Let’s talk about comforters…
My kids love a comforter. It was unintentional with our first baby Molly. Someone gifted her a soft little rabbit with a blanket attached and when she was about 6 months old, she became quite attached to it. As the years passed Rabby became a very very firm fixture in our daughter’s bed, and everywhere else. Rabby comes everywhere with us and is an instant source of comfort for Molly, even at 5 years old! There have been many tears when Rabby has been temporarily lost, or has fallen under the bed, or dropped in the car. Which sometimes makes us think is it really worth the hassle?! Should a child really be attached to something the way Molly is attached to Rabby?? But we truly believe it is. Bedtimes are a breeze when Rabby is near, and you can see her whole body relax when she’s twiddling that little blanket on her nose. The only problem is the fear. Fear of actual loss. This rabbit was from British Home Stores (RIP) and as expected a replacement cannot be found anywhere. We’re pretty sure there will be a day where we will need to deal with the fall out of loss and I don’t think we’re really prepared for it.
Knowing how successful the comforter was for Molly, we were well prepared for the arrival of our second child Eddie. We purchased him a similar rabbit from Doudou et Compagnie, knowing full well that replacements could be purchased at the drop of an amazon click. We thought ourselves so clever (although at a hefty £19 price tag – not so clever). As expected, he was attached and again it was an instant source of comfort at night. We purchased a second rabbit for nursery, and a third as a spare for home. But he found it… And now he can’t live without TWO rabbits. Eurgh. Trying to keep track of two rabbits is exhausting. But of course, we’ll do it as long as it gives us some peace at bedtime.
A comforter can provide a sense of security and comfort for your child. They are portable and can signal to your baby that they are safe and that it is time to relax and wind down. They can also provide something familiar in an unfamiliar or stressful environment such as nursery, travelling away from home or visiting the doctors. At around 6 months of age your child might start developing some separation anxiety. This is completely normal as they begin to develop independence by realising, they are no longer attached to you. It is at this point in their life that introducing a comforter might be a useful tool especially when it comes to bedtime. It’s a great way for them to practice some self-regulation. Here are out top tips for introducing a comforter:
Buy a comforter that is easily replaceable and washable. Our comforters go in the ‘shower’ (washing machine) at least once a fortnight to get them back to white.
Avoid comforters that have loose bits like buttons or eyes and make sure it isn’t too large that it could cover them. We also recommend avoiding comforters with bean fillings that could be inhaled.
The Lullaby Trust recommends that babies sleep in a cot clear of comforters etc until 12 months of age. Before this age you can remove the comforter as your baby falls asleep.
When introducing the comforter, it helps if it smells of you. Put it down your top for a few hours, or sleep with it, or if you are breastfeeding add a few drops of milk onto it.
Give it to your little one before all naps and bedtimes. Using it consistently will allow your child to recognise it as a sleep cue and accept it into their fold.
We’d love to hear if you use a comforter. Comment below!
