12 Best Security Blankets

Babies and young toddlers often turn to a security blanket when they are feeling anxious or unsure. Some blankets have a cuddly toy attachment, whereas others are just a square of soft cloth. Wondering which security blanket to buy? Check out the results of our survey of almost 3,000 Pampers Parents and discover which security blankets they loved the most and why.

Why Your Child Might Like Having a Security Blanket

Your little one may find comfort in a security blanket. If your child shows signs of separation anxiety, is feeling unsettled, or has trouble getting to sleep—especially if he is in a new and strange place—then a transitional object like a security blanket could give him the emotional support that he needs. Your child may appreciate having a comfort object like a blanket or a toy around when he is about 8 to 12 months old. However, until your baby is 1 year old, do not leave the blanket or toy with him in the crib, as loose items like blankets and pillows can increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Not only is a security blanket cuddly and soft, it becomes familiar over time and will have your baby’s scent on it after your little one has held it and cuddled it. This familiar scent makes your baby feel like he’s in a safe place just by holding onto his favorite blanket. There is no set age when your little one will grow out of wanting a blanket or another transitional object, but as he matures it’s natural for him to gradually give it up as he learns to manage feelings of stress or uncertainty in different ways.

Features to Look for When Choosing a Security Blanket

When it comes to picking the right blanket, the choice is highly personal. Maybe your little one has a favorite animal, so you want to get her a koala or a little unicorn security blanket, for example, or perhaps you just like the color or fabric of one or the other. Although the design can be a big part of picking a blanket, you may want to factor in the following considerations as well when choosing a security blanket:

  • Made from safe materials. Make sure you pick a security blanket that’s made from non-flammable, hypoallergenic materials. Plus, since your little one is highly likely to put the blanket in her mouth and suck on it, you’ll want to be sure it’s safe to do so. For example, make sure the dye used to color the fabric won’t leak and is non-toxic, and that the blanket is free from loose strings, buttons, or beads as these can become a choking or strangulation risk.

  • Machine washable. Since it’s going to be hugged, chewed on, and stepped on, you’ll want a blanket that can be washed easily. Choosing one that is machine washable is a time saver and helps make like that much easier.

  • Durable and well-made. Chances are the blanket will be sucked, pulled, and dragged around for years to come. You’ll want to pick one you know won’t fall apart with that kind of wear and tear.

  • Cuddly and soft. Your child will want to snuggle with the blanket, so softness is a must.

  • Cute design or attachments. A blanket that’s appealing—for example, one with a plush toy attachment or an animal pattern—is always a good choice.

  • Good size. Your little one may want to wrap herself up in the blanket when she's older, so you may consider going for a bigger size. It doesn’t need to be too big, though. In fact, as your toddler will likely want to carry the blanket around with her, it shouldn’t be too cumbersome and bulky.

  • Affordable price. Keep in mind that from time to time you will need to wash the blanket. You may want to invest in two identical blankets so you can wash one while the other is in use. That way, everyone can stay comfortable and relaxed knowing there is a comforting object on hand. For this reason, go for a blanket that still fits into your budget if you'll be buying two of them.

Top Choices: Best Security Blankets

Almost 3,000 Pampers Parents voted on the best security blankets. Read the reviews to find out which one is right for your baby:

1. Hudson Baby Unisex Baby Animal Face Security Blanket

Why pick this one? Pampers Parents chose this cute animal-shaped security blanket as their top pick. The blanket has a cozy and plush feel, and with its adorable animal face it’ll easily become your baby’s favorite toy to cuddle. This security blanket is available in several versions, including a giraffe, lion, duck, fox, and owl, so you'll be sure to find the ideal fluffy companion for your baby. The manufacturer claims the blanket is soft and gentle on your little one’s skin, and Pampers Parents agreed, saying they loved how soft it was even after several washes. The unisex security blanket measures 14 by 14 inches and is made with 100 percent polyester that’s machine washable, ideal for everyday use for your baby or toddler. Though some parents said they would prefer this blanket be a little bigger, this was the number one favorite security blanket among Pampers Parents—and their little ones seemed to really love it.

Highlights: The cute animal attachment gives this blanket the feel and endearing personality of a stuffed toy.

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2. Carter's Unicorn Plush Stuffed Animal Snuggler Blanket

Why pick this one? Pampers Parents loved the quirky design of this Carter’s security blanket, and the way the blanket doubles up as a unicorn plushy. Your little one will enjoy cuddling up to this super soft furry friend and blanket during quiet times. This security blanket comes with a cute little unicorn attached that has a sweet embroidered face, gold horn, and pink accents. This security blanket unfolds to a 14 by 14 inch square and is made of a soft, machine-washable polyester. Some Pampers Parents complained that the gold on the unicorn horn would peel off when chewed by teething babies, so that is something to keep in mind. Also, the white design may show stains more so than darker-colored or patterned security blankets.

