Loveys + Baby Sleep

I ALWAYS get asked about whether or not your little one needs a Lovey or security object in the crib with them! The short answer is: I love it, but there is a time and a place.  

Loveys/stuffys/cuddly toys/comforters… whatever you call them, are wonderful tools for helping your child sleep.  They not only provide a comforting, cozy playmate in the crib or bed, but they also act as a cue that it’s time to wind down and fall asleep.                                
        

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED, HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER:

1. Make sure your little one is at an appropriate age. The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) recommends no additional objects in the crib before 1 year old.

The bottom line of safe infant sleep is using the ABC’s of Safe Sleep:

A - ALONE

B - ON THEIR BACKS

C - IN THEIR CRIB (OR BASSINET/ PACK N PLAY

For more information on safe sleep, please read my blog which goes over everything you need to know about keeping your baby and toddler safe in their beds. 

Now, even though they can’t sleep with their lovey in bed yet, it doesn’t mean they are totally obsolete before 1 year old. It just means that you don’t want them physically sleeping with it just yet. You CAN start helping them to create a cozy connection. I’ll go over that in more detail in a second…

2. You want to make sure your comfort item is safe, without any small pieces that could be a choking hazard or something that could aid climbing out of the crib. My personal favourite Lovey is from Kyte Baby. My daughter has had them since she was 1 year old and she LOVES it. I like them because they are small, cozy, and offer a safe teething ring which makes it easy to find in the middle of the night if they lose it!  Get yours here.

HELP THEM TO GET CONNECTED:

Now, introducing a lovey isn’t always simple. It isn’t common for a baby or toddler to see a cuddly toy or lovey and instantly have this beautiful, cozy, bedtime connection with it! It takes time, but here are a few things to help get you started:

1. Sleep with it in your own bed for a couple of nights so it smells like you! This helps it to smell like home instead of Amazon lol. 

2. Before you even have your little one sleep with the lovey, start by having it around during feeding times. Place it between you and baby whilst feeding (bottle or breast, it doesn’t matter), so it becomes something comfy and familiar to them. It can also be a great way to help them concentrate on actually feeding (hello….distracted feeding stage). Just let them play with it with their hands and get to know the material!

3. Include the lovey in your bedtime & nap time routines to create that connection with sleep.  As they get older than 12-15 months, it’s safe for them to sleep with their lovey, start talking about it before and during the bedtime routine,  and explain that it’s time to be with lovey for a nap or bedtime! This can actually be something really lovely for them to look forward to!

Quick Tip: Keep loveys/ special security objects for sleeping times ONLY and have them live in the nursery always or as much as possible. This way, it gives your little one something to look forward to during naps and bedtime, but it also prevents them from being lost or thrown out of the stroller on a Target run! Saving no late night trips to find an exact replica of the lost lovey!!

If you just feel like you're constantly struggling with sleep in general and introducing a lovely just won't cut it... That's what I'm here for!

I work with families JUST LIKE YOU every single day. Families who are up every 2 hours, every 4 hours, replacing the pacifier, nursing, whatever it is, I can help you go from surviving to thriving!  I can help you get your baby/toddler sleeping 11-13 hours straight (with age appropriate feedings).

I can help you feel confident in your child's sleep!

If you’re ready to get started RIGHT NOW…….I offer self-led sleep guides that walk you through step-by-step on what to do at bedtime, how to handle every situation, and how to help your baby sleep through the night when it’s time!

You are not alone! I’m here to help you get your baby or toddler sleeping well, and better yet, much longer, or all night long if age appropriate.