What Is a Lovey and How It Can Help Your Baby Sleep

If you’ve ever searched for baby sleep tips, you’ve probably come across the word lovey. But what exactly is a lovey? And when and how should you introduce one to your baby?

This guide breaks down everything you need to know: what a lovey is, how it supports sleep, the safest age to introduce one, what materials to choose, and even a creative way to make your own.

What Is a Lovey?

A lovey is a small comfort object, often a soft blanket, stuffed animal, or a hybrid of the two (sometimes called a blankie). The purpose of a lovey is to give your baby something that feels familiar, soothing, and safe, especially during times of separation, like bedtime or naps.

Loveys help babies develop self-soothing skills—an important step toward more independent sleep. By associating the lovey with comfort, babies often learn to settle themselves more easily, which can reduce night wakings and bedtime struggles.

When Can You Introduce a Lovey? (And Why Age Matters)

While it’s tempting to hand your newborn a soft plush friend right away, safety comes first. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), soft objects, loose bedding, and toys should be kept out of a baby’s sleep space until at least 12 months of age to reduce the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (Moon et al., Pediatrics, 2022).

• Before 12 months: No loveys in the crib or bassinet during sleep. You can, however, start introducing the lovey during supervised awake times, like cuddling, reading, or rocking. This helps your baby form a positive association with it.
• After 12 months: You can safely place the lovey in your child’s sleep space, allowing them to snuggle with it as part of their bedtime routine.

This timing matters because introducing a lovey too early can pose serious safety risks. Waiting ensures your baby benefits from the comfort of a lovey without compromising safe sleep.

How a Lovey Helps Baby Sleep

Loveys work by providing comfort and consistency. Babies thrive on routines and familiarity. When your child learns that their lovey is always present during bedtime, it becomes a powerful sleep cue, just like dimming the lights or singing a lullaby.

Here’s how a lovey can support sleep:

• Offers comfort during transitions (like moving from contact naps to crib naps).
• Reduces separation anxiety by providing a “stand-in” for a parent’s presence.
• Encourages self-soothing, helping your child resettle if they wake at night.
• Builds a positive sleep association that signals “it’s time to rest.”

Choosing the Best Lovey for Your Baby

Not all loveys are created equal. Here’s what to look for when choosing one:

• Material: Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or muslin. These are soft, lightweight, and easy to wash. Avoid loveys with beads, buttons, or anything that could pose a choking hazard.
• Size: Choose a small lovey (about the size of a hand towel). Large blankets or oversized stuffed animals aren’t safe for sleep.
• Washability: Babies will chew, drool, and drag their lovey everywhere. Make sure it’s machine washable for easy cleaning.
• Replacements: Always choose a lovey that’s mass-produced and easy to replace. If your child becomes attached, losing it can be heartbreaking. A good strategy is to buy multiple identical loveys at once and rotate them so they wear evenly. One we love is this Muslin Cotton Bunny.

💡 Pro Tip: Consider turning outgrown baby clothes into a custom lovey. This adds sentimental value and gives your child comfort from a familiar scent and fabric. Just make sure any custom lovey meets safety standards and is small, breathable, and free of loose parts.

How to Introduce a Lovey

Once your child is old enough (12+ months), here’s how to introduce the lovey:

1. Start early with positive associations: Use the lovey during bedtime routines (cuddling, rocking, reading) even before 12 months, but only while your baby is supervised.
2. Include it in soothing rituals: Hand your child the lovey during naps and bedtime as part of the routine.
3. Model comfort: Pretend to cuddle or kiss the lovey and show your child that it’s safe and special.
4. Consistency is key: Always offer the lovey at sleep times so your child builds a strong association between the object and sleep.

The Bottom Line

A lovey can be a powerful sleep tool in helping your child feel safe, secure, and ready for rest. The key is to wait until at least 12 months to introduce it safely, choose the right material, and keep extras on hand. Whether you buy one or create a special lovey from clothing your baby has outgrown, this simple comfort object can make a big difference in your child’s sleep journey.

Legal Disclaimer

The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for specific guidance regarding your child’s sleep and health. For more information, visit the CDC’s Safe Sleep Guidelines.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only link to products that I truly believe in. This means I may earn a small commission when you click on links to Amazon products in this post, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Simple Parenting Plans!