Dummies, bottles, teddy bears, old blankets, and bits of clothing, usually with pet names, bring a little bit of security when facing the big world.

Ignore other people's comments. Tutting grannies and your own worries about your child's image are the problems. Forget what other people think. You can't go out without your lipstick on so why can't your toddler take a comfort blanket out too? Blanket in hand, dummy in the mouth, a small person can face the world.

Tiny anxieties
Toddlers are just learning about life. Their fears may seem irrational to you but they're real. You know you can't fall down the toilet, but they don't. Fear of losing you, all sorts of terrible monsters lurking in the dark and strangers all make little children cling to things they know and love. You're not always there, so a comforter is a substitute.

Dummies
Some children like their bottle when tired or cranky, others suck dummies and some suck their thumbs. Even in the womb, some babies suck their thumbs. Under the age of 2, don't worry about it at all. Between 2-4, you can try to weaning your toddler off it by 'losing' it occasionally or gradually limiting its use to bedtimes and other periods of the day, when your child is tired and fretful.

If you're faced with resistance, don't make a fuss - the more you fuss the longer it is likely to last. As long as your child gives up the dummy before the second teeth come through, there will be no long-term dental ill-effects.

However tempted you are to put that dummy in the bin, hold back. You might just need it to help you out of a tight spot one day. It will help your toddler settle in a new room, in hospital or if you suddenly have to go away. By the time your child reaches 6 you may begin to wonder if the attachment will go on for life but even the most die-hard dummy-suckers will have kicked the habit by the age of 8.

Bottles
Bedtime bottles can be bad for the teeth. Never put juice or milk in a bedtime bottle. If you are worried, try to wean them onto water. Think carefully if this is the only way your child will drink milk, as they will need another source of calcium. Sucking sugary drinks from a bedtime bottle can cause serious - and painful - damage to your toddler's developing teeth.

• Why IS Your Toddler So Shy?
• Timid Toddlers? Help Them Socialise
• Head-Banging: A Sign Of A Disturbed Toddler?
• Breath-Holding: Dramatic But NOT Dangerous