When can a baby sleep with a stuffed animal? Babies sleep a lot, and it’s always an interesting study to find out what they find comfortable. Some babies prefer a stuffed animal to help them feel safe when they drift away in their dreams. But when can baby sleep with their favorite toy?
Every child is different, but generally, you can let your child use their stuffed animal as early as 12 months old in order for them to feel more secure at night.
Notice how your baby reacts to the stuffed animal at first. Some babies won’t be interested in it, but let your child take their time and become comfortable with the item. Once they become fond of the stuffed animal, it is a matter of time before they will associate it with sleeping and relaxing.
When watching TV or reading books to your child, let them handle the stuffed animal too! This will help them feel more comfortable with the toy.
When can a baby sleep with a stuffed animal?
Do not let your baby sleep with soft objects until he is 1 year old. According to American Academy of Pediatrics research, stuffed toys, pillow-like toys, blankets, quilts, crib bumpers, and other items increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation or death.
Although it may not seem like it, a doll or stuffed toy can cover your baby’s mouth and cause suffocation.
That’s why it’s the right time to give your baby a doll or stuffed toy after he turns 12 months old. Most 12-month-olds can roll over, sit up, and move toys away from their mouths.
What you should know about the dangers of soft objects What you can do to prevent SIDS What can you do to keep your baby safe
Infants who sleep with soft objects are more likely to die of SIDS, suffocation, or other causes. And it is especially important for infants younger than 1-year-old.
Experts don’t know why babies sleep with soft items, but some think it’s because they are too fussy or need more comfort and that they may feel safer if they fall asleep with something soft next to them.
At what age can a child sleep with a stuffed animal?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a child doesn’t sleep with stuffed animal, especially if they are younger than 12 months old. If a baby can roll over, sit up, and move close to toys, it’s safe to have them sleep with them.
Children older than 1-year-old can begin using their stuffed animals for comfort. Whether children are too big for toddler beds or not, you should let your child sleep with their stuffed animal until they are at least 1 year old.
Why To Let Baby Sleep with a Stuffed Animal?
Some studies suggest that children who sleep with a stuffed animal are less likely to be afraid of the dark. Babies need to be comfortable when they sleep, so they don’t have to worry about anything when they enter their dreams, including how to get more comfortable.
A study also suggests that babies who sleep with a stuffed animal may have better breastfeeding sessions than those who don’t. But before you go ahead and let your baby sleep with a stuffed animal, talk to your doctor about it first.
It is possible that some babies need more comfort to breastfeed properly, but other babies get enough support from the breastfeeding process without any help from a stuffed animal.
You can let them sleep with a stuffed animal to feel safe and secure. Then they can associate the animal with breastfeeding.
When Can My Child Sleep with a Stuffed Animal?
Every child is different, but you can generally let your child use their stuffed animal as early as 12 months old to help them feel more secure. Talk to your doctor first because every child is different and needs their own experience.
If your child is 12 months old or older and can sit up, roll over, push the toy away from his mouth and move it to another place, they can sleep with a stuffed animal.
The Best Stuffed Animal for Baby to Sleep With
Some stuffed toys are perfect for babies to sleep with. Choosing an animal that is not too big or too small is best, so your baby can hold and hug it comfortably.
WebMD suggests choosing a stuffed animal with a face that is not too big, so your baby’s mouth will fit over the eyes and nose. There should not be any animal parts where your child could get their mouth stuck on either.
The stuffed animal should also have feet that are not too hard and should be made of a soft material like cotton or polyester. Finally, choose an animal that looks like a real animal but isn’t too scary to look at.
You can choose a stuffed teddy bear for your baby girl or a doll for your baby boy to lay next to him in his crib. But before you go ahead and get your child a stuffed animal, talk to your doctor first.
When Is It Safe for Your Child Sleep With Stuffed Animals?
As mentioned earlier, every child is different, but generally, you can let your child use their stuffed animal as early as 12 months old. Once they become fond of the stuffed animal, it is a matter of time before they will associate it with sleeping and relaxing.
Why is it unsafe for babies to sleep with stuffed animals?
As mentioned earlier, it is better to avoid soft items that doctors do not recommend until your baby turns 1 years old. They may become over-fussy and possibly get hurt by their own stuffed toy.
Some studies suggest that babies who sleep with a stuffed animal are more likely to get SIDS and suffocate or die. Other babies may get too comfortable and cause suffocation or a brain injury.
According to medical research, there is no scientific evidence that backboards, car seats, and toy mobiles can prevent SIDS.
What You Can Do To Make Your Baby More Comfortable?
Along with the stuffed animal, ensure that your baby is well bundled up so they don’t get too hot or cold. This might also be one reason why children sleep with soft objects.
It is also best to take your baby for a calming bath in the evening. Before your baby goes to bed, put them with a stuffed animal and read them a story. If that doesn’t work, try playing soothing music, drizzling lavender oil, or rubbing a small amount of lotion on your child’s chest, so they fall asleep easily.
What stuffed animals are OK once it’s safe?
Generally, medical research suggests that you should avoid toys that are too small and soft, such as those made of soft fabrics. If your child is over 12 months old and can sit up, roll over and move the toy away from their mouth, they can sleep with a stuffed animal.
However, if you think your child is too young to sleep with a stuffed animal, talk to your doctor about it. Some children may be too young for a stuffed toy.
Conclusion
Small animals are a good choice for your baby to sleep with, especially if your child is older than 12 months old. When a child sleeps with a stuffed animal, they are more likely to feel more secure in the dark and less afraid of the dark, which can make sleeping all that much easier.
You don’t have to worry about SIDS and suffocation when your baby sleeps with a stuffed animal because they are made of soft materials, so they won’t hurt the baby when it falls asleep.
I hope that the information in this post was helpful to you. Do you have any questions about how to help your baby sleep with a stuffed toy? Please leave a comment below for me!
FAQs
What Age Can My Baby Sleep With A Stuffed Animal?
As mentioned earlier, every child is different, but generally, you can let your child use their stuffed animal as early as 12 months old.
What Are Some of the Best Stuffed Animals to Sleep With?
Smaller stuffed animals are better for your baby. WebMD suggests choosing a stuffed animal with a face that is not too big, so your baby’s mouth will fit over the eyes and nose. There should not be any animal parts where your child could get their mouth stuck on either.
When can my baby sleep with a stuffed animal or doll?
A child can sleep with a stuffed animal or doll once they are 12 months old and can sit up, roll over, push the toy away from their mouth, and move it to another place.
When can baby sleep with lovey?
A child can sleep with a lovey as early as 4 months old. When a child sleeps with a lovey, they are more likely to feel secure and less afraid.
Can 9 month old sleep with stuffed animal?
Babies are not recommended to sleep with a stuffed toy until they are at least 1 years old.
Can a 2-year-old sleep with a stuffed animal?
You can let your 2-year-old sleep with a soft toy and a blanket. However, if your baby is still not ready for the stuffed animal, they may be more comfortable with the lovey.
Where can you buy safe stuffed animals for babies?
If you use the recommended criteria, there are a lot of safe stuffed animals for babies. You can buy them from amazon or other online stores.
When can baby sleep with comforter?
Children can start using a comforter when they are about 4-5 months old. Parents should not put a baby to sleep with a stuffed animal under the comforter because this can lead to suffocation.
