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
- OFFICIAL FLAPPY THE ELEPHANT: Flappy is an adorable singing elephant that comes to life with the push of a button, featuring two play modes to entertain baby. He now features enhanced audio and volume controls for a more customized play session!
- INTERACTIVE PLAY: Press Flappy’s left foot to engage in a game of peek-a-boo, where Flappy hides behind his oversized ears. Press his right foot to hear a playful new song in a child’s voice while his ears flap to the rhythm! Song styles may vary.
- PERFECT GIFTS FOR BABY REGISTRY: Whether it’s for nursery decor or to celebrate a baby shower, baby’s first birthday, or complete your holiday toy list 2022, GUND plush toys, baby toys and sensory toys make great gifts for kids of all ages.
- QUALITY CUDDLES: Our award-winning bears and kids toys appeal to animal lovers everywhere, known for their unmatched quality and huggable designs. From toddlers to adults of all ages, GUND plush toys are perfect for play, collecting and cuddling.
- PREMIER PLUSH: As one of America’s first soft toy makers, GUND has crafted unique and classic teddy bears and stuffed animals for 125 years. To this day, we proudly carry this legacy and stand by our toys, known worldwide for quality and innovation.
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
- Measures approximately 9" long x 8.5" wide, when sitting down
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
- Baby can cuddle up to new colors and music
- Huggable & soft to touch for tactile development
- Discover the colors in English, Spanish and French
- Squeeze Octoplush’s head to activate more classical melodies
- Includes volume control
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
- Curly Tails Plush Monkey Ollie is 8" high soft and cuddly
- 2 tone plush
- Soft stitched eyes and mouth
- Care instructions: machine wash in gentle cycle, tumble dry low and remove promptly
- Curly Tails Plush Monkey Ollie is 8” high soft and cuddly
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
- Size: 12 inches tall
- Suitable from birth
- Made of polyester, plastic pellets/eyes
- Spot clean only
- Designed by Jellycat in London, UK
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
- Uses the finest of fabrics
- Highly detailed
- Perfect for cuddling.Measures thirty inches tall head to toe, 20 inches sitting
- Unlike other mammals, real Sloths spend most of their lives hanging upside-down from tree branches, so their legs are adapted for that purpose. When the item is in a sitting position it looks ith the back claws pointing inwards, towards each other.
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
- DALTON - Dalton is a purple dragon with blue and green iridescent details that reads from his magical glowing book of fairy tales. His mouth moves and he sways as he reads you his favorite stories. Measures 12".
- RECITES 5 FAIRYTALES - Hansel and Gretel, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, The Ugly Duckling, and Sleeping Beauty
- FUN & MEMORABLE TO ALL - Cuddle Barn toys stand out from all the rest! Cuddle Barn’s animated plush toys and soft plush friends make the perfect gift that will bring endless smiles and lasting memories to all. Recommended for ages 2+.
- BATTERIES INCLUDED - Comes with 3 AA batteries. All Cuddle Barn animated plush creations come with batteries included so your kiddo does not need to wait to play when their new friend comes home! Dalton has a demo mode. Turn his switch to "ON" to hear all of his stories.
- MATERIALS & CARE - Made with a soft polyester material. Comes in polybag to protect it during transit. If Dalton gets dirty, we recommend using a damp towel to spot clean.
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
- Size: 22 inches tall
- Recommended for ages 12 months and above
- Made of polyester, plastic pellets/eyes
- Spot clean only
- Designed by Jellycat in London, UK
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
- ONLY THE BEST BEAR HUGS WILL DO - Cuddly Floppy Giraffe is designed with smooth fur and without joints to be wonderfully soft and squeezable; this Giraffe has long limbs and slim body for easy carrying and the perfect sprinkle of weighted beans to make him extra cuddly
- A UNIQUE PERSONALITY - Plush Floppy Giraffe is irresistibly cute with his cute little tail and horns, a unique mix of curiosity, mischief and fun that brings a lifetime of joy and companionship; Furry, fun giraffe is a thoughtful gift for children
- LIFETIME GUARANTEE - The second your weighted stuffed animal arrives it's guaranteed for life, meaning any damage can be mended at the bear hospital in Vermont; If it can't, a new Bear will be sent along with condolences-and a new lifetime guarantee
- PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION - Floppy Giraffe stuffed animal is a great gift for holidays like Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, and Valentine’s day; Plush animal makes a loving get-well gesture, birthday present, baby shower gift and new baby gift
- SAFE FOR ALL AGES - This Giraffe is safe for all ages. Imported.
