A baby bear lovey is a small, soft blanket or toy that is designed to provide comfort and security to babies and young children. It is often made from soft, cuddly materials such as cotton or fleece, and may have a variety of features such as a small stuffed animal attached to it, or a crinkled texture.
Baby bear loveys can be a great way to help babies feel safe and secure, and can also be a fun and stimulating toy. They make a great gift for newborns or toddlers, and can be used for many years. Try following our method to get a beautiful bear like that.
MATERIALS YOU’LL NEED
To get started making this free crochet snuggler pattern, you’ll want to gather all your materials first.
200g Premier Basix Chenille in the color Sand
Small amount Premier Basix Chenille Winter White
Small amount of black yarn for the embroidered eyes
Embroidery thread for eyebrows
18mm safety eyes, if you prefer
Crochet Hook in Size 4.5mm
Tapestry Needle
Polyfil
stitch marker
NOTES
Notes: This snuggler pattern is made from the feet up. You will make two feet, fastening off one and then attaching them together from the second one. The body will decrease and then increase into the head. This video shows how to strengthen the neck. This has a double use in this pattern- keeping the head from being overly floppy and to allow the head to be stuffed without losing the stuffing in the body. Because of the nature of this pattern, the head will still “flop” but that is what I expect of the lovey/blanket form.
The arms are attached with a long needle. You can find the video for that here.
I embroidered the eyes so it would be safe for a baby/toddler. You can find my collection of embroidery videos here.
Substitute yarns could be Bernat Blanket yarn or Big Twist from Joann’s. You may need to change the hook size if you change the yarn.
Free Bear Crochet Lovey Pattern
Neck Support Piece:
Begin with a magic circle and work 7 single crochets (SC). Continue to SC in each stitch around for a total of 10 rows. Fasten off, leaving a long tail—this will be needed before stuffing the head. Check out this tutorial to see how it all comes together!
Beginning with the feet and using the body color: Round 1: In a magic circle, SC 6. Round 2: SC INC in each around. (12) Round 3: SC in the first, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (18) Rounds 4-7: SC in each around. (18) *4 total rows* Round 8: SC in the first, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (12) Round 9: INV DEC in each around. (6)
Stuff the foot part, but not the next chain rows. From here on, you will be chaining 2, DC in the same stitch and crochet around. Then attach to the first stitch with a slip stitch. This creates the part of the leg that you will knot. You can knot before you attach the legs or afterwards. The foot may be “squished” a bit as you tie, but there should be enough length.I created a video to show the next part of the leg, and you can see that here. Rounds 10-18: DC in each around. (6) *9 total rows* Round 19: SC INC in each around. Attach to the first stitch with a slip stitch and chain 1 (12) Round 20: SC in each around. (12) Fasten off the first foot. On the second foot, chain 4 and slip stitch to the first leg where you fastened off.
Click here for a video and photo tutorial of this next part! (note that the numbers are different for this mini version, but the method is the same) Round 21: Chain 1 and SC in each stitch around on the leg (12). SC in each chain across. (4) SC in each stitch around the second leg. (12) SC on the other side of the chain. (4) Attach to the first SC with a slip stitch. (a total of 32) Rounds 22-26: SC in each around. (32) *5 total rows* Round 27: SC in the first two. INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (24) Rounds 28-31: SC in each around. (24) *4 total rows* Round 32: SC in the first. INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (16) Round 33: INV DEC in each around. (8) Round 34: SC INC in each around. (16) Round 35: SC in the first stitch, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (24) Round 36: SC in the first two stitches, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (32) Round 37: SC in the first three stitches, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (40) Rounds 38-40: SC in each around. (40) *3 total rows* Round 41: SC in the the first three, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (32) Round 42-43: SC in each around. (32) 2 total rows Begin to stuff here. If you haven’t already, attach the neck strengthener! If you choose to use safety eyes, attach them around rounds 38-39. Round 44: SC in the first two, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (24) Round 45: SC in each around. (24) Round 46: SC in first, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (16) Round 47: INV DEC in each around. (8) Fasten off and sew the remaining hole closed.
Crochet Lovey Bear Snout, Ears, and Arms
Ears (Make 2):
Round 1: Start with a magic circle and work 8 single crochets (SC). Round 2: Increase (SC INC) in each stitch around. (16) Round 3:SC in the first stitch, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (24) Round 4: SC in each stitch around. (24)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Fold each ear in half before attaching. Sew through both halves of the ear and secure them to the head, positioning them about 3 rows from the top. The ears will naturally curve, spanning approximately 5 rows across each side.
