Lovies & Security Blankets: When and How to Introduce Them Safely

Lovies & Security Blankets: When and How to Introduce Them Safely

 - By Monica Bykov, RN, IBCLC, NCS - 

As a baby nurse with nearly three decades of hands-on experience supporting families through the newborn and infant stages, I’ve seen how much comfort a small, familiar object can bring to a baby—especially during sleep transitions, travel, or times of separation. Lovies and security blankets can be wonderful tools for self-soothing, but like everything in infant care, timing and safety matter.

Let’s break down when and how to introduce lovies in a way that supports both comfort and safe sleep habits.

What Is a Lovie?

A “lovie” is a soft, often small item—like a fabric square, mini blanket, or plush toy—that becomes a baby’s comfort object. Unlike a full-size blanket, a lovie is meant to be portable and manageable in size. Many parents use them as part of the bedtime routine or during moments of stress, such as drop-offs at daycare or sleep training [1].

When Can a Baby Safely Sleep with a Lovie?

This is the part I’m asked about most often, and my answer is always rooted in safety first.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nothing—no blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or toys—should be in a baby’s crib for sleep until after 12 months of age [2]. This includes lovies.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t begin introducing one before their first birthday—it just means you shouldn’t leave it in the crib while your baby is sleeping.

When to Start Introducing a Lovie (Safely)

While every baby is different, many are ready to form attachments to comfort objects between 6 and 12 months. This coincides with the development of object permanence and attachment behaviors [3].

Here’s how to start:

✔ Around 6–9 Months:

  • Let baby cuddle the lovie during supervised awake time, like cuddles, story time, or in the car seat (when you're watching).

  • Hold it between you during feedings or snuggles to build a scent association with you [4].

  • Incorporate it into bedtime routines before sleep, but remove it from the crib once baby is asleep.

✔ After 12 Months:

  • Once your pediatrician confirms your baby is developmentally ready and you're past the safe sleep window, you can begin to leave the lovie in the crib or bed.

  • Choose one that is small, breathable, and free of loose threads or parts that could pose a choking risk [2].

Choosing the Right Lovie

Not all lovies are created equal. Here’s what I recommend parents look for:

  • Size: Small enough not to pose a suffocation risk; usually about 12x12 inches or smaller [5].

  • Material: Lightweight, breathable, and soft. I love organic cotton or OEKO-TEX-certified fabrics.

  • Design: Avoid beads, buttons, or long ribbons. Simplicity is safest.

  • Washable: Because you’ll be washing it—a lot.

Helping Your Baby Bond with Their Lovie

Babies bond with objects through association and consistency. To help your baby form an emotional connection to their lovie:

  • Use it during comforting routines—rocking, feeding, reading.

  • Sleep with it for a night yourself so it smells like you [4].

  • Talk about it with your baby. Use the lovie’s “name” often so it becomes part of their world: “Let’s get Ellie for story time!”

Lovies During Transitions

Lovies can be a gentle anchor during big changes:

  • Starting daycare or with a new nanny

  • Weaning from breastfeeding or the pacifier

  • Sleep training

  • Family travel

A familiar texture and scent can help a baby feel safe and secure when their environment shifts [6].

A Personal Note

I’ll never forget a little client of mine—eight months old—who gripped her bunny-eared lovie like a lifeline each time we practiced nap time in a new setting. We never left it in the crib before she turned one, but we used it for pre-sleep cuddles, stroller walks, and even during diaper changes when she was extra fussy. After her first birthday, it officially became her “crib buddy,” and it helped her transition to sleeping in her own room like a champ.

Final Thoughts

Lovies are more than just cute accessories—they’re tools for emotional development, self-soothing, and comfort. Introduced thoughtfully and used safely, they can become cherished companions for years. Just remember: before 12 months, always supervised. After that, enjoy watching your little one grow into their independence with their soft sidekick by their side.

References

  1. Blunden, S., & Dawson, D. (2020). Comfort Objects and Attachment Theory. Journal of Sleep Research.

  2. American Academy of Pediatrics (2022). Safe Sleep Recommendations to Reduce the Risk of SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths. Pediatrics, 150(1).

  3. Sadeh, A., Tikotzky, L., & Scher, A. (2010). Infant sleep and parenting: A longitudinal perspective. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 14(2), 89–96.

  4. Field, T. (2001). Touch and bonding in early infant development. Infant Behavior and Development, 24(4), 521–533.

  5. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2023). Safe Use of Infant Blankets and Toys. www.cpsc.gov

  6. Gunnar, M. R., & Donzella, B. (2002). Social regulation of cortisol levels in early human development. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 27(1-2), 199–220.