How do I introduce a comforter?

[LauraElizabeth92]

At what age can I start introducing a comforter (soft toy, blanket, muslin, etc) and what's the best way to do it?

[PotteringAlong]

Why do you want to? If they don't have one and don't need it then don't bother forcing it - you will save yourself the trouble of removing it later!

[budgiegirl]

I wouldn't try to introduce one. My eldest DS didn't have one at all, my middle DS and youngest DD both had comforters from about 14-18 months, but it developed naturally.

It causes all sorts of worries and headaches, especially when they've lost them - my youngest forgot to bring her comforter when we went camping and it caused a week of worry and tears before we were able to confirm that her toy was sitting safely on the sofa at home!

Not all children need one, and I wouldn't force the issue

[Cakescakescakes]

For us ha if one was crucial to stopping night feeds, self settling etc and I started to introduce one about 6 months old. A small stuffed toy and I bought 3 of the same one as back up! I just tucked it in beside them in the car seat etc and in their bed and eventually they began to get attached to it. Was really useful to take to granny's etc if I wasn't there as a familiar object.

[Gillian1980]

Dd just kind of developed one for herself. She started looking for a muslin to snuggle at nap and bed time. We neither encouraged nor discouraged it.

[ODog]

I disagree with pp.

I really think it helps babies settle away from you. Either in their own cots if cosleeping (this was the case for me) or when they start nursery or just when they need something and you aren't/can't be there for whatever reason.

I used a muslin for both of mine. Used it against my chest while I fed and once they were old enough to start fiddling I let them play with it as they drifted off to sleep. They are easily replaceable, easily transported and easy to wash.