Transitional Objects

Transitional objects are usually soft toys. They are chosen to help a child cope with separation from the parents, situations which may be unfamiliar and to provide a level of reassurance. Some children become very attached to a soft toy that has been with them since they were babes in arms.

Sometimes these objects are chosen by the parents and sometimes they are chosen by the child. Some children never need a "transition object", they have enough confidence to master any social situation without recourse to a soft toy that reassures them with it's presence.

Transition objects should be small and washable, but do remember that it is not just the shape and form of the object, the texture and the smell of the object also matter.

For this reason some children may reject the object of their affection immediately after it has been washed. Parents are concerned that the toy is dirty, smelly and sticky, the child is unperturbed. Certainly for reasons of infection prevention, and basic hyigene it is important to be able to clean the toy.

These much loved toys travel with the child and can help in settling a child to sleep.

These toys are important for a particular stage in a child's life. They will grow out of their attachment, but, while it lasts, having a particular cuddly toy is very important and can be a positive support to a less confident child.