We have all had our favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or constant take-along companion with us at point or the other. (Even if you don’t remember it, I bet your parents do!) Children especially infants take comfort in familiarity of non-mommy-daddy objects and this can be a great way to make your child comfortable no matter where you are!

Studies actually say that children who sleep with a constant “lovie” or an array of stuffed animals feel safer and sleep better, especially after making the move from an in-room bassinet or bedside sleeper into a crib. This is especially important if the crib is in it’s own separate room from where they are familiar sleeping.

In the hospital a nurse told us to take the baby into each room of the house slowly when you first bring them slowly so that they have a basic idea of the layout of the house. If the baby has spent a lot of time in your room or sleeping with you, experts recommend a gradual move to their own room, as a sudden change of routine can cause fear, panic, and stress.

If you are planning on moving your baby (and they are old enough to safely) be able to sleep in their own room the best thing to do is spend time in the room with your baby during the day. Playing with your child in the room will get him or her comfortable to the look and feel of the room. You can put the baby down into the crib intermittently, but make sure that you are near so that the child does not feel abandoned.

After a while your child will begin to feel comfortable in the crib, especially is surrounded by their familiar toys and blankets and will begin to enjoy playing alone for periods of time, which is good for mental development and aids independence and creativity down the road.

And even if baby has become too big to sleep in her bassinet, don’t just sell it or give it away just yet. The basinet is a GREAT personalized up-close to television seat and play area. I also move the bassinet with me when I blog so she is by the bed so that feels involved in what I’m doing rather than being ignored.

The more comfortable and loved a child feels the more independent and happy they will be and the easier it will be for them to adjust to new situations. So pour on the love. Good thing love doesn’t put on pounds like those part-partum cravings huh?