A bear, bunny, blanket, sheep…are we ready to welcome a new bff into our lives?
That is completely your choice and should only be introduce if parents are comfortable with it. Here is some information that might help you make this decision…
What is a lovey? A lovey is an item that often creates a positive sleep association (anything can be a positive sleep association if it works for you). A lovey can be a great tool in helping our little ones find comfort when they wake between sleep cycles, helping them fall back asleep. Keep in mind lovey’s do become a sleep association and will be needed for night and day sleep however, it’s one that you choose and can be weaned easily in the future.
When to introduce a lovey? You can introduce a lovey at anytime after 12 months of age. I would not recommend introducing one before 8-12 months and not to newborns. Newborns are not developmentally capable of forming an attachment to an object and the risk of SIDS outweighs the rewards. You want to make sure it’s safe!
Sometimes parents choose a lovey but often a lovey chooses them. Some babies gravitate towards an item on their own and some need a little introduction. Just make sure you are not using large blankets or anything that can cover the face. Handkerchief size if often the best bet.
www.lilbabysleep.ca/freeschedules
Why consider a lovey? A child that bonds with a lovey can have an easier time navigating transitions and sleep regressions, as they will always find comfort in it. It’s a great tool to easily soothe a baby or toddler and makes it easier for travelling, new, stressful situations or big changes where a child might need a little more familiarity. My son took his bunny on the first day of daycare, he doesn’t use it all day but when he’s feeling uneasy he will ask for his bunny. He also sleeps with it at daycare, it helps calm him and helps him sleep as it’s a familiar friend that accompanies him at bedtime.
How to introduce a lovey? I’m going to say this multiple times because it’s super important. Please make sure the lovey you choose to introduce is safe (see suggestions below). You want to make sure it’s small and has no small parts that can come off and cause a choking hazard.
1) Keep it close to you. For a few days, tuck it into your shirt, sleep with it, make sure it smells like you.
2) Make it part of bedtime/nap time. Toddlers might enjoy reading it a story and tucking it in at night. It’s also a powerful role-playing tool for toddlers that get up throughout the night. Babies can be introduced to it by having it close while nursing/feeding, maybe in between them and mama or papa. You then place it in the crib with them where they can reach it (if they lose it at night then I wouldn’t go in and find it for them).
Some babies will not take to a lovey and that’s OKAY! They might take one later or not ever. Some might prefer a hulk toy (no small pieces) or a soother. Every child is different, it works for some and not for others, so don’t get frustrated or force it on them.
Another KEY point that will make life easier is to always have a backup. Look into getting something that is common and therefore replaceable. Buy TWO (or more) and rotate them (they will need to be washed so find something machine washable).
Here are a few options:
This is the one my 5 month old daughter uses, the head is hard and good for her to chew as she’s teething. It’s small and the fabric is breathable.
This is what my toddler has but I wouldn’t recommend it for a small baby as it’s a bit bigger.
Sometimes a lovey with a pacifier on the end really helps. If baby takes a pacifier. It’s easier for them to find the pacifier and you can remove it, replace with a pacifier they enjoy and throw it in the wash.
Lastly, another safety rant. Please note that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends nothing in the crib before 12 months. Use your judgement on this and don’t do anything you feel is unsafe.
Loving a lovey can mean less sleep battles for some parents, you can try it and see if it works for you. At least you won’t have to feed, change and clean after this new family member!
Without weaning one association you cannot introduce a new one so reach out for a step-by-step plan on how to do this!
