Can we talk about introducing loveys again? xposted in Toddlers

[starling&diesel]

I know there have been threads about loveys before, pros, cons, how-to, etc.
But can we talk about it again?

DD is one year old and I have been her lovey up until now, or my boobs have, to be more specific. I'd like to give her a transitional object for when I go to work. Hopefully it would develop into something that would help her to fall asleep when I am not with her. She nurses down for naps and bedtime, but that might change as I'm going on medication that will affect my already low supply.

So, for you mamas who have successfully introduced loveys for your little ones, a few questions:

1. How did you choose the lovey, or did your child choose it?
2. Did you do anything to encourage the use of the lovey?
3. Any tips?

I have tried having a lovey between us while nursing, and at night (we co-sleep). I've tried teddies, blankets, small blankies, various stuffies, etc. I just tried another one while she nursed down for her nap today, and she was throwing it aside and caressing my boob, even while she slept. Am I doing something wrong?

[Xerxella]

We introduced a lovey earlier (a teddy bear that I knew I could get more of if he did become attached - We did end up getting about 6 of them, so they can be washed frequently and there's no fear of loseing it.) We introduced it at about 6 months when he moved to the crib. I would just nurse with bear-bear. And before long he became attached. It was his satin ribbon around his neck that is what he's really attached. He'll still stroke it at night while going to bed.

Some people might disagreed, but I'd kinda take away her current lovey. You may want to wear a shirt while nursing, so that only the nipple is exposed. That way she can't stoke your skin. Replace it with something satiny like a blanket that feels nice. (A friend of mine's son got attached to one of her satin teddys. She eventually just cut the straps off and called it a blanket.) Maybe you could wear something like that while nursing. It may take a while.

Good luck.