How I Helped Calm My Children (6 months to 1 year)

Do You Know Transition Objects?

The term “transition object” was coined by pediatrician and psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott. According to his theory, at the beginning of a baby’s life, the baby believes that they and their mother are the same person. As the baby grows, they discover their own individuality and realize that mom can’t always be with them. This is when a transition object can be introduced to help soothe the baby and support them in moments such as sleeping alone or on their first day of school.

What is a Transition Object?

A transition object is something the child becomes attached to, providing comfort during the process of moving from complete dependence to relative independence. This object can be a stuffed animal, blanket, pillow, or something else. You can start introducing a transition object at around 6 months of age.

Some tips for choosing a transition object:

• Opt for something small and soft to avoid safety hazards such as suffocation.
• Make sure it’s cozy and comforting, helping the baby feel secure.

How to Use a Transition Object

Start by using the transition object at bedtime:

1. Put your baby to sleep in their crib with only the blanket or object.
2. Gently caress the blanket on their face until they are nearly asleep (not fully) to help them learn to fall asleep on their own.

This routine can help the child feel more secure when mom isn’t around. In my experience with my two children, they started sleeping alone in their crib from 6 months of age, and the transition process was faster thanks to the comfort of their blanket.

Tip: Stick to the same type of blanket or object if possible. I recommend buying multiple identical ones to ensure consistency.

Transitioning Away from the Object

By the time the child turns two years old, you can gradually start removing the transition object, allowing them to learn how to self-soothe and sleep independently. Children often begin to leave the object behind on their own as they grow.

This method helped both me and my baby, as it allowed my child to feel secure even when I wasn’t immediately present. It’s an essential lesson for babies: understanding that mom is always there, even if she can’t always be with them right away.

Final Thoughts

Moms with babies under one year old need support, love, and self-care. Don’t forget to pamper yourself too, mommy. You matter just as much as your baby!

With love,
Diana

Reference: https://medium.com/teor%C3%ADas-y-sistemas-psicoterap%C3%A9uticos-2018-1/winnicott-principales-aportes-9058794ea743