Toddlers and babies adore plushies and stuffed animals. The best stuffed animals for babies and toddlers offer comfort to little ones and make for perfect playtime companions. So if your little one has gotten used to holding on to you while falling asleep and is going to begin sleeping in their own bed soon, getting them a plushy can help them feel secure and comfortable. Animal stuffed toys come in various sizes and varieties. However, be sure to pick an age-appropriate-sized plushie if you plan to let your baby sleep with it. Check out our list to explore the top stuffed toys that can be an ideal cuddle buddy for your kids.
15 Best Stuffed Animals For Babies
1. Best Tiny Stuffed Animal: Infloatables Llama Stuffed Animal
The tiny stuffed animal toy is shaped like a llama and comes with an adorable little blanket of its own, with the words “No ProbLlama” written on it. Pros
Comes with a jovial faux birth certificate for parents to fill Wrapped in a pretty ribbon, which makes it ideal for gifting Made from high-quality materials Complaint with US child safety standards
Cons
Stuffing might have a slight odor May be small
2. Best Embroidered Stuffed Animal: Gund Baby Animated Flappy The Elephant Plush Toy
Introduce your little one to Flappy, the softest, cuddliest elephant in town. A button on each foot of the toy activates the electronic functions. The stuffed animal flaps its ears to cover its eyes automatically to play a game of peek-a-boo. You may check more about this product from this video. Pros
Surface can be cleaned easily with a cloth soaked in soapy or plain water Material is soft and huggable Details, such as the eyes and the claws, are embroidered and not made of plastic Two play modes
Cons
Some might find the elephant’s voice loud May not be durable
3. Best Huggable Stuffed Animal: Ebba Lil Benny Phant
This ultra-plush baby elephant stuffed animal stays in a seated position and features an adorable facial expression. Pros
Huggable toy is made from plush fabric Materials used to make the toy are soft and durable Ideal height for infants and toddlers Lightweight
Cons
Stitching might not endure rough play May have an unpleasant smell
4. Best Teddy With Paw Pad Accents: Gund Philbin Teddy Bear Stuffed Animal
One of the impressive features of this toy is its adorable paw pad accents. This stuffed animal for babies and toddlers is available in two sizes: 12 and 18 inches. Take a look at this video to learn more about this product. Pros
Bear is designed to stay in a seated position Front arms are arched to allow a child to hug the teddy bear It is surface-washable Made from durable polyester blend
Cons
Not machine-washable Might be too tall for some children
5. Best Life-Like Stuffed Animal: Melissa & Doug Penguin Giant Stuffed Animal
The life-like penguin stuffed toy stands on two feet, which makes it a suitable toy for older toddlers. The soft fur fabric is made entirely of polyester, which is safe and durable. Pros
Captures the features of the penguin, such as flippers, webbed feet, and colored neck, in detail Stays in a standing position just like a real penguin Quality construction Suitable for pretend play
Cons
Might feel slightly stiff Might be slightly big for some
6. Best With Teether: Taggies Sensory Stuffed Animal
This adorable plush sloth toy is the ideal size for tiny hands to grab and shake. It is a neutral tan-colored toy with embroidered sleepy eyes. Your little baby can play with the sloth toy during the day and cuddle with it for a calming and soothing sleep at night. Pros
Comes with a silicone teether ring Adorned with interactive satin loop tags Offers sensory stimulation Can be easily cleaned with mild soap Comes with a rattle
Cons
May shed over time May get dirty
7. Best Stuffed Animal For Cuddling: Jellycat Bashful Beige Bunny Stuffed Animal
Bring home your baby’s first bunny friend that looks and feels soft and huggable. The toy is available in seven sizes ranging from five inches to 50 inches. Pros
Made of polyester Designed to be cuddly and comfortable for a baby to hold Surface-washable Suitable from baby’s birth
Cons
Washing might change the texture Seams might come apart
8. Best Realistic-Looking Stuffed Animal: Aurora World Miyoni Fawn Stuffed Animal
The doe-eyed stuffed animal is shaped like a fawn and appears in a crouched, seated position for extra cuddles. Pros
Detailed use of realistic fur, color choice, and patterns Plastic eyes look realistic and are stitched close to the body Suitable for all ages Easy to clean
Cons
Might be slightly stiff Might be small for some
9. Best Stuffed Animal With Rattle: Ebba Loppy Giraffe Stuffed Animal
