Why security blankets help?
If a baby has grown attached to a blanket or soft toy, it is likely that they will have improved sleep patterns. I have seen an improvement in Axl's overall sleeping routine, he seems to sleep for longer periods of time whereas before, he would wake often and his sleep was easily interrupted by the growl of a dog or his dad sneezing. Nowadays, he still wakes up, but instead of crying aloud he clenches his taglet tightly in his hand, begins sucking his dummy and nods off back to sleep. I have been able to leave him in his cot for up to 6 hours at a time, he may stir awake every now and then but as long as he has his dummy in his mouth, and the comfort of his taggy, he is fine. I also find that he is more comfortable in other people's arms or being away from me, if he has his small comforts with him.
How to introduce a security blanket or toy
Axl has had a dummy since the day he left hospital. I decided that I would much rather have him stuck to a dummy, which could be tossed or buried, than have him sucking his thumb, which can't exactly be chopped off. He doesn't suck his dummy unless he is in and out of sleep or agitated, and ready to go to bed. When I started seeing his little hands itching for something to hold into, I started by giving him receiver blankets, followed by a soft toy and finally settling on a taggy. I introduced it by putting it in his hands, every time that he fed or was about to fall asleep. I noticed how he would play with the material between his fingers, rub it together and wrap the tags around - so figured he liked that one. Also, even when he wasn't clinging onto it, I would keep it nearby, in bed with us, so that it would smell of me and him. I would suggest introducing a comfort that is easy to duplicate - so no exotic materials from other countries, or blankets that great-granny Dee knitted. Reason being is there are going to be days that blankie will be misplaced or needs a wash, and on those days - it is best to have a spare. Be sure to keep this spare looking, smelling and feeling the same. So don't pack it away to remain looking new, alternate so that they are in the same condition. Kids are sensitive and in touch with all 5 senses.
Blankie is for sleeping
Don't make the mistake of allowing their comfort to be carted all over the house - and outside the house. Blankie is merely there to provide comfort so bring it out when it is time for a nap or bedtime, when they are going into a new environment like a playschool or when they may need that extra comfort like a flight or a visit to the doctor's room. Pretty soon, the blankie will be associated with sleeping and when they get to hold it, they will feel that familiar comfort and fall asleep easily. If they wake, they will first try soothing themselves by smelling, touching and even sucking on their blankie before crying out.
Axl's Blankie and Comforts
Dummy
Axl always has a dummy attached to a dummy chain. This is for the moments that he seems irritated or when he first shows signs of becoming tired. He was originally a Tommee Tippee baby, but I noticed after 3 weeks, that he wasn't sucking on the dummy for all that long. I decided to give NUK a try and haven't looked back, since. He loves his NUK dummies and I think that they are pretty cool too. NUK offer a wide variety of designs that appeal to both boys and girls of all ages. Their prices aren't that bad and overall - I am quite happy with their products and am looking at trying out more of their range.
Taglet
These days it seems that every single toy, blanket and towel comes with some sort of 'taggy' for babies who find comfort in tags. I didn't think that it could be all that effective, but boy was I wrong! Axl is gaga about the Baby Sense Taglet and quite frankly so am I. (Secretly, I am gaga about anything that means that I may get an extra hour of sleep) But seriously, the white material is super soft and cuddly, one side it is smooth and like a cotton t-shirt while the other is soft like a fleecy blanket, with little bumps for extra texture. The trimming has taggies that are firmly placed so no matter how hard your little one tugs at them, they stay in tact. (I purchased a cheap replica from Mr Price Home, and after 2 days, half of the taggies were ruined and the other half were missing.) The Baby Sense Taggy is really the best quality, is a good size to be conveniently carried around, easy to grip in the smallest of hands and big enough to not misplace everywhere. Axl likes to hold his over or near his face when he sleeps, I find that it is best to put him on his side, so that both hands can comfortably hold the taggy. If I do find the need to swaddle him, I ensure that his hands are out, so that he is still able to hold it.Mom's Amber Necklace
Since Axl was born, we have both been wearing our amber necklaces that the team from Kaboutjie were so kind to send. I decided to replace my silver chain with the amber necklace as Axl has a tendency to pull on everything, and the amber beads are a lot more secure than any silver chain. I have noticed that in times that he is over-tired or very upset (like after a vaccine) his hands go in search for my necklace. He has even left scratch marks during one of his pursuits to grab hold of my necklace. I have learnt that in times like these, it is best to wrap him up and hold him against my chest, so that he can reach the amber necklace. He runs his little fingers over the beads and gently tugs every now and then, to check that I am still there. In my mind, I believe that he does this as he knows mom wears this necklace, so if he can feel it - I must be near. I am considering ordering another adult sized necklace so that I can join them and make it longer, so that when I am cradling him, he can reach it more easily.
What are your baby's comforts? Do they have a special teddy or blankie?
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