From birth, babies are taking in the world through their senses. Faces, voices, and contrasting colours are the earliest forms of play. Soft plush toys become meaningful companions from around two to three months, when babies start to focus, reach, and respond to textures and shapes. Play at this stage is about connection and sensory exploration, not structured activities.

A lovey comforter is a small, soft security object, often a combination of a soft toy and a blanket, that many babies attach to for comfort and reassurance. They can be introduced from birth for supervised use, but most attachment develops from around four to six months. A knitted lovey comforter or a goose security comforter blanket is a lovely choice because they're soft, easy to hold, and washable.

Soft toys should not be placed in a baby's sleep space until they are at least 12 months old, in line with Australian safe sleep guidelines. For supervised awake time, cuddles, and play mats, soft plush animals are completely fine and are a wonderful source of visual and tactile stimulation. Always check that eyes or decorative features are securely attached.

Look for something soft, washable, and without small detachable parts. Texture and size matter, as many babies respond to something they can easily grasp and bring to their face. If possible, buying two of the same comforter is one of the most-recommended parenting tips you'll ever hear, so you always have a spare while one is in the wash.

Keep the lovey close during feeds and cuddles so it picks up familiar scents, yours and your baby's, which is often what makes a comfort object meaningful. Consistency is key; offer the same object at sleep times and when your baby needs settling. Over time, many babies develop a strong attachment that genuinely helps them self-settle.

In the first year, the best toys are simple ones with contrasting colours, different textures, and gentle sounds. Soft plush animals engage babies visually and through touch, while also serving as future imaginative play companions. Avoid anything with batteries or screens in the very early months as your baby's developing brain needs calm, real-world stimulation.

Tummy time is supervised time spent on the stomach while awake, which helps strengthen the neck, shoulder, and arm muscles babies need for rolling and crawling. Placing a soft plush toy or a lovey comforter just in front of your baby during tummy time gives them something engaging to look at and reach for. Starting with just a few minutes a day from birth and gradually increasing makes it much more enjoyable for both of you.