When can baby sleep with lovey? When a baby starts to sleep on their own, they will naturally gravitate towards their lovey. It serves as a snuggle buddy and can help teach babies crucial sleep skills when awake.
Your infant could begin to move onto a crib for a few hours of sleep at around 6 months, but loveys are typically safe to use until 12 months or later.
A lovey is any stuffed animal given as a gift or received as an exclusive baby shower gift.
While these generally become cherished toys and may very well last through a child’s life, safety and proper use practices can differ for each type of toy. Loveys must meet safety guidelines for any age group they’re intended for.
As a parent, it’s your job to ensure your toddler or preschooler is using the lovey in a safe way, which includes keeping away from any choking hazards that might be present.
The risk of damage to your baby or toddler can also increase when they’re not properly supervised in their use.
Why Kids Love Their Loveys So Much?
When a child is learning to sleep on their own they can often grow attached to a lovey, which will help them feel secure and safe when they’re tired.
A lovey can help soothe any separation anxiety that may be present. It’s also not uncommon for your baby or toddler to see a lovey as their special friend, as that may be the only one they can play with.
Some parents believe loveys can help your baby or toddler develop skills important for learning to sleep independently.
For example, many loveys will come with soft blankets or other bedding, which can be a warm and comforting feeling to your infant or toddler, making it easier for them to fall asleep on their own and enjoy sleep when they’re not in their crib.
A snuggle buddy can also help with emotional security and development as your baby grows up.
It can be a calming and loving presence that your child can turn to for reassurance when feeling insecure.
Loveys can also serve as a light source for your child, allowing them to fall asleep when the sun goes down and wake early if it’s still too dark for them to see.
When can baby sleep with lovey?
Usually, when your baby is 6 months old, he can sleep with Lovey. Before you put Lovey in the crib, make sure to wash it.
Wash it in warm water with a mild detergent and let it air dry. Also, if your baby is larger than the intended age for Lovey, do not place it in their crib.
Loveys are often safe for your toddler to use for 8 – 24 months, depending on the type of toy and safety guidelines for each particular product.
They’re usually a safer option for children ages 2 and under since they can be harder to keep an eye on when they’re older.
Loveys are typically no longer a safe option for your child after they turn 2-years-old. Some loveys contain small parts that may pose a choking hazard when used by your child or pose too much of a risk when played with an older age group.
When Can Baby Sleep with Lovey without the SIDS Risk?
There isn’t enough research to know that the presence of Lovey will lead to a higher or lower risk of SIDS.
However, it is thought that once the baby is 12 months old, it can sleep with the Baby Lovey without the risk of SIDS.
Some parents believe there is a small risk of SIDS because they think that Lovey can put your baby at risk for suffocation.
If your baby is playing with a lovey, keep an eye on them and ensure they don’t put it in their mouth as a part or chew on it.
When Can My Baby Have a Lovey?
When you bring home your baby, they’ll need to sleep with Lovey. This will help them learn how to sleep independently and get used to sleeping in a different environment.
If your baby is having trouble falling asleep on their own, you can put Lovey in the crib next to them.
You can rub the Lovey to help soothe them into a relaxed state if they’re still having trouble. Be sure to watch your baby when they’re playing with the Lovey.
Even at this age, you can still use a Lovey as a snuggle buddy. If your baby is older than 12 months and still not sleeping on their own, you can put their Lovey next to them in the crib and rub it to help them get sleepy.
Best ways Using a Lovey for Your Baby
For the first few months, it’s important to keep an eye on your baby and ensure they don’t put the Lovey in their mouth as a part or chew on it. If they do, remove it from the crib immediately and wash it.
Make sure to place a Lovey in your baby’s crib only once they’re comfortable sleeping without one.
Babies are often given Lovey as a gift, but it’s best to wait until they’re old enough to understand where their Lovey belongs, usually at around 12 months.
Your baby can understand that the Lovey has a special place and will stay in their crib at this age. If you give them one too soon, they may be confused about where it goes.
If you’re worried that your baby isn’t getting enough rest, Lovey can help them sleep on their own. You should place it in their crib and rub it until they fall asleep.
You may also consider using Lovey as a distraction for your baby if they have trouble napping.
Just remember that it shouldn’t be used as a replacement for sleep, but rather a way to relax them into falling asleep so they can get the rest they need.
When to stop using a lovey?
12 months of age – Babies and toddlers are always at risk of choking on small objects, so the lovey should be removed at this point. If your baby refuses to sleep without a lovey, do not force the issue or let them have it during naptime.
18 months – At this point, your child has outgrown the need for a lovey, and it’s time to say goodbye.
What to do if your child is still attached to their lovey at 18 months:
If you’re still unsure what to do, you can try talking with your pediatrician or bringing your tot for a checkup. If the doctor gives their approval, you can buy a new stuffed animal or clip off the buttons or eyes of the original one.
