Best Stuffed Animals and Plush Toys for Babies and Toddlers

Babies and toddlers love stuffed animals and plush toys because they are perfect toys for playtime. The best stuffed animals for babies and toddlers should be well made, soft, and cute. These toys make wonderful gifts for kids of all ages.

So, whether you’re a new mom looking to find a toy for your baby or a family or friend looking for a perfect gift for a kid, a stuffed animal would be a perfect gift for them. However, finding the perfect stuffed animal for the baby can be difficult, especially with the wide range of cute stuffed animals.

To help you find the best cuddle companion for the little one, we have curated some of the best-stuffed animals for newborns, toddlers, and older babies. So, keep reading to find a lovely stuffed animal to add to your family.

Best Stuffed Animals for Newborns/ Infants (0-12 Months)

1. Baby GUND Animated Flappy The Elephant Stuffed Animal Baby Toy Plush

The Baby GUND Animated Flappy The Elephant Stuffed Animal Baby Toy Plush is the best stuffed animal for small children because of the big ears. It comes in two different play modes where the baby can play peek-a-boo when the elephant hides behind its ears or sing along to the “Do your ears hang low” song in a child’s voice.

It comes to life with a simple push of a button, and this huggable plush toy provides quality cuddles. The Baby GUND company is one of the oldest makers of soft toys with over 120 years of innovation and quality products.

2. Bedtime Originals Choo Choo Express Plush Elephant

The Bedtime Originals Choo Choo Express Plush Elephant is another amazing stuffed animal made from a quality polyester fabric that is very soft to touch. In addition, it has large ears that can be customized with the newborn’s birth date, weight, and height, making it a great personalized gift.

This plush elephant measures approximately 9 inches tall and 7 inches wide when sitting, which is a great size for newborns and infants. Furthermore, it is free from choking hazards and machine washable in a gentle cycle and a low tumble dry.

3. Baby Einstein Octoplush Musical Plush Toy

The Baby Einstein Octoplush Musical Plush Toy is not only a huggable and soft toy but also includes classic songs for brain development and a volume control button for the mother. Additionally, this plush toy can name the colors in different languages, including Spanish, English, and French.

Baby Einstein’s products have been designed to encourage the curious nature of babies, which motivates them to learn. This is because by encouraging the curiosity nature, little ones can maintain the thirst for knowledge which will, in turn, push them into a life of boundless possibilities.

4. Bedtime Originals Plush Monkey Ollie, Brown

The Bedtime Originals Plush Monkey Ollie is a smaller super soft plush stuffed animal, measuring only 8 inches tall. This is the perfect size for younger babies to hold and cuddle during playtime.

It comes in soft, stitched eyes and mouth that are durable enough to withstand heavy use by the infant. Moreover, its soft fabric is machine washable in a gentle cycle and a low tumble dry.

5. Jellycat Bashful Tulip Pink Bunny Stuffed Animal, Small, 7 inches

Jellycat, a British company established in 1999, has a mission of bringing innovative and original toys for people of different ages. This Jellycat Bashful Tulip Pink Bunny Stuffed Animal comes in a variety of sizes, from a mini to a really huge toy.

Apart from the pink color, it is also available in white and beige colors. It is one of the best-stuffed toys for newborns since they are so adorable. It is made from polyester materials with plastic eyes or pellets. This toy is super soft and will provide countless hours of soft hugs and memories in years to come.

Best Stuffed Animals for Toddlers (1 Year to 3 years)

1. Wild Republic Cuddlekin Three Toed Sloth 12″ Plush, Cuddlekins

The Wild Republic Cuddlekin Three-Toed Sloth 12″ Plush, Cuddlekins is a master of giving hugs where you only need to wrap its long arms around the baby’s neck or chest for a cozy embrace. It is an amazing companion for napping, lounging, and hanging around.

It is made of a soft fabric and embroidered features making it a unique friend to add to the babies’ collection. With a measurement of approximately 12 inches tall, both kids and adults will love this quirky stuffed animal.

2. Steiff USA Beige My First Teddy Bear Plush Toy

Steiff company, one of the best-stuffed animal brands, is a popular brand known for making teddy bears since 1902. These teddy bears come as stuffed animals made from cuddly soft plush and cotton velvet. The Steiff USA Beige My First Teddy Bear Plush Toy is a fleecy bear in blue, pink, or natural beige, with embroidered eyes that can’t be easily bitten off.

It is hand-sewn and made from high-quality materials, which means that it can last for a long period, from generation to generation. Although this toy is recommended for children of all ages, it is best suited for toddlers.

3. Cuddle Barn | Dalton the Storytelling Dragon 12″ Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

The Cuddle Barn | Dalton the Storytelling Dragon 12″ Stuffed Animal Plush Toy is a sweet little storyteller that will get your child to settle down for sleep in no time. It reads out some of the famous fairytales with gentle animatronic motions and a soothing voice.

These adorable animated plush toys can do a few things, including talking, singing, moving, and lighting up. It is one of the best battery-operated stuffed animals that comes with 3 AA batteries and your favorite stuffed animal, and no other buys are required to use the toy.

