Comforters can actually form a really important attachment in your child’s life. While it is a pain to wrestle them away to wash (but cute to see your little one hang out by the dryer in anticipation of having snuggly back in their arms), and they can start to look more ratty than comforting, they work very well.
It is not just the toddler and preschool years that a comfort blanket can provide support for the child when you are not there. They can also help teach your baby to self settle and resettle over night.
Let’s look at how…
Are Comfort Blankets Really Magical?
They can be seen as a bit of a magical object because they have the power to help your baby settle themselves at bedtime, and resettle themselves during sleep cycles over night.
How Does It Work?
Choose a product like the Cuski comforter, it's fully breathable making it safe to use and perfect in size for little hands to grab onto and easily locate in the cot. It is also made from a highly absorbent soft fabric. This unique fabric helps trap all your amazing comforting mummy smells.
Top tip:
Pop the comforter down your top about an hour before your baby is due to have a nap. If you are breastfeeding, try placing it inside your bra to capture your familiar milky smell. Then when it comes to nap time, simply remove it from your top and place it next to your baby's face. Not only will it be warm and cosy from being against your skin, it will bear your intoxicating smell. By placing it close to your baby it's more likely to encourage attachment and your baby will instantly recognise your smell. After about two weeks your baby should start to recongnise the comforter as a cue for sleep. Don't forget to buy two just in case you lose one and make sure you alternate their use to get even wear and smell.
What If My Baby Is Too Young?
Not all comforters are suitable from birth so check first if it's made from a breathable fabric and is age appropriate. If your baby is too young for the particular comforter you have chosen then you can use this time to prepare it. Try sleeping with the comforter at night for a few weeks to trap your comforting smells onto it. Plus, every time you feed your baby, tuck it in between you and baby so they get used to the feel and smell of the fabric and associate it with the pleasurable experience that feeding brings.
When to introduce a comforter?
The best time to introduce a comforter is when you are trying to gently establish a settling routine. As you settle your baby to sleep, tuck the comfort blanket next to them so they learn to fall asleep with it and associate it as part of their sleep routine. Once your baby is firmly attached to their comforter they are far more likely to fall asleep independently and rely less on parental support.
Top Tip: Dummies And Comfort Blankets
If your baby is using a dummy, from 6 months onwards, you can tie the dummy to their comfort blanket. That way if they fall asleep with their dummy and it falls out in the night, they can easily locate it. This will stop you having to get up multiple times in the night to put your baby’s dummy back in.
When Is The Perfect Time To Introduce One?
The perfect time to introduce a comfort blanket is around 4 months when your baby is transitioning out of a swaddle and into a sleep sack. Their hands will be free so it gives them the perfect chance to snuggle up to the blanket and form a firm attachment. Check out my amazing video for top tips on introducing one.
If your child is having trouble settling despite having a comforter, there might be other factors at play. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me for a quick chat. Everyone deserves a good night's sleep, including little ones and their parents!
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