Published: 03/25/2025

At what age can you safely leave a comforter in a baby's bed?

Categories: Baby Universe

Comfort toy in baby's bed:
at what age?

As soon as baby arrives, many parents want to give them a comfort toy to reassure them. But when can you really let them sleep with it? The answer is clear: not before 6 months. Before this age, babies don't yet have the right reflexes to protect themselves if the comfort toy interferes with their breathing. And even after 6 months, you must remain cautious.

Let's look together at the signs that show baby is ready, the precautions to take, and how to choose a truly safe comfort toy for nighttime.

Why wait 6 months before introducing a comfort toy?

From 6 months onward... With vigilance

Before 6 months, very young babies are not able to move their head easily or remove an object placed on their face. Their muscle strength is still limited, and this can put them in danger if a comfort toy blocks their breathing during sleep. This is why pediatricians strongly advise against placing an object in the bed before this age.

From 6 months, some babies develop enough strength to roll over, manipulate a light fabric or toy, and especially to move it away from them if it bothers them. These are important motor skills that can make introducing the comfort toy safer. However, you must carefully observe the child's development, because all babies do not progress at the same pace.

What if we waited 12 months? Expert advice by country

In some countries, recommendations are even stricter. In the United States, for example, healthcare professionals advise waiting until the child is at least one year old before leaving a comfort toy in their bed. The idea is to be sure they are autonomous enough to move, breathe freely, and react if they feel uncomfortable.

On the other hand, other cultures allow babies to sleep with a comfort object earlier, sometimes from birth, but always under supervision. What makes the difference is not just age: it's mainly how the baby sleeps (in a separate bed, co-sleeping, in a bassinet...), and the type of object provided. Ultimately, each parent must adapt to their child's rhythm, while putting safety first.

It is therefore important to consider these different elements to determine the ideal time to introduce a comfort toy in your child's bed, always prioritizing their safety and well-being.

To learn more about safety rules and standards to follow in baby's room, discover our article “Setting up baby's room: standards and safety”.

How do I know if my baby is ready to have a comfort toy?

There is no magic age. But certain signs show that a baby is capable of sleeping with a comfort toy safely. If they roll over easily, if they know how to grab an object and manipulate it, if they can push it away if it's too close to their face, then you can start considering introducing the comfort toy.

You can actually observe these skills during wakeful moments: if your baby plays with their comfort toy, holds it without difficulty, or reacts when it comes in contact with their face, these are positive indicators. You can then offer them the comfort toy at naptime or bedtime, but always remain vigilant during the first few times.

How do I choose a truly safe comfort toy for nighttime?

Suffocation risk factors to consider

You're probably wondering what characteristics of comfort toys can be dangerous for your baby. Here are some elements to watch out for:

Characteristic	Potential risk	Recommendations
Size and Weight	Too large: risk of suffocation if it covers the face. Too small: easily lost and replaced with a dangerous object.	Appropriate for the child's age and size. Small and lightweight for infants.
Materials	Not breathable: risk of overheating and excessive sweating. Not hypoallergenic: risk of allergies and irritations.	Favor natural breathable and hypoallergenic materials (organic cotton, bamboo).
Detachable elements	Buttons, ribbons, plastic eyes: risk of ingestion and suffocation.	Avoid comfort toys with removable accessories. Check the strength of the seams.
Long fur	Risk of ingesting fur that could cause suffocation or irritation.	Prefer comfort toys with short, well-secured fur.
General condition	Wear, loose seams, escaping stuffing: risk of ingestion and suffocation.	Regularly inspect the comfort toy and repair or replace it if damaged.

Legend: This table describes the characteristics of comfort toys that may present a safety risk for babies. It is essential to choose a comfort toy appropriate for the child's age, made with safe materials, and to regularly check its condition.

Suffocation can occur when the comfort toy obstructs the child's airways; especially if it becomes pressed against their face during sleep. Babies have a less developed cough reflex, which makes them more vulnerable. Swallowing small detached pieces from the comfort toy (buttons, eyes, stuffing) can also cause suffocation — a risk not to be overlooked.

Be alert to the warning signs of suffocation. You should watch for elements such as difficult or wheezing breathing, sudden and persistent coughing, or a change in face color. This is why it is important to be particularly vigilant.

Choosing a safe comfort toy: the right criteria

A comfort toy should never be chosen solely for its appearance. It must be appropriate for the child's age and comply with safety standards.

Which materials should I prioritize?

For your baby's well-being, it is important to favor breathable materials — organic cotton, for example, promotes good air circulation. This way, you reduce the risks of overheating and excessive sweating; moreover, hypoallergenic materials are an undeniable asset.

Materials such as bamboo or untreated organic cotton minimize the risks of allergic reactions or skin irritations because babies' skin is particularly sensitive. A hypoallergenic comfort toy is recommended if your baby suffers from eczema or other skin allergies.

What safety standards should be observed?

Before giving a comfort toy to your child, it is important to assess their ability to handle it safely. Comfort toys must meet toy safety standards and bear the CE marking and EN 71 standard — this certification guarantees compliance with European safety requirements, and the EN 71 standard specifies these requirements for toys, including comfort toys; it is therefore important to choose a quality gift.

Here are some models available on CHAMBREKIDS that meet these criteria:

The Kangaroo Pacifier Holder Comfort Toy, very soft, secure, and perfectly adapted to little hands.
The Blue Pacifier Holder Comfort Toy, practical and soothing.
The Ricehawking 20 cm Comfort Toy, perfect to accompany baby as soon as they're ready.

Where should I place the comfort toy in the bed to avoid risks?

Even when the baby is ready, you must be careful about where you place the comfort toy. The ideal is to place it away from the face, for example towards the feet or on the side of the bed. This limits the risk of it ending up on the airways during the night.

It is also not recommended to add other objects in the bed, such as pillows, thick blankets, or padded crib bumpers. These items can reduce air circulation and increase the risks of CO₂ rebreathing. Instead, use a sleep sack well adapted to your child's size. It's safer, more comfortable, and keeps them warm without risk. Make sure the comfort toy doesn't get stuck between the mattress and the bed: every detail counts for the infant's safety.

In this context, to create a safe sleeping environment, it is important to choose an appropriate bed for baby's first months — as explained in our article on choosing a bed for baby's first months.

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What can I do before 6 months to reassure my baby without an object?

Before 6 months, it is entirely possible to comfort baby in ways other than with a comfort toy. Some parents use a piece of clothing worn during the day: the familiar scent naturally soothes the newborn. It's a gentle solution that presents no danger if you don't leave it directly in the bed.

Skin-to-skin moments, cuddles, and parents' voices are also very effective in calming a baby. A slow rocking motion, a lullaby, or simply a reassuring presence can help them fall asleep peacefully. These habits create a true bedtime ritual, which becomes a source of emotional security as powerful as a comfort toy.

And later, how can I help them detach from their comfort toy?

Over time, many children naturally detach from their comfort toy. Some forget to bring it on an outing without realizing it, others set it aside to focus on other games or rituals. These behaviors show that the child is gaining emotional autonomy.

To support this evolution, you can offer a “daytime comfort toy” and reserve the main one for nighttime. You can also reinforce other bedtime cues, such as reading a story, giving a big hug, or listening to soft music. The important thing is to provide a stable, reassuring framework adapted to your child's age.

Determining the ideal time to leave a comfort toy in the bed depends on your child's development. Safety is paramount: choose an appropriate comfort toy and a secure sleeping space. Providing your baby with peaceful and safe sleep is important for their well-being; so don't wait, because choosing the right comfort toy also means ensuring their safety and promoting restorative rest. Don't delay.