While Christmas shopping online last year for my three children, I happened to find Pat the Bunny Security Blanket on sale for around $6. I remember purchasing several items at etoys.com at the time as they were having a "free shipping" offer as well, so I just couldn't pass up such a good deal. This toy seemed like the perfect gift for my then almost 6 month old baby boy, Tristan. Since this would be his very first Christmas, I wanted him to have some special gifts.

Once Christmas Day arrived, we all awoke to discover that there were WAY too many toys and presents under the tree as usual. Every year I make BIG plans to tone things down a bit from the year before, but in the end it seems I always end up buying MORE instead of less! Of course this was the first year I had to buy for three children instead of just two, so maybe that was part of the problem. Anyway, since a 6 month old is more interested in chewing on the wrapping paper and cardboard boxes instead of the actual toy inside, I wasn't surprised that Pat the Bunny Security Blanket did not impress him very much at first.

Once the excitement of Christmas wore off and things settled back down a little, this Pat the Bunny Security Blanket was placed into Tristan's crib so he could cuddle it whenever he wished. Since most soft/plush/stuffed toys (along with pillows, fluffy blankets and comforters) are generally not recommended to be placed inside the crib of babies under 1 year of age because of the increased risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), I must admit that I was a bit nervous at first about doing this. But I've since discovered that Pat the Bunny Security Blanket is no less safe than any other infant toy on the market, especially once the child can lift his/her head from side to side and can roll over. And Tristan was doing both easily by this time as he was already over 6 months old when he received this toy as a Christmas gift. I'd definitely not recommend putting Pat the Bunny Security Blanket inside the crib of a younger baby (less than 4 months) as the risks are a bit greater then.

So what does Pat the Bunny Security Blanket look/feel like? If you've ever read the classic book by the same name to your child, then I'm sure you know what the original character looks like. This toy very closely resembles the book character Pat the Bunny. The bunny's face is white and is made of a soft plush material. The eyes and mouth are just plain black thread, so there's no buttons, etc. that can be torn off to pose a chocking hazard for young infants. The back of the ears are made of the same white material as the face, only the front part of the ears are light orange with tiny blue speckles inside. Pat the Bunny's body is simply a small piece of light orange brushed fleece trimmed with light green and white stripes that is perfect for cuddling. The arms and front bodice are made of the same white plush material used for the head and back of the ears. Only the front of each "hand" is covered in the "non-skid" material often found on the bottom of children's footies. Across the front of the bodice are the words "pat the bunny" in light green, attractive lettering. And attached to the bodice is the cutest little light green and light orange "ribbon-like" bowtie. The bunny's feet are white and filled with a "crinkly" material that makes a "crinkling sound" when pressed on. Turn Pat the Bunny Security Blanket over and you'll find a white, bushy tail that is very soft to the touch. And finally, attached to the left arm is a light green ribbon that can be velcro's onto your child's wrist, if desired, so that this Pat the Bunny Security Blanket can be with your child on outings, etc. without worries of losing this security object.

Yes, Pat the Bunny Security Blanket is cute and cuddly, but will your child actually PLAY with it? Since most babies have an attention span of about 5 seconds per object (or so it seems at times!), this toy is just as likely to be played with as any other baby toy. There have been many mornings/naptimes where I've found Tristan hugging this bunny in his crib. But once he sees mommy, Pat the Bunny Security Blanket is dropped like a hot potato! So far, Tristan really isn't very big into security objects, so he can honestly take it or leave it at this point.

So would I recommend Pat the Bunny Security Blanket for your child? Yes, when certain conditions apply. First and foremost, purchase this product ONLY if you find it on sale for a good price! Secondly, if you like the Pat the Bunny children's book and want to share the joys this character brings to a baby's world with your child, then you'll like this toy as well. And if you think having a security object will help your baby feel more secure as he/she is learning to sleep through the night without mommy or daddy right there, then Pat the Bunny Security Blanket just might be what your baby is looking for. HOWEVER, if your baby's nursery is already filled with lots of stuffed animals and other cuddly objects, then I wouldn't bother with one more. Pat the Bunny Security Blanket will only get lost in the shuffle otherwise.

This epinion is a part of the "toy write off" hosted by JENNI1396 in honor of her 25th birthday on April 7, 2001. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JENNIFER! Here is a list of all the participants:

Aahz, amknight, ar_c, bmcnichol, bpotter1, charlenep, char.mike, cherokeelady, CJsMommy, cntaur5, cyndicm, dad2nat, damienmommie, dandj, Debbie26, DEjrBudweiser8, dydx, fisch, goldjay, HawgWyld, jeanniekerns, jenni1396, jessica1137, jo.com, KateTPZ, kay67, kminer, lisado, Lisa_J, maggsmomm, MelissaSRN, mellkinwa, mimi369, mininut, mom2daniel, monical2me, mtbat, MumMumMum, naphtalia, nwinston, pacbaystat, Patch3boys, Presleysmama,
quasar, RCarte2000, 77chelle, shantel575, sloving, smh32775, Staceys1, sweetsue_98, TazzyFoxy, tchoate, telefrog, three_ster, Trevsmom, trthomp, unowho72, and willeftk.




Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 6.00
Type of Toy: Baby Toy
Age Range of Child: 0 to 12 Months