You picked a sleep companion for your baby — but when does it actually go into the crib? Safe-sleep guidance worldwide agrees: for the first 12 months, the crib stays empty. No pillows, no blankets, no toys. During that first year the companion lives on a shelf and joins supervised daytime play, so the baby learns its scent and texture early.
After 12 months: the transitional object
Around age one, children begin bonding with a "transitional object" — a familiar comfort item that softens short separations like bedtime or daycare. That is when the sleep companion earns its place in the crib. Introduce it during the day first, keep it in the same spot in the bedtime routine, and stick to one companion so the bond can grow.
Which one to choose
Pick a size small hands can hug, washable cotton yarn, and no detachable parts. Our name-embroidered teddy, dressed bunny and little lamb are all crocheted by hand from soft cotton in our Istanbul workshop.
Crocheted by hand · Aselovers, Istanbul
