Catastrophe, babykins has lost their comforter!

And of course, they can't do without it, otherwise the day is likely to be complicated for everyone... But why is this comforter so important for baby? Is it really difficult for them to do without it? We tell you all about the role of the comforter in baby's daily life.

The comforter is a valuable aid for the child at all times of the day; day and night. They really take it everywhere, to bed, at home, to the nanny's or daycare, for car trips or on vacation... In short, the comforter never leaves baby.

But what is a comforter really for?

1/ A true relay

The comforter is above all a RELAY between parents and baby. When baby is separated from mom and dad, at bedtime, or to go to daycare or the nanny's, it reassures your newborn and tells them "I'm with you, my baby" through their comforter(s).

The comforter reassures your child when they are sad or angry; it becomes your child's "emotion sponge." But beware!!! Even if the comforter is very important, it should not replace a parent's comfort. Indeed, the comforter should not be made into a "fetish," a magic wand, that would make its little owner dependent, but it is strongly advised to accompany your child and not systematically give them their comforter.

2/ A true confidant

As your child grows, the role of the comforter evolves with them. It often becomes THE confidant and playmate. The comforter allows them to awaken, to develop their imagination, to tell it their emotions; to reproduce scenes from daily life and many other games.

Many children also need their comforter to get through their tantrums and frustrations, which are numerous in their daily learning. The comforter is then an important tool for managing emotions; it helps to release and soothe them.

>> In summary, the comforter is important for your child daily; it reassures them and also helps them to awaken. However, it is not a miracle object and you should always accompany your child and offer them their comforter when they truly feel the need for it.

3 / How to choose a comforter?

Like many parents, you received several comforters when your baby was born? Of all shapes, sizes and patterns... So how do you choose the right one?

Don't panic, in reality, it's not YOU who will choose it; but your child. As soon as they are born, present the different comforters to your newborn; they will choose their favorite themselves!

A comforter isn't necessarily a plush toy!

A comforter is, by definition, an object that a child appropriates. As a result, they may also become attached to a cushion, a swaddle, your favorite t-shirt... Not always aesthetically pleasing, but respecting their choice is important.

In general, they will like items that are easy to grasp, such as rings or knots. Textures are just as important in their choice: double gauze, velvet or super soft terrycloth are often popular with little ones.

The comforter is a nest for bacteria!

Of course, you have to let your children build up their antibodies, but it is recommended to wash the comforter once a week to reduce contact with bacteria. Let's not forget that baby regularly nests it on their face; in contact with the sensitive ENT area.

As soon as your child has chosen THEIR comforter, double or even triple it to cope with any forgotten or lost items or simply to have a machine rotation! Your child will notice the change of comforter less if all their comforters are washed, and therefore "worn" together.

Your child may also choose 2 or even 3 different comforters, which can complicate your task a little... In this case, you can explain that this comforter is for bed, and this one for the nanny, and this other one for playing during the day.

4/ How long do we keep a comforter?

There is no age to part with one's comforter(s). Kindergartens accept comforters for nap time, during the first year, to give your child time to get used to the school environment and their little friends, to whom they will naturally turn and gradually leave their comforter for the evening. You can encourage your child to gently let go of their comforter, but it is important to respect their rhythm.

Adolescents and even adults may also need their comforter regularly. There is nothing wrong with this, and it is even quite common. The comforter retains its reassuring and comforting role, whether you sleep alone or not ^^.

>> In summary, the comforter allows your baby to maintain an emotional connection with you. It grows with your child to become their confidant and allows them to manage their emotions and thus be prepared for community life.

To find out more:

- The comforter: its role as a transitional object

- Winnicott's theory on the benefits of the comforter for children