When Can Babies Start Sleeping With Stuffed Animals?

As a new parent, you’ve probably imagined tucking your little one into their crib, snuggled up with a soft, cuddly stuffed animal. It’s a heartwarming picture, right? Stuffed animals can be more than just toys; they can become sources of comfort and security and even a baby’s first best friend. But before you introduce that fluffy teddy bear into the crib, it’s super important to know when it’s actually safe to do so.

Wondering when babies can start sleeping with stuffed animals is one of the most common questions new parents have. While that plush bunny looks harmless, baby sleep safety is a serious business. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the official safety recommendations to how to choose the perfect first stuffed animal for your little one.

When Is It Safe for a Baby to Sleep With a Stuffed Animal?

Here’s the most important takeaway: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep in a crib that is completely free of any soft objects until they are at least 12 months old. This includes stuffed animals, pillows, blankets, and crib bumpers. This guideline is in place to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation.

So, while that adorable stuffed elephant might seem like a cozy crib companion, it’s best to wait until your baby’s first birthday. Even after your child turns one, you’ll still want to be careful. Some pediatric experts even suggest waiting until 18 months, particularly if your little one is very active as they sleep.

Here’s a simple breakdown by age:

• 0–12 months: Nope, not yet. The crib should be completely empty except for a fitted sheet. You can certainly let your baby play with stuffed animals during supervised awake time, but they should be removed from the sleep space for naps and overnight.
• 12–18 months: Yes, with caution. You can start to introduce a small, lightweight stuffed animal. At this age, your baby has likely developed the motor skills to roll over, sit up, and move objects away from their face, which reduces safety risks.
• 18+ months: Generally safe. By this age, most toddlers can safely sleep with a comfort object. In fact, this object can be a helpful part of their sleep routine.

Always chat with your pediatrician if you have any concerns. They can offer advice based on your baby’s individual development and health.

How To Choose the Safest First Stuffed Animal

Now that you know when babies can start sleeping with stuffed animals, it’s time for the fun part: picking out their first companion! You’ll want to be a bit picky.

Here are a few things to look for when choosing a safe stuffed animal:

• Small and lightweight: The toy should be small enough that it doesn’t pose a suffocation risk. It should be easy for your baby to hold and move around, but not so small that it becomes a choking hazard.
• Soft and breathable: Opt for a toy made from soft, breathable materials. This helps reduce the risk of overheating.
• No loose parts: Check for any buttons, plastic eyes, ribbons, or other small accessories that could come off and become a choking hazard. Embroidered features are a much safer bet.
• Washable: Babies are messy! Choose a stuffed animal that is machine-washable to keep it clean and free of germs, dust mites, and allergens.

When in doubt, remember that simpler is always safer. A classic, no-frills stuffed animal is the perfect choice for your baby’s first bedtime buddy.

How To Introduce a Stuffed Animal

Ready to make the formal introduction? You can do better than plopping a toy in the crib and calling it a day. A little bit of strategy can help your child form a positive attachment to their new friend.

Start Before They Turn One

Even though your baby can’t sleep with a stuffed animal until they’re 12 months old, you can help them build a bond with the companion much earlier. Here’s how:

• Let them play with it during supervised tummy time.
• Include it in your daily cuddles and reading sessions.
• Bring it along in the stroller on walks.

By including the stuffed animal in these positive, comforting moments, your baby will start to associate it with safety and love. Then, when it’s finally time for the lovey to join them in the crib, it will already be a familiar and cherished object.

Make It Part of the Routine

Once your child is old enough, make the stuffed animal a central part of the bedtime routine.

• Give the stuffed animal a goodnight kiss, and encourage your toddler to do the same.
• Snuggle with it together while you read a bedtime story.
• You can even try a little trick: tell your child you’re covering the lovey in your kisses, so if they miss you during the night, they can just hug their friend to feel your love. Awww, right?

Have a Backup

Once your child gets attached to a specific stuffed animal, buy a duplicate (or even two!). Trust us. The day will come when the beloved companion gets left behind at a park, is deep in the laundry pile, or disappears into thin air. Having an identical backup that you can rotate regularly could save you from a major bedtime meltdown.

Find the Perfect First Friend at Bunnies by the Bay

Choosing your baby’s first stuffed animal is a special moment, and you want to find one that’s as safe as it is lovable. When your little one is ready for their first cuddly companion, you’ll want to choose a toy that is soft, safe, and made with love.

At Bunnies by the Bay, we have a wonderful collection of stuffed animals and plush toys that are perfect for babies and toddlers. Our collection ranges from sweet floppy-eared bunnies to adorable farm animals, all designed with your child’s safety and comfort in mind. Our toys are crafted from premium, nontoxic materials and feature embroidered details to prevent any choking hazards. They are designed to be constant companions that offer a steady source of comfort throughout childhood.

Whether you’re looking for unique personalized baby boy gifts or sweet presents for a baby girl, our collection has something special. You can even personalize many of our stuffed animals to make them an extra-meaningful keepsake. Explore our collection and find the perfect first friend for your little one to cherish for years to come.