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
- Cat-like movements & sounds: our revolutionary vibrapurr technology gives the cat an authentic purr that sounds and feels just like real purring. A real cat would, our companion pet cat is able to open and close its eyes, lift its Paw, open its mouth and move its head and body. The companion pet cat also has synthetic, soft, brushable fur inspired by real feline breeds.
- Built in sensors: using the built in sensors, our companion pet cat responds to motion and touch such as Petting and hugging, much like the real Cats you know and love, but doesn't require any special care or feeding.
- A rich experience: Designed to bring comfort, companionship and fun to Elder loved ones. The ease of care and convenience paired with our state of the art technology makes for the best possible interactive experience for older adults living in senior communities or aging at home, and their caregivers or simply just a person that could use some extra company.
- Award winning: Joy For All companion pets won the caregiver friendly award from today's caregiver two years in 2016 and 2017. This product has appeared in the new York times, people magazine and the Baltimore sun. It has also been seen on CBS and the doctors and heard on BBC radio.
- Ageless innovation: ageless innovation is a global company devoted to developing fun and engaging products for older adults. Beginning with the award-winning line of Joy For All companion pets, originally designed and launched by Hasbro, ageless innovation is focused on creating products that promote fun, joy and play while creating meaningful connections for aging loved ones, their families, and caregivers.
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
- AWE-INSPIRING PLUSH GIRAFFE: The Melissa & Doug Giant Giraffe Lifelike Stuffed Animal is an awe-inspiring plush toy with realistic details and beautiful markings.
- CRAFTED WITH CARE: Our giant giraffe toy has been crafted to ensure superior construction and longevity. The soft polyester fabric, wire-framed legs, and a long neck make it ideal for hugs and snuggle time.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Our 4-foot-tall giraffe is durably constructed and features a surface material that is washable. This eye-catching giraffe makes a delightful addition to a nursery, playroom, or anywhere.
- GIFT FOR 3 YEARS AND UP: The Melissa & Doug Giant Giraffe Lifelike Stuffed Animal makes a great gift for kids 3 years and up. Add the Melissa & Doug Burrow Bunny Stuffed Rabbit to round out the cuddly pretend play (and screen-free) experience.
- “THE GOLD STANDARD IN CHILDHOOD PLAY”: For more than 30 years, Melissa & Doug has created beautifully designed imagination- and creativity-sparking products that NBC News calls “the gold standard in early childhood play.”
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
- SLEEP SHEEP: An award-winning dream machine delivering sweet slumber to your whole family!
- COMFORTING: Our products are designed to help calm and soothe children to fall asleep better and make bedtime more pleasant and comforting.
- WHITE NOISE: Choose between 4 soothing sounds- gentle stream, spring showers, ocean surf and whale songs
- LULLABIES: Soothing nature sounds
- AUTO-OFF: 23-45 min automatic shutoff.
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
- 51 INCHES TALL: MorisMos is a brand dedicated to the production of plush toys. The classic design accompanies you, providing you with soft hugs and memories all the time.
- PREMIUM QUALITY: Durable and comfortable, this plush toy is perfect for cuddling and snuggling. It has a lovely face, comfortable touch and soft plush fur that you can't wait to hug.
- AMAZING GIFTS: Giant teddy bears are the best gift for family and friends. It is the best surprise for baby shower, birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving and other anniversaries. This teddy bear will be a lovely gift for kids over 3 years old and adults.
- WONDERFUL DECORATION: MoriMos teddy bear is perfect for any occasion you want to decorate, such as some parties, proms and weddings. This large teddy bear will bring smiles to kids and adults alike, and happy hours will be more memorable.
- EASY TO CARE: The big pink teddy bear is vacuum packed and when you blow the fur with a hair dryer, you will see how fluffy and cute they are. All you need is a soft brush and a bottle of cleaner to clean the surface.
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
- Measures 9" Tall
- Super-soft plush and huggable body
- Endearing facial expression and body position
- Adoring little elephant toy for kids
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.
0 comments