How Baby Comforters and Security Blankets Help Sleep
Accompanied with a holistic & consistent sleep routine, the short answer is yes, a comforter will help your baby with sleep. But it’s not the comforter itself that will magically magically make your baby sleep. The comforter becomes a holistic sleep association to help your baby understand what is happening next—sleepy time!
I first learned about Baby Comforters comforters when I trained as a night nurse, as they were being used in the NICU. Studies have since shown that babies and toddlers who have a baby comforter overnight are significantly more likely to sleep through the night than those without a comforter.
What does a Baby Comforter do?
Provides a sense of security:
Comforters can help babies feel more secure and comfortable, especially during sleep and when they are separated from their parents or caregivers.
Aids in self-soothing:
Babies use comforter to help them stay calm and return back to sleep when they wake during the night.
Helps with sleep training:
A comforter can be a positive sleep association, making sleep training more effective, especially if the baby is weaning off other sleep associations like rocking or cuddling, or feeding to sleep.
Eases separation anxiety:
As babies become more aware of their surroundings and their separateness from their parents, a comforter can help ease separation anxiety by becoming a familiar and comforting symbol.
Consistent sleep association:
The comforter can be a consistent sleep association, even if the sleeping environment changes, like at daycare or when traveling.
How to choose a Baby Comforter
When choosing a baby sleep comforter, prioritise safety and comfort. Select a small, soft, and breathable comforter made from natural fibers like cotton or muslin. Ensure it’s small enough for the baby to grasp easily and doesn’t have any small parts that could be a choking hazard. It’s also a good idea to choose a comforter that can be washed easily and consider attaching a pacifier for added comfort.
Size and Shape:
Opt for a grab size light comforter. Around the size of handkerchief with a largish head is ideal
Materials:
Beware that the majority of comforters on the market are made of polyester – avoid these. Choose breathable, natural fibers like cotton, muslin, or bamboo. Avoid synthetics or fabrics with loose fibers.
Safety:
Ensure the comforter is free from small parts that could be a choking hazard.
Washability:
Select a comforter that’s machine-washable, as it will likely get dribbled and soiled.
Always Buy at least Two Identical Comforters:
It will get lost, or need to go in the wash, so always have at least one a back up.
Comforter recommendation from a Baby Sleep Consultant
No matter if you call them a security blanket, comforter toy, lovie, lovey, blankie, doudou or even nunu, your baby is sure to love this 100% Organic Cotton Security Blanket.
Made from the softest, high quality 100% certified organic cotton, loved by babies and children as a comforting baby sleep association and transitional support well into toddlerhood.
I have been recommending baby comforters since I was first introduced to them as a mothercraft nanny night nurse in London back in the late 1990s.
Having a 100% Organic Cotton Baby Comforter forms one of the 4 key baby sleep associations which I like to call The Sleepy Time Essentials I recommend to all of my clients to instantly improve their baby’s sleep.
Top Baby Sleep Consultant Tip
No matter which one you choose — when you first buy a lovey comforter —always get a second one as a back up for when your child is sick, messy or you misplace it.
Watch the video on How To Introduce a Comforter below.
Raquel Tara
Mothercraft Night Nanny & Baby Sleep Consultant
Sydney's Original Celebrity Sleep Nanny Raquel Tara now flies to families anywhere in the Australia and coaches babies to sleep through the night — while their parents get the rest they deserve! From Canberra, Sydney, Byron Bay, The Gold Coast and anywhere in between; Raquel has helped elite athletes, celebrities, doctors, teachers, and coaches both-in Australia and abroad for 20+ years, and she can help you too!
