Whether it's a simple gauze diaper or a plush cloth with a cute animal head: a snuggle cloth can become a loyal companion and friend for life for your baby. It offers your little treasure safety and security when you can't be around. We show you what to look for when buying a comforter and what else you should know about the subject.
What is a comforter?
Actually, the name already suggests it: Schnuffeltücher are rather small cloths that serve to cuddle. That is why they are often called cuddle cloth. They are made of different materials and are available in different shapes, colors and designs. Your baby will find a cuddle cloth the perfect substitute for a cuddle when mom or dad can't be around. With the help of a cuddle cloth, your baby can soothe himself.
Finding the right cuddle cloth: An important factor is time
Maria Montessori once said "Toys are not what we think they are, but what children play with." The same goes for snuggle and cuddle cloths: your baby will always choose who gets to snuggle along. It may take a few different wipes before the right one is found. It will also take a while before the cuddle cloth is actually accepted as a transitional object. So be patient - in time, your baby will be able to soothe himself well with his loyal friend.
Why does a baby need a comforter?
For babies and toddlers, cuddle cloths are optimal tools for self-soothing when you're not around. A cuddle cloth helps the little person to become a little more independent and to detach from you a little in its own way. But that is not all. A cuddle cloth has many other important tasks:
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Peace and security thanks to a snuggle cloth
Often, the snuggle cloth is one of the first toys a baby has in its life. Along with a crawling blanket and a rattle, it is undoubtedly part of a baby's first equipment.
A comforter gives your baby peace and security and can be a great help, especially in the first months of young life, when it has problems falling asleep.
Tip
Before you give your baby the comforter, it is best to take it to bed with you for two or three nights. In this way, it will take on your scent. Then put it near your baby to fall asleep. The familiar smell has a calming effect and provides security and warmth for a more peaceful sleep.
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A friend for life
A comforter is much more than just an aid to sleep. Because of the close bond your baby will develop with the cloth over time, a snuggle cloth can become an important "confidant".
The comforter can then help your child to work through experiences. If your child is not feeling well, he can tell his comforter about it. That's why it's not a bad idea to play with the child and the cuddle cloth. In this way, you may find out if your child is burdened by unpleasant things. The cuddle cloth is therefore also an important companion in the processing of worries and fears. -
Always and everywhere with you
Snuggle cloths are handy and can therefore be taken everywhere. Not only in bed, but also in the stroller or in the car - Snuffle cloths fit in every pocket and can even be taken along on trips without any problems. After all, it is enormously important for your baby to have his faithful companion always and everywhere at his side. Especially when you are on the road with your child, your treasure is surrounded by many new stimuli. The familiar comforter intuitively conveys a sense of security to the little ones. -
Important for identity development
A comforter can stimulate your baby's imagination and empathy. While the wipes can't replace the attention from you as mom or dad, they still contribute a bit to identity development. -
Promotes motor skills and sharpens the senses
A comforter is not only a way to cope with separation and relaxation, it also promotes important developments in the baby:
- hand-eye coordination,
- the sensory system and
- the sense of sight
Can a cuddly toy replace a comforter?
Like other parents, you will certainly ask yourself whether a classic cuddly toy is not sufficient. Basically, a cuddly toy can also be a loyal friend for your child. However, a cuddly toy is much softer and, due to its shape and size, can be optimally grasped and held by little hands. In addition, your little darling can nestle his head much better to the cloth than to a cuddly toy.
These types of comforters are available
When looking for the right comforter for your baby, you will come across very different designs. We present you the most popular variants:
The normal snuggle cloth
The classic cuddle cloth consists of a cloth with knots or corners for playing. However, our popular bestsellers include cuddle cloths with cute doll or animal heads - like the Agnete cuddle cloth from Liewood. This perfect combination of cuddle cloth and cuddly toy once again strengthens your baby's bond with their favorite cuddle cloth.
Cuddle Cloths
Snuggle cloth with teething ring
When teething time starts, your baby will love to chew on all kinds of things. A cuddle cloth with teething ring is the optimal companion for your darling during this phase.
