It's normal for babies to form an attachment to something soft and comforting. For example, a blanket, soft toy or even a piece of your clothing! Perfect for helping them to settle down for a nap or the nighttime, we'd recommend giving them their own cute and cuddly comforter for the job.
Safe for your baby to hug, play with, and chew, a comforter helps your little one to feel safe and secure. Great for self-soothing too, it's a useful tool to have in the parenting toolbox to help them to fall asleep. Through extended use, they'll associate their snuggly comforter with time to sleep. This will help them to transition from needing to be rocked or cuddled.
That's why we've made it our mission to find the best baby comforters to keep your little one feeling calm and happy, and to help them develop their own independence.
How to choose a baby comforter
Most little ones tend to choose their comforter naturally, but there's nothing wrong with buying a toy or blanket with the intention of it being your baby's comforter. The good news is that providing it's soft and cosy, they're likely to love it.
Ideally, you want a baby comforter that can easily be washed as you'll need to do this regularly. Our number one tip would be to buy a couple just in case one gets lost, or a backup one while the other is in the wash.
When choosing a baby comforter, remember that you should never leave your baby unattended with anything that has a ribbon or cord attached to it, or any toy with parts that may come off.
You should also remove the comforter from your baby's cot or bed once they're asleep - a clear cot is a safer cot.
The best baby comforters
We've rounded up some of the softest, sweetest baby comforters on the market.
AmazonThe beloved, but slightly sad looking, grey donkey, Eeyore, is the best friend of Disney’s Winnie the Pooh and this beautiful character comforter makes a wonderful companion perfect for helping to soothe at nap time, bedtime or when on the move. You can keep your baby engaged and entertained with this super soft Eeyore Comforter that features multiple fabrics, knots, tags and features that encourage your baby to explore their senses and touch, feel and learn.
One reviewer said: "We got a few baby comforters as gifts for our newborn but this is by far my favourite! Eeyore is such a lovely character to learn to love, he isn’t always cheerful but his friends love him all the same. It’s a nice calming toy to have early in the morning and late at night (though you’re advised not to keep toys in a baby’s bed).
We have him dangling over the side of the snuzpod (he hangs over the edge on his arms) and my baby loves staring and making faces at him.
I love the blue colour and it’s a very soft fabric! "
Pros
- Very soft
- Multiple fabric, knots and tags to engage the senses
Cons
- A bit smaller than expected
AmazonA comforter can be your baby’s most-loved companion and there’s certainly a good chance of that happening with the Ewan baa baa blankie. Made from snuggly plush with silk edging and featuring Ewan’s friendly face, don’t be surprised if you can’t prise him away.
One review said, "My daughter is in love with her Ewan Lullaby sheep but it’s a bit big to take everywhere so we got her this bla joe and she loves it. Same familiar lovable face but soft and cuddly enough for her to hold and take with her everywhere."
Pros
- Snuggly and soft
- Well made
Cons
- Fades after washing
AmazonWe all know and love the Beatrix Potter books and this gorgeous Peter Rabbit comforter is made from premium soft fabric to ensure he is as gentle against your baby's skin as possible, with cute embroidered facial features. This comforter is machine washable so it can be taken everywhere with your little one.
Mum Lorna, said, "Absolutely lovely! It is my son's favourite. Washes nicely in the washing machine. Great quality and value for money."
Pros
- Adorable recognisable design
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Underneath material isn't as soft
AmazonMade from soft cotton terry towelling, this uniquely shaped comforter which is used within the NHS helps young children transition from being away from mum, making them feel safe and secure.
One happy reviewer, said, "We now have three of these in rotation/backups. My little one is 11 months and will only sleep with this at night, we never wanted to use dummies and a friend suggested this as a good option. He settles much quicker with this and amazingly it seems to be standing up well to chewing with his new razor-sharp teeth."
