Why are some children so attached to their cuddly toy?

“Doudou,” this unique being embodied by a plush toy, a bib, or a piece of fabric, has become more than just a toddler's confidant; it's a new, full-fledged member of the family. This new episode of the “Tell Me” series explains why it's so essential.

Why was this situation filmed?

Eight-month-old Inaya has only been attending daycare for a few days and is showing difficulty separating from her mother. This episode helps to better understand why some children become so attached to an object (a comfort blanket, pacifier, or stuffed animal).

Tell me… why are some children so attached to their cuddly toy?

When Inaya clutches her cuddly toy and sucks on her pacifier, she finds comfort and her crying gradually subsides. Faced with a new situation or a new person, some children feel insecure. The comfort blanket, pacifier or stuffed animal, called a transitional object, It reassures the child and becomes a point of reference, reminding her of her parents and their comforting world. However, the comfort of this object does not replace the warm touch of an adult: this is why the early childhood professional speaks softly to Inaya and holds her close. Under the watchful eye of the professionals, Inaya can comfort herself. By paying attention to the child, the adult can see when they cling to their comfort object. This can be a good indicator of whether the child needs reassurance, especially when they cling to their comfort object even when they are not crying. As a child learns more words to express their sadness and feels more confident, they will gradually abandon their comfort object. However, during significant changes, such as moving house or a separation, they may feel the need to reconnect with their comfort object.

How to support the child?

• Leave the cuddly toy within the child's reach and suggest that they go and get it when they experience intense emotions; ;
  
• Observe the child to identify moments of difficulty where the transitional object will be essential; ;
  
• The transitional object is important during times of stress for the child, otherwise it may remain secondary; ;
  
• Screens are not considered cuddly toys.
  

Our articles on the same topic

• The importance of a comfort object for young children, especially around 8 months old
  
• The role of the comfort object in a child's development