Thanks to the SIDS “Safe to Sleep” campaign, most parents know that it’s unsafe to put stuffed animals or blankets in the crib with a sleeping infant under 12 months of age. But what about board books, and “safe” toys like rattles or small soft toys? What about entertaining mirrors, mobiles and play mats that hang from the side of the crib? What about comfort items such as “lovies”? Are these types of items acceptable to keep baby occupied in the crib while settling to sleep or upon waking from a sleep period?

I would never advocate putting items that could suffocate a baby in the crib, but for small “lovies”, use your own judgement. They do help many babies soothe themselves to sleep, but it’s up to you as to whether or not that’s worth the risk. Some babies roll/crawl/stand/walk early and are physically capable of managing a small comfort item in the crib before 12 months. Test it by placing the lovey over her face while she’s sleeping several times to see what she does. If she’s ready for it, she’ll pull it off within seconds and roll away from it every time. If you feel an ounce of hesitation, don’t put it in the crib! Follow your gut and always err on the side of caution 🙂

For mirrors and play mats that hang from the crib, I would only use these for older babies when they are alone, or for young ones during play time when you are close-by. They can get stuck between the mat/mirror and the crib slats, or pull them down and get caught up – I’ve actually had this happen with one of my kids! Mobiles, on the other hand, are great for babies who can’t stand yet, but as soon as they can reach up to touch it, it’s time to take it down.

As far as the other objects go, such as toys and books, you have to pay attention to your child’s tendency to become distracted and/or riled up when she should be soothing herself to sleep. Choose toys that don’t make noise, that can’t be ripped apart or that have small features that could pose as choking hazards. Toys that are all one solid piece are best, as well as board books that can’t be ripped up and munched on in the throws of boredom.

Start by placing one item in the crib at bedtime – don’t start at naptime because it’s inherently more difficult for her settle compared to nighttime. Allow 15 extra minutes of playtime by putting her into her crib earlier, and then watch what she does. If you find that the 15 minutes come and go and she just continues playing and babbling, or if she wakes too early in the morning or in the middle of the night and doesn’t fall back to sleep as a result of her new toy, she’s not ready! If you see any changes in her sleep patterns in general, she’s not ready for toys in the crib. If this is the case for your little one, give it a month and try again. A little maturity goes a long way!

If she does well with one toy/book, add more or switch them out with new ones to keep it interesting.  Naptime might pose an issue, but don’t be afraid to try, since many babies play for a bit and conk out without a problem if they’re accustomed to having toys in the crib for night sleep. You won’t know until you try!

If she throws the toys out of the crib and cries for your help, don’t be tempted to go into her room and give them back to her! This will inevitably become a game and the greatest casualty will be the hours she’s lost of precious sleep.

Toys in the crib can be helpful or they can be a hindrance. It largely depends on your child’s personality. All of my children before Samuel had zero issues with entertaining items being in their cribs. They went to sleep faster and learned the art of independent play at a very young age (yay!). However, sweet Samuel just cannot get to sleep and will play for hours if I let him take one thing other than his lovies into a sleep period. He’s such a stinker (but I’ll keep him)! Where does your little one fit in? How does he/she do with objects in the crib?