Studies have shown that babies and toddlers who use a comforter (security object) are significantly more likely to sleep through the night than those with no comforter.
Once your little one has become attached to a blankie, lovey or soft toy, she will be able to use it to self soothe which is key in her learning to sleep through the night.
If you currently rock, cuddle or feed your baby to sleep, you are probably finding that you need to do that several times throughout the night to help your baby go back to sleep after she wakes.
Baby comforters work in the same way as rocking and feeding your baby because they aid her to sleep. The difference is that she can use the comforter independently, without calling for you. During times of stress, change or separation, your baby’s lovey will give her reassurance and comfort. Studies have also found that baby comforters play a major role in helping children to cope when anxious or concerned.
Researchers have proven that baby comforters can be as effective as mum in calming a moderately distressed baby.
A baby comforter will prove to be one of your best purchases if it provides reassurance for your baby and helps her to self soothe at night.
Choosing your baby’s comforter
I recommend choosing your baby’s comforter for her.
Choose an item that has been specially designed and manufactured for infants, and make sure it’s easy to replace. A comforter for babies should have no parts that could represent a choking hazard, such as buttons for the eyes or nose.
Soft material is perfect for stroking but avoid toys with loose pile as your baby coudl breathe it in. Pale colours are also a good idea.
Bright colours stimulate babies and may make yours want to play rather than soothe herself to sleep! It’s also worth ensuring you can machine wash it. At times, your baby’s comforter will be fairly grim (drool, milk, mashed food etc)!
When should you introduce a baby comforter?
Keep the comforter close to your skin – try sleeping with it for a night – so that it smells of you before giving it to your baby.Right from the day your baby is born you can place the comforter near your baby so she can start to associate it with you and reassurance.
Make sure the comforter smells like you and just being able to smell and see the comforter will provide security for an infant.
But make sure it’s safely out of the way. The Sleepytot Baby Comforter can be attached to your baby’s cot in the early days and later given to your baby to sleep with when you know it’s safe.
Between 6 and 12 months, your baby will start to form a very strong attachment to the comforter, often needing it to fall asleep with.At nine months your baby is just starting to realise you can go away and leave her, which causes separation anxiety.A baby comforter can help make this time much easier for your baby and you!).
When will your little one need a comforter?
Children seem to need their comforter most between about 1 and 3 years of age, before they have learned to feel safe when you’re not there. Your child will probably be ready to give up her comforter by 3 to 4 years of age – at least in the daytime.
Your child will rely on her comforter when she is tired, worried or afraid.Most often, a comforter is relied on at nursery or when your little one is with a childminder, as well as sleep times and when she’s tired.
Letting go of the comforter
I recommend that you let your little one give up her comforter when she’s ready to (rather than when other people think she should!). Children tend to let go of their comforter when it loses its special meaning for them and when they feel confident trying new things (usually between 3 and 5 years of age).
If you make a big deal out of it, you may make your little one worried and need the comforter more. I recommend letting your child have her comforter at night for as long as she needs it, but start to limit it in the day as she gets older.
Get lots more friendly advice to help your baby sleep and a free baby sleep guide at Sleepytot.com.