She stands facing the big wide world in front of her. Even though she's small she has no fear as long as she can clutch her little blue blanket in her hands as she takes her first steps towards new adventures.

My daughter and her security blanket at the park.

Security Objects Are An Important Part of Child Development

I really love and appreciate that my daughter has a security blanket. As a parent, this little blue blanket is a wonderful tool to help me and my daughter as she takes new steps out into the world. Whenever we go someplace new, go to doctors appointments, or meet someone new, as long as my daughter has her blanket she handles unfamiliar experiences extremely well. Without that blanket she would be crying and clutching onto me for dear life.

A security blanket defined:

"A comfort object, transitional object, or security blanket is an item used to provide psychological comfort, especially in unusual or unique situations, or at bedtime for children. Among toddlers, comfort objects may take the form of a blanket, a stuffed animal, or a favorite toy, and may be referred to by nicknames." source

According to research, when babies are first born they see themselves and their mothers as one entity. They perceive their mothers and themselves as being the same because mothers respond to infant needs to make them feel happy and satisfied. As babies get older, they grow aware they are separate from their mothers and develop fears and insecurities from being separated from the person who provides for their needs and protects them. source

It's when children learn they and their mothers are separate that babies often develop attachments to objects that make them feel secure like blankets or stuffed animals. By holding and cuddling a security object, babies feel similar sensations of safety and happiness they feel when they are being held by their mothers. Young children seek out feelings of security using blankets or toys to calm fears and anxieties they feel when separated from their mothers. source

Even Adults Need Comfort Objects

According to studies, the need for comfort objects sometimes carries over into adulthood. Adults can develop attachments to objects that give them feelings of pleasure or comfort.

When adults develop attachments to comforting objects it is called "essentialism."

Essentialism is when people develop significant attachments to specific objects. For young children, they may be attached to specific blankets or stuffed animals. No blanket or stuffed animal will give them comfort and feelings of happiness other than the one they have become attached to. This same situation can develop in adulthood. We can become attached to favorite shirts, jewelry, blankets, or objects in our homes. As long as there is a deep significant meaning attached to something, adults can find comfort in having an object around. If a comfort object is lost or broken it is irreplaceable for both children and adults. source

In my experience as a parent, my daughter having a security blanket makes my life as a mother easier. My daughter grabs her blanket and feels safe to go and play on her own around the house. When she was first born, she was always in my arms. It is a relief to finally have her old enough that she and I can be separate entities and she feels safe enough to play on her own.

When we go to the park she has her blanket in hand and is ready to play immediately. At times we go new places, if she doesn't have her blanket, she goes through a longer transition period. She will hold onto me tightly and I will have to hold her in my arms to make her feel safe. She won't want to get down from my arms at all and will cry more frequently and will whine. It might take her 30 minutes or an hour to feel comfortable to walk around on her own. Sometimes in new situations without her blanket she will never feel secure enough to play on her own.

The security blanket is magic. When she has her blanket she doesn't need a transition period in my arms. As soon as we arrive someplace new she will hold her blanket, wiggle to get down on the floor to walk, and then will take off with her blanket dragging the floor. It's amazing how much braver my now 18 month old feels when she has that simple blue blanket.

Even as an adult I find I do feel comforted by specific objects. My pillowcases for example are the same pillowcases I used when I was a kid when I was little and slept in my mom's bed because I was afraid of the dark. I have one pillow with that pillowcase I wrap my arms around and hug at night. I can't fall asleep without it and it makes me feel happy. The pillowcases are a super soft fabric and comforting to snuggle into. I went through a period of checking ebay to find my same exact pillow cases from a bedding set my mom bought back in the 1970s. I somehow managed to find the same exact set a few times and have enough of the same pillow cases and sheets to have this specific pillow case fabric to last me my entire life.

Sometimes we all need a little comfort to deal with life. When need comfort as babies and we need comfort as adults. Even though children and adults may find security in different sources, the feelings of happiness and safety are very similar and help us cope with fears and insecurities.

Photo credit: property of @marxrab. Pics are of today's trip to the park.

Does your child have a security object? Do you have an adult security object?

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