Transitions are tough on tiny humans. Whether you are dropping them off at daycare or simply trying to get through bedtime, a security blanket offers a tangible sense of safety.
Gone are the days of dragging a heavy, full-sized quilt around. Today, loveys come in breathable fabrics, adorable animal designs, and portable sizes.
Finding the right one matters. You need materials that soothe, stitching that holds up to constant washing, and safe designs without choking hazards.
We evaluated the top options on the market to bring you the softest, safest, and most durable security blankets for your baby.
- Incredibly fluffy and breathable
- Made with 100% polymicrofiber
- Top-class service and fulfillment
- Cozy softness
- Made from soft, snuggly fleece
- Compatible with most carriers
- Sweet whimsical designs
- Machine washable
- Company recognized worldwide
- Luxurious fabrics
- Silky satin trim and lining
- Known for their outstanding quality
- 100% bisphenol-free plastic attachments
- Colorfully striped cotton knit fabric
- Machine washable
- 100% organic cotton
- Super-durable
- Meet the highest global standard
What Is a Security Blanket?
You might remember your own favorite teddy or blanket from childhood. Maybe it has one eye left or is worn thin, but you loved it. That object was your first tool for emotional independence.
Psychologists call these “transitional objects.” They help children bridge the gap between dependence on parents and exploring the world. When a baby holds a security blanket, they feel the comfort and scent of home. This familiarity lowers anxiety during stressful moments, like car rides or sleep training.
How to Choose a Baby Security Blanket
Not all blankets are equal. Before you buy, consider these specific features to ensure safety and longevity.
- Fabric texture: Babies explore with their hands and mouths. Look for soft minky fabrics, breathable muslin, or satin edges that offer tactile stimulation.
- Safety standards: Avoid blankets with buttons, loose ribbons, or plastic eyes that could detach and become choking hazards. Embroidered details are the safest option.
- Washability: This item will go everywhere, from the floor of the car to the playground. It must be machine washable and dryer-friendly without losing its softness.
- Multipacks: Seasoned parents know the panic of a lost lovey. If you find a design your child loves, buy at least two (or three). Rotate them so they wear evenly.
- Portability: A massive blanket is a tripping hazard for a toddler. Look for “lovey” sizes, usually around 10 to 15 inches, which are easy for small hands to grip.
- Breathability: If your baby is under 12 months, breathable fabrics like cotton muslin reduce the risk of overheating if the blanket ends up near their face.
Product Reviews
We tested these blankets for softness, durability, and safety features to help you choose the best companion for your child.
Saranoni Super Soft Luxury Blanket
Best for Snuggles
If softness is your top priority, Saranoni delivers. This blanket mimics the feel of real fur but uses a durable polyester-microfiber blend. It feels incredibly dense and luxurious against the skin.
We love that the fabric holds up to real life. You can machine wash it repeatedly, and it retains that signature fluffiness without matting.
It comes in two sizes. The mini version is ideal for car rides and small hands, while the larger throw works well for movie nights as your child grows. The satin border adds a nice tactile element for babies who like to rub fabric between their fingers.
Our Ratings
Intimom Security Blanket for Strollers and Car Seats
Best for Travel
Dropped blankets often mean dirty blankets (or lost ones). Intimom solves this problem with a brilliant design feature: an integrated strap.
The blanket includes openings that allow you to secure it to a stroller harness or car seat strap. This prevents the blanket from hitting the grocery store floor or getting kicked out of the stroller during a walk.
The material is minky fleece, which is warm and durable. One side features a smooth finish, while the other has raised bumps (dotted minky). This dual texture is great for sensory development. At nearly 30 inches wide, it offers more coverage than a standard lovey.
Our Ratings
Jellycat Soother Security Blanket
Best for Newborn
Jellycat is famous for making the softest plush toys on the market, and this soother lives up to the hype. It is small, lightweight, and incredibly velvety, making it easy for newborns to grasp.
Safety is a strong point here. The bunny features stitched eyes and noses rather than plastic buttons, eliminating choking risks for babies who chew on their toys.
The attached bunny gives the baby something to hug, while the blanket portion is perfect for nuzzling. It is fully machine washable, though we recommend air drying to keep the fur texture pristine.
Our Ratings
Baby GUND Lamb Huggybuddy
Best Lambie Blanket
This unisex lamb lovey combines a stuffed animal with a blanket body. The underside is lined with smooth satin, which is a favorite texture for many self-soothing babies.
Gund uses high-quality polyester plush that withstands frequent washing. The face features embroidered eyes that look like they are sleeping, which is a sweet visual cue for naptime.
