Everybody Needs a LOVEY!

A PREEMIE WITH AN OCTUPUS – SPRUTTEGRUPPEN.DK

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When little ones are having sleep troubles, I always recommend getting them a Lovey. 
What is a LOVEY?
A LOVEY is a soft stuffed animal or blanket* that your little one can reach for in the night when they are having trouble getting back to sleep on their own. 
It's can be an amazing tool while they are learning the skills they need to get back to sleep on their own and it usually becomes an important part of their
night time routine for years to come.
This is a positive things because a lovey can offer children a lot of support and comfort when you're not there, it can help them feel brave when they want to call out for you in the night or when you are away from home. It helps bring consistency to their routine when they are sleeping at grandma and grandpa's or when a babysitter is putting them to bed
​(yes these things are really possible lol). 
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Most adults I know still remember (if not still have lol) the LOVEY's that they had a children!
That right there shows what a powerful tool a Lovey can be!

It warmed my heart when I read a story about....

  Crocheted Octopus's Helping to Keep Preemie Babies Alive. 
Daniel Lockyer, neonatal services matron at Poole Hospital in England, said:
“When we heard about the difference a cuddly octopus can make to our tiny babies we were impressed and, after research, eager to introduce them to our little patients.
It’s incredible that something so simple can comfort a baby and help them feel better.
We’re very grateful for all donations of crochet octopi and we’re sure the
families who use our service will be too.”
"Research show the tentacles remind babies of the umbilical cord, and being in their mother’s womb, making them feel safe." The unique idea originates from Denmark where they found the octopi comforted babies and calmed them. This leads to better breathing and more regular heartbeats as well as higher levels of oxygen in their blood. Babies cuddling an octopus were also less likely to try to pull out their monitors and tubes."

How amazing is that!!!
​The Poole Hospital even posted a crochet pattern with specifics that can be found here.
There are many hospitals all over the world that are starting to adopt this practice.
Proving that something so simple can have such a huge impact and it's never to early to start!
I love it!

My little guys have had a lovey since day 1 home from the hospital and they still cherish them at 4.5YO & 2YO.
I chose bigger stuffy's that were on the heavier side so I knew that they would stay where I put them (next to their body, but below their shoulder), they were not at risk of getting their little faces smooshed into them.
As my little guys have grown "Ba" & "Moose" have become staples to their sleep environment.
I recommend that your child's Lovey stays in their crib/bed room.
It's important that they associate it with sleep.
I have even seen little ones give up the fight to get out of the crib once their lovey was quarantined to their bed lol.
It's also never to late to introduce a Lovey to your child. I have worked with many
older toddlers and preschoolers where we have introduced a new lovey using my techniques.
These new Lovey's have always become a great comfort to the child. 



*LOVEY's must be age appropriate (nothing on them like eye balls or button that could come off) and the parents must feel comfortable putting something in the crib with the baby. Safe sleep Practices should always be followed.

Erin Neri

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About the Author

I am the mother of two amazing little boys who did NOT come pre-programmed with the skills to sleep well independently. I knows how hard it is to function on little to no sleep, I understands how this impacts your ability to be the best version of the mom that you want to be. This is what led me to become a Certified Sleep Consultant and the founder of To The Moon and Back Sleep Consulting.  I am also a member of the International Association of Professional Sleep Consultants. I have a background in Psychology and have worked with families and young children in many different settings for over 19 years.  One of the best parts of my job is seeing the impact that TEACHING their little moon bugs healthy/independent sleep skills has on the momma's!!
"Life Changing! I am a better mom!"