Everyone loves giraffes, and with this adorable creation to cuddle with every day, your baby will too. The stuffed animal has embroidered eyes and horns, thus making it safe and realistic. Pros
Neck is of the right size for tiny hands Rattle stitched within the belly of the stuffed animal makes sounds when the toy is moved Suitable gift idea for baby showers Lightweight
Cons
One antler might be slightly smaller than the other Fur may come off
10. Best Glowing Stuffed Animal: Fisher-Price Soothe & Glow Seahorse
With endearing eyes and an innocent facial expression, this stuffed toy is shaped like a large, cuddly seahorse. Its electronic module can play five minutes of music, eight minutes of lullabies, and relaxing ocean sounds. Pros
Belly of the stuffed animal glows when the toy is gently squeezed Light has a soft yellow glow that’s soothing and ambient Electronic module can be switched off Parents can control the volume level
Cons
Might be hard Lights may not stay on for long
11. Best Portable Stuffed Animal: EpicKids Penguin Plush Stuffed Animal
The penguin-shaped stuffed animal for babies stands at five inches, which babies can hold comfortably. Pros
Can be carried in a bag while traveling with the baby No buttons or plastic eyes on the toy as all parts are embroidered Can be washed by hand in cold water Does not have any chemical smell
Cons
Might be smaller than expected Stitches might come apart
12. Best Detailed Stuffed Animal: Wild Republic Cuddlekin Sloth Stuffed Animal
The stuffed sloth toy has an incredible amount of detail, including fur made of high-quality fabric designed to survive hours of immersive play. Pros
Soft and cuddly toy makes an ideal gift for toddlers Arms of the stuffed animal are long enough to be wrapped around the toddler’s neck Surface-washable Appropriate size
Cons
Excess washing may cause fur to shed Fabric edges might be scratchy
13. Best Peek-A-Boo Stuffed Animal: Melissa & Doug Burrow Bunny Rabbit
Here’s a cuddle buddy for your little one that they will never want to let go of. The stuffed toy is made of soft, plush fur and features a realistic nose, eyes, and paws. Pros
Broad hind paws of the stuffed animal make it look cuter Large floppy ears can cover the eyes – suitable for playing peek-a-boo Made from soft polyester Surface-washable
Cons
Might be smaller in size than expected Arms may not hang down
14. Best Plush Stuffed Animal: Gund Nayla Cockapoo Dog Stuffed Animal
The stuffed toy resembles the Cockapoo, a cute breed of dog. The toy features a fur color that is the same as that of a Cockapoo. Pros
Materials are soft, plush, and comfortable for a baby to cuddle Soft toy is surface-washable Eyes of the stuffed animal are stitched firmly close to the toy Appropriate size
Cons
Might shed slightly May not stay up
15. Best Standing Stuffed Animal: Marsjoy Green Stuffed Dinosaur Plush Stuffed Animal
For little ones who love dinosaurs, this is a suitable stuffed animal toy. Crafted from high-quality materials, the unique and colorful creature feels soft and comfortable to hold. Pros
Made from huggable material and filled with soft polypropylene cotton Designed to stand on its own, on all four legs Surface-washable for easy maintenance Available in various colors
Cons
Seams might come apart Head might be floppy
Things to Check When Buying A Stuffed Animal Toy
You should be careful about the type of toys, including stuffed toys, you buy for babies and toddlers. Here are the five things to check when buying stuffed animals for babies. Check these points to ensure the toy is safe for the baby to play. Also, go for washable toys. Most importantly, ensure that the baby does not sleep with the stuffed animal toy, as it could increase the risk of suffocation. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, stuffed toys could increase the risk of suffocation since the baby can roll over the soft toy, which could restrict their airflow (1). Stuffed toys could be placed on the bed when the baby is 18 months old and is allowed to sleep with a pillow (2). However, it is best to avoid placing any toys on the child’s bed. Let them play with the toys in the play area or play gym.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is an experienced writer and has reviewed products related to toys and gifts. Her expertise in reviewing products is backed by in-depth research and analysis. This article includes the best stuffed animals for babies and toddlers chosen based on real user feedback posted on various websites. These toys are safe, durable, and of good quality. With detailed features, the list also includes a buying guide for your convenience.
References:
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