Comfort Objects: Do they help Your Baby or Encourage Dependence?

Babies often form an attachment to certain objects such as toys, a pacifier, or a pillow. We as parents encourage this attachment as it helps soothe the babies and calm them. The advantages of doing so are as follows:  

• Comfort objects reassure the baby.
  
  
  
• They provide babies with a sense of familiarity.
  
  
  
• Comfort objects are there with the child at all times. This is something that is difficult for most parents to do.
  
  
  
• Comfort objects provide the support that infants need to soothe themselves.
  
  
  
• Babies often look upon comfort objects as substitutes for parents in their absence.
  
  
  
• Comfort objects help babies learn to sleep by themselves.
  
  
  
• Parents can use the comfort object to help children cope with change. For instance, a child adjusting to a new baby sitter or a playschool is reassured by the familiarity of the comfort object.  (See article on Separation anxiety).

These are some important precautions to take with comfort objects.

• Do not depend on the comfort object to fill in for you when your child requires your presence.
  
  
  
• As children grow, gently encourage them to start learning to cope without them. Help them to naturally outgrow their attachment.
  

Disclaimer: The above information is commonsense reflection drawn from general experience. If you are looking for expert medical advice, please consult your doctor.