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).
- 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.