It's funny, my DS loves his lovey - but I actually only let him have it in his crib. He and I have a routine when he wakes up and he knows to put it on the edge of his crib when he leaves the crib. In my opinion, he gets excited about his naps and bedtime when his lovey will be there for him...Also - we received this lovey as a gift and I can't remember who gave it. I cannot find another one and I've looked online, etc. It's already disgusting...