4. Jellycat Odell Octopus Stuffed Animal, Large, 22 inches

The Jellycat Odell Octopus Stuffed Animal, Large, 22 inches, features eight soft tentacles which are perfect for toddler wrestling or hugs. It comes in an adorable design, plush materials, and realistic details for young children.

It is a cute stuffed animal that features a variety of sizes to cuddle. The company also offers a variety of collections and themes to match any nursery or room for both boys and girls, giving value for the money.

5. Vermont Teddy Bear Stuffed Giraffe – Buddy Giraffe Stuffed Animal

The Vermont Teddy Bear store boasts a wide variety of plush pals from cats, flamingos, sloths, bunnies, and this super cute little giraffe. The Vermont Teddy Bear Stuffed Giraffe is designed with durable fur and materials that can easily be cleaned using a damp cloth.

Moreover, the brand promises replacement or repair if something severe happens, making it worth your coins. It is irresistibly cute with the little tail and horns as well as a unique mix of curiosity. Since it is soft and squeezable, this giraffe stuffed animal is a perfect cuddle companion.

Best Stuffed Animals for Older Children (3 Years+)

1. JOY FOR ALL – Orange Tabby Cat – Interactive Companion Pets

The JOY FOR ALL – Orange Tabby Cat is a safe stuffed animal that features a revolutionary vibrapurr technology to produce an authentic purr as a real cat would. It has soft, synthetic, and brushable fur and has the ability to open and close its eyes.

Its built-in sensors help this companion pet cat respond to motion and touch, like real cats do, but won’t require too much care and feeding. This amazing pet is designed for the comfort, fun, and companionship of older children and adults.

2. Melissa & Doug Giant Giraffe – Lifelike Stuffed Animal

The Melissa & Doug Giant Giraffe – Lifelike Stuffed Animal takes the magic of a one-horned unicorn to a whole new level. It features a shimmery horn, hooves, and other details that make kids go crazy for it.

It super soft and sturdy, measuring approximately 3 feet tall, and stands on four legs. Although it is not made for riding, it sparks a lot of joy for kids aged 3 to 15 years.

3. Cloud b Sleep Sheep On The Go Travel Sound Soother

While all stuffed animals are perfect for cuddling, the Cloud b Sleep Sheep On The Go Travel Sound Soother is one of the best-stuffed animals to get little kids to settle down for sleep. It has comforting songs and sounds that will have the baby snoozing in a short time.

It comes with four soothing sound options, including spring showers, whale songs, a gentle stream, and ocean surf. It is also quite portable and has a hook and loop fastener for attachment. The adjustable volume and two sleep timer options.

4. MorisMos Giant Teddy Bear Plush Stuffed Animals

The MorisMos Giant Teddy Bear Plush Stuffed Animals is a 51 inch stuffed bear that is handmade and well designed for durability. It comes in a variety of bright colors, including pink, white, beige, gray, and brown.

This adorable toy is not only perfect for hugging and snuggling but also a great choice for decorating the baby’s playroom and your house. It has a large zipper at the back, which you can use to remove some stuffing or fluff it more.

5. Ebba – Lil Benny Phant – 10″ Lil Benny Phant – Grey

This cute little elephant from Aurora World is a great gift for any occasion. It comes in pink, blue, and grey colors and is recommended for ages 3 to 15 years. It is also quite affordable compared to other plush toys.

The Ebba – Lil Benny Phant – 10″ Lil Benny Phant measures 9 inches tall, with heart-stealing droopy eyes and a simple and soft faux fur. This elephant toy also has an endearing body position and facial expression that babies would love.

Things to Consider Before Choosing the Best Stuffed Animal for Babies and Toddlers

1. Age

It is important to buy a stuffed animal that is appropriate for your child’s age. This is why you always need to read the brand’s recommended age guidelines to ensure the toy matches your child’s needs at the specific development stage.

2. Construction in Durability

A plush toy with long strings and plastic eyes can be a choking hazard for infants and toddlers. This is why you need to always opt for stuffed animals with embroider eyes and check that there are no loose parts.

Good quality stuffed animals are able to withstand even the heavy toddler games. Ensure the edges and seams are tight enough, so no stuffing comes out during playtime. The stuffed animal should also be super soft to ensure it doesn’t cause harm to the baby.

3. Maintenance

You don’t want to get a stuffed animal that requires a lot of care and maintenance because it will only be a burden to the mum. Luckily, there are some stuffed animals that are machine washable and require little to no maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Stuffed Animals

1. What makes a good stuffed animal?

A good stuffed animal should be well constructed with high-quality materials that are safe for your little one. Secondly, it needs to be age-appropriate, so be sure to check the brand’s age guidelines to ensure the plush toy is suitable for the baby’s development stage. Other considerations include something that is soft, machine washable, and requires no extra hustle.

2. Are stuffed animals beneficial for babies?

Definitely, the best stuffed animals are a mother’s heartbeat since they help soothe their kids and also reduce fear and anxiety. Getting a cuddle companion will also help the baby with educational content, develop language skills and learn empathy.

3. Is it healthy to sleep with a stuffed animal?

It is totally normal to sleep and cuddle with your stuffed animal to help relieve stress and anxiety. However, parents are advised to limit themselves to only one stuffed animal because it may take away the comfort of the baby while sleeping.