Your Child’s Attachment To Their Cuddly/Blanky Explained
Cuddly, snuggly, blanky – whatever you call it, it is incredibly common for young children to
become attached to certain objects.
These tend to develop into objects that become an ingrained part of their day. Suddenly,
nap or sleep time turns into an absolute nightmare without that cuddly there!
The attachment tends to start before their first birthday and is most prominent through
their second year of life.
But why do they insist on dragging a battered and shabby old cloth or toy around?!
And, is it healthy for them to do so?
Below are some key reasons why young children become attached to their cuddly or blanky.
We will also look at whether you have anything to worry about when they do become
attached.
Let' dive in…
Why Do They Get Attached To A Cuddly Or Blanky?
Support And Comfort
You might hear cuddlies referred to as security blankets. They are called this as the security
objects provide a little one with emotional support. They are a familiar and comforting item
that helps them to feel safe when they are afraid or feeling sick, or when they are away from
their parents.
They are also helpful as a tool for learning to self-soothe at night. When they wake alone in
their cot, the comfort item is familiar and comforting, so can help them drop back off to
sleep without needing a parent there.
Independence
A cuddly or blanky actually helps a child to become more independent as they grow and
explore the world around them. This is why they are referred to as a “transitional object”.
They are a physical reminder of safety and comfort, which helps a child to feel secure
enough to learn and explore on their own.
Weaning
Some parents might find that the adoption of a cuddly happens around the same time as
weaning. This could be because the child is using the object to cope with a significant change
in their routine. It could become a new comfort in your child’s life that momentarily replaces
the comfort of feeding.
Dependability
Kids love their cuddlies because they are always there! As long as we’ve remembered where
we put it… of course!
Soft toys, blankys, and cloths aren’t going to get snapped in half or have pieces fall off as
other toys might. They also don’t take up too much space in the nappy bag. The great thing
is, if they do get a rip or a tear, they can be stitched up and be good as new in no time.
Cuddly Tips For parents
Have a spare – it certainly helps to introduce a cuddly that has many twins. Or using
something like a muslin cloth that could easily be swapped out or replaced with a new one
without causing fuss. They will get lost or need to go through the wash at some point, so
having a substitute is good.
Luckily we have the perfect option for this! Check out the Gobstopperz range if you are in
the market for a new cuddly or two!
Keep it clean – a beloved blanky eventually becomes a bit too caked in dirt, old food and
drool, so will need a trip to the washing machine. This is where a spare comes in handy. You
can also use it as a chance to involve your child in blanky-washing day so they learn to be
okay with it.
Set some rules – you might want to put some rules in place about when and where a cuddly
can come along. At home and in the car is fine, but maybe not on the playground or in the
supermarket. That way there is less chance of it going missing, too.
But, the big question on everyone's lips is probably, is it healthy to have an attachment to a
cuddly item? The answer is...
Don’t worry – They won’t be trying to take binky along on their first day of high school.
Transitional objects are a completely normal part of growing up and your child will move on
from it in their own time (often between ages 3 and 4).
Cuddlies can be a great comfort to your little ones as they grow, so why not get a multi-
purpose one? Our Gobstopperz range is made of super soft minky fabric, so perfect for
snuggling up with. But then you also have the features of attaching a soother, attaching it to
numerous items, and wrapping things up inside for safe keeping.
Shop the range now, we always have heaps of new patterns… and your old favourites!
Cuddly, snuggly, blanky – whatever you call it, it is incredibly common for young children to
become attached to certain objects.
These tend to develop into objects that become an ingrained part of their day. Suddenly,
nap or sleep time turns into an absolute nightmare without that cuddly there!
The attachment tends to start before their first birthday and is most prominent through
their second year of life.
But why do they insist on dragging a battered and shabby old cloth or toy around?!
And, is it healthy for them to do so?
Below are some key reasons why young children become attached to their cuddly or blanky.
We will also look at whether you have anything to worry about when they do become
attached.
Let' dive in…
Why Do They Get Attached To A Cuddly Or Blanky?
Support And Comfort
You might hear cuddlies referred to as security blankets. They are called this as the security
objects provide a little one with emotional support. They are a familiar and comforting item
that helps them to feel safe when they are afraid or feeling sick, or when they are away from
their parents.
They are also helpful as a tool for learning to self-soothe at night. When they wake alone in
their cot, the comfort item is familiar and comforting, so can help them drop back off to
sleep without needing a parent there.
Independence
A cuddly or blanky actually helps a child to become more independent as they grow and
explore the world around them. This is why they are referred to as a “transitional object”.
They are a physical reminder of safety and comfort, which helps a child to feel secure
enough to learn and explore on their own.
Weaning
Some parents might find that the adoption of a cuddly happens around the same time as
weaning. This could be because the child is using the object to cope with a significant change
in their routine. It could become a new comfort in your child’s life that momentarily replaces
the comfort of feeding.
Dependability
Kids love their cuddlies because they are always there! As long as we’ve remembered where
we put it… of course!
Soft toys, blankys, and cloths aren’t going to get snapped in half or have pieces fall off as
other toys might. They also don’t take up too much space in the nappy bag. The great thing
is, if they do get a rip or a tear, they can be stitched up and be good as new in no time.
Cuddly Tips For parents
Have a spare – it certainly helps to introduce a cuddly that has many twins. Or using
something like a muslin cloth that could easily be swapped out or replaced with a new one
without causing fuss. They will get lost or need to go through the wash at some point, so
having a substitute is good.
Luckily we have the perfect option for this! Check out the Gobstopperz range if you are in
the market for a new cuddly or two!
Keep it clean – a beloved blanky eventually becomes a bit too caked in dirt, old food and
drool, so will need a trip to the washing machine. This is where a spare comes in handy. You
can also use it as a chance to involve your child in blanky-washing day so they learn to be
okay with it.
Set some rules – you might want to put some rules in place about when and where a cuddly
can come along. At home and in the car is fine, but maybe not on the playground or in the
supermarket. That way there is less chance of it going missing, too.
But, the big question on everyone's lips is probably, is it healthy to have an attachment to a
cuddly item? The answer is...
Don’t worry – They won’t be trying to take binky along on their first day of high school.
Transitional objects are a completely normal part of growing up and your child will move on
from it in their own time (often between ages 3 and 4).
Cuddlies can be a great comfort to your little ones as they grow, so why not get a multi-
purpose one? Our Gobstopperz range is made of super soft minky fabric, so perfect for
snuggling up with. But then you also have the features of attaching a soother, attaching it to
numerous items, and wrapping things up inside for safe keeping.
Shop the range now, we always have heaps of new patterns… and your old favourites!