A security blanket is part of a little baby’s world and no one would want to change that.

Few babies grow past babyhood without choosing a favorite blanket to cuddle and drag around with them. The security blankets becomes one thing in their lives that they feel they can control and they own.

This need to begin controlling the environment is the beginning of baby learning to make choices and impact the world around themselves. The world is such a huge place to a little one, that the security blanket is a constant they can count on.

Mommy and Daddy have to leave and go to work, brother and sister go out to play with friends, but the security blanket never leaves them.

Many babies grow so attached that even laundry time for the security blanket is a bit traumatic. My mom has told me stories of how hard it was for her to get mine away from me every week so she could wash it. To this day I deny it. lol. Really, there’s nothing abnormal about a child having a security blanket.

However, you should be extremely aware and not let your baby under 12 months of age go to sleep with their security blanket.

Even in the second year, it is better to err on the side of caution and not let the security blanket become part of the bedding. A baby can easily bunch even a light blanket up and get their face embedding into their security blanket. The air flow to their tiny noses might become restricted.

You probably know this already, but the percentage of babies lost to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) grows proportionately with the percentage of babies who sleep with something near their faces. Babies should be placed on their backs for sleeping and any blanket on the bed should be firmly and securely tucked under the mattress where small arms can not pull the blanket loose and form an obstruction to normal breathing.

Look for baby blankets made from 100% cotton with no loose ends or threads to pull on. They should be easy care for convenience. You’ll be thrilled at all of the nifty colors and prints you’ll find when shopping for security blankets too- everything from puppies and frogs to trucks and stars. Something for every taste and style is available for your baby these days.