What is a security blanket?
A security blanket is a comfort object for a baby that can be carried forth to their toddler years. It is mostly common in infants. It is known by different names throughout the world like blankey or lovey, cuddle buddy, snuggle blanket and many cute names.
Types of security blankets
Security blankets may be small blankets but it is common to get a cute animal attached to the blanket like a monkey, rabbit, bear, cub and so forth.
Security blanket material
A security blanket is soft and made from plush material like velour and may have a silk lining inside. It feels soft to touch for baby’s gentle hands.
Security blanket and child
My 18 month old son started using his security blanket when he started day care. At about 12 months I initiated the use of comfort objects as I searched for unique and quality blankets he could use. I was under the impression that it was expected to send your child to daycare with a security blanket. In the first 2-3 months he was not interested in it; he used it more for teething than anything.
I started to see a change in his relationship with his blanket when I dropped him off and he held onto it as if to say; this reminds me of home and seemed familiar in a not so familiar place. The more independent he became the more he held onto his security blanket and wanted to attach himself to these comfort objects. When we put him down to sleep he is happy with anything soft and cuddly but has to have something in his cot with him. He is really independent; goes to sleep well without any crying or reassurance needed.
Attachment and Independence
Psychologist Donald Winnicott, an object relations theorist was the first to introduce the concept of a transitional object. He averred that these objects support the idea of “not me” and assist in transitioning and allowing the child to not see themselves as one with their mother anymore but an independent being.
Security Blanket to the rescue
I give me son his security blanket when he is crying and he gets distracted. It soothes him when he is upset especially when he gets episodes of unexplained crying. A great distraction that is a perfect companion too.
This makes me wonder what it was like for my son to realize that his mom could not be with him all the time and how he realized that he was an independent being. This theory makes sense to me because my son started using his security blanket when he became separate from me. Even though I initially bought it for daycare he started needing it more as we spent time apart and it makes my heart skip a beat when I see him cuddling his security blanket.
I am not worried about my son having an unhealthy attachment. He is and independent little boy and the security blanket is an addition to his growing world. The same way a child will get attached to a new toy and then forget about it with time is pretty much how I see my son letting go of it as he gets older or before he starts school.
Safe Security Blankets
It is important that you buy child safe toys for your child. Parents should make sure that their babies blankets do not have loose material like buttons, or removable parts they could possibly choke on.