Lovey aka transitional object, sleep buddy, blankie, teddy are very helpful in providing your child with comfort when they’re missing you, especially when going through transitions (daycare, new sleep environment, etc.) and when they’re experiencing separation anxiety. A few things to keep in mind when introducing a lovey to your little one.
Wait until your child is at least 1 year old to introduce one. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics there should be nothing in your baby’s crib prior to this age.
Allow your child to pick out their lovey from a batch of toys. Maybe a gift from their first birthday, a stuffy from a trip to the toy store or a stuffed animal you had around the house.
Ensuring their lovey has no lights and doesn’t make any noise will avoid it from being a distraction at bedtime and naptime or interfering with sleep.
To encourage the bond, incorporate the lovey into bedtime and naptime routine. For instance, if you play peekaboo before bed, the lovey should play peekaboo, too. If you stroll around the room saying good night to favorite objects, the lovey should say good night, too. Be sure to tuck the lovey into bed with your little one too.
It can be helpful to keep it in your little ones crib, or at least away from their other toys to differentiate it as being a “special comfort item” and not just another toy.
Purchase a few extra loveys to have on hand for when one inevitably gets lost or ruined.
Children don’t always establish an immediate bond with their lovey, so be sure to continue to include it in bedtime and naptime routines and give it a solid few weeks.
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yikes!