Comforter

The short definition

A comforter is a small soft toy or cloth a baby attaches to. Nothing goes in the sleep space with bub for the first 12 months.

What it actually means

No soft toys and no comforters from birth up to 7 months, corrected for prematurity. That window is the critical developmental period, when the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy is greatest. Around 90% of SUDI cases happen in it. The risk of suffocation and strangulation outweighs any benefit.

After 7 months the risk falls. Separation anxiety is a normal stage between 7 and 20 months, and an older baby may find comfort in a small soft toy. Nothing in the sleep space for the first 12 months is still the line, and it is the parents who weigh up the risk against the benefit.

If a comfort item is used for an older baby, it should meet Australian safety standards. It should be small and not pillow-like. It should have no blanket or long fabric attachments bub can fold into their mouth.

Where Dadda will hear it

From other parents, usually as a story about one specific rabbit that cannot ever be lost. Also from childcare, which has its own sleep and rest policy.

Not to be confused with

A dummy. A dummy is not a soft toy and has its own guidance.

Also look at

• The full item: comforter or soft toy
• What a safe sleep space is