Toys in bed, something to avoid?

Ah, the toy dilemma! This is a question parents often ask, and one that intrigued me when my little pony 🐴 (yes, my daughter isn’t a princess; she’s a little horse. Why? I can’t even begin to explain.) was just 4 months old.

First things first: if your baby is less than 1 year old, having toys in bed is a big no-no. Yes, some parents might say, “My boy/girl started sleeping with their furry beast 🐼 at 6, 7, or 8 (just add one) months old, and they’re perfectly fine.” While some babies may indeed be fine, others won’t be, and it’s that latter group that concerns me and every baby-related professional. So, let me reiterate (copy & paste really): if your baby is less than 1 year old, toys in bed are a big no-no.

Now, what about babies older than 1 year? Well, toys can serve as good sleep aids, especially if the toy is safe, beloved by the baby, and doesn’t overstimulate them. Great! I just answered this big question in one sentence—yay! But is it really that simple?

Nope. 🙊

At 1 year old, babies suck at decision-making. Most can’t settle on just one toy, and even if they do, there’s a good chance their reaction to it in bed won’t promote sleep. At night, they might get scared by the toy they’ve been playing with all day (when you’re half-awake, trying to figure out why your baby is crying, the idea that they’re scared of the toy isn’t the first thing that comes to mind). Alternatively, they might inexplicably get excited about it, turning bedtime into a giggling 🤭 gremlin fest (not sleeping with giggles = not sleeping, giggles do not count).

However, the biggest issue I faced (with my little pony 🐴 and her buddies) was that the toy became an integral part of their sleep routine. If the toy went missing, sleep was elusive. Even if the toy was in the bed but not in the right position or too far away, reaching for it could disrupt the baby’s slumber. Parents whose babies use dummies (or “pacifiers” for our US friends) know the constant mission of retrieving that fallen pacifier. The same scenario can easily play out with a toy—it falls out, gets kicked to the bed’s bottom, and suddenly, at 2 am, you have a baby searching for it.

I’ll be honest; introducing a toy into the bed at age 1 can create more problems than benefits. But is there a time when having toys in bed is a good idea?

Absolutely! After 2 years—maybe a month or two in either direction—most babies understand the world better. They can make small decisions, remember their favorite toys, and, most importantly, sleep even if the toy is missing or has fallen out. Having a toy in bed can offer quick comfort and help them relax; after all, they’re cuddling their buddy 😊.

Quick tip: Avoid oversized toys—they may look cute but often hinder sleep. The best sleep toys are ones that babies can hold in their hands and hug.