Snuggle cloth with cuddly toy
In addition to the classic cuddle cloth with head, there are also cloths with a complete cuddly toy. However, these are rather cuddly blankets that are somewhat larger and are suitable for wrapping your baby.
Cuddle cloth with pacifier chain
How quickly it happens: the beloved pacifier is lost and the search is great. To avoid this, you can use a cuddle cloth with pacifier chain. Your baby has so directly two reassurance options with him.
Snuggle cloths with motor skills elements
Crackling foil, rattles, squeaky balls, strings - a snuggle cloth with these elements is an excellent way to promote children's motor skills. It provides fun and good humor in waking phases and is a good alternative to grab rings and balls.
What you should look for when buying a comforter
As varied as cuddle cloths are, so are the aspects you should look out for when buying one. But what is the most important thing to look for in a comforter? Which points should you include in your purchase decision? We tell you.
- 1. the material Your baby should feel comfortable with his cuddle cloth, cuddle with it and also be able to put it in his mouth. The cloth should therefore be made of a pleasantly soft material. Make sure that it is lint-free and free of harmful substances. In addition, the material used should be easily washable.
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2. the processing
High-quality material is in the best case also optimally processed. Because the processing also has an enormous influence on the safety of the Schnuffeltuch. The cloth should therefore not only be lint-free, but also have no open seams or swallowable parts such as buttons. Pointed edges and corners are also an absolute no-go. Since your baby will often take the soother in his mouth, a clean finish is the be-all and end-all.
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3. the size
Your baby should be able to grasp and hold its comforter well, which is why it should not be too big and heavy. We advise a size of about 20 x 30 centimeters. In view of the average birth size of about 50 centimeters, this is absolutely sufficient. A cuddle cloth should also not be smaller than this, otherwise your baby will not be able to grip and hold the cloth well.
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4. features
Depending on your baby's taste and perhaps individual needs, you can also buy a cuddle cloth with additional elements such as teething ring, pacifier chain or other elements to promote motor skills.
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5. Cleaning and care
Do not ignore the cleaning of the Schnuffeltuch. Decisive for the cleaning possibilities is of course the material used and the additional features such as teething rings can be removed at best. It's best to follow the manufacturer's instructions, then you can't go far wrong. As a rule, however, most comforters can be washed in the washing machine
Note
Keep in mind that after washing, the comforter will lose the smell of mom and dad. We therefore advise you to use detergents without or only with a discreet scent. Before you give the cuddle cloth back to your baby, leave it close to your body for a few hours.
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6. the price-performance ratio
The price is not everything, but of course the own purse also plays a supporting role. And in this context, it is worth considering what you can expect for the money.
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7. design and appearance
Design and appearance are of course always a matter of taste, but play a role in the selection of the appropriate Schnuffeltuch quite. So think about what you prefer and what could possibly fit well with your baby. In terms of appearance and design, you are spoiled for choice, because with us you will find a huge selection.
What materials are considered safe for a cuddle cloth?
Cuddle cloths are made from a wide variety of materials. Common materials used are cotton or terry cloth, as both are easy to clean and sturdy. Muslin, wool, plush and polyester are also possible materials. Non-toxic dyes should also have been used for coloring.
Quality seals provide information
Quality seals such as Oeko-Tex, TÜV or GOTS provide information about whether the materials used are safe. The seals certify the comforter as "suitable for babies".
How long does a baby need a comforter?
Snuggle cloths are usually recommended from birth. Thanks to its easy handling, a cuddle cloth accompanies your little treasure at least until toddlerhood, but often even longer. Sometimes it even becomes a love for life. Many children use the cuddle cloth even into elementary school age. If it is then left behind in adolescence, it does not have to disappear completely from the scene. For example, you can keep the comforter in a childhood keepsake box. It is not uncommon for many to remember their faithful childhood companions with pleasure after their rebellious adolescent phase.
Tip
Once your baby has chosen a cuddle cloth as a friend, accept that decision. No matter how worn it may look - do not simply replace it. You should also only wash it in extreme emergencies, because the smell and feel change and this can lead to confusion for your child. It also makes sense to buy one or two more identical wipes. This way you can easily exchange it for washing and if you lose it, a replacement is quickly at hand.
