How To Introduce a Lovey to Your Baby
“Lovey” is a relatively new term, but the concept goes back for centuries. Whether it’s a cherished baby doll, teddy bear, or binky, children have latched on to items that have provided them with comfort. Today, a lovey goes by many names, including a comfort object or a transitional object. Not every baby will attach to a lovey, but many do. Parents have found that babies are able to comfort themselves more easily if they are provided with a physical object.
What is a Lovey?
Most loveys are what most people would consider a “normal” comfort item, like a stuffed animal or a blanket. It can be any item that a baby or toddler becomes attached to. They will use their lovey to comfort themselves when they need it. The item becomes something familiar and cozy to the baby. Some say that about half of all kids will develop an attachment to some type of comfort object. Most babies gravitate toward a lovey between eight to 12 months of age. Some may start clinging to one as early as six months.
Importance of Comfort Objects and Loveys
Babies develop fast, and that means they cross more milestones quickly. A lovey can be helpful for babies as they undergo changes fast. A security object they can hold on to can help them feel more secure. A lovey can be a game-changer when it comes to helping babies self-soothe. Children may have different preferences. Finding what a child bonds to is key. Some parents even prefer to introduce a lovey to their child.
Tips for Introducing a Lovey
When you introduce a lovey to your child depends totally on them. Some babies will naturally attach to a lovey early on. Others may not attach to an object naturally. This is when a parent may choose to introduce a lovey to their baby. Once they are out of the newborn stage, usually around four to six months of age, parents may want to introduce one to their baby. Here are a few tips to help parents with introducing a lovey to their babies.
Age Appropriate and Safe Loveys
The lovey needs to be safe as well as age appropriate for your baby. It is generally recommended that babies not sleep with object in their crib until they are one year old. A lovey shouldn’t have small pieces that could present a choking hazard. You’ll also want to use something that your baby cannot use to help them climb out of their crib. Your pediatrician can offer insight on age-appropriate and safe loveys for your baby.
Something Your Baby Likes
You may find that trying out a few different objects will help you find the right one for your baby. Pay attention to what your child tends to bond and connect with. Each child has their own preferences. It’s okay to introduce a few options at the same time and let them choose over time. You’ll start to notice that they favor one of the items.
Incorporate the Lovey into the Daily Routine
When you first introduce a security object, it’s helpful to do so during your normal daytime routine. Play time or transitioning to nap time offer great times to introduce these items. It can be helpful to introduce it as part of the evening routine too. They may start to see the object as a security device, but they will also associate it with sleep.
A Lovey Can Be a Game-Changer!
If your child is old enough for a lovey, they can be helpful for improving transitioning to bed at night, or for soothing separation anxiety. Loveys can be useful tools to help provide little ones with a sense of comfort that will help them feel secure. The loveys available from Little Biscuits are made from bamboo, so they are all-natural, sustainable, and hypoallergenic Order your baby a lovey in one of our trending colors today!
