Recommended age for technique:
From two months and up.

Description of technique:
A comfort object such as a favorite stuffed animal or soft blanket can comfort your baby when you are not there. Many parents find introducing a love object is a helpful tool when trying to get your baby to sleep in her crib or in her own room away from Mom and Dad. Holding your baby at night in your lap with her comfort object for a few minutes before bed will allow her to begin associating this object with the security she feels when being held in your arms. When it is time to lay your baby down to sleep, placing the comfort object in the bassinet or crib can then give your baby a feeling of safety without your presence.

Other comments or suggestions:
This technique is most helpful to introduce once your baby is old enough to take note of her surroundings, usually around 2-3 months. It is a good idea to limit the use of this comfort object for naptime and bedtime so that your child will know that it's time for sleep when she sees this object.