The Power of a Comforter: Helping Your Baby Feel Safe and Secure
There’s something very special about watching your baby snuggle into their favourite little blanket or soft toy. For many little ones, a comforter (or blankie) becomes more than just a bedtime accessory - it’s a trusted friend that brings a sense of calm and reassurance through every new stage of growing up.
What Is a Comforter and Why It Matters
A comforter (sometimes called a blankie or cuddly) is a small soft toy or blanket designed to give babies comfort and security, especially from around 7 months of age. It can be as simple as a muslin square, or as snuggly as a soft toy with a little blanket attached. What makes it special is the emotional bond your baby forms with it – often because it carries a familiar scent, or the feeling of warmth and safety they associate with you.
Psychologists call comforters “transitional objects” because they help babies manage those moments when you’re not right beside them. Between 4 and 12 months, babies start exploring the world more independently, and that little soft toy can offer the gentle reassurance they need to feel secure when things seem new or uncertain. Comforters can also be a really great sleep association, which help your little one learn when it’s sleep time.
How Comforters Help Your Baby Feel Secure
Comforters play a big part in helping babies learn to settle and resettle themselves, especially during the night. When your baby wakes, they can reach for their comforter to soothe themselves back to sleep - a comforting step toward independent sleep. It’s a familiar signal that says, “You’re safe.”
Comforters are also a wonderful support during transitions, such as starting childcare, welcoming a new sibling, or travelling away from home. Around 9-12 months (and again nearer to two years old), separation anxiety can peak, and having that familiar little friend close by can make a world of difference.
When and How to Introduce a Comforter
Comforters can be safely introduced between 7 and 10 months, once babies understand that you still exist even when they can’t see you (known as object permanence). By this age, the risk of SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy) is much lower, and most babies have transitioned out of swaddles.
To help your baby form an attachment, try these gentle tips:
- Keep the comforter near your skin or pillow before introducing it, so it carries your scent.
- Let your baby hold it during feeds or cuddles.
- Use it only during naps or bedtime, so they associate it with sleep and calm.
- Give it time - every baby bonds at their own pace.
Choosing the Right Comforter
Look for one that’s safe, breathable, and easy to love. Natural and soft fabrics are ideal. Make sure it’s machine washable (you’ll thank yourself later!) and small enough for your baby to grasp easily. If your baby uses a dummy, a comforter with a pacifier loop could be especially handy.
A practical tip: buy two identical comforters if you can. This way, you’ll always have a backup on wash days or in case one goes missing. Try rotating them so they both share the same scent and feel – your baby will notice even the smallest differences.
Our Favourites
Some lovely, baby safe options include:
• Little Bamboo Comforter – made from soft, breathable bamboo and cotton that naturally absorbs your scent.
• Tim The Tiger – an ultra soft plush comforter with an added teething ring
• Bunny Lovey Comforter – soft, smooth and soothing muslin, ideal for sensitive skin.
• Doomoo You & Me Bunny – made with gorgeously soft organic cotton, in a special design that comes with interchangeable bodies for continuous use.
When It’s Time to Say Goodbye
Every child grows out of their comforter in their own time. Some let go naturally when they’re ready, while others keep it close well into their early years. There’s no rush - it’s about your child’s confidence, not the calendar. And when that special comforter is finally left behind, tuck it away somewhere safe. These soft little keepsakes often hold years of love, warmth, and memories that are so worth keeping.
A comforter might seem small, but to your baby, it’s a big source of comfort, connection, and security – a little reminder that love is never far away ❤️