Pros
- Suitable from birth
- Good alternative to a dummy
Cons
- Don't leave baby unattended with this comforter
AmazonThere's plenty to keep your baby entertained on this baby comforter which is edged with assorted cute design tags for a tactile experience. That, plus the huggable blanket and fuzzy long-pile plush on Heather Hedgehog, will keep your little one happy and stimulated.
Dad Tom, said, "Great for honing baby’s pincer grip. Washes well (after being vomited and drooled on) and a favourite from the word go. My baby seeks out a label on any toy and this was no exception, he found the safety/washing instructions on this straight away but then he played with the others. He loves the rattle in the head and it’s so soft. A great product."
Pros
- Washes well
- Nice to cuddle
- Good value
Cons
- Design not great
Babymoribabymori.com
This rusty-red ranger is made to cuddle! Vibrant and plush with a big creamy tummy, Roy's arms are wide open for hugs.
One parent wrote: "My son was bought this as a gift at a few days old, it is his favourite comforter and now at a year old he hugs it to sleep every night. I don't let it out of the house for fear of losing it and have come on here to buy a second just in case!"
Pros
- Cute
- Very soft
Cons
- Expensive
AmazonOne for Scandi lovers out there, this comforter is made from smooth cotton muslin that will keep its softness even after washing. The Blinkie is foldable and will fit easily in a handbag or changing bag, so you can always have it with you when you and your baby are on the go.
Parent Hamila, wrote, "Great quality and design, our baby boy loves putting it in his mouth and soothing himself to sleep every night."
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Eight colours to choose from
Cons
- Expensive
AmazonWho doesn't love Winnie the Pooh? Hand washable and suitable from birth, Pooh features beautiful embroidered detailing and multi-textured, tactile fabric to encourage sensory play.
One reviewer said, "Baby loves this! Has just turned one and started looking for this every night and carrying it from the cot in the morning. It is lovely and soft and has washed well. Have now bought a second one to leave at nursery."
Pros
- Lovely detailing
- Makes a great gift
Cons
- Quite small
FAQ: Everything you need to know about baby comforters
At what age can a baby have a comforter?
Many comforters are suitable from birth. However, many parents find that at around nine months old is the best time to get one. Babies often become very clingy to their mums as they realise they are not part of their mothers and are individuals. A comforter can help with this transition. It can also be a good alternative to a dummy if this is something you are wanting to avoid.
Is it good for babies to have a comforter?
Baby comforters are a really useful took to help little one's who struggle with separation anxiety. They act as a ;transitional object' offering an alternative attachment option that is separate from their caregiver, so that when the caregiver isn't available, they can still find a sense of security with something that looks, feels and smells familiar.
What is the best breathable comforter for a baby according to the NHS?
The NHS says, "A cellular cotton blanket is best as they allow your baby to keep warm but allows air flow. The blanket should be tucked in firmly, no higher than the shoulders, and not doubled over as this can cause overheating."
Are baby comforters SIDS safe?
It is not safe for babies under the age of 12 months old to sleep with blankets." Red nose advises the following...
For babies from birth up to 7 months old
For infants 7 months and older: Once a baby passes the critical developmental period, the risk of SUDI and SIDS decreases. Older infants and toddlers may find comfort in a soft toy to ease separation anxiety, a normal developmental stage occurring between 7-20 months of age.
However, Red Nose recommends nothing in the sleep space with baby for the first 12 months and encourages parents and carers to weigh up the risks and benefits of providing a small soft toy to support infant settling.
Should you put a comforter in a crib?
Sleep Safe Academy says the only things that can go in the crib with your baby are:
- A tight-fitted sheet that is manufactured for your infant's sleep surface
- A pacifier with no pacifier attachments
- Instead of blankets, to keep your baby warm consider using a wearable blanket or sleeper onesie
They say, "There should never be anything soft in your baby’s crib. There should never be any pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, comforters, or bumper pads inside the sleep area or attached to the crib. These items increase the risk of suffocation when placed in your infant’s sleep area."
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A journalist since 2015, Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for seven years. Emily writes about everything from the top baby products to pregnancy, fertility and maternal mental health. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.