Sleepypaws - the award winning baby comforter
Studies have shown that babies and toddlers who use a comforter (security object) are significantly more likely to sleep through the night than those with no comforter.
Once your little one has become attached to a blankie, lovey or soft toy, she will be able to use it to self soothe which is key in her learning to sleep through the night.
If you currently rock, cuddle or feed your baby to sleep, you are probably finding that you need to do that several times throughout the night to help your baby go back to sleep after she wakes.
Baby comforters work in the same way as rocking and feeding your baby because they aid her to sleep. What is different is that your baby can use the comforter to self soothe, rather than needing your assistance to help her sleep. During times of stress, change or separation, your baby’s lovey will give her reassurance and comfort. Studies have also found that baby comforters play a major role in helping children to cope when anxious or concerned.
Researchers have proven that baby comforters can be as effective as mum in calming a moderately distressed baby.
A baby comforter will prove to be one of your best purchases if it provides reassurance for your baby and helps her to self soothe at night.
Choosing your baby’s comforter
I recommend choosing your baby’s comforter for her.
Pick something that’s easy to replace if lost and designed especially for infants. A comforter for babies should have no parts that could represent a choking hazard, such as buttons for the eyes or nose.
Soft material is perfect for stroking but avoid toys with loose pile as your baby coudl breathe it in. Pale colours are also a good idea.
Bright colours stimulate babies and may make yours want to play rather than soothe herself to sleep! Also, make sure it’s machine washable. Your baby’s comforter will definitely get pretty grotty at times!
When should you introduce a baby comforter?
Before giving the comforter to your baby, keep it close to your skin for a few hours or overnight so that it smells of you. From infancy, you can pop the comforter in your baby’s basket or cot so that she can smell or see it nearby.
Make sure the comforter smells like you and just being able to smell and see the comforter will provide security for an infant.
But make sure it’s safely out of the way. Some comforters (such as the Sleepytot baby comforter) can be attached to the cot in the early days for peace of mind, and later given to your baby to cuddle when you feel it’s safe.
hen your baby starts to form an attachment to her lovey (usually between 6 and 12 months) she will use it to self soothe at night. This is a key time in your baby’s life as she begins to understand you can go away and leave her and separation anxiety can set in. Baby comforters have been shown to make this time much easier for your baby (and you!).
When will your baby need a comforter or lovey?
Little ones start to depend on their comforter most between the ages of 1 and 3 because they haven’t yet learned to feel safe without you. Your child will probably be ready to give up her comforter by 3 to 4 years of age – at least in the daytime.
Most children rely on their comforter when they are worried, afraid, or tired.Most often, a comforter is relied on at nursery or when your little one is with a childminder, as well as sleep times and when she’s tired.
Letting go of the comforter
I recommend that you let your little one give up her comforter when she’s ready to (rather than when other people think she 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 worried and need the comforter more. I recommend letting your child have her comforter at night for as long as she needs it, but start to limit it in the day as she gets older.
You can claim a free baby sleep guide and get lots more friendly advice about helping baby sleep at Sleepytot.com .