Best Stuffed Animals for Babies and Toddlers
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For many, stuffed animals are more than just toys. They become part of the family. Many kids have a favorite stuffed animal, also known as a lovey, that comforts them throughout all hours of the day.
Loveys come in all shapes and sizes — there are bears, monkeys, giraffes, bunnies and blankies. Some infants and toddlers ditch their favorite stuffed animals at a young age, while others keep them forever. In fact, some kids keep loveys through adulthood, passing their plush pals on to their own children.
Choosing a safe stuffed animal for babies
While stuffed animals are a part of nearly every child’s upbringing, it’s important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics states that newborns and infants should not sleep with any soft items in their cribs, stuffed animals included. And when it comes to picking out a cozy friend for babies, you want to make sure of a few things.
No small pieces or choking hazards: It’s best to pick a stuffed animal that has embroidered eyes and noses and stuffing, not beads, in the hands and feet. This can prevent any loose parts from falling or being ripped off and subsequently put in your baby’s mouth.
Opt for baby- and parent-friendly fabrics: It’s essential to make sure your baby’s stuffed animal is soft and won’t irritate her skin. Try to avoid fabrics like nylon and polyester, as they contain synthetics. Opt for toys made with cotton or jersey knit, and that are free from harmful dyes. You can also choose one that’s machine washable, which is convenient for those inevitable messes.
Pick one that’s age-appropriate: Battery-operated stuffed animals that light up and make sounds are probably better suited for the toddler set than for babies. And keep in mind that if you do have a toddler and want to experiment with a stuffed animal that lights up or plays sounds, some parents find putting in and replacing batteries to be a hassle.
With so many cute, cuddly stuffed animals out there, it’s tough to know what to choose. And while your tot will likely let you know which one she loves, it’s a good idea to research some excellent options. Who knows, one of these may become your little one’s lovey and the newest member of your family!
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Best Overall Stuffed Animal
Baby Gund My First Teddy Bear
For more than 100 years, Baby Gund has manufactured soft, cozy stuffed animals for all kids of all ages. Baby Gund My First Teddy Bear comes in a variety of colors and has the saying “My first teddy bear” on the paw, making it the perfect gift. And if teddy bears aren’t your cup of tea, Baby Gund has dozens of animals and styles, all highly rated, with and without music. Basically, Gund has any stuffed animal your baby could ever desire.
Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 3 inches
Age range: Newborn and up
Best Organic Stuffed Animal
Under the Nile Giraffe Lovey
- Made with organic Egyptian cotton
- You need to make sure the organic cotton dries fully when washed to avoid the possibility of mold
This adorable, easy-to-hold, hand-stuffed giraffe is made from 100 percent organic Egyptian cotton, certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, and made in certified fair-trade facilities. This giraffe is made with a bit of extra love, thanks to its embroidered eyes and nose — and its soft body.
Dimensions: 9 inches tall
Age range: Newborn and up
Best Stuffed Animal for Newborns
Little Giraffe Little G Plush Stuffed Animal
- Modern
- classic design
- More expensive than others like it
Known for its modern aesthetic, pastel colors and minimalist prints, Little Giraffe is the perfect plush pal for newborns. The simple and classic style, which comes in blue, pink and celadon, makes it a great addition to any nursery.
Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.06 x 9.06 inches
Age range: Newborn and older
Best Stuffed Animal for Infants
Taggies Dazzle Dots Soft Toy
- Looped ribbon tags for babies to play with and explore
- Need to keep an eye on the tags; if they start falling off
- you should remove
Taggies is a stuffed animal with a twist. The patent-pending looped tags made from different materials like silk, felt, cotton and satin, provide infants with added tactile stimulation babies love for development, making Taggies a sweet and sensible pick for infants.
Dimensions: 12 inches tall
Age range: 4 months and up
Best Stuffed Animal for Young Toddlers
Jellycat Bashful Beige Bunny Stuffed Animal
- Jellycat offers books to go along with their stuffed animals
- giving young toddlers a way to bring their character to life through stories
- Spot clean only; not machine washable
Jellycat stuffed animals are a consumer favorite, with nearly 4,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. The plush characters are comfortable to snuggle with, while the storybooks bring those favorite stuffies to life. Plus, the combination of books and toys provides hours of endless entertainment.
Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 12 inches
Age range: Newborn and older
Best Stuffed Animal for Older Toddlers
Squishmallows
- Super soft and collectible
- More expensive than others
When it comes to stuffed animals, Squishmallows are the hottest trend. They are the beanie babies of today and have dozens of collectible characters, each with their own name, personality and unique story. The fluffy-as-marshmallow stuffed animals are infants’, toddlers’ and kids' current obsession these days. The Squishmallow Squad is real!
Dimensions: Sizes range from 3.5 inches to 24 inches
Age range: Newborn and older
Best Washable Stuffed Animal
Lambs & Ivy Jungle Safari Gray Plush Elephant Stuffed Animal
- Machine washable
- here are beads in the hands and feet
Kids are notorious for making a mess. The last thing a parent wants is to constantly spot clean a beloved stuffed animal. Lambs & Ivy, a female-founded company headquartered in California, manufactures soft stuffed animals that are machine washable for easy cleaning. It’s recommended to air dry this toy after washing, but some owners suggest putting it in the dryer once it’s almost completely dry for five to 10 minutes to make the elephant soft and fluffy.
Dimensions: 12 x 5 x 13 inches
Age range: Newborn and older
Best Handmade Stuffed Animal
Red & Olive Sassy Cassy + Beanie Set
- Stuffed animals help support Peruvian artisans who hand make each doll
- High price tags
Founded by a mom and stepdaughter design team in 2020, Red & Olive dolls come with either matching beanies or bows so your little one can twin with her new best friend. Additionally, they are made by women artisans in Peru. Proceeds from the purchases go to support these women and help break the cycle of poverty for their families.
Dimensions: 20-22 x 7 inches
Age range: 1 to 10 years old
Best Stuffed Animal With Music
Baby Einstein Octoplush Musical Plush Toy
- Plays a variety of classical melodies and teaches colors in English
- Spanish and French
- Some parents report the toy stops playing music after a few months
Baby Einstein’s Octoplush musical toy provides babies with hours of entertainment thanks to the different song options. The volume control means babies can listen on their own; mom or dad don’t have to hear the same songs blasting on repeat.
Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 11 inches
Age range: 3 months and older
Best Soothing Stuffed Animal
Cloud B Sleep Sheep
Cloud B’s Sleep Sheep is a baby registry staple and is also a sound machine that is proven to soothe babies to sleep. There are two sleep timers so it can automatically turn off after 23 or 45 minutes. But the coolest feature is that it soothes babies with an actual in-utero recording of a mother's heartbeat. Plus, the Sleep Sheep comes in a travel size, so you can bring the soothing toy with you on the go.
Dimensions: 13.9 x 9.8 x 7 inches
Age range: Newborn and older
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