Note: The photo below shows my worsted weight yarn bear, but the technique remains the same even with thicker yarn. If you’d like to see the video tutorial for the worsted weight bear in action, check it out here!
Snout Round 1: In a magic circle, SC 6 Round 2: SC INC in each stitch around (12) Round 3: SC in first, SC INC in next. Repeat around. (18) Rounds 4: SC in each around. (18) Fasten off and leave a long tail to sew on to the face, with the bottom around round 34 and the top just under round 38. Lightly stretch the snout into an oval shape before you attach. Using a long piece of brown yarn. Embroider the nose on about row 4, making about 4-5 passes through the same stitches. Bring the needle up from the back, and cover about 4-5 stitches.
Round 1: In a magic circle, SC 7. Round 2: SC INC in each around. (14) Round 3-4: SC in each around. (14) Round 5: INV DEC in the first. SC in the next 5. INV DEC. SC in the remaining 5. (12) Round 6: SC in each around. (12) Round 7: INV DEC in the first. SC in the next 4. INV DEC. SC in the remaining 4. (10) Round 8: SC in each around. (10) Round 9: INV DEC in the first. SC in the next 3. INV DEC. SC in the remaining 3. (8) Rounds 10-11: SC in each around. Fasten off and leave an extra long tail. Sew the opening closed (leave unstuffed!). Attach the arms between rows 31 and 32 of the body. Use the yarn through method outlined, or if you prefer you can do it the traditional way.
25 BEST GIFTS FOR NEW MOMS
The birth of a baby is a special time that brings happiness and excitement, but it also requires a lot of adjustments. New moms are like superheroes starting a wonderful, but often tired, journey. To show your love and support, a well-chosen gift can make their experience easier and more enjoyable. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to pick the right present. Don’t worry! This list has 25 great gift ideas for new moms, suited to different needs and budgets.
BEST GIFTS FOR NEW MOMS
NURSING ENTERTAINMENT
When it comes to gifts for moms-to-be, nursing entertainment options can be a thoughtful and practical choice. New moms often spend long hours breastfeeding their babies, and having something to keep them entertained during those moments can make a big difference. Consider giving a subscription to audiobooks, podcasts, or streaming services so that they can enjoy their favorite shows or listen to engaging stories while caring for their little one. These gifts not only provide entertainment but also help moms relax and make nursing sessions more enjoyable.
ESARORA ICE ROLLER
The Esarora Ice Roller is a fantastic choice for new moms. This handy device offers a refreshing and soothing experience, especially during those hectic early days of motherhood. The ice roller can help reduce puffiness, soothe tired eyes, and relieve headaches, providing much-needed relief for sleep-deprived moms. Its compact size and ease of use make it convenient for quick self-care sessions whenever they need a little pick-me-up. The Esarora Ice Roller is a budget-friendly gift for women under $25 that can make a significant impact on a new mom’s well-being and self-care routine.
A HEALING BALM
Among the top gifts for women in 2022, the Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream stands out as a perfect choice for new parents. With the constant need for handwashing due to diaper changes, spit-up, and the delicate immune systems of newborns, parenthood brings a whole new level of importance to maintaining supple skin. This intensively moisturizing cream has long been a favorite of Wirecutter staff and is considered a classic in the beauty world. It combines powerful moisturizers like lanolin, beeswax, sweet almond, and sunflower seed oils to prevent water loss, along with soothing botanicals such as chamomile, viola tricolor, and calendula.
LOULOU LOLLIPOP NEW YORK CITY DELUXE MUSLIN SWADDLE BLANKET
A classic receiving blanket, like the incredibly soft muslin one from Loulou Lollipop, is a versatile gift that can serve multiple purposes for new moms. Aside from being an excellent swaddle for the baby, it can also be used as a nursing shawl, a cover for the car seat, and a burp cloth. With its New York-themed design, it adds a touch of style and charm to any baby ensemble. This multipurpose blanket is not only practical but also a lovely and thoughtful gift for new moms.
LOW-EFFORT DINNER
Low-effort is also on the list of best gifts for new mothers. Adjusting to life with a newborn can be overwhelming, leaving little time and energy to prepare meals. That’s why gifting a meal delivery service or a selection of pre-made frozen meals can be a thoughtful and practical choice. With these options, new mothers can enjoy delicious and nutritious dinners without the hassle of cooking. It gives them the convenience and comfort they need during this busy time, allowing them to focus on taking care of their little ones.
MOBILE PHOTO PRINTER
A mobile photo printer can be a great gift for new moms. It’s a simple device that allows them to print photos directly from their smartphones. With this handy gadget, new moms can easily capture and print precious moments with their little ones. Whether it’s a cute smile or a milestone achievement, they can instantly have physical copies of these special memories. The mobile photo printer is portable and easy to use, making it convenient for on-the-go printing.
