|
|
 |
|
Baby's Transitional Object
Some babies won't do anything without their toy, blanket, stuffed animal, or bottle. So what gives an ordinary object such extraordinary power? According to experts, it's not about the item itself. It's about your child's particular stage of development.
Between the ages of 6 months and 1 year, babies begin to enjoy the freedom that their increasing mobility brings, says Heidi E. Murkoff, coauthor of the What to Expect series. At the same time, they start to experience separation anxiety over this newfound independence, so they begin to crave comfort. Babies in this age range are also beginning to realize that they are individuals separate from their parents. In an effort to ease these anxieties, many children try to bridge the gap by latching on to transitional items -- "comfort objects" or "loveys," such as stuffed animals or blankets. This love affair often lasts through toddlerhood.
What do you think of this story? Tell Us.
|
Related Links
|
Comments
Please confirm your comment by answering the question below and clicking "Submit Comment."
my twelve year old still sleeps with Jorge (her lovey from age 2 weeks on) and still prefers to take him on trips and to summer camp, tho he often stays in the suitcase these days i'm pretty sure he will be going off to college with her. And that's okay.
12/8/2010 02:19:19 PM Report Abuse