A comforter can be a powerful sleep aid to help your baby sleep more independently and feel secure, especially if they're facing separation anxiety or another big milestone such as starting daycare. But many parents wonder when it is safe to introduce a comforter and how to introduce one succesfully. Read on as we guide you through introducing a comforter safely, plus how to help your baby form a strong attachment.
When & How to Introduce a Comforter for Your Baby
What age can baby sleep with a comforter?
Most babies can sleep with a comforter from around 7 months of age, once they can move objects away from their face and roll. Comforters can help babies self-settle & provide independence. Always introduce a comforter safely, following safe sleep guidelines.
What is a comforter?
A comforter is a small blanket or soft toy specifically designed to be used for settling babies older than 7 months and providing comfort in times of transition.
A cuddly stays with your baby like a piece of parental love.
When can baby sleep with a comforter?
Red Nose Australia gives guidance that baby can be introduced to a comforter between 7 and 10 months of age, as a way to provide comfort and connection when baby is away from their main caregiver. Also consider whether your baby is developmentally ready for a comforter. If you're is 7 months of age, rolling and able to move things away from their face, then it's likely they are ready for a comforter.
Look for a comforter that is made from a breathable fabric, such as the Cuski, or made from muslin such as The Sleepy Bear comforter or silk such as the Silk Bunny Comforter. For older baby's or toddlers, a Glow Friend is good option for longevity. We highly recommend checking the age suitability of the comforter before purchasing it for your baby.
What are the benefits of using a comforter?
Comforters can be a very useful sleep association, telling your baby it is sleep time. Babies can easily find a blankie and use it to resettle themselves during the night, therefore helping your child sleep through the night.
A comforter can also help settle your baby or toddler both at bedtime and other times when she is upset. There are times your little one has an extra need for a comfort item, such as during sickness, the arrival of a new sibling, times away from home and in day care.
As babies go through phases of separation anxiety (usually around 9-12 months and again at about 2 years), having a comforter can be especially helpful.
If you are starting sleep training with babies over 7 months, we highly recommend you include the introduction of a comforter in your plan. It will make sleep training much easier, particularly if you are weaning your baby off a strong sleep association such as feeding, cuddling or rocking to sleep.
How to choose the right comforter
Your baby's comforter may be around for awhile, so you may want to choose something you like!
Here are a few tips for choosing a comforter
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Choose breathable fabric if possible, such as cotton, muslin or bamboo.
- If using a dummy, consider choosing a comforter where you can attach a dummy
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See if your baby is interested in satin tags.
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Choose something that you can get a spare of later or buy 2 (or 3) at the same time.
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Machine washable, as the comforter will get sucked and dribbled on!
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Small is a good idea, so it can be easily handled by little hands.
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With toddlers, you may prefer more of a toy, such as a snuggly bunny or Glow Friend , which can be cuddled
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If you're choosing a comforter for your toddler, let them choose their own (within safety guidelines) as this will help aid attachment.
Our comforter recommendations
For babies
For younger babies, around 7 months we highly recommend the beautifully soft Sleepy Bear Muslin Comforter, which is easy to hold, lightweight and breathable. A dummy can also be easily attached.
For toddlers
For toddlers, especially those who wake in the night or are unsure of the dark, choose an adorable Glow Friend, which is a soft toy style comforter with a glowing tummy and optional soothing sounds.
Glow Friends, such as Loulou Lamb or Anderson Bear have gently glowing tummies and a range of soothing sounds to provide reassurance during the night. Their size means a toddler can cuddle up better to soothe themselves back to sleep during the night.
How do you introduce a comforter to your baby?
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Start by putting the comforter between you and your baby during a feed. Let your baby hold it while feeding, as they will be relaxed and cuddled up to you.
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If you're not breastfeeding, pop the comforter up your top for a few hours or overnight, to get your scent onto it.
- Tuck the comforter in with your baby (once they are 7 months or older)
What if my baby doesn't take to a comforter?
Like starting solids, when introducing a comforter, repitition and consistency is key. If your baby doesn't immediately take to the comforter, give it time. Give it at least a week of repitition. Keep giving it to your baby and let them play with it during their awake time. Make sure it has your scent, keep it close to you when you can, so the comforter smells like you.
If you've tried consistently and they're still not taking it, try again when they're a little older. You could also try a different texture, such as silk instead of muslin or cotton instead of silk etc.
Comforter FAQ's
When should I introduce a comforter?
From around 7 months, once your baby can safely move objects away from their face.
Are comforters safe for babies?
Yes, when used at the appropriate age (around 7 months old), if baby is developmentally ready and if they are made from breathable materials.
Can a comforter help baby sleep through the night?
Yes — comforters may help babies self-settle and resettle during night wakings by providing comfort and familiarity
What comforter is best for a baby?
Look for small, breathable, washable comforters with no loose parts.
What about sound and light comforters?
Sound and light comforters, such as Glow Friends or Moonie Bears are a good option for older babies or toddlers. Their glowing tummies and soothing sounds can add extra comfort, especially to toddlers who are fearful of the dark.
For a baby younger than 1 year, the Glow Friends can be attached to the cot with a sleeping bag for safety, keeping the cot clear as per safe sleep guidelines.
The larger size of Glow Friends make them more of a soft toy style comforter which they can cuddle up in bed with, adding extra comfort and reducing separation anxiety.