A ONE-HANDED WATER BOTTLE
An essential item for new moms on the go is a one-handed water bottle. This cleverly designed water bottle allows them to stay hydrated with ease, even while juggling the demands of taking care of their little one. With its innovative design, moms can open and close the bottle using just one hand, leaving their other hand free for holding the baby, pushing a stroller, or attending to other tasks. The spill-proof feature ensures that they can take a sip whenever they need it, without worrying about leaks or messes.
BABY FOOTPRINT KIT & HANDPRINT KIT
This delightful kit is a perfect gift for new moms who want to capture and cherish those precious early memories. The setting clay allows them to create a beautiful keepsake of their baby’s tiny hands and feet, preserving them in a unique and sentimental way. With the included alphabet stamps, they can personalize the frame by adding their child’s name and birth date, making it a truly special memento that they can treasure for years to come.
TINY GOLD HOOPS
When babies begin to grab things, wearing large jewelry becomes impractical. That’s where Automic Gold’s Mini Seamless Huggie Hoops come to the rescue. These timeless and ungraspable earrings are made in New York from 14-karat yellow, white, or rose gold, which is upcycled from old electronics and jewelry. The hoops feature an invisible lock that clasps securely, requiring just a fingertip to locate the open edge for opening and closing them. Their seamless construction ensures comfort, making them suitable for wearing even during sleep, which is especially convenient for new moms who catch some much-needed rest whenever they can.
BABY’S FRIEND
If you ask any experienced parent, they’ll emphasize one important item: Sophie the giraffe. This adorable teether in the shape of a giraffe is renowned for providing comfort to babies, and it’s crafted from 100 percent natural rubber. It’s a universal favorite among babies, including both of my own daughters. There’s something about its design that makes it ideal for tiny hands and mouths. We never left home without it, as it quickly became an essential companion for our little ones.
SOOTHING NURSING PILLOWS
Soothing nursing pillows are a wonderful gift for new moms. These pillows provide comfort and support during breastfeeding sessions, making the experience more relaxed and enjoyable. They are specially designed to help moms find a comfortable position while feeding their baby, reducing strain on their back, neck, and arms. The softness and cushioning of the pillows provide a cozy nest for the baby, promoting a secure and close bond between mom and child. With soothing nursing pillows, new moms can have a more comfortable and nurturing breastfeeding experience, making it a thoughtful and practical gift choice.
A BOX OF SURPRISE
This special box is filled with a variety of surprises and treats to bring joy and pampering to the new mom. It may include self-care items like bath bombs, scented candles, face masks, or relaxing teas. It could also contain small gifts for the baby, such as cute onesies or soft toys. The element of surprise adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for the new mom, making it a truly memorable and heartwarming gift. This box of surprises is a wonderful way to show love and support to the new mom during this important and transformative time in her life.
SILICONE BREAST PUMP
This type of breast pump is made from soft and flexible silicone material, which makes it comfortable to use. It works by creating a gentle suction that helps draw out breast milk. Silicone breast pumps are compact, portable, and easy to clean, making them convenient for on-the-go use. They are especially handy for collecting milk during breastfeeding sessions or when experiencing let-down on the opposite breast. With a silicone breast pump, new moms can easily and discreetly collect breast milk, providing them with an efficient and convenient option for breastfeeding and milk storage.
BABY’S BACKPACK
If you’re seeking a practical and unexpected gift for a new mom, consider a fantastic hiking backpack that can be used for outdoor adventures or even everyday outings. This hiking baby carrier boasts padded shoulder straps and a spacious hip belt, ensuring the utmost comfort. It features convenient pockets in the hip belt for easy access to phones and wallets, as well as ample storage space for all the essential items in a diaper bag. The little one will relish the elevated and secure padded seat, the removable napping pillow, the optional sunshade, and the opportunity to view the wonders of the great outdoors. This hiking backpack is a thoughtful and versatile gift that will prove invaluable throughout the coming year.
BABY BOUNCER
These versatile and entertaining items provide a safe and comfortable place for babies to play and relax. The gentle bouncing motion can soothe and entertain little ones, giving moms a much-needed break. Some baby bouncers come with additional features like music, vibrations, and toys to stimulate the baby’s senses. They are portable and easy to move around the house, allowing moms to keep an eye on their little one while attending to other tasks.
