Thank you all for your contributions-most helpful. There seems to be a balance between letting this phase just pass without comment and making it into a big issue but also being aware that true OCD exists as stated here and wanting to "nip things in the bud" if necessary/possible.
She does have a favourite-good old Eeyore. I suggested that DD get a spare and so DGC now has three. One always goes to nursery with her but only for when she has a sleep. She talks quite happily about clean Eeyore and dirty Eeyore as she sucks an ear and she happily lets them go into the wash. They mercifully wash and dry very quickly. He is the solution to any problem? Her Mummy had a sucky cloth-we ended up cutting it into four so we always had a spare. She doesn't need it now! Lol!
Kate Garroway-Care at home costs