If your child insists on bringing their blanket everywhere, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a frayed corner of a baby blanket, a silky edge, or a cozy full-size throw, that attachment is more than just cute—it’s deeply meaningful.
For a while now, I’ve been trying to get my 7 year old out of constantly carrying her blanket around. I never understood why she seemingly needed it for EVERYTHING, and she could never really give me a valid reason why either. Harmless, yes. But as a parent, you naturally become concerned with anything that doesn’t seem to coincide with the ‘norm’. She carries her blanket around so much, I started to call her Linus – you know, the Charlie Brown character who goes absolutely nowhere without his… Seriously though, I thought that maybe she was dealing with some kind emotional damage that I wasn’t aware of. But after doing a bit of research, I was glad that wasn’t the case at all.
What’s the Deal with Blankets?
Children often form strong bonds with “transitional objects”—a term psychologists use to describe items that help kids feel safe as they grow more independent. A blanket is one of the most common examples, acting like a portable piece of comfort in an ever-changing world.
Here’s why your child might be so attached:
1. Comfort and Familiarity
A blanket smells, feels, and looks like home. It’s a source of comfort when everything else feels new or overwhelming. That soft fabric can work magic during bedtime, tough days, or big changes.
2. Coping with Separation
As toddlers begin to experience short separations from parents—daycare drop-offs, playdates, sleeping in their own bed—a beloved blanket provides a tangible link to you and to security.
And in the case where your child is no longer a toddler, like mine, holding on to their blanket still serves as a comforting tool.
3. Emotional Self-Soothing
When kids are tired, stressed, or overstimulated, their blanket can act like a reset button. It gives them a sense of control and helps them calm down. This goes for both small and big kids, alike.
4. Routine & Ritual
The ritual of snuggling with a blanket for bedtime, cuddling during story time, or even dragging it around the house is comforting. Kids love routine—it makes the world feel safe and predictable.
Should You Be Concerned?
In most cases, no. Blanket attachments are totally normal and often healthy. Many children begin to outgrow their attachment between ages 3 and 5, though some may keep a special blanket around for much longer, and that’s okay, too. When I learned that it’s normal for some children to outgrow their blanket attachments beyond ‘toddlerism’, I felt a lot better! My thought was like, “Ok, so my child isn’t weird after all”.
Here are a few signs that the attachment might need a little attention:
Although blanket attachments (or any transitional object attachments) are normal, there are points that can raise concern, including if :👇🏾
👉🏾Your child can’t function without the blanket—even for short periods.
👉🏾The child becomes distressed without it and can’t be comforted in any other way.
👉🏾It interferes with normal activities (like refusing to go anywhere without it).
👉🏾They become isolated or withdrawn.
If you’re concerned, talk to your pediatrician for reassurance and support.
Tips for Parents
If you want to slowly wean your child from blanket dependence, here are some gentle strategies:
👉🏾Set Limits: Designate the blanket for naps, bedtime, or home only. I never allow my child to eat with, or take her blanket outside. I may allow to bring it in the car every now again, but walking around with it in stores, restaurants or other people’s home, is a no for me.
👉🏾Have a Backup: If possible, find or create a second identical blanket in case one gets lost or needs washing.
👉🏾Introduce New Comforts: A small stuffed animal or bedtime book can help share the soothing spotlight.
👉🏾Respect Their Feelings: Never shame or tease them for their attachment—this is their version of emotional armor. I used to tease my daughter at times for never wanting to let her blanket go. But that was completely wrong of me. Respect your child’s feelings, ALWAYS.
Final Thoughts
Your child’s blanket isn’t just a piece of fabric—it’s their first love, first best friend, and first step toward learning to manage big feelings on their own. It’s comforting to know that as they grow and gain confidence, that blanket will naturally fade into the background—but the lessons of comfort and self-soothing will stick with them for life.
Don’t be ashamed if your older child is still holding on to their blanket, either. It’s fine! Allow them to grow, learn and detach at their own pace.
We all have our ‘blankets’, even as adults. That thing that comforts us and makes us feel at peace. What’s yours?
TTYL,
LEXI 💋