SELF-WATERING POTS
With a self-watering pot, new moms don’t have to worry about constantly monitoring and watering their plants. The built-in reservoir system ensures that the plants receive the right amount of water without the risk of overwatering or underwatering. This feature is especially beneficial for moms who may have limited time or experience in plant care. Self-watering pots not only bring beauty and greenery to the home but also offer a convenient and low-maintenance solution for nurturing plants.
SKINCARE GIFT
She’s probably stocked up on everything the baby needs, but it’s important to consider her own well-being too. This clean skin care set is a thoughtful gift that includes three essential items (nipple balm, body cream, and face wash) specially curated for new moms. These products are fragrance-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free, ensuring gentle and safe care for her skin during this special time.
A PERSONALIZED NECKLACE
If you’re looking for a timeless piece to last long after the days of swaddles and sleep regressions, we suggest the 14k Gold Asymmetrical Initial Necklace from Los Angeles–based jeweler Zoe Lev. Each necklace is forged from recycled yellow, white, or rose gold. It’s likely to become the kind of piece she never takes off. The sideways initial in a sans serif font has a modern appeal that’s classic enough to fit a range of styles. Zoe Lev also offers repairs and alterations—such as adding another initial down the road—for a nominal fee.
MIRACLE BABY MIRACLE BLANKET
If you’re seeking a reliable and tried-and-true swaddle option, Laura Izumikawa, a blogger, author, and mom of two, highly recommends the Miracle Blanket. This traditional-style swaddle has proven to be foolproof in her experience. According to Laura, swaddling her girls in this specific wrap brought them increased contentment and longer sleep durations.
RECORD SPECIAL MOMENTS
The early years fly by in no time! Capture all the wonderful moments with this charming baby book. The Memory Book is a 48-page keepsake designed thoughtfully for busy parents. It features simple prompts to record key milestones and provides convenient spaces to attach photos, making it effortless to document and cherish those precious memories.
SWEET READS
Attempting to encapsulate the multifaceted journey of motherhood in a single sentence, paragraph, or book is an immense task. However, Grace Farris, a doctor, mother, and author, bravely takes on this challenge in her illustrated manual, Mom Milestones. Born from her popular Instagram account, this book showcases heartwarming and insightful sketches that delve into her own humbling experiences of parenthood. From the early stages of being a Newborn Mom to navigating the world of Elementary School Mom, Farris traces the evolution of a mother with poignant reflections like “Notes I Would Send Myself” and “Tricks That Don’t Work.” Particularly for new moms, this affirming read serves as a literary road map, offering guidance through the challenging yet immensely rewarding path that lies ahead.
GIFT CARD
Takeout-delivery gift cards are always great for new parents, but there’s something to be said for having a stash of wholesome, ready-to-go frozen meals on hand when they’re feeling peckish. Ipsa, which several Strategist staffers and I swear by, allows folks to order high-end, actually delicious dishes like lasagne ai funghi and green-chicken enchilada bake à la carte.
TOTE
It’s important not to underestimate the amount of items a new mom needs to carry around. This lovely bag will become her trusted companion during errand runs, trips to the park, doctor’s appointments, and beyond. Additionally, it comes in a versatile black color that helps conceal any spills or messes that may occur along the way. With this bag, new moms can stay organized and stylish while effortlessly managing all their essential belongings.
BAD-HAIR DAYS, BEGONE
Hair claws are having a renaissance, and no demographic is better suited to embracing the trend than newly anointed moms. The Emi Jay Big Effing Clip is mom and senior editor Catherine Kast’s favorite clip for a few reasons: It’s huge, sturdy, and crack resistant, and it comes in a ton of fun shades and finishes. And it’s versatile enough for every stage of new-momhood, from the stage where the new mom doesn’t wash her hair to the stage where the little one pulls out her hair to the stage where she finally ventures out on her first, much-needed date night.
ORGANIC MIXED FRUIT
This thoughtful and nutritious gift provides a variety of delicious fruits that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, ensuring a healthier option for both the mom and her family. Organic mixed fruit gifts often include a selection of seasonal fruits, such as apples, oranges, berries, and tropical fruits, providing a vibrant and flavorful assortment. These fruits are not only packed with vitamins and minerals but also offer natural sweetness and refreshing flavors. Offering an organic mixed fruit gift to a new mom is a delightful way to promote her well-being and provide a nourishing treat during this special time.
CONCLUSION
The 25 best gifts for new moms encompass a wide range of thoughtful and practical options that cater to their needs and celebrate this transformative journey. From luxurious self-care items to functional baby gear, these gifts aim to support and uplift new moms during this extraordinary chapter of their lives. With the best gifts for new moms, we can show our appreciation and help them navigate the joys and challenges of motherhood with love, care, and a touch of indulgence.
