What is a lovey?
A lovey is an object, like a stuffed animal or blanket, that your baby or toddler forms a special attachment to and uses for comfort. You may also hear these called transitional objects, comfort objects, or security blankets. A lovey provides a feeling of security to your little one and can provide comfort for transitions, new experiences, and unfamiliar environments. Once your little one is 12 months or older, they can also be helpful for sleep time.
If your baby’s sleep song is weaving its way into your dreams, it might be time to introduce your little one to a lovey. A far cry from cry-it-out, introducing a lovey can be a simple way to help your baby along the road to a restful night’s sleep. We asked our resident infant sleep expert, Dr. Natalie Barnett, for a few how-tos.
When Can My Baby Sleep With Lovey?
According to Dr. Barnett, the best time to introduce a lovey is somewhere around 12 months. The AAP does not recommend introducing anything in the crib before this age to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Starting early (as long as they are old enough) also gives your baby plenty of time to grow attached. After a few months, it will feel like it’s always been there.
Selecting a Lovey
The best lovies are not too big and don’t make any noise that could wake or distract your baby – no rattles or scrunchy bits. And while you might consider a big, soft blanket, Dr. Barnett doesn’t recommend them. “Babies can get tangled or find themselves lying on top of their blanket when they want it for comfort. They’re just too large.” Small stuffed animal toys (such as Slumberkins) or little “blankies” make ideal lovies, although we’ve seen babies get attached to everything from spoons to washcloths. If it’s soothing and safe to keep in the crib, it’s okay.
Follow your baby’s cues to choose a comfort item they’re more likely to bond with. Do they nuzzle, stroke, or hold hands for comfort? Consider a lovey with materials and texture that will recreate these sensations when you’re not there.
How to Introduce a Lovey
Make your lovey smell familiar
Scent is a powerful soother. To create the illusion of a good snuggle, have a mom or dad wear the lovey against their skin for an hour or so before you give it to your baby for the first time. “You only have to do this once and it will help your baby become attached” says Dr. Barnett.
Keep the lovey for sleep
To make your baby’s lovey a special comfort object and not just another toy, try to reserve the lovey for sleep. You can make the lovey a part of your baby’s nighttime or nap routine if you choose; otherwise, it should stay in the crib or wherever your baby sleeps. According to Dr. Barnett, this is the best way to form a strong sleep association. If you’re expecting your baby to fall asleep outside of their crib (in the car, in the stroller, on a plane), you can give it to them then as well. Once the lovey is a constant in your baby’s sleep routine and nap routine, it can make transitions like travel or learning a new skill a little easier.
Baby lovey backup
If you can, have a spare lovey in case of emergency (or eventual disintegration). Swap the two regularly so your baby can’t tell the difference. Since babies are sensitive to changes in texture and smell, there’s less chance of a protest if both lovies have been equally adored. It can also help to wash your baby’s lovey frequently. If they’re used to a lovey that’s on the cleaner side, a regular bath shouldn’t be disruptive.
Give it time
It may take a while for your baby to love their lovey, and that’s okay. “Over the course of a few weeks, they will start to find their lovey and use it in a way that’s unique to them” says Dr. Barnett. It’s important to note some babies will not bond with a lovey at all and that’s okay, too! Your baby will find their own way to relax and fall asleep at bedtime.
Key Takeaways
- Introduce a small, quiet lovey around 12 months, opting for items like a small toy or "blankies" in their sleep space
- Use the lovey exclusively for sleep to create a strong association, and consider having a backup lovey on hand.
- Allow time for bonding with the lovey; it might take a few weeks. Not all babies may form a bond, and that's alright.
