He has been doing it since he was about 8 months old. He takes his favorite blankie and twists it to a point and sucks on it to go to sleep. I hate this habit! That darn blanket stinks! I could wash it a million times and it still smells like spit! hahaha! Is this just a way to pacify himself? Should I be worried about his teeth? Will he grow out if it or will I have to take beloved blankie away?
2007-03-21 12:08:21 · 11 answers · asked by I <3 my boys 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
It's a way to pacify himself. Just like a pacifier or thumb sucking would be. The biggest danger of course is stuff growing in the blanket.
Rather than just taking it away cold turkey, I suggest gradually replacing it with another lovey. Present something like a stuffed animal at the same time as the blanket and try to get him to hold onto it as he falls asleep. Eventually, he'll accept either item to soothe himself, htough hopefully he won't start putting the stuffed animal in his mouth as well.
I wouldn't be too overly concerned with his teeth at this point. Unlike a pacifier or his thumb, the blanket will more readily conform around the things in his mouth. And if he's only doing it when he falls asleep its very little time he's probably actively sucking.
P.S. My son's ritual is to "smell" his blanket. He uses one hand to hold it right under his nose while he's falling asleep.
2007-03-21 12:16:39 · answer #1 · answered by Heather Y 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I would lose the blankie... if that is too harsh, try putting something bitter (like vinegar) or hot (like Tabasco) along the edge. It will become a voluntary "doing away with the blankie" then.
2007-03-21 12:16:12 · answer #2 · answered by Conqi 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its a comfort thing. I wouldn't worry about his teeth - as he grows older he will stop doing it on his own. He may stay attached to the blanket, but in a different way. I've seen it all with my kids. My oldest son had a little stuffed elephant that he sucked on its paw through his toddlerhood - he's 6 now, its so worn, but he still likes to sleep with it - doesn't suck on it anymore. My second son has a teddy bear that I can't even wash because he'll have tantrums for weeks afterwards. He drags it everywhere. My daughter who is two has a blanket - she has the weird ritual with it... it has a tag on it, and she has to continually stick it in her ears until she falls asleep! That corner is NASTY, trust me!
The lovies at bedtime have their advantage though - my kids will sleep anywhere as long as they have their security item. So don't worry about it! :)
2007-03-21 12:16:01 · answer #3 · answered by Mom 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
His blanket is his security and he NEEDS it. Yes, you could take it away, but why. It is his beloved blanket and he isn't going to be dragging it to school. I think my rule would be that blankie has to stay in bed, not to go outside. Eventually he will outgrow it and get another habit. Welcome to motherhood! Don't worry about it, he will give you REAL things to worry about later, enjoy him now! From a Mom with grown kids.
2007-03-21 12:14:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I would not worry at all. It will not affect his teeth it is a soft blanket. It is his secruity and he will grow out of it in time. I have a friend whose baby sucks on the tag of the blanket.
If he is sleeping good and it soothes him let him go. My oldest had his blanket till he was 5 and then he just let it go.
2007-03-21 12:31:38 · answer #5 · answered by schell_75 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It sounds like he's doing this to feel secure and calm. It's like a kid who sucks on his thumb, it makes them feel comfortable and calmed. Taking it away may be a bad idea if he's attached to it, and thus will contribute to sleepless nights and a lot of crying. He should grow out of it eventually. You may hate the habit, but I can assure you that you will probably hate the screaming if you take it away even more.
2007-03-21 12:18:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anuolf 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
How old is your son now? My little one did this until he was about 2... after that he just kind of grew out of it.
2007-03-21 12:11:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
DEAR
NO IT IS NOT A THING YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU DO THAT THEN TEACH HIM TO SUCK HIS THUMB OK TEETH CAN BE FIXED UP LATTER IN HIS LITTLE LIFE
TAKE CARE
2007-03-21 18:20:30 · answer #8 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
he should grow out of it, but try and take it away from time to time.
2007-03-21 12:11:54 · answer #9 · answered by Your_Star 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
no it's one of the steps to become Pete Townshend
2007-03-21 12:12:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