Crochet Baby Lovey vs Snuggler – Which is Best?

If you’ve been crocheting long enough, you are probably familiar with the term “crochet baby lovey.” If not, don’t worry. We’ll get there. But, if you’re anything like me, you’ve been seeing a recent circulation of “crochet snugglers” or “baby cuddlers” and while some look like the crochet baby lovey you know and love, some look… different… and you’re thinking, “wait, are these loveys… or something else? How am I supposed to keep up with all this new lingo?!” Fret not, take my hand, we’re learning this together. And if you stick around, I’ll show you some of my favorites of each to help you decide which style to make next!

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What is a Crochet Baby Lovey?

Typically, a crochet baby lovey is going to be a hybrid between a security blanket and a stuffed animal, providing comfort and sensory stimulation for little babies. They consist of a small, lightweight crochet blanket attached to an amigurumi-style animal head (sometimes with little arms as well), making them easy for tiny hands to grasp and carry.

Size

This can vary from pattern to pattern, but typically at least 10 x 10 to 15 x 15, which 12 x 12 being a good average size. Sometimes, patterns that work in star or circular shape will measure by diameter, but 14-18in across is a pretty standard for those. Since they are designed to be held and carried around by small hands, they are much smaller than a traditional security blanket you’d throw in your stroller.

Material

100% cotton yarn is a popular choice for a crochet baby lovey thanks to its breathability and durability through multiple washes.

Then What is a Crochet Snuggler??

Now, take everything you know about the crochet baby lovey and throw it out the window… just kidding… mostly. The biggest different with snugglers (also known as cuddlers) is their design. Contrary to the security blanket style, crochet snugglers have no blanket aspect. It typically features a stuffed head, sometimes stuffed limbs (arms and legs), but overall an unstuffed, flat body. This makes the snuggler super lightweight and easy for babies and toddlers to carry and cuddle. Many patterns include “knots” at the ends of the arms or legs when the limbs are unstuffed, which provides a unique sensory texture for your little one!

Size

Sometimes you will see “mini” snugglers that are 12-14in long, but most of the time they are going to be in the 15-20in range. They are less geared towards being baby’s first security blanket stuffed animal and more of your toddler’s new bestie, so they are going to typically be larger in size.

Material

Snugglers are often made using bulky chenille or “blanket” yarn for a velvety, soft texture… making them almost TOO cuddly… should I make myself a snuggler?

Well, Which Do I Choose?!

As mentioned above, the biggest different between a crochet baby lovey and a snuggler lies in the design of the body: a lovey is typically an animal head with a small blanket, while a snuggler is more like a floppy, partially stuffed animal. Loveys are primarily made with cotton to make them easier to wash, while snugglers are more “snuggly” with their soft bulky yarn. Sizes are similar, but the snugglers usually lean on the larger size as they are targeted for babies AND toddlers.

When trying to decide which one of these adorable baby projects to make, I would ask yourself a few questions: WHO am I making it for, WHAT is my crochet level, HOW much time do I have?

If I’m wanting to make a blanket, but I know I don’t have the time before the baby shower… a crochet baby lovey might be the perfect compromise. You’ve got the security blanket aspect, but without all the time and yarn of a full-size baby blanket. Win, win!

If I’ve already given up on making this before the baby shower, maybe I want it to last longer than infancy… perhaps a crochet snuggler would fit my needs better! They are a little larger, which makes them great for babies AND toddlers… and who doesn’t want a soft cuddly stuffed animal?

Some of MY Favorites…

Now that you have a better idea of which you might be leaning towards making next, let me show you a few of my favorites to get you started!

Loveys

Probably my favorite of my own crochet baby lovey designs, Bailee the Bunny has such a cute feminine touch to her. Maybe it’s the pink, or the flowers on her head, or even just the scalloped edging around her security blanket, but she never fails to make me smile.

I’m a sucker for ombre yarn in general, but to put it on a crochet baby lovey? I’m OBSESSED! Crochet 365 Knit Too has outdone herself with this one!

Miles the Moose is the perfect rugged, outdoorsy crochet baby lovey for that nature-loving couple with a little one on the way! Maybe I’m just lazy, but I like the simplicity of faceless lovey look. Plus, you avoid any anxieties around the eyes being a potentially choking hazard! Work smarter, not harder, right?

Okay, the sleeping penguin is already absolute adorable, but the stars? I need this crochet baby lovey from Yarn Wave Shop IMMEDIATELY!

Does anyone else feel like ducks and geese have been all over the baby aisles recently? I’m kind of obsessed with the farmhouse aesthetic that is running amok around baby clothes lately and Darrel the Duck is no exception!

Be still my heart with these flower headpieces! What a simple, yet stunning crochet baby lovey from Theodore and Rose!

Snugglers

This zebra snuggler from Art Craft Digital HAD to be the first one on this list! It has the soft bulky yarn, the little knots on the legs, and how adorable are those embroidered sleepy eyes?

This gorgeous lady has been on my “to crochet” list for a LONG time, and I might just have to bump her up higher on the list! Imagine a little baby girl holding this snuggler from Shop Mod Threads and wearing a matching headband! I can’t handle the cuteness!

Crochet 365 Knit Too really does it all! It seems that she has recently been moving away from the traditional crochet baby lovey and onto these cuddly snugglers! She’s got a few on her page that are worth checking out, but this cow snuggler is my favorite.

My husband and I are a bit of dinosaur nerds, and he is going to freak when he sees this snuggler from Mama Made Minis! This is her big size snuggler, but she has a whole range of sizes and styles that are worth exploring!

These little otters from Loops to Loveys just warm my heart! Their little paws make me melt!

Though technically not an animal snuggler, these mermaids from Stitch Sister Co HAD to be included in this list! Not only does this pattern include different fin shapes and hair accessories, but you can even make a “mer-kitty”! And yes, it’s even cuter than you are imagining right now.

Conclusion

Well… are you team crochet baby lovey or snuggler? Have you ever made either style? Did you have a favorite of my favorites? Comment below!

Looking for my patterns? Please check out my my Etsy and Ravelry shops. If you are looking to invest in some new crochet hooks, Clover Amour is one of my favorites! Not sure whether Clover Amour is right for you? I have a Clover Amour review post that offers some great cheap alternatives!

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