Plush toys

A lovey is a soft, cuddly plush toy that becomes your baby’s security blanket. They provide comfort during sleep, travel, and stressful situations. Many parents find loveys helpful for soothing and sleep—having a favorite lovey can make transitions easier as your baby grows.

Babies can have plush toys for supervised play from birth (but not for sleeping). Once your baby is around 12 months, plush toys become comfort items and play companions.

Choose plush toys made from soft, non-toxic materials with secure seams. Avoid toys with small detachable parts, loose buttons, or long strings. Machine-washable options are helpful since toys get dirty from drool and play. Check out our guide to the best stuffed animals for babies and toddlers.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends removing plush toys from cribs for infants under 12 months to reduce SIDS risk. Once your baby is older, a favorite plush toy can be introduced.

Having 2-3 plush toys allows you to rotate them while others are being washed. Some babies develop strong preferences for specific toys, so having a backup is helpful. Quality matters more than quantity—one special lovey may be more valued than many toys.

Yes, plush toys and loveys are wonderful items for your registry, especially if you want specific brands or characters. They make great gifts and many parents appreciate help selecting quality toys. Want more inspiration for your registry? Check out our guide to the best toys for babies 0-6 months.