Baby's need for Security Objects

Babies always yearn for security and love. This tendency is more seen while sleeping. Babies tend to get attached to a toy or an object and this may become a habit. Read on to know more about this. In this articleMy baby wont sleep without her teddy bearShould I be worried if my child is obsessed with the security object?What experts and researches have to say about the security objects?Previous notions about security objectsThe common parental concerns about security objectsMy baby wont sleep without her teddy bearWhen babies are about nine weeks old, they sometimes develop an attachment for certain objects like a teddy bear or a blanket, or develop a habit like sucking their thumb or pulling an ear before going to sleep. Habits like these were discouraged in earlier times. Parents felt that attachment to security objects as a crutch to help babies sleep was unhealthy. Today the trend is not to prevent your babies from becoming attached to security objects. This change in attitude is based on a belief that habits like this are the babys way of learning to cope without you and helps them to become self-reliant.Should I be worried if my child is obsessed with the security object?However, if your baby is clinging to her security object all the time, even when you are around, it may be a sign that you are not fulfilling her need for love and comfort, forcing her to seek it elsewhere.What experts and researches have to say about the security objects?The security objects are also known as transitional objects that act as soothers for babies. These transitional objects help your growing baby to transition from dependence to independence. Researchers found that in most cases babies developed attachment towards pacifiers during initial months. Thereafter, the attachments develop towards things like blankets. The level of attachment tends to reduce from the 39th week and diminishes gradually. Some other objects that babies and infants are commonly attached to are soft toys, cloth diapers, clothing or anything from which they seek pleasure and security.Previous notions about security objectsBack in the 1940s attachment towards any object was treated as a sign of unhealthy relation between the mother and child. However, with time this mindset changed and researchers call it a way babies find pleasure and soothe themselves. However, some still live with the stigma and tend to snatch the pacifier or soother away from the baby.Research findings suggest this only make the children more anxious and they suffer from some kind of insecurity. Studies conducted in 2004 suggested there is no point in taking away the security object from the babies. Those attached to a particular object neither appeared maladjusted or insecure in a social setting.While there are plenty of theories available on this, some support the practice while others do not. Childs attachment to a particular object has been related to plenty of factors and it has been found children use those security objects in different stressful situations.It is however a universal phenomenon and is not related to any specific culture. In the United States it has been estimated around 60% of children are attached to soft toys and around 32% of them show a strong attachment. While only 31% of Korean children are known to be attached to their security object. In the US, attachment towards security objects is considered normal. In fact these objects are said to be beneficial for a child. These can be used to soothe a child in absence of either of the parents. Even day-care centres are known to occasionally forbid use of such objects to reduce unnecessary stress from the child.The common parental concerns about security objectsIt is normal for parents to feel frustrated because of the babys too much dependence on the security object. Also, the child tends to get extremely disturbed when the object is lost or misplaced. So, if you are thinking of making it a habit for her to do away without it, you can discuss possibilities with the doctor. Make sure it is causing too much anxiety for her.Parents also worry about the security objects getting dirty and spreading germs. In case of pacifiers, parents tend to worry about dental deformations or other undesirable results.You need to keep in mind that such attachments are normal and your child shall outgrow such habits with time. Your child shall get busier in her life and probably develop new habits and attachments. However, in case you feel concerned, it is a good idea to share your thoughts with your doctor. You can also seek help from elders at home.