Top 3 Security Blankets for Babies
Mary Meyer Lovey Soft Oatmeal Bunny Blanket
This charming plush toy and blanket combo is perfect for infants and toddlers, providing both comfort and security.
- Incredibly soft fabric that remains gentle on a baby’s skin.
- Durable and washes well without losing its shape.
- It resembles a stuffed animal more than a traditional blanket.
Hudson Baby Unisex Baby Plush Security Blanket
This delightful security blanket with an attached plush animal head is ideal for families looking for value, as it includes a full-size blanket as well.
- Soft and fluffy, providing a comforting experience for babies.
- Available in over 20 designs, catering to various preferences.
- Some users reported stray threads appearing around the seams after some use.
Pro Goleem Elephant Security Blanket
This highly textured elephant blanket offers sensory stimulation, making it a great choice for babies who enjoy tactile experiences.
- Soft yet bumpy texture with crinkly ears to engage infants.
- Machine washable, maintaining its quality even after several washes.
- Durability may be an issue, potentially leading to wear over time.
Which security blankets are best?
Security blankets are more than just toys; they provide a sense of comfort and security for babies and young children. These soft and cuddly items are crucial for helping little ones self-soothe. While some children may outgrow them quickly, others might cherish them into adulthood, often keeping them as sentimental keepsakes. Therefore, it’s important to choose a durable blanket. For instance, the Mary Meyer Lovey Soft Oatmeal Bunny Blanket is a great example of a high-quality option.
Key Considerations Before Purchasing a Security Blanket
When shopping for a security blanket, it’s essential to note that they are typically smaller than standard blankets. They come in various colours, patterns, and themes, but their primary function remains the same: to provide comfort. Consider the size, shape, and style of the blanket, and be cautious of any small components, such as buttons, that could be choking hazards.
Character or Theme
Many modern security blankets feature a stuffed animal on one side, which captures the child’s attention. These can range from generic animals like puppies to specific characters from beloved movies or books.
Made with Non-toxic Materials
Since babies often put things in their mouths, it’s vital to ensure that the blanket is made from non-toxic dyes. Additionally, check that the material doesn’t shed, as this could pose a choking hazard. Some blankets even come with silicone pacifiers attached for safe chewing.
Avoid Small Pieces
To minimise choking risks, opt for blankets without buttons or beaded eyes. Choosing designs where facial features are stitched into the fabric is a safer alternative.
What Makes a Quality Security Blanket?
A security blanket may accompany a child from infancy well into their later years, meaning it should withstand frequent use and washing. Look for blankets that maintain their colour and shape over time.
Soft Fabrics
A good security blanket should remain soft after multiple washes without pilling or becoming coarse. Fabrics like cotton and hypoallergenic bamboo are excellent choices that won’t irritate a baby’s sensitive skin.
Shape Retention
It’s essential for the blanket to keep its shape, especially if it has an attached plush toy. You want to ensure that the blanket doesn’t stretch or deform, leaving the stuffed animal looking unrecognisable.
Easy to Clean
Given the daily use security blankets endure—being drooled on, used as a comforter, or dragged around—choosing one that is easy to clean is crucial. Spot cleaning won’t suffice; these blankets often require thorough cleaning.
Expected Cost of a Security Blanket
The price range for security blankets generally falls between £13 and £30, depending on whether they come with an attached plush toy.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can a child sleep with a security blanket?
A. While it’s possible to introduce a security blanket earlier, it’s advisable for children to be at least one year old before sleeping with one unsupervised.
Can security blankets be put in the dryer?
A. Most security blankets are machine washable, but not all can be tumble dried. If unsure, it’s best to check customer reviews for insights on how others have fared with drying their blankets.
Our Top Recommendations for Security Blankets
Best Overall Security Blanket
Mary Meyer Lovey Soft Oatmeal Bunny Blanket
Key Information: This unique plush toy and blanket hybrid measures 13 inches in length, featuring a flat blanket body and a plush bunny head adorned with floppy, satin-trimmed ears.
Pros: The fabric is luxuriously soft and textured, with securely sewn eyes. Lightweight and machine-washable, it endures multiple washes beautifully.
Considerations: Its appearance leans more towards a stuffed animal than a traditional blanket, and while machine-washable, it should not be tumble dried.
Best Value Security Blanket
Hudson Baby Unisex Baby Plush Security Blanket
Key Information: This patterned blanket, made from 100% polyester, features a cuddly plush animal head and also includes a matching full-size blanket.
Pros: Soft and fluffy, it offers excellent value for money with multiple design options. It’s machine washable and many users have dried it without issues.
Considerations: Some users have noted the appearance of stray threads around the seams over time.
Noteworthy Option
Pro Goleem Elephant Security Blanket
Key Information: This attractive grey blanket measures 16 inches and features an adorable elephant head.
Pros: The textured fabric and crinkly ears stimulate the senses, and it’s machine washable, with many buyers successfully putting it in the dryer.
Considerations: Its durability could be improved, as it may not last as long as other options.