Other parents have told their children that their lovey has been lost, causing the child to grieve and move on.
Is a lovey dangerous for my baby?
No, a lovey is not dangerous for your baby. A lovey’s presence can help reduce the risk of SIDS because babies will not be alone when they’re in their crib. If your baby is less than 6 months old, then it is better not to give them Lovey.
How to pick the best Lovey?
Look for Loveys that are washable, durable, and soft. For example, stuffed animals shouldn’t have buttons or eyes that could pose a choking hazard.
They should also be considered “non-toxic” since some materials are harmful to your little one if ingested.
Finding a lovey that’s comfortable for your baby and makes them feel safe is important. A stuffed animal shouldn’t make a baby feel warm but should be fairly neutral in temperature.
Remember that your lovey shouldn’t have smaller parts that could pose a choking hazard to your child if they put it in their mouth.
It’s also smart to choose one that can grow with your child. For example, if you’re giving a stuffed animal to your child who is 10 months old, it should be bigger than their mouth. By the time they’re 18 months, it shouldn’t be smaller than their mouth.
Babies who sleep with a lovey have been shown to have better-sleeping patterns, so find the right one for your baby.
How Can a Baby Lovey Make a Huge Sleeping Difference?
A Lovey can reduce the risk of SIDS and help babies sleep better. It’s a safe way for babies to play and sleep.
When you give your baby a lovey, they will be able to fall asleep in a very short period. Cuddling with their stuffed animal will also help them calm down when they’re having trouble sleeping or getting over a bad nightmare.
A baby lovey can help reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring your baby sleeps soundly in their crib.
Since a stuffed animal is a safe sleeping companion for a baby, it’s best to avoid giving them toys with small parts that could give babies bumps in their mouth and cause choking.
Lovey in crib at 8 months
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies stay in their cribs for the first six months of their life. This is the only safe place for a baby to sleep and get the best amount of sleep every day.
Keeping your little ones close by, you are helping them feel safe and secure as they develop.
Our bodies all respond to feelings of safety and security by releasing calming hormones into our bodies: stress-reducing endorphins, which help us to relax and fall asleep more easily.
Safe lovey for 6 month old
Babies love to play with their stuffed animals and feel a sense of security in their arms. But it’s important to remember that your baby needs to sleep on their own by six months old.
If they continue to cuddle and comfort themselves with a lovey after 6 months, you can consider buying one for them!
It is recommended that babies sleep in the same bed with you until they are at least six months old.
Conclusion
A baby lovey is an inexpensive way to give your baby a sense of security at night. It can also help your little one sleep more soundly, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends it.
Finding the right lovey for your child can be challenging, but having a stuffed animal as a toy or comfort object can be a great way to establish a close bond with your baby.
The best way to keep your baby safe while they sleep is by giving them their own bedroom and the space they need to sleep safely.
I hope you have enjoyed our informative lovey guide. Leave a comment and let us know your opinion.
FAQs
Why baby sleeping with lovey over face?
If your baby is sleeping with the lovey over their face, ensure they can breathe easily.
Is it safe for my baby to sleep with a Lovey?
Yes, it is safe for babies to sleep with a Lovey. It makes them feel safe and secure while they sleep, so it can be a great way to calm them down when they’re having trouble sleeping.
Can I give my baby a baby lovey?
Most doctors recommend that babies stay in their cribs for the first six months. It is recommended that your baby should not sleep in your bed until at least six months of age.
At what age can baby sleep with lovey?
You can offer a lovey to your baby at six months of age, but if your baby still doesn’t have a lovey at one year of age, you should assume that they do not want one.
Can my 6 month old sleep with a lovey?
You can give your baby a lovey at 6 months of age, but keeping them in the same bed with you is not recommended until they are at least 6 months old is recommended.
What is the best lovey for my 18 month old?
At 18 months, most babies will have outgrown their loveys, so finding a new teddy bear is recommended.
Do loveys have to be clean?
No, stuffed animals are usually washable, but you should still make sure to keep them clean to prevent bacteria from growing on the toy.
Can a baby suffocate on a lovey?
No, babies cannot suffocate on a lovey, so it is safe to give your baby one from 6 months of age.
Does my baby have to sleep with their lovey?
You can brush your baby’s hair and give them a kiss goodnight if you wish, but baby should not sleep in their arms or cuddle them when they are sleeping. You don’t want to encourage bad sleeping habits.
Are Lovies safe for babies to sleep with?
Yes, Lovies are safe for babies to sleep with. They won’t pose a choking hazard and will keep your baby safe at night.
What is the difference between a regular teddy and lovey?
A lovey comes in all kinds of shapes, textures, and sizes. The only thing they have in common is that they keep your child snugly and warm through the night.
