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There are so many beautiful baby comforters out there on the market today and I love them all. My favourite,
or course, is the Sleepytot baby comforter because it’s designed to be totally versatile, reflecting your
baby’s changing needs as he grows from infant to toddler and beyond!
Why children use comforters
Comforters have a special meaning for infants and young children. Little ones develop a strong attachment to
their baby comforter, and it helps them to feel safe when alone.
The comforter becomes a reminder of the special close times that infants have with their parents, which
creates a sense of security. So when you’re not around, the comforter gives them that same feeling of safety
and comfort when the big wide world feels like a scary place.
Children usually have a strong need for their comforter at times of stress or change or separation, such as
bedtime or when in child care, and studies have found that baby comforters help children to cope better when
anxious or concerned. Comforters can also help children to express their emotions. When your baby wakes,
her comforter will help her to feel secure and go back to sleep without calling for you. So you all get a
good night’s sleep.
As your child grows older and feels more secure the comforter will be needed less and will gradually no
longer be needed. Allow your child to have control over when this is and he will slowly give it up in his
own time.
At what age should I introduce a baby comforter?
Baby research shows that most little ones get attached to a special toy or comforter at about 6 months of
age. Before this, you can encourage an attachment to a special item by holding it between you and your baby
when feeding and introducing it in the early days. You may even like to sleep with it before your baby is
born, or just afterwards so that it picks up your scent. If you have a Sleepytot Baby Comforter, you can
attach it to your baby’s buggy strap when out and about. Put baby teethers and/or baby soothers on the paws
for your baby to play with when you’re around to make sure she is safe. This is a great way to encourage
hand/eye co-ordination skills.
From 8-9 months on, the need for the baby comforter may be strong, especially at times when your little one
is not with you, such as at bedtime. This is a key time in a baby’s life as they start to understand you can
go away and leave them, that you are not the same person as they are, and separation anxiety begins to set
in. You may now feel ready to leave a comforter with your sleeping baby, so that they are reassured when
they wake.
Research shows that children need their baby 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 their
comforter by 3 to 4 years of age - at least in the daytime.
When will my little one need a comforter?
Most children rely on their comforter when they are worried, or afraid, or tired. They are usually needed at
times such as bedtime, naptime, or when staying with someone else (such as with a childminder or at nursery).
A comforter, such as the Sleepytot Baby Comforter, should be designed to reduce stimulation and encourage a
calm atmosphere for your sleeping baby.
Baby dummies and soothers
Sucking is a natural activity for babies and many find it calming. Recent research published by the FSID
shows that using a dummy (baby soother or pacifier) when a baby goes to sleep is associated with a reduction
in the risk of cot death.
Occasionally, a child may develop a speech problem as a result of the dummy and this mainly seems to occur if
your child has a dummy in her mouth when she is learning to speak. Try to keep it for sleep times only so
that speech is not impacted. It’s important that you don’t put honey or anything sweet on your baby’s dummy
because this could cause damage to her teeth.
Baby comforter helpful hints
When your baby is just a bump, sleep with the baby comforter or place it next to your skin for a few hours
every now and then. This way it will pick up mummy and daddy’s unique smell, making it all the more special
for baby.
It’s possible your little one will become really attached to their chosen comforter. If you see that your
child is choosing a blanket or soft toy to be special, you might consider buying another one so that they can
both wear out at the same pace and can be changed when one needs washing.
Letting go of the baby comforter
It’s generally recommended that you let your little one give up his comforter when he’s ready to (rather than
when other people think he 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 more worried and need the comforter more. When
you notice that your child needs it less, why not put the baby comforter away as often as possible and bring
it out again at sleep times, or when it’s requested.
The Sleepytot baby comforter is designed to
help with the difficult time in a child’s life when they give up their baby dummy. I recommend therefore
that if your little one has reached this important milestone when they no longer need a baby dummy, that they
keep their Sleepytot for security and reassurance, until they’re ready to let it go by themselves. Visit
www.sleepytot.com
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