 | This article's lead section may be too short to adequately summarize the key points. (September 2022) |
A comfort object, more formally a transitional object or attachment object,[1][2] is an item used to provide psychological comfort, especially in unusual or unique situations, or at bedtime for children. Among toddlers, a comfort object often takes the form of a blanket (called a security blanket) or a stuffed animal, doll or other toy, and may be referred to by a nickname such as blankie.
Comfort objects are said to enable children to gain independence and research indicates that these objects have positive effects on children by reducing anxiety in later life.[3]
- ^ "The origins and development of attachment object behavior". 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
- ^ "Providing Attachment Objects to Facilitate Learning and Reduce Distress: Effects of Mothers and Security Blankets". 1977. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
- ^ Zion.Tankard (6 February 2019). "Comfort Objects and Attachment Parenting". La Leche League International. Retrieved 5 June 2023.