So your child has attached themselves to a baby blanket ... now what? Well, here comes a whole new set of challenges. You need to remember that this object, which to you is a simple piece of material, is now something your child sees as their best friend. You will need to learn to respect that and to treat that blankie with the same care that your child does.
There are some things though that as a parent you need to do, despite the pleading of your child. Your first challenge is wash day. While that best buddy has been trailing around after your child, it's sure to have picked up quite a few things along the way. And as a parent, it's your job to care for it. Wash day, however, is a horrible thing for a child and their prized possession. Sending it off into the basement, into a dark, wet washer and noisy, tumbling dryer usually sends a child into tears and pleading for a stay on this sentence. Here's some tips to try and make wash day less stressful for everyone.
Tips for Wash Day**
Always have a spare blanket for wash day. And by spare, I don't mean one out of the wrapper you have stashed away. You should have a blanket ready that has been loved, even just a little, rather than a brand new one. A new one won't comfort them nearly as much as one that at the very least has some scent to it that your child can find soothing. Even if it's only been broken in by you sleeping with it a night or two (see this
Helpful Tip). But make sure that the wash day one is put away afterwards, or you'll end up with two best friends and no spares.
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Wash your blankie in a separate pillow case. This will help cut down on the wear and tear to the flannel and satin. Let your child pick the pillow case, and assure them that just like their car seat, this is to keep their blankie safe and sound in the washing journey.
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Have a timer ready for them to watch the cycles. Sounds strange, I know, but children don't grasp time like we do. As my son says, it's taking forever... and he means it *smile*. The timer lets them see how the cycles are progressing without asking you every 5 minutes.
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Help your child understand and be part of the washing experience. Again, sounds silly to you perhaps, but your child will feel a lot better knowing exactly what is happening to their best friend. Explain how, just like they do, the blankie needs to have a bath. Let them put it into the pillow case, tie it up, and allow them to put the case into the washer. Let them help add the soap if they're old enough, and when it's time to move to the dryer, repeat the routine. Once they see how safe their blanket is in each step, it will reassure their separation anxieties a bit
Now, I'm not saying they won't be fretting while the washing and drying are going on. My son dreads wash day, no matter what we do. These are only steps to try and ease their worries. It's a hard thing on them, handing away their item of comfort into your care, and hoping it'll come back safe and sound. So be gentle, and understanding, and and everyone will survive wash day without too many tears (mom or child)