It is floppy and easy to pack in a diaper bag. Because it lacks rigid parts, you can roll it up tight for travel. The combination of the fuzzy lamb wool texture and the cool satin underside provides excellent sensory variety.
Our Ratings
Hudson Baby Security Blanket
Best Security Blanket Set
Hudson Baby offers incredible value by selling these in sets. You get a large snuggle blanket and a smaller security blanket with an attached animal character.
This set is perfect for parents who want a backup. You can keep the large blanket in the nursery and take the smaller animal lovey on the road. The fabrics are 100% polyester plush, which is warm and easy to clean.
The variety of animal designs means you can match the blanket to your nursery theme. From elephants to unicorns, the characters are cute and securely attached to the blanket center.
Our Ratings
Bearington Lil’ Spout Snuggler
Best Unisex Blanket
The Bearington Lil’ Spout features a premium gray velour that hides stains well. The underside is lined with matching satin, giving it a sophisticated look that works for any gender.
We appreciate the size of the elephant head; it is substantial enough for a baby to hug like a stuffed animal. The trunk and ears offer distinct shapes for babies to grab and manipulate.
Like other top picks, it uses embroidered eyes for safety. The patterned bow adds a nice visual touch, making this a popular choice for baby shower gifts.
Our Ratings
Mary Meyer Oatmeal Bunny Blanket
Best Bunny Blanket
The “Oatmeal Bunny” is a classic for a reason. The neutral cream color is calming and fits any nursery aesthetic. Mary Meyer uses a unique fabric that feels textured yet soft, almost like a high-end boucle.
The knotted corners represent hands and feet, giving the baby four distinct points to chew on or grip. It is machine washable, and the fabric actually gets softer with use.
At roughly 13 inches, it is on the smaller side. This is excellent for infants (0, 12 months) but might feel a bit tiny for a taller toddler. However, the compact size ensures it doesn’t drag on the ground when your new walker carries it.
Our Ratings
Stephan Baby Activity Toy Security Blanket
Best for Extras
This is more than just a blanket; it is an entertainment center. Stephan Baby attached a different sensory tool to each corner: a satin knot, a plastic triangle, a ring rattle, and a textured teether.
It is perfect for babies who are teething or easily bored in the car seat. The attached teether means you won’t be constantly picking dropped toys off the floor.
The visual patterns are high-contrast to stimulate infant vision. Just be aware that because of the hard plastic parts, you may want to wash this on a gentle cycle or inside a garment bag to protect your machine.
Our Ratings
Burt’s Bees Organic Cotton Blanket
Best Organic Blanket
If you prefer natural fibers over synthetic polyester, this Burt’s Bees lovey is the winner. It is made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, ensuring no harsh chemicals touch your baby’s face.
The cotton velour feels like a soft sweatshirt. It is breathable and absorbent, which is great for babies who drool heavily. The simple bee design is charming without being overstimulating.
It is small (about 12 inches), making it highly portable. Cotton is generally less fluffy than polyester minky, but it is more breathable and gets softer with every wash.
Our Ratings
Aden and Anais Muslin Security Blanket
Best for Summer
Heavy fleece can be too hot for summer babies. Aden + Anais uses 100% cotton muslin, the same breathable fabric used in their famous swaddles.
The open weave allows for excellent airflow, making this the safest choice for sleeping or warmer climates. The satin border provides a smooth contrast to the textured muslin.
These come in a two-pack, which is a huge convenience. The fabric is thin, so it dries incredibly fast after washing. If your baby already loves being swaddled in muslin, this is the natural next step for a security object.
Our Ratings
FAQs
Why Is It Called a Security Blanket?
The term comes from the psychological concept that the object provides “security” during times of stress. It acts as a stand-in for the parent’s comfort, allowing the child to feel safe even when the parent steps away.
How Many Security Blankets Do I Need?
We strongly recommend buying at least two identical blankets. If one gets lost or needs a wash, you will have a backup. Rotate them frequently so they smell and feel the same to your child.
What Size Should a Security Blanket Be?
A “lovey” or security blanket is typically smaller than a crib blanket, usually between 10 and 15 inches square. This size is small enough for a baby to manipulate without getting tangled and easy to pack in a bag.
What Age Do You Get Rid of Security Blankets?
There is no strict age limit. Most children naturally reduce their attachment between ages 3 and 5 as they gain confidence. Unless it interferes with social development, there is no need to force them to give it up.
Are Security Blankets Safe for Cribs?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, soft bedding (including security blankets) should not be placed in a crib with a baby under 12 months due to suffocation risks. For infants, use the blanket only during supervised awake time or stroller rides.
