Science Daily offers a scientific study of why children have security “blankies.” The  study is based on the writer’s observation that, “it used to be thought that these attachment toys or transitional objects were comfort items that provided a sense of security for infants raised in households where they slept separately from the mother.”

Times West Virginian focuses on the benefits of pacifiers, but also offers suggestions for weaning when appropriate, offering that, “…to help with the transition, give the child something else to comfort them, such as a blanket or anything else that would help provide a feeling of security.”

American Academy of Pediatrics features an article detailing the findings of a significant study on pacifiers that concluded, “Published case-control studies demonstrate a significant reduced risk of SIDS with pacifier use, particularly when placed for sleep.”

Morton Dental offers the pros and cons of pacifier uses, adding that, “prolonged pacifier use can cause changes in the shape of the roof of the mouth, prevent proper growth of the mouth, and create problems with tooth alignment.”

Mamashares on the baby's blanky and binky addiction debate

The fact that pacifiers may significantly reduce the risk of SIDS may be enough to offer them to infants. Loving blankys and binkys does not have to lead to an addiction if weaned at the right time and in the right way. One way to ensure that baby does not rely on these items may be to limit them right from the beginning. Introduce them at bed and nap time, and offer a couple blankets so baby can switch off without getting upset.

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Have you read: Should you choose cloth diapers for baby or disposable?

When a child is born, the desire to suckle and snuggle is instinctive. Parents may introduce blankies and binkies and other items to comfort and sooth, but is there such a thing as a baby's blanky and binky addiction? Consequently, concern does kick in when baby gets older and has a difficult time trying to break away from what has become the norm; so much so, that he or she may seem addicted, but is that the case?

If your baby cannot go to sleep or be without the blanky or binky, and the task of weaning them off becomes frustrating, then the question becomes, would it have been easier to just refrain from introducing the soothers in the first place?