Comfort object

A comfort object, more formally a transitional object or attachment object, is an item used to provide psychological comfort, especially in unusual or unique situations, or at bedtime for children. Among toddlers, a comfort object often takes the form of a blanket (called a security blanket) or a stuffed animal, doll or other toy, and may be referred to by a nickname such as blanka.

Comfort objects are said to enable children to gain independence and research indicates that these objects have positive effects on children by reducing anxiety in later life.