As parents, we are often on the lookout for items that can help calm and settle our babies. Whether you want to call it a comforter, security blanket, or lovey, these items can be a lifesaver when a baby is upset. A good comforter can help soothe and calm your baby, giving them a sense of security and helping them get better sleep.
No matter if you’re looking for something traditional or modern, there are plenty of great options available. To make it easier for you to choose, we have compiled this list of the best baby comforters in the UK that are sure to be a hit with both parents and babies alike!
From soft plush toys to cuddly blankets, these comforting items will give your little one just what they need for peaceful nights and happy days. Just don’t be surprised if you find your baby relying on their favourite comforter for years to come (expert tip: make sure you have duplicates!)!
Table of Contents
8 Best Baby Comforters
Finding the right comforter for your baby can be a daunting task. From comforters with toys to teethers, there are plenty of options that can provide comfort and security to your little one. That’s why we have compiled this list of the best baby comforters in the UK.
1. Cuski Baby Comforter
Best Overall
The Cuski Baby comforter is made of super soft bamboo yarn and has grabbable corners and a huggable head at the top, making it perfect for little ones to grasp.
We particularly like the bamboo material as it is ultra-absorbent, which means that it can absorb mummy or daddy’s scents. This is so comforting for baby, especially in those early days.
The bamboo material is also antibactierial, biodegradable and eco-friendly, and on top of that is machine-washable to ensure that this cuddly companion will last through many bedtime stories and snuggles.
Not only does it come in traditional blue, pink, or neutral colours but also some fun prints as well! This breathable comforter also has an innovative design which allows it to fall to one side if it does end up on baby’s face. Plus the breathable bamboo also helps to regulate temperatures so won’t overheat your baby.
Given all that, there’s no surprise that these are used throughout NHS hospitals and NICUs and was even chosen by HRH Princess Kate as Prince George’s baby comforter.
Buy from: Amazon
2. Jellycat Bashful Bunny
Plushest Design
Jellycat is one of the most popular brands of small soft toys in the UK thanks to their reputation as being a bit more posh than your standard plush. However, after being gifted one and having purchased one for our little one we can confirm that it’s no myth – Jellycat toys really are super soft and very durable.
The Jellycat Bashful Bunny is no exception. Without a doubt, it is both superbly well put together and seriously soft to hold. Measuring in at 30cm x 20x 30 cm it is the perfect size for little hands.
This is one of the better looking comforters and definitely one of the finest put together. However, the fact that it is not personalisable does let it down somewhat.
Buy from: Amazon, John Lewis, and Kidly
3. Cheeky Chompers Comforter
Best for Teething
Is your baby a real chewer when teething?
The Cheeky Chompers Comfort blanket is ideal for any kids who just can’t seem to keep things out of their mouth. Dedicated to them, the comfortchew features a hippo chew which is sure to soothe sore gums or help prevent teeth grinding. It is 100% safe to have in their mouth, and the rest of the blanket offers a good amount of comfort which they can hold on to and cuddle.
Thanks to the innovative loop, it can be attached to a hook on the cot or buggy, so it isn’t dropped and they won’t use it dangerously. Also handy if you’re worried about dropping or losing it!
Because it is an all-in-one tether too, it also means no more lost or dropped of these. It’s available in many different patterns and colours.
Buy from: Amazon and JoJo Maman Bebe
4. PomeloBaby Baby Comforter
Most Features
PomeloBaby offers a range of breathable comforters for babies and, rather fancy ones, too. Made using seriously soft push cotton with twists at the end to grasp and a huggable character at the top, this is one of the more popular baby comforters.
What separates this from a lot of the rest is all of the extra sensory features included. It includes a built-in bell, crinkly ears, colourful taggies and a star shaped teether! This is all handy for parents who want babies to have something while they’re awake and to get them to sleep.
Overall, it’s well designed and put together. It’s one of the most feature rich on the market and costs under £10.
If you’re looking for a comforter that’s also somewhat of a sensory tool then this is the one. Along with an elephant, there are tiger and lion designs to choose from too – get what suits you or collect the whole range!
A quality, feature rich item in the bed and elsewhere.
Buy from: Amazon
5. Philips Avent Elephant Snuggle Baby Comforter
Best with Soother
The Philips Avent Elephant Snuggle Baby Comforter with Ultra Soft Soother is a unique and adorable companion for babies. It’s made from super soft fabric with an ultra-cuddly elephant or giraffe head, grabbable corners that are perfect for little hands to grasp.
Brilliantly, it also includes a soft pacifier, with an attachment loop to prevent the dreaded lost soother search in the middle of the night! The soother and comforter come apart, allowing easy washing of both items.
We do have to note, though, that the comforter is smaller than most on our list, so might be better suited to younger babies, and might not grow with your child as well.
The soft fabric is gentle against baby’s skin, making it the ideal bedtime or travel accessory. With its cute design and soothing qualities, this comforter for baby will be sure to make your little one’s bedroom environment even more cozy!
Buy from: Amazon
6. Official Peter Rabbit Comfort Blanket
Best Classic Character
The Peter Rabbit Comfort Blanket is a must-have accessory for any Peter Rabbit fans. This cute and cuddly blanket features the beloved Beatrix Potter character with an embroidered design of his head on one side.
Made from supersoft cotton fabric with gentle jersey backing, it makes a perfect snuggle companion for your little one. The lightweight yet cozy design ensures this comfort blanket will never be too hot or cold − making it the ideal choice for cosy sleep times.
