Dr. D.W.Winnicott said:
When babies grow up to 4-8 months, they really start to need plush toys. Of course, for babies at this time, plush toys are not just a toy, but an object of play. Many are playing the role of companionship.
Babies aged 4-8 months are still very young. In principle, what they need is the company of their mothers. However, even if the mothers at this time are completely at home, they can’t accompany their babies all the time. At this time, soft, warm plush toys can replace the mother’s companionship. Therefore, with plush toys, even if the mother “disappears” for a period of time, even if the mother is away for work, the child does not have to face loneliness alone.
In this accompanying process, the plush toys play a role in the conversion between presence and absence, safety and danger, internal and external, reality and illusion. It is this role that makes children feel at ease and feel a sense of security.
And as the child grows up, the meaning of the plush toy will begin to change. At this time, it is more like a playmate, the object of the child’s confession, and the child’s emotional sustenance tool.
