When Can My Baby Sleep with a Lovey? Learn Today!

Those first nights as a new parent are a mix of wonder and worry. As you check on your baby for the tenth time, you might wish they had something soft to cuddle, a small comfort object that offers security during sleep.

A comfort item, such as a small blanket with satin edges, a stuffed animal, or a simple cloth with a friendly face, can become your baby’s first “friend” and help with sleep.

Many parents look forward to introducing this sleep helper, hoping it will complete their bedtime routine.

But when can a baby sleep with a lovey safely? With mixed messages about safe sleep, it’s normal to feel unsure about the right timing.

Let’s find out when babies can safely use a comfort object, key safety tips, and how to introduce one with confidence.

What is a Lovey and Why Do Babies Love It?

A lovey is a transitional object, typically a small blanket, stuffed animal, or soft toy that provides emotional comfort and security for babies and toddlers.

These simple items can become powerful tools in your child’s emotional development, offering a sense of familiarity and reassurance, especially during sleep times or when they are separated from their parents.

Many parents have witnessed the almost magical effect a lovey can have. Take Sarah, whose 14-month-old would immediately calm down when given her small muslin bunny at bedtime.

That simple object became a crucial sleep cue, helping her daughter transition from awake time to sleep time with less fuss and greater confidence.

When Can Baby Sleep with A Lovey?

According to pediatric guidance, babies should not sleep with any objects in their cribs, including loveys, until they are at least 12 months old.

This recommendation exists primarily because of the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which is highest in the first year of life.

Before your baby’s first birthday, the safest sleep environment is a completely empty crib with just a fitted sheet, no blankets, pillows, bumpers, or stuffed animals.

While it might seem tempting to give your little one something cuddly, especially when they’re having trouble settling, the safety risks during this vulnerable stage outweigh the benefits.

Waiting until that one-year milestone may feel challenging, but it’s a small sacrifice that significantly reduces suffocation hazards and creates safe sleep habits from the start.

What Are the Best Loveys for Sleep?

When choosing a lovey for your baby, safety and comfort go hand in hand. The ideal lovey should be simple, soft, and designed with infant-safe features.

Key Features to Look For

• Small in size (around 10–12 inches)
• Made from breathable, lightweight fabrics
• No buttons, beads, or detachable parts
• Machine washable for easy cleaning
• Strong and durable to handle chewing and tugging

Top Brands to Consider

With so many baby products on the market, it can feel overwhelming to find a lovey that’s not only adorable but also safe, durable, and suitable for sleep.

Fortunately, several trusted brands have earned praise from parents and caregivers for consistently delivering high-quality comfort items that meet baby-safe standards.

These loveys are designed with soft, breathable materials, easy-to-grip shapes, and machine-washable convenience.

Here are a few trusted brands that consistently receive praise for their quality, softness, and baby-safe designs:

1. Squishmallows

Squishmallows are super soft, cuddly plush toys known for their marshmallow-like feel and adorable designs. Each one has a unique name and personality, making them fun to collect.

They come in various sizes, from tiny keychains to large pillows, and are safe for all ages. Popular characters include Cam the Cat, Fifi the Fox, and Archie the Axolotl.

Available at stores like Target and Walmart, as well as online, some rare editions can become valuable collectibles. Loved for their comfort and cuteness, Squishmallows have become a cozy favorite for kids and adults alike.

2. Jellycat

Jellycat is a go-to brand for parents seeking luxuriously soft, high-quality plush comforters that babies can’t resist cuddling. Known for their whimsical charm and incredibly gentle textures, Jellycat loveys quickly become a treasured part of a child’s bedtime routine.

Their comforters often feature adorable animal characters like bunnies, puppies, or elephants with floppy ears, cozy arms, and ultra-plush fabrics that invite snuggles.

Beyond their softness, Jellycat products are thoughtfully designed with baby-safe materials and stitching, ensuring peace of mind for parents.

3. Bunnies By The Bay

Bunnies By The Bay is a beloved brand known for its whimsical designs and heirloom-quality comfort items. Their loveys, often called “Buddy Blankets”, combine a soft plush animal with a small, velvety blanket that babies can easily grasp and snuggle.

Bunnies By The Bay loveys are machine washable, incredibly soft, and offer a comforting sense of familiarity that little ones adore.

5 Important Tips for Safe Sleep with a Lovey

Even after your baby’s first birthday, safety remains paramount when introducing sleep companions:

• Continue following the ABCs of safe sleep (Baby should still sleep alone on their Back, either in a Crib or bassinet)
• Choose a lovey that’s appropriate in size (Large stuffed animals can pose suffocation risks)
• Check the lovey regularly for loose threads, (torn seams)
• Limit the lovey to sleep time initially (Builds a strong sleep association and prevents overuse)
• Consider using a sleep sack even after 12 months(provides warmth without the hazards of loose blankets).

A lovey can become a cherished part of your child’s bedtime routine, offering comfort, security, and familiarity. Still, it’s important to introduce it thoughtfully and safely to ensure peaceful nights for both you and your baby.

Conclusion

Those first nights of parenthood are filled with equal parts wonder and worry. As you tiptoe into the nursery for the tenth check of the evening, you might find yourself wishing your little one had

Something comforting to cuddle, a soft, snuggly lovey that could provide the reassurance and security they seem to be seeking in their sleep.

Many parents eagerly await the moment they can safely introduce this sleep companion, knowing it might be the missing piece in their bedtime routine puzzle.

But when exactly is the right time? With so much (often conflicting) information about safe sleep practices, it’s natural to feel uncertain about when your baby can safely sleep with a lovey.

Thank you for taking the time to read through this entire blog. Recall what new did you learn today and share your thoughts in the comments below.