While some parents are concerned about their infants adopting loveys for fear that their child may never learn to give it up, I, on the other hand, feel concerned that Gavin hasn’t adopted one.  In the hubby’s opinion, Gavin already has a lovey and it is called “Mummy’s nipple”.  Unfortunately, that isn’t as funny as it sounds.  Loveys are actually very important transitional objects that help toddlers develop a sense of independence during a period where growing up can seem rather daunting.  Loveys help a child learn to cope with the stress of separation from mother and self-cope with other stressful situations they may face growing up.  Loveys can range from a child’s thumb to a teddy bear to a blanket or a pacifier.  Common examples are Linus’ blankie, Garfield’s Pokey, Christopher Robins’ Pooh bear and Calvin’s Hobbs.

The best time for introducing a lovey, according to a writer from Associated Content is apparently at birth.  Loveys should be no bigger than baby’s head and not too small to be a choking hazard.  The lovey should be placed with baby as much as possible to help form an attachment.  I had always assumed that as Gavin grew older, he would naturally form an attachment to one of his toys on his own.  Now that he’s ten months old, I guess I’m a little late trying to help him form that attachment. 

The hubby and I recently bought Gavin a TY puppy - of his own choice - and we’ve been taking Whiffer with us everywhere.  I’ve even tried to put Whiffer to sleep with Gavin only to have Gavin throw him away in his sleep.  When Gavin is nursing, he’ll fling Whiffer around and finally drop him on the floor - hardly the reaction we were hoping for.  Although most children get attached to a lovey by eight to nine months, according to The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Book of Pregnancy and Baby Care “This powerful need for something cuddly will only grow stronger after the first birthday” so I guess all is not lost - yet.

Popularity: 51% [?]