Introducing Your Child To A Comfort Item or "lovey"

One of the cutest things ever is when a little one has a favorite blanket, stuffed animal or soft lovey they tote around everywhere with them. If you've never read the book "Owen" by Kevin Henkes then you should! It is about an adorable little mouse who loves his yellow blanket that his parents are trying to wean away from him.

I've heard of children using their loveys or comfort items through childhood! There are even a few claiming to bring them to college with them! So often the question isn't how to wean away from an item, but how to safely introduce them so your child will love them.

What Age Should I Introduce A Comfort Item?

Although children under age 1 are not safe to sleep unattended with blankets or soft lovey, it is never too early to introduce a comfort item! Some of the sweetest things are when family members make a special gift that a child uses from birth. So if you have been holding onto an item waiting to introduce it to your little one, or are dying to introduce them to something you hand - knit, no more delay!

How Should I Introduce A Comfort Item?

So again, if your child is under 1, the comfort item you are introducing should not be left with them while sleeping unattended. However, having that item during times of comfort will start to help your little one recognize it with being comforted. This would include feed times, times your little ones is upset, play, and supervised naps. One way to help is having this item near your child when they are upset. Being comforted by others while also holding their lovey will start to have them connect that item with being comforted.

What Are Examples Of Good Comfort Items to Introduce?

Small blankets, stuffed animals with the blanket bodies, wubanubs, and small stuffed animals with no sewn on parts are all great choices!

Is your comfort item not working and your little one is still having trouble settling to sleep? I am happy to help!