All mothers know putting a baby to sleep is a Herculean task. You may have tried everything: rocking them, singing to them, giving them a pacifier — but, at times, none of that works.
Try a stuffed animal as your baby’s cuddle buddy on difficult days.
Out of the different types of stuffed animals available in the market, some are designed specifically for babies to calm down and sleep with. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best stuffed animals for your baby.
1. Melissa & Doug Plush Burrow Bunny Rabbit Stuffed Toy
Made of durable polyester material, this realistic-looking bunny by Melissa & Doug is adorable with its extra-large floppy ears and life-like eyes. Its brown and white fur adds a touch of realism to the stuffed toy, making it a perfect companion for your baby’s play and sleep time.
Pros
- Ultra huggable fabric
- Fuzzy, floppy, and adorable
- Surface washable
Cons
- May have problems with quality
2. Niuniu Daddy Puppy Stuffed Animals For Kids
The cute, soft, plush dog by Niuniu is made of microfiber that can withstand constant hugging and play. This fuzzy stuffed animal is the perfect bedtime companion for kids; it’s so soft and cuddly that they’ll never want to let go. The embroidered T-shirt it comes with makes the puppy toy look even more adorable.
Pros
- Super soft
- Easily washable
- High quality
Cons
- It might lose its structure easily
3. Winsterch Large Sloth Stuffed Animal
One of the best stuffed animals for babies to cuddle up, this sloth doll is huge in size, boasts intricate features, and luxurious fur. This plush, 20-inch toy sewn with premium quality PP cotton is great for snuggling. The sloth’s expressive eyes and mouth, together with its adorable paws, will make you want to bring it home for your precious baby.
This adorable plush sloth is the perfect gift for little girls and boys. The big loving eyes look realistic, exuding undeniable charm. With its mouth always in an inviting smile—this giant sloth will be your baby’s best friend that brightens up its mood, even on bad days.
Pros
- Easy to clean, washable
- It can also function as a pillow
- Travel-friendly
- Made from an eco-friendly fabric
Cons
- Some fur may come off
- It might not be ideal for children with allergies
4. Demdaco Large Maine Coon Cat
This lifelike kitty is an amazing stand-in for an actual pet if your kid is cat crazy or you just want to introduce them to cats using a toy first. Its soft fur is great for sensitive kids’ skin and will make naptime extra special.
The Maine Coon cat toys are made from solid and durable materials that feel realistic to the touch. The plushie also has airbrushed accents that bring it to life.
Pros
- The right size for small children
- Travel-friendly
- Shipped with extra protective packaging
- Realistic accents
Cons
- Can’t be machine-washed
5. MaoGoLan Giant Teddy Bear
This adorable teddy bear is made of polyester, making it soft to the touch and comfortable to hold. It’s perfect for snuggling up on cold evenings or watching TV together as a family.
It’s a great gift and can be given to kids on special days, like their birthdays. The teddy bear comes in a range of colors and is 39 inches tall. The plushie makes for a great snuggle buddy for babes, but you need to exercize some caution if your baby is too tiny.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Durable and high quality
- Realistic details
Cons
- It might be too big for some children
When Can Babies Sleep With Stuffed Toys?
Newborns shouldn’t sleep with stuffed animals to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) or “cot death.” SIDS is the sudden, unexpected, unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby.
That’s because soft objects can be dangerous if they cover your baby’s face or obstruct breathing. Therefore, let your baby sleep with soft toys only when it is at least 12 months old.
After 12 months, having a toy or blanket in their crib is okay.
However, it’s still a safe practice to exclude soft objects like stuffed animals before they’ve made the transition from crib to bed. By this age, your baby’s risk of SIDS will have dropped significantly. They will also be able to roll over and sit up on their own.
Choose The Right Stuffed Toy For Your Little One
As a parent, you know you want the best of everything for your child. That’s why choosing the right stuffed animal for them is non-negotiable. Here’s what you can do to get started:
- First, you need to consider their age. A newborn isn’t going to want a giant stuffed elephant (although, what an adorable idea!). But once they’re old enough to start playing with toys, you’ll want something soft and cuddly that they can hold onto while falling asleep.
- Second, consider the material it’s made from—and if that’s washable. You don’t want to have to toss out a favorite toy after it gets dirty or if it smells bad. Make sure any stuffed animal you buy has a washable cover or material. When it gets dirty or smelly, you can simply throw it in the wash instead of tossing it out.
- Third, consider the things your child is interested in. You can find stuffed animals based on a child’s interests, whether they prefer cats or bears. You can gauge their preferences by drawings and cartoons. Surprise them with new toys as a reward for their good behavior.
If you want your child to enjoy a toy, it helps if the child is involved in the process of getting it.
Wrapping Up
Stuffed animals are a great way to help babies sleep. They can provide comfort and security, which is why we recommend them for any baby who needs extra help falling asleep.
It’s also important to remember that stuffed animals aren’t just for babies—they’re also great for toddlers, preschoolers, and even older kids! So if you’ve got an older child who loves their favorite stuffed animal (and doesn’t want to part with it), don’t worry—you can still use it to help them relax and sleep soundly.
We wish you and your baby a good night’s sleep. Don’t forget to sneak in those extra snuggles, especially now that sweater weather is upon us!
