Lost lovey items happen. It's a fact of life because kids are very successful at losing stuff. However, just because it happens doesn't make it fun. Even very young babies can become attached to a favorite item and may become very upset if that item is lost. My own son had a lovey as a baby that followed him until about the age of five - a little yellow blanket. He loved this blanket and laundry days sucked because blanket was in the wash, not in his arms.
Wash days are manageable though. What happens if your little one totally loses his lovey or it gets ruined somehow? You have some options...
Own more than one: It's hard to own more than one, because you never know which items your baby will end up falling in love with. Trust me though, when your tot does fall head over heels you'll know and that's when you buy a second one. Say your little one can't sleep, eat, or think unless his fave bear is by his side. Get another that's exactly the same if possible as back-up.
Use more than one: Just owning a lovey back-up is not good enough. You need to switch them out once in a while so that the back-up gets well worn too. Kids are smart. So smart that if you lose teddy, and pull a perfectly new one out of the closet, your tot will know he's been had.
IF YOU DON'T HAVE A BACK-UP: Don't brush off your little one: It's a big deal to lose a security item. Don't tell your tot to suck it up. Expect crying, expect sadness, and provide comfort. In the meantime also take your child to the toy store and look for a replacement - use the old, "Let's find a new friend who needs a home" line.
Take pictures just in case: I took lots of pictures of my son with his blanket and he still likes to look at them. Pictures can't replace a lost pal, but they can help your child feel a little better. You also might like -
Get ready to lose the pacifier.
