Blanket Weening

My 4 year old son had a blanket that he carried everywhere. It was so dirty I bought 4 identical ones so I could wash them. I started only letting him have it at home, then only when he was in bed. If he grabbed it during the day I told him had to go lay in bed. That really worked. He was 3 1/2 when one day we lost the blanket. We really lost it, I would have loved to put it away and show him when he is older! He never cried about it or even asked for it again after we lost it. I also have a 2 year old daughter that loves her pacifier. I keep talking about the binky fairy. I told her that the binky fairy called me asking for binkys for the babies, because she is running out. This Saturday we are going to put all the pacifiers in a basket and leave it outside for the fairy. The fairy will take the pacifiers and leave a special present for Mya (my daughter) Just an idea, maybe it will work for the blanket too???

With a six week old I wouldn't press too hard for him to give up his blanket just yet. Let him have some time to adjust to not being the "baby" anymore and the weaning process will be much easier. I have three boys (ages 8months to 5years) and they all have a blanket. With the older two it is just when they are in bed or resting (the only exception being a long car ride). When they were younger they would give it a kiss good-bye (my three year old sometimes still gives kisses!). When I started the weaning process they could have it in the car or in bed then we moved to it being just at bedtime. If they want it during the day that's ok - just up in their rooms - more often than not they realize they don't really need it! My boys also used pacifiers and when I let them go at their own pace (using the bedtime rule) they ultimately gave them up themselves with no drama. My five year old doesn't really need his blanket anymore - just when he's really tired or sick - I think he likes to know it's around if he needs it - is that so bad?? Good luck - having three is really fun (exhausting but fun!).

I don't really know how to answer because I am 22 years old and until I had my little girl I had a security blanket. I gave it to her and now I don't need it as much... I still sometimes wish that I did have it back, but... Your son probably has it to feel safe. Introduce another stuffed animal or a toy to give him that same sense of security, but otherwise, it may just be something that he needs to grow out of himself. I think that stopping cold turkey would be more traumatic...both for your son as well as you... Goodluck and many patience!

D.,

I can't help but would like to know what you do and how you make out. I have a 15month old son that has the same problem. We bought three of the same blanket because he liked it so much. Now he has one a day care, one at home and one as a back up! Anyway, I have a feeling I'm going to end up in the same boat and he isn't going to want to give it up. Anyway good luck and let me know.

A.

Tell him there are other new babies being born...not just his new baby...and it would be really neat if you can box and mail someone elses new baby a blanket! Let HIM wrap the blanket in a box and you both walk to the mailbox and put it in. Make sure he knows that he will get a special "big boy" surprise for his generosity. When he is napping....replace the blanky box with his "thank you gift". This works great at around 3 years old. Not sure if your son may be just a bit too young yet to give up blanky this way...but my best to you. Cyn

Just get rid of it! Any time I needed to ween with my son from something or change I got rid of it and started cold turkey! I believe it's the best way to go! Good luck! :)