Highlights: The unique unicorn design will appeal to both parents and children.

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3. aden by aden + anais security blanket

Why pick this one? This aden + anais security blanket comes in a pack of two identical super soft 100 percent cotton muslin blankets, so your little one won’t notice anything is amiss when you’re washing one of them. Pampers Parents liked the soft material with its variety of textures—it has a satin trim—which some said they found helped stimulate their baby’s development. This breathable and cozy muslin security blanket is great for your baby to cling onto and cuddle, and for your toddler to nap with. Unlike some of the other security blankets on the list, this one can serve as a surface cover for playtime or as a cover for the stroller. It’s also quite light and compact, so it’s perfect for when you’re on the go. Pampers Parents commented on the blanket's high quality, breathable material, which they said stays soft wash after wash. However, some Pampers Parents wished that the 16 by 16 inch blanket was a little bigger; others felt the price was too high.

Highlights: High-quality breathable material that stays soft wash after wash.

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4. Hudson Baby Unisex Baby Plush Blanket with Security Blanket

Why pick this one? It’s anchors away with this security blanket set! When you purchase this soft security blanket in navy blue with little white anchors, you’ll also get a second matching plush blanket with a smiling blue whale soft toy attachment. Pampers Parents especially loved that you get two for the money! This unisex blanket set is made with 100 percent polyester. There’s a 14 by 14 inch security blanket with whale attachment and a 30 by 36 inch plush blanket. Some Pampers Parents wished the color was more neutral for a unisex blanket, while some other Pampers Parents said they found the material started to look old or damaged after several washes. But overall, most of the Pampers Parents surveyed loved this cute navy themed set.

Highlights: This security blanket comes as a set with a matching whale plush blanket.

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5. Mary Meyer Lovey Soft Toy

Why pick this one? This adorably snuggly bunny is soft, easy to hold, and doubles up as both as a toy and a security blanket, sort of—the flat tummy is kind of like a blanket. This oatmeal-colored bunny is made from super-soft, brown and white satin-based material. At 10 by 13 inches, it’s a great size for cuddling and carrying. It’s machine washable on cold temperatures and a delicate cycle. Some Pampers Parents wished the "blanket" part of this lovey was bigger, while others felt it was a little on the expensive side.

Highlights: Its unisex neutral colors look great in any nursery, and the bunny design offers a classic, timeless look.

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6. Little Giraffe Chenille Stroller Baby Blanket

Why pick this one? Little Giraffe is a California-based boutique selling luxe baby products. This luxurious baby security blanket is ideal to wrap your little one in. Pampers Parents loved its softness and size. Some also appreciated the satin edge and the silky texture. Besides its snuggle appeal, this baby security blanket can be used to drape over your baby or toddler for extra warmth when he is in a stroller or car seat. It can even look great draped over your glider before your baby starts to use it for an elegant touch. It’s made from 100 percent polymicrofiber chenille fabric and measures 29 by 35 inches. Since anything babies and toddlers touch gets grimy, you’ll be pleased to know that despite its luxe appearance, this security blanket can be machine washed on a cold, gentle cycle. Pampers Parents found the price to be steep and thought that the blanket was too warm for the summer months. Some Pampers Parents missed the cute animal element you’d find on some other security blankets.

Highlights: It has a soft and luxurious material.

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7. BABY SENSE Taglet Security Baby Blanket Lovey with Pacifier Tag

Why pick this one? Pampers Parents said their babies just loved the tags on this security blanket. The pacifier tags attached to this snuggly, soft baby blanket can be used to hold a pacifier when needed. However, even once your baby no longer needs a pacifier, the blanket can make a great transitional object to help your child feel safe and secure. This security blanket measures 10 by 10 inches, which some Pampers Parents said they found to be a little on the small side.

Highlights: This security blanket is not just about comfort but about supporting your little one’s sensory development. It has a variety of textures: a soft bubbly fabric on one side, 100 percent cotton on the other, and 12 satin loop tags.

