What is a transitional object in child development?
Transitional objects are chosen possessions that offer security and comfort to a child. They’re often soft and huggable items, such as teddy bears and blankets, that are used to soothe during a transitional phase.
What are transitional items?
A comfort object, transitional object, or security blanket is an item used to provide psychological comfort, especially in unusual or unique situations, or at bedtime for children. Among toddlers, comfort objects may take the form of a blanket, a stuffed animal, or a favorite toy, and may be referred to by nicknames.
How do you use transitional objects?
When you are introducing a lovey, it may help to follow some simple guidelines:
- Make sure that the lovey is safe.
- Use your baby’s preferences to help pick his transitional object.
- Incorporate the transitional object into your baby’s (bedtime) routine.
- Impart your ‘mommy’ (or daddy) smell.
How do transitional objects work?
When he’s in a strange place, it will help him feel at home. These special comforts are called transitional objects, because they help children make the emotional transition from dependence to independence. They work, in part, because they feel good: They’re soft, cuddly, and nice to touch.
How do you introduce transitional objects?
How do transitional objects help children?
These special comforts are called transitional objects, because they help children make the emotional transition from dependence to independence. They work, in part, because they feel good: They’re soft, cuddly, and nice to touch. They’re also effective because of their familiarity.
What happens if a child doesn’t have a transitional object?
“Most likely, [if your child does not attach to a lovey] it simply means that the child feels comfortable exploring to a certain degree without their caregiver. This, along with a more independently-minded personality, may mean that a lovey isn’t needed for him/her to explore on their own,” she explains.