Comfort

Did you ever have a special stuffed animal or blanket that you loved while you were growing up?  Do you still have it?  I can answer yes to both of those questions!  My special love blanket (my blankie) is folded in a cedar chest but it still brings warm fuzzy feelings when I see it.

His favorite pink poodle 

I think all children benefit by having something special to hold onto when they go to bed, or when they are stressed or in unfamiliar places or situations.  There is something magical about the feel and smell (although I hope it gets washed occasionally!) of a loved blanket or doll or stuffed animal or whatever brings your baby or child comfort.  It's like having an old friend to snuggle up with.  Usually babies show a preference for a certain blanket or animal at an early age.  Use that to your advantage.  Bring it with you when you take baby out in the car.  Tuck that special blanket around her when you put her down for her nap.  When you have to leave her with a babysitter, she will have something to reassure her that she's not alone.

One of my daughters had a stuffed brown pig that she loved and carried around everywhere.  She got into the habit of picking the fur off the poor thing until it was totally bald (that took a few years).  Such an ugly creature by that time but still well loved!  I recently found it packed away in a trunk and gave it to her.  She is now a grown married woman but acted like a little girl again, finding a long lost friend.  :)