Many children develop attachments to blankets, stuffed toys, pacifiers, etc. While there are different theories involved in the reasons why, one misconception is that a child’s attachment to one of these items is an emotional sign of insecurity and fear. In fact, studies have shown that a child who uses a blanket or other item as a source of security are more apt to adjust to a stressful situation. Research indicates no long-term effects occur from a child’s attachment to a security blanket.

An attachment with a blanket enables the child to feel stable in an environment that may be unsettled. A blanket has been proven especially helpful when a child is going through a new situation and needs to have something familiar nearby. Blanket attachment is very common, and usually does not develop until a child reaches the age of twelve months. By the age of 18 months, it has been estimated that 60-70% of all children have a mild to strong attachment to some type of soft object, whether it is a blanket or cuddly toy.

If a child develops a need for a security blanket, regular washing is essential to keep it free from any possible germs that can cause illness. It may be a good idea to keep the blanket at home if the child attends a daycare. Parents should not get overly worried if their child becomes attached to a special blanket or soft toy. Let the child enjoy the security or comfort they receive from this need. The need for this security attachment is common until the age of about three years old, gradually disappearing around the age of four years old, as the child completely outgrows it.