Importantly, it’s also machine washable so you can keep it looking as good as new no matter how much love gets thrown its way. Ideal as both a practical and decorative addition to little ones’ nurseries, the hundreds of glowing reviews earned its spot on our list of best baby comforters.
Buy from: Amazon
7. Rabbit Comforter
Best Personalisable
If you’re looking for a comforter for baby which resembles more of a toy and a different way to grab then don’t look past JoJo Maman Bebe’s personalisable rabbit baby security blanket.
Extra soft and made with 100% polyester with a toasty 100% cotton lining there are very few products this nice to touch. Machine washable, too, as baby comforters will get dirty very often especially if they’re used by parents to get them to sleep.
This is another personalised product so be sure to get your little ones name on it to make it extra special.
Buy from: JoJo Maman Bebe
8. Mum Dad and Me Dog
Most Unusual
The quirky design of the Mum Dad and Me Dog can be an amazing friend for babies and toddlers. Super soft with grabbable corners and a huggable dog’s head at the top. The cutesy text in the middle just adds to the personality of this great product.
Measures 25cm x 25cm so a little on the small side but it does make up for it with colours not usually seen in these products which tend to be blue, pink or neutral greys and whites. It is machine washable and tumble dryer safe.
A great breathable comforter and sleep aid for all babies that parents will love, too.
Buy from: Amazon
Comforter for Baby Buying Guide
What is a baby comforter?
Sometimes called a security blanket or lovey, a comforter for baby is a small toy or blanket or a combination of the two which helps soothe a baby from being upset or to sleep. They act as a constant object which can help a baby stay calm when everything around them changes – this can include a change of location or in the middle of a growth spurt.
The best baby comforter is not a complicated object by any stretch as it is essentially just a piece of decorated cloth with graspable elements so that they are able to hold them from newborn. Some comforters for babies can come with teething elements which gives it a dual purpose.
Do comforters work?
A small study conducted by Tizzie Hall of Save Our Sleep concluded that baby comforters can be a great aid to get baby to sleep.
Raising Children also express that babies who are overstimulated can find calm with familiar surroundings. Therefore, it can be assumed that the familiarity of the same comforter (not on its own of course) in their presence can help settled down an upset baby.
This absolutely does not mean that a comforter on its own should be used as a soothing or sleep tool but should be used as an aid in conjunction with responsive parenting and your usual routine of soothing your baby.
What to look for in a baby comforter
When it comes to choosing the best baby comforter, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
- Material. Make sure the material is soft and breathable as this will be against their skin for extended periods of time.
- Size. Check that the size isn’t too big or small – something around 25-30cm would be perfect for a young baby.
- Washable. Look for something that is easy to wash and maintain as comforters can get messy with drool and dribble.
- Interactive. A good quality comforter for baby should also have an element of fun – this could be a cute animal face or a fun pattern which will make them smile even when they are feeling grumpy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do babies need comforters?
Definitely not. There are no studies which suggest that a baby can not be comforted without one. However, a great many parents swear by their effectiveness in soothing their baby.
One Mumsnet user says “My 6 yo has a doll that she got for her first bday and quickly became attached to it. We bought a second one and kept rotating and washing them so that we had a spare. It used to have to go everywhere with her but when she started playschool, we explained how it might get lost so doll stayed at home. Now she only looks for it at bedtime and if she is unwell/hurt. It brings her comfort so I have no issue with a child having one.”
Secondly, a New York University Psychoanalytical Institute study into the use of comforters found “The transitional object may be conceived of in three ways: as typifying a phase in a baby’s development, as a defense against separation anxiety, and, lastly, as a neutral sphere in which experience is not challenged”.
Therefore, all things considered, they are not needed but in many cases can help them not just as babies but into toddlers and beyond as a constant presence during their transition through life.
Are comforters safe to use?
Baby comforters are safe to use under parental supervision but they are not recommended to be used during sleep for a baby 6 months or under.
Science Direct’s study have found that the use of these kinds of products during sleep can increase the likelihood of SIDS and in some cases could be accidentally thrown over the baby’s mouth which can restrict breathing.
To make your choice as safe as possible choose a comforter that has a breathable and lightweight material.
Can babies have comforters in cots?
Using a comforter in the cot when they’re awake and playing under parental supervision is fine. Babies should only use them while sleeping under parental supervision unless they are over 1 year old. This is because of the increased risk of SIDS and a potential smothering hazard.
Does a comforter need to be washed?
Absolutely. A comforter is in contact with the baby often and will attract spills and dirt – a piece of material which is left to be unwashed over a prolonged period can attract nasty germs which can make your baby sick in extreme cases. Therefore, ensure your purchase is machine washable at the very least with tumble dryer safe as a big bonus.
It may be true that in some cases familiar smells can help comfort a baby but a dirty piece of cloth will certainly not.
Wrapping Up
Babies will either take to them or not. But, what is pretty clear is that these items are proven to be helpful for a baby to transition from one stage of their lives to another and with sleep. Hopefully your baby will be sleeping through the night in no time!
There are many options on the market which are pretty much the same, so the choice of the best baby comforter really comes down to personal preference (for parent and baby!).
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323371018000904
- https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/behaviour/common-concerns/overstimulation#babies-dealing-with-overstimulation-nav-title
- https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/parenting/2161398-Comforters-good-or-bad
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/016502548600900308
