For me, I started with the Cloud b travel Sleep Sheep. I kept it first in his bassinet, then in his cradle, and finally his crib. When he started figuring out the velcro strap that held it secure to the crib, I started putting it in on the table next to his crib so he could still hear it but wouldn't have it falling to the floor. Needless to say, after 10+ months of nearly constant napping and nightly use, it was looking a little worn - especially since we would take it with us on long trips and visits with the grandparents.

This Christmas, though, a family friend and doctor gave us a new white noise stuffed animal. It's by myBaby and it's the SoundSpa Glow Puppy, if you're curious. While I'm not as thrilled with the sounds as I was with the Cloud b, my LO enjoys playing with it even when the sound's off and making its belly glow.

I guess I'm wondering how long is a product like this actually helpful? Is there a time to start weaning them off? I'm sure my son doesn't need it to go to sleep - often times, I feel like I turned it on but I don't hear anything so I just leave it rather than fuss with it. So should I just take it out - or the batteries out - and just let him adjust to sleeping without it entirely? What have you done?