Is Your Toddler Attached to a Lovey, Security Object, Or Blanket?

Is your child attached to a certain stuffed animal, lovey, or a blanket?  Do they love to carry it around every where they go?  Most toddlers go through a phase where they are attached to a a stuffed animal, lovey, or blanket.  They want to take their security object with them everywhere that they go.  When my son was born he was given several of those new “lovey’s”, they are a stuffed animal that is attached to a blanket.  If you have seen them, they are adorable and they come in a wide variety of animals or characters.

Disclosure:  This post is for informational purposes only.  The opinions reflected in this post are my own and are based upon my own experiences.

If your child is attached to a lovey, you probably already know how hard it is to pry their favorite lovey from them in order to wash it or they have a meltdown every time they leave it at home.  A toddler will often latch onto a favorite object such as a lovey or a blanket because it gives them a sense of security and they also may use it for comfort.  As your toddler begins exploring the world around them, it is easy for the to take their security object with them.  Sometimes toddlers are fearful of new surroundings and experiences that comes along with exploring the world around them.  Also, toddlers often go through phases of separation anxiety their security object gives them a sense of security and provides comfort when they feel afraid.

How Long Can I Expect My Child to Be Attached to a Lovey?

I know that my son is pretty attached to his lovey some days and other times he doesn’t really miss it.  If your child is super attached to their lovey, don’t worry it is just a phase and most kids will willing give up their lovey sometime between ages of 2 to 5 years old.  However, if they are feeling stressed out or in a new environment, they may revert to their fond attachment to their lovey.  This phase should be short lived and their security object should be tossed aside once things return to normal.  A child that is overly attached to his or her lovey should be watched closely, especially, if your child no longer or doesn’t want to interact with others or refuses to play with toys, talk to your child’s doctor immediately to figure out what is going on with your child.

Will My Child Ever Give Up The Lovey?

A child who carries a lovey or security object around should never be teased.  Parents don’t worry they won’t take their lovey to school with them.  Once your child is old enough attempt to break their need to carry their lovey or security object around every where you go, you can often set boundaries so that your child can still have his lovey or security object at appropriate times.  Doing this early on will make it easier on your child with it is time to let go of their security object.

• Give your child appropriate set limits of when and where the lovey can and can’t go.  
• Ask your child to help you find an safe spot for his or her lovey, so that you can have your child put it in its safe spot when it is time to leave the house or while your child is actively playing.
• Schedule a “bath session” (time to wash it) for your child’s lovey so that it can be cleaned regularly.
• If your child is deeply attached to his or her lovey, you may want to buy a second one so that if the other is in the wash or if you lose it your child won’t have a major meltdown.
• Engage your child in activities and play time so that he or she forgets about the lovey.
• Do give your child plenty of hugs and kisses so that your child doesn’t think that their lovey is their only source for comfort.

Loveys I Recommend for Your Child

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What was your child’s favorite security object?