Blankets and Loveys: Great for Toddlers AND Parents

If you have a toddler, I highly recommend reading Dr. Harvey Karp’s, “The Happiest Toddler on the Block”. It’s an easy read and has helped me tremendously. It was through this book that I learned the power of a “Lovey".

What’s a “lovey”?
It’s a particular blanket, stuffed animal or doll that you little one loves on. If your little one hasn’t developed a lovey on their own, I recommend encouraging them to bond with a potiential lovey, it'll make parenting your little "cave kid" easier. Keep a blanket or stuffed animal in their crib every night.

Why encourage a lovey?
These calming toys are Mommy substitutes. They’re a step between you and your child’s first real friend.  (That’s why they’re also called “transitional objects.”) They provide a quick hit of love and security when you’re not nearby. These security blankets help toddlers deal with illness, parental absences, trips, new siblings, frightening situations, and just about any stress that you could image (like a trip to the doctor’s office). At bedtime these “first friends” play a huge role in helping our tots separate from us and relax.
-Excerpt from The Happiest Toddler On The Block

Since my DS’ has developed his fondness of “blanket” it makes going to bed easier, especially when traveling. Each night he looks forward to getting “blanket” and if he’s tired during the day, he’ll tell us “I want blanket”.

Two notes on loveys:

1. Try to find another just like it, in case you lose it.  And try to alternate them so they’ll have the same comforting worn in feel. I keep two blankets in his crib all the time.
2. Dr. Karp warns, “Never take the lovey away (or even threaten to).  Far from making your toddler pay greater attention to you, you’ll make him feel insecure. And you’ll weaken the soothing power of this trusted and important friend”.