Infants come into the world with an innate need to be cradled in the loving embrace of their caregivers. For months, they relish the warmth of those comforting arms, finding solace in the knowledge that their caregivers are there to tend to their every requirement. This close bond not only nurtures a sense of secure attachment but also instills in them the confidence to explore the world around them.<\/p>\n
The need for comfort is part of being human. Comfort objects reassure us and give us a feeling of calmness, security and love. Using comfort objects <\/span>will h<\/span>elp your baby self-soothe when you are not around.<\/span><\/p>\n Such objects give your baby a feeling of safety when they are in unfamiliar places and situations. <\/span>These objects become your baby’s companions and add to their experiences in daily life.<\/span><\/p>\n The psychological term used for comfort objects is “transitional object”. This is because as babies begin to make the journey from wholly dependent newborns to independent human beings, comfort objects aid them with the transition. <\/span><\/p>\n Many children develop an attachment to a comfort object (it is also called a lovey or security object) at around 8-12 months of age. <\/span><\/p>\n In this article you will read some frequently asked questions and find answers about comfort objects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As its name suggests, a comfort object is an item that provides comfort to an infant or to a child to help them feel calm and secure. <\/span><\/p>\n A comfort object is also known as a lovey (because of the close relation a child forms with the object) or a security object (because in unfamiliar situations a child depends on the object for security and staying calm). <\/span><\/p>\n Although every child finds comfort in different objects, comfort objects are usually soft, cuddly and comforting to touch. Some common types are: <\/span><\/p>\n ALSO READ: Baby Hearing Development: All You Need to Know<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n According to studies, up to 70 percent<\/a> of young children develop strong attachments to comfort objects such as toys or blankets. <\/span><\/p>\n Comfort objects make children feel good and help them manage new experiences. <\/span><\/p>\n A comfort object: <\/span><\/p>\n According to American Academy of Pediatrics<\/a> (AAP), a comfort object might be an important source of emotional support for your baby. <\/span><\/p>\n Studies show that about 60 percent of babies adopt a comfort or security object usually by 9 months of age.\u00a0<\/strong>(Some children never develop a strong attachment to a toy or blanket and that’s ok, too.)<\/span><\/p>\n Experts recommend introducing a comfort object to your baby before age 1 but when they are awake.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n Children under 1 year of age should not sleep with anything in their cribs under the safe sleep policy of AAP<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\nWhat is a comfort object for a baby?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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What are the benefits of comfort objects?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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When can I introduce a comfort object to my baby?<\/span><\/h2>\n