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." Penelope Leach.
A cuddly stays with your baby like a piece of parental love.
They can be a very useful sleep association, which tells 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 comfort blankie can really help settle your older 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 child-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.
Red Nose Australia's safe sleep guidelines recommend comforters or soft toys are not used for babies under 7 months old.
Once a baby is over 7 months of age it is safe to introduce a comforter, however, you should check what age the specific comforter is suitable for. We love the Cuski's, which can be used from 7 months plus.
You may want to choose something you like for your baby's comforter, as it may be around for a while.
Choose breathable fabric if possible, such as cotton, muslin or bamboo.
See if your baby is interested in satin tags.
Choose something that you can get a spare of later or buy 2 at the same time.
Machine washable, as the comforter will get sucked and dribbled on!
Small is a good idea, so it can be easily handled by little hands.
With toddlers you may prefer more of a toy, such as a snuggly soft bear or bunny. Your toddler may want to choose their own.
We highly recommend the wonderful Cuski range - these are made from breathable fabric and are in a very easy to manage shape.
Babies almost without fail become very attached to their Cuski!
"I had read that it was quite important to have a comforter in the cot, something he could snuggle with that smelt of Mummy, so when I saw the Cuski I thought 'perfect'. Well, he ADORES it (we have 2 now of course!) It is the first thing he grabs when he is put in his cot and he loves holding it and chatting away to it before and after his sleep." Cherie Martin
Here are a few ideas for getting your baby attached to their new friend:
Start by putting the comforter between you and your baby during feeding. Let your baby hold it while feeding, as they will be relaxed and cuddled up to you.
Pop the comforter up your top for a few hours or overnight, to get your scent onto it.
