A comfort object — sometimes called a transitional object or “transitional attachment object” — is a stuffed animal, blanket, pacifier, or other item a young child uses to self-regulate when separated from their caregiver. At licensed daycare, the role of comfort objects is something quality programs take seriously, because how a centre handles them directly affects how successfully infants and toddlers settle in.
What the Research Says About Transitional Objects
Winnicott’s concept of the “transitional object” is well-established in developmental psychology. The comfort item serves as a bridge between the caregiver and the external world — it carries the scent and emotional association of the primary attachment figure and helps the child regulate during times of stress or separation.
For infants and toddlers starting daycare:
- Children with access to their comfort object during the settling-in period adapt faster than those without it
- Forcing a child to leave their comfort object at the door increases cortisol levels at drop-off and extends the adjustment period
- Quality programs actively incorporate comfort objects as part of the transition strategy — not as a crutch, but as a developmentally appropriate tool
How Licensed BC Daycares Should Handle Comfort Objects
BC licensing does not specifically regulate comfort objects, but inspection standards look at whether programs support child well-being. A quality-oriented licensed program:
- Allows infants and toddlers to bring comfort objects during the settling-in period
- Does not shame children for needing comfort items
- Has a designated safe space for comfort objects during active play (e.g., in the child’s cubby, accessible for nap time)
- Works with families to gradually reduce dependence on the comfort object as the child settles — rather than abruptly banning it
- Labels comfort objects with the child’s name to prevent loss
Safe Sleep and Comfort Objects at BC Daycare
Health Canada safe sleep guidelines for infants under 12 months prohibit soft objects in the sleep environment — including stuffed animals, blankets, and loveys. This applies at licensed BC daycares.
What this means in practice:
- Infants under 12 months sleep without their comfort object in the crib (safe sleep compliance)
- The comfort object can be given during awake, supervised time — not during sleep
- Toddlers (over 12 months) can have a comfort item during nap time at the educator’s discretion, with no loose crib bedding hazard
If you have a specific blanket or stuffed animal your infant uses at home, let the educator know. They’ll tell you exactly how they handle it during the sleep period.
What Smiling Kids Does with Comfort Objects
At Smiling Kids Childcare Centre, we actively encourage comfort objects during the settling-in period. Each child’s comfort item is labelled and kept in their personal cubby. During nap time, we follow Health Canada safe sleep guidelines for infants under 12 months.
We also ask families to bring a piece of worn clothing (like a worn t-shirt) from the primary caregiver for very young infants — the familiar scent is one of the most effective settling tools available to us.
FAQ — Comfort Items at Coquitlam Daycare
Q: Can my baby bring their lovey blanket?
A: Yes for awake time; for infants under 12 months, we follow safe sleep guidelines during naps which means no soft objects in the crib.
Q: What if my child’s comfort object gets lost at daycare?
A: We label all items and keep them secured. Have a backup at home if the comfort object is irreplaceable.
Q: How long does it take for a toddler to stop needing their comfort item at daycare?
A: Most children gradually use comfort objects less as they build relationships with educators. We never rush this process.
Smiling Kids: 1380 Coast Meridian Rd, North Coquitlam, BC V3E 0E9 | 604-600-4393 | Mon–Fri 7:00 AM–6:00 PM
Choosing the Right Transition Object for Daycare
Not every attachment object works equally well at Coquitlam daycare — and choosing the right one proactively (before the settling-in period begins) gives parents control over something that will matter a great deal during the first weeks. Here is what makes a transition object effective and what makes it a problem.
Characteristics of an Effective Daycare Transition Object
- Small enough to fit in a pocket or cubby: A full-sized stuffed animal that lives in the daycare bag is hard to access in a distress moment — a small pocket-sized version of the same toy is far more practical
- Washable: Transition objects at daycare get dropped, dragged through the play area, and occasionally vomited on. If it cannot be washed and dried overnight, it creates a crisis when it needs cleaning
- Not irreplaceable: If the transition object is lost, the consequences are severe. Consider buying two identical objects — one for home, one for daycare — so loss of the daycare one is not catastrophic
- Scented with primary caregiver: Sleeping with the transition object for several nights before the first daycare day transfers the parent’s scent — the most powerful sensory comfort signal available to a baby or toddler
What Smiling Kids Does With Transition Objects
Smiling Kids educators understand the regulatory function of transition objects and support their use, especially during the settling-in period. Educators may:
- Hold the object and offer it during distress moments
- Help the toddler keep track of it throughout the day
- Facilitate a “goodbye ritual” with the object at drop-off if that helps the separation
Once the child is fully settled (typically 4–6 weeks), many children naturally stop bringing transition objects — they have transferred security to the daycare environment itself. This is healthy. Avoid pressuring the child to leave the object at home before they are ready. 1380 Coast Meridian Rd, Coquitlam. 604-600-4393.
Smiling Kids offers licensed toddler daycare in Coquitlam BC for children 18–36 months — play-based, ITE-certified, CCFRI participating (~$10/day). Complete daycare guide: daycare Coquitlam.
