Dec 9, 20245 min read

When to Introduce Items into Your Baby's Crib | Sleep Expert Tips

By: Sarah Bossio, Certified Pediatric Sleep Expert

It's a big milestone when you put pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals in your baby's crib! It's a step in the right direction for their development and comfort. It's common to question when this change ought to be made.

Hi there! I am Sarah. As a certified pediatric sleep specialist, I've assisted hundreds of families in adjusting to these changes. Today, we're diving into everything you need to know about safely introducing a bedtime stuffed animal, lovey in a crib, or blanket to your toddler's sleep routine.

Let's make this journey smooth and safe for your little one—and stress-free for you!

1. The Safe Sleep Timeline

Every parent wants the best for their baby, and safety always comes first. Timing is key when introducing items like stuffed animals in the crib or a sleep-safe lovey.

Why Timing Matters: Babies aren't ready for these items immediately because of safety risks, like suffocation. However, their motor skills and ability to manage their environment improve as they grow.
Safe Sleep Guidelines for Babies: The American Academy of Pediatrics says it's okay to start introducing blankets, loveys, and stuffed animals to babies after they're 12 months old. By this age, the risk of SIDS has significantly decreased.

Changes in Development After 12 Months: Babies begin to move more freely, which lowers the possibility of entanglement. Their ability to control objects around them improves, making introducing cuddly items like the best cuddle stuffed animals safer.

2. What Items to Introduce and When

Here's a simple timeline to guide you through introducing comforting items into your baby's crib.

Lovey or Stuffed Animal (12 Months and Up):

A soft-textured lovely stuffed animal or small blanket can be a game-changer. Loveys are compact, lightweight, and ideal for calming your infant. They promote self-soothing, which reduces the frequency of overnight awakenings.

Pro Tip: Invest in two or three identical plush animals. Rotate them to make sure they all feel familiar, and if one disappears, you're never left stranded.

Blanket (Around 2 Years):

Kids can stay warm and safe with the help of sleep sacks. Keeping a steady body temperature and eliminating the need for loose blankets are two advantages of sleep sacks for children. However, switching to a blanket is acceptable if your toddler begins to object to the sleep sack.

Keep in mind that children will not always sleep with the blanket on, so put them in pajamas appropriate for the season.

Pillow (2.5 Years and Up):

By 2.5 years, a tiny toddler pillow can help your child get used to sleeping with more "grown-up" comforts. However, don't expect them to use it consistently—many toddlers are delighted without it!

3. Managing Expectations as a Parent

Let's set the stage with realistic expectations:

Your toddler might not sleep like you do. They'll wiggle and roll around and likely end up nowhere near their blanket or pillow by morning.
Focus on comfort, not perfection. The goal is to help your baby feel secure and cosy, not to replicate adult sleep habits.
Give them time. Introducing items like sleeping stuffed animals or a sleep-safe lovey is about building familiarity over time.

4. How to Transition Items Into the Crib?

Making the switch to new nighttime routines doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some guidelines:

Start Small: Before adding more, start with one item, such as a lovey in the crib.
Make Good Connections: Pair the new item with stories or hugs before bed to help your infant associate it with comfort and sleep.
Look at Your Infant: Observe your child's interactions with the new object. While some children immediately embrace their bedtime stuffed animal, others need time to get used to it.
Have patience: It may take some time to change. Continue and have faith in the process!

5. Addressing Common Concerns

What if My Baby Doesn't Use the Item?

That's okay! Introducing these items is about creating familiarity. Over time, they'll likely gravitate toward their new lovey stuffed animal or blanket.

How to Ensure Warmth Without a Blanket?

Sleep sacks are a parent's best friend. They keep your baby cosy without the risks of loose bedding. If your child outgrows the sack, invest in warm, breathable pajamas.

What if My Baby Overuses the Lovey?

Rotating several guarantees your child is entirely devoted to a single object. It also simplifies replacements!

6. Advantages of Adding Things to the Crib

For your infant:

Security and Comfort: The most fabulous cuddly stuffed animal or a cute stuffed animal can aid with self-soothing and reduce separation anxiety.
Better Sleep: Familiar bedtime items encourage longer, more restful sleep by helping babies relax.

For you:

More straightforward Bedtime Routines: With comfort items in place, transitions to sleep can be smoother.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your child is comfortable and secure makes bedtime more manageable for everyone.

7. Preparing for the Big-Kid Bed Transition

When your toddler is ready to move to a big-kid bed (around age 3), they'll already be familiar with pillows, blankets, and their favourite bedtime stuffed animal. This makes the transition much easier for everyone!

Final Thoughts

Introducing items into your baby's crib is an exciting milestone—and with the right timing and approach, it can make sleep more comfortable for your little one. Whether it's a lovely stuffed animal, a cosy blanket, or the best cuddle stuffed animals, these additions can bring comfort and security to your child's bedtime routine.

Have more questions? Drop them in the comments below—I'd love to help! And don't forget to like this post, subscribe to my Youtube channel for more tips, and follow along for more expert advice on safe and restful sleep for your little one.

Sweet dreams!

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I work with families one-on-one all the time who are experiencing issues with their babies' naps, overnight sleep, and more. If this sounds like you, please book a 15-minute sleep assessment call just so I can understand a little bit more about your child's sleep and then explain ways that I can work one-on-one with you to get it in order.

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