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8. Stephan Baby Chewbie Activity Toy and TeeTher Security Blanket

Why pick this one? Pampers Parents loved how this gray elephant security blanket combined the softness of a blanket, the cuddliness of an elephant toy, and the benefit of a teething ring for teething babies. This multipurpose blanket also comes with a ring rattle, a triangle to hold on to, and a satin tag for your little one to engage with. The security blanket portion measures 10 by 10 inches and is made from 100 percent polyester plush lined with 100 percent cotton knit. It’s machine washable. The elephant’s features are all embroidered so there are no little buttons or beads that can be swallowed, and all attachments are made with 100 percent bisphenol-free plastic. Some Pampers Parents would have preferred the blanket be bigger, and others would have loved if there were more choice in colors and animal type.

Highlights: An all-in-one security blanket with a toy and a teething attachment. Not many security blankets offer this level of versatility.

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9. Burt's Bees Baby Security Blanket

Why pick this one? This cute, plush security blanket with a cuddly bee on the top is made from organic cotton that the manufacturer says is gentle on your baby’s delicate skin. Pampers Parents loved the appealing design, quality, and organic materials, and some also said that they trusted the brand. The blanket itself measures 12 by 12 inches, with the bee measuring three inches in diameter. This security blanket is made with a 100 percent organic cotton velour shell and 100 percent polyester fill. It’s machine washable. The manufacturer says that the combed and ring-spun material helps make the blanket softer and more durable, and prevents it from pilling. Some Pampers Parents found the size of the blanket and the price to be a drawback, and some said they wished the colors were brighter.

Highlights: Made from organic material that’s safe for teething babies.

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10. B. toys by Battat Fluffy Koko the Koala Security Blanket

Why pick this one? This cute security blanket comes with a koala hugging the corner of the blanket, with a little crinkly eucalyptus leaf-shaped tag for extra sensory stimulation. Like some of the others, it doubles as a small blanket and as a cuddly toy, making it perfect for your little one to snuggle with. Pampers Parents loved the cute look of the koala holding the blanket as well as the quality and softness of the product. The blanket measures 12.5 by 8.25 inches and is machine washable on a cool cycle. It can also be tumble dried on a low temperature setting. The manufacturer says the toy is made from a safe fabric and that the packaging is recyclable with soy-based inks. Some Pampers Parents wished it were bigger or had more colors available.

Highlights: The adorable koala hugging the blanket with a little eucalyptus-shaped tag.

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11. Lulujo Baby Cotton Muslin Security Blankets

Why pick this one? These smooth and silky muslin security blankets come in a pack of two, so you can wash one while your baby or toddler has the other. The white muslin is printed with a scene of cute fauns, bunnies, and birds, and will look stylish in any nursery. Pampers Parents said they especially loved the soft, lightweight, breathable material. The set contains two identical 16 by 16-inch 100 percent muslin cotton blankets with a smooth satin edge. They can be machine washed on warm temperatures and tumble dried on a low heat. The manufacturer claims this security blanket will get softer with wash and use. Some Pampers Parents found the light color got dirty far too easily, and others thought the price was on the high side.

Highlights: Extremely lightweight and breathable

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12. Angel Dear Pair and a Spare 3 Piece Blanket Set

Why pick this one? Just like the name says, you’ll get a pair and a spare of these cute monkey-shaped blankets. Pampers Parents loved that you got not one, not two, but three identical blankets! This way you can easily be washing one or two while your child has another. Or you could leave one in the car and leave one at the grandparents' house so you always have one on hand when you need it. Pampers Parents liked the softness of these blankets. The polyester blankets measure 14 by 14 inches and are machine washable. Some Pampers Parents said they found the price to be a little on the high side, and others wished there were more styles and colors available.

Highlights: If the monkey isn’t for you, you can also get the same set in different versions such as duck, raccoon, bunny, pig, and many others. There are also many color options including leopard print, pastel purple, baby blue, and light pink.

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The Bottom Line

Finding the right security blanket for your little one is a very personal decision. It will play a functional role in your baby’s life and will have an emotional impact, too. Your little one may have fond memories of it for years to come. A good security blanket may even become your little one’s best friend, something to cuddle and hold and give comfort when necessary. With the feedback of Pampers Parents to guide you, you're all set to find the perfect snuggly blanket.

Recall Notice

Before buying a product, always check that it’s approved and hasn’t been recalled on sites like the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). *Prices are correct at the time of writing.

How We Got These Results

We surveyed thousands of parents in the Pampers Community and asked them to choose the products they love the most, and to share their views on specific products and product categories. Based on the survey responses, we have taken the top product picks and added our own research to create this article. The aim is to help you choose the right product for you and your family. We might receive commissions on purchases made from the links in this article, but the products featured are the Pampers Community’s top choices.