A Baby Lovey can be an excellent soothing presence in the crib.

Baby Lovey – How and When To Introduce a Lovey for Baby

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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 comforting, familiar object that babies use to soothe themselves to sleep. 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.

Baby Lovey – When to Introduce a 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 SIDS. At this age, your baby’s Moro reflex (also known as their startle reflex) has also diminished, so there’s no longer a need to swaddle. This means babies’ arms are free to sweep the crib, find their lovey, and do what they need to do to settle. 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.

Baby Lovey – 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 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.

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    Follow your baby’s cues to choose a lovey 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.

    Baby Lovey – 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, 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.

    Key Takeaways

    • Introduce a small, quiet lovey around 12 months, opting for items like small toys or "blankies"
    • 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 time. Not all babies may form a bond, and that's alright.

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    CONTRIBUTORS

    Natalie Barnett, PhD serves as VP of Clinical Research at Nanit. Natalie initiated sleep research collaborations at Nanit and in her current role, Natalie oversees collaborations with researchers at hospitals and universities around the world who use the Nanit camera to better understand pediatric sleep and leads the internal sleep and development research programs at Nanit. Natalie holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of New England in Australia and a Postgraduate Certificate in Pediatric Sleep Science from the University of Western Australia. Natalie was an Assistant Professor in the Neurogenetics Unit at NYU School of Medicine prior to joining Nanit. Natalie is also the voice of Nanit's science-backed, personalized sleep tips delivered to users throughout their baby's first few years.

    Kristy Ojala is Nanit’s Digital Content Director. She spends way too much time looking at maps and weather forecasts and pictures of Devon Rex cats and no-cook dinners. A former sleep champion, she strives to share trustworthy somnabulism tips with other parents—praying for that one fine day when no tiny humans wake her up while it’s still dark out. Her kids highly recommend 3 books, approximately 600 stuffies, Chopin’s “Nocturnes,” and the Nanit Sound + Light for bedtime success.

    Mackenzie Sangster is on the Brand and Community team at Nanit. She supports content development and editing for Nanit’s Parent Confidently blog as well as other marketing initiatives. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her friends, cooking, being active, and using the Pro + Flex Duo to keep an eye on her fur-baby, Poppy!

    Holly Hays is a contributor and writer for Nanit, channeling her years as a mama and former magazine editor to create fun, useful content for fellow busy, trying-to-do-their-best parents and caregivers. Holly has written for a wide range of brands and media outlets (Ergobaby, HGTV, Manhattan Toy Company, OXO), loves to cook and read mystery novels, and leans heavily on her two daughters to keep her up to date on all the latest slang.