one year old, when they may begin to take more responsibility for themselves but still require reassurance of safety from their caregiver.
Once you have your beloved companion, start taking it with you wherever life takes you and introduce it to your baby in various ways. This could include placing it in your stroller while running errands, tucking it under the back of your car seat when taking a walk or sitting it between both of you while nursing or feeding.
Within a few weeks, your baby will grow accustomed to carrying their new friend everywhere they go. They may even start using it during naptime and bedtime - however, try to limit its use only to these times so that they can form an attachment with the object.
One of the most essential steps when introducing your baby to a loved item is making sure it has an familiar smell. This could be either your own fragrance or that of your partner, making it more likely for them to bond with and attach themselves to this object in the future.
When your beloved lovey gets lost, it can be devastating for your baby to discover that their beloved companion has vanished. That is why having a back-up lovey with you at all times is so essential.
4. They’re Easy to Carry
A lovey is a soft blanket with an animal on one end that provides infants with comfort and security. Not only do they help ease separation anxiety, promote independent sleeping habits, and soothe teething pains; but they're also the perfect companions as your little one grows and transitions into adulthood. From cashmere blankets to cuddle buddies like teddy bears, lovies make wonderful companions for your growing bundle as they grow and learn about the world around them.
A comfort object can be anything that brings your child comfort: a teddy bear, blanket or piece of clothing they enjoy cuddling up in. The most important thing is that the object elicits feelings of security and comfort while they're away from you.
When your child is first born, they'll form a bond with their mother by cradling her, being fed and held close. This forms the basis of all early attachments - including security objects. As they grow older, this attachment can be taken outside of their mother's presence to feel more secure when not with her.
As your little one grows older, they will begin to have their own needs and desire more independence. That is why having a loving companion by their side is so essential: it will boost their self-assurance when they're on their own and give them the courage to explore without fear.
Once they're old enough, babies may select a security object of their own - this can be anything from blankets and toys to beloved blankets that remind them of their mom. Whatever it is, your little one needs a comforting connection when away from you.
Related Post -
Benefits of Using Baby Sleeping Bags
Different Types of Baby Blankets and Their Uses
How to Choose the Right Infant Car Seat Cover for Your Needs
