If you've ever searched 'how to get my baby to sleep' at 3am, you're not alone. Sleep is the great unifier of parenthood: every family struggles with it at some point.
And while there's no single solution (sorry), research consistently points to one tool that helps: the transitional object.
What Is a Transitional Object?
Coined by paediatrician Donald Winnicott in the 1950s, a transitional object is something a baby uses to self-soothe during the separation from their primary caregiver — typically at sleep time. It's a bridge between the comfort of being held and the independence of sleeping alone.
In practical terms, it's a comforter.
What the Research Shows
Studies have found that children with a consistent transitional object tend to settle more quickly at bedtime and resettle faster after night waking. The object becomes a sleep cue — its presence signals that it's time to rest, even when the environment changes (travel, daycare, grandparents' house).
When to Introduce
Most experts suggest between three and six months. Hold the comforter during feeds so it absorbs your scent. Then place it in the cot during sleep. The association builds over days and weeks. Be patient and consistent.
Safety Considerations
Use a lightweight, breathable comforter with no detachable parts. Our cotton muslin comforters are designed exactly for this purpose — they're flat enough to not pose a suffocation risk, breathable, and free of buttons, eyes, or loose threads.
Comforter Dependence: A Problem?
Not really. Children naturally outgrow their comforter attachment, typically between ages three and five. In the meantime, the comforter provides genuine emotional support. That's not dependence — that's healthy coping.
Find the right comforter for your baby at Sommerfugl Kids.
