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Comfort object
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<p>A comfort object, more formally a transitional object or attachment object, is an item used to provide <a href="/facts/Psychology/duoqW7Sz">psychological</a> comfort, especially in unusual or unique situations, or at bedtime for <a href="/facts/Children/GGe19I8d">children</a>. Among toddlers, a comfort object often takes the form of a <a href="/facts/Blanket/ykhrQ7Ng">blanket</a> (called a security blanket) or a <a href="/facts/Stuffed_toy/j1Lsk9hw">stuffed animal</a>, <a href="/facts/Doll/vsUC8dVH">doll</a> or other toy, and may be referred to by a nickname such as blankie. </p><p>Comfort objects are said to enable children to gain independence and research indicates that these objects have positive effects on children by reducing <a href="/facts/Anxiety/Geekl883">anxiety</a> in later life. </p>