Stuffed animals are a classic childhood toy that many kids adore. From cuddly bears to fluffy bunnies, these toys are often made with soft materials like cotton or plush, making them the perfect snuggle buddy for little ones.
With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the cutest one for your child. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best stuffed animals for babies and toddlers. Our selection takes into account factors like size, quality, type, and recommended age for each toy.
Our Top Picks
- Best Teddy Bear: Lambs & Ivy Brown Teddy Bear
- Best Weighted: infloatables ThermaPals
- Best Dog: GUND Nayla Cockapoo
- Best Giant Size: Vermont Teddy Bear Giant Stuffed Bunny
- Best Bee: Burt’s Bees Baby – Lovey Plush, Hold Me Bee
- Best Elephant: GUND Flappy The Elephant
- Best Giraffe: Melissa & Doug Giant Giraffe
- Best Llama: InFLOATables Llama Animal Plush
- Best Penguin: Wild Republic Penguin Plush
- Best Rattle: ebba – Loppy Giraffe
- Best Squid: Wild Republic Giant Squid
- Best Sloth: IKASA Large Sloth
- Best Panda: WILD REPUBLIC Mom & Baby Panda Plush
- Best Crocodile: WILD REPUBLIC Jumbo Crocodile
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Stuffed Animals For Babies and Toddlers Picks
Lambs & Ivy Brown Teddy Bear – Best Teddy Bear
Well hello there, my dear Wally Bear! How wonderful it is to see you, with your soft and luxurious taupe faux fur that is simply irresistible to the touch. Your paws, ears, and muzzle, all adorned with pristine white fur, make you look like a true cuddly companion.
And I must say, your embroidered eyes and nose make you incredibly safe for babies and young children to play with. What’s more, you stand tall and proud at about 10 inches, making you the perfect size for your little one to hold onto tightly.
- Recommended Age: 3 months+
infloatables ThermaPals – Best Weighted
This plush bunny is not your ordinary stuffed animal, it’s so much more! It’s made with high-quality materials that make it soft, and cuddly and weighs around 1.15 lbs. But that’s not all, this bunny can also be used for therapeutic purposes. That’s right! You can warm it up in the microwave for a cozy hug or chill it in the refrigerator to soothe any aches and pains.
- Recommended Age: 3 years+
GUND Nayla Cockapoo – Best Dog
This cuddly canine is just waiting to become the new best friend of any plush lover. With high-pile cream-colored hair that’s simply begging to be stroked, floppy ears that are just made for tugging, and an upright sitting position complete with realistic detailing, Nayla is the perfect choice for cocker spaniel and poodle lovers alike.
- Recommended Age: 12 months+
Vermont Teddy Bear Giant Stuffed Bunny – Best Giant Size
Let’s talk about size first – this bunny is positively massive, making it the ideal cuddle buddy for your child. And let’s not forget about the texture – the silky fur is so soft and squeezable, you might just find yourself wanting to cuddle up with this bunny too!
But what really sets this plush apart is the attention to detail that went into its creation. The filling is made from 100% recycled materials, so you can feel good about giving your child a toy that’s not only fun but also eco-friendly.
- Recommended Age: 3 months+
Burt’s Bees Baby – Lovey Plush, Hold Me Bee – Best Bee
This lovey is the perfect companion for your tiny bee, offering endless cuddles day and night. It’s completely free of any harmful chemicals, making it a safe choice for those precious little teethers.
But that’s not all – this lovey is also a breeze to wash, so you won’t have to stress about keeping it clean and fresh for your little one. And the quality? Let us tell you, it’s simply top-notch. Made from their patented 100% organic cotton, this lovey is incredibly durable even after multiple washes, while remaining irresistibly soft and gentle on your little one’s delicate skin.
- Recommended Age: 0 months+
GUND Flappy The Elephant – Best Elephant
Flappy comes equipped with not one, but two play modes, guaranteed to keep your baby engaged and entertained for hours on end.
When you press Flappy’s right foot, get ready to sing along to a super catchy new tune while his ears flap along to the beat. It’s a truly magical sight to see! And if that wasn’t enough, pressing Flappy’s left foot will trigger a game of peek-a-boo, where Flappy uses his fluffy, enormous ears to playfully hide and surprise your little one.
With its vibrant colors, adorable design, and delightful songs and games, Flappy is sure to become your baby’s new best friend in no time.
- Recommended Age: 6 months+
Melissa & Doug Giant Giraffe – Best Giraffe
Transform your child’s room into an African savanna with this magnificent, enormous giraffe that’s sure to make everyone smile! With a fluffy coat that resembles a genuine thing and long, lifelike eyelashes, this giraffe is the perfect toy for hugging and posing during playtime.
And don’t worry about wear and tear – it’s built to last and can withstand all the embraces your youngster can muster. At nearly four feet tall, this giraffe is guaranteed to tower over all the other toys in the house and make a “huge” statement.
- Recommended Age: 3 years+
InFLOATables Llama Animal Plush – Best Llama
With its long neck and smiling face, this 12-inch-tall llama plush is simply irresistible. Plus, it comes with a cute “No Prob-Llama” blanket that’s sure to make you smile.
With the personalized birth certificate that comes with this plush llama, you can give your new cuddle buddy a name, birth date, and place of birth. It’s a great way to encourage your child’s creativity and imagination.
And let’s not forget about the adorable decorations on this stuffed llama! It’s a charming piece that will add more fun and happiness to any room. Whether you want to snuggle with it or add it to your stuffed animal collection, this llama is a must-have!
- Recommended Age: 3 years+
Wild Republic Penguin Plush – Best Penguin
Have you ever thought that a penguin isn’t cute? The answer is definitely no! And now imagine a super soft, cuddly, and adorable penguin that can bring pure joy to your home. Well, that’s exactly what you get with this Playful Penguin plush toy. Measuring 7.5 inches tall, it’s just the right size for your little one to take along in their backpack, purse, or luggage. This little guy is sure to become a beloved companion for your child!
- Recommended Age: 0 months+
ebba – Loppy Giraffe – Best Rattle
This Loppy Giraffe is a snuggly, huggable friend with legs and a neck that flop around in the most delightful way. Its embroidered face details are perfectly adorable and give it a unique charm. The long neck also makes it easy for little hands to grab onto and carry around. Your little one will love playing with this cute and beautiful toy, and it’s sure to become a treasured companion.
- Recommended Age: 6 months+
Wild Republic Giant Squid – Best Squid
Get ready to dive deep into the ocean with this massive plush squid! With its lifelike features such as eight tentacles, two extra-long arms, and giant eyes, you and your little adventurer will be swept away on a sea of excitement.
Though these Squid plushies are not as big as their 43-foot-long real-life counterparts, they are still a lot of fun. They make perfect additions to any room with an ocean theme or are great toys for kids to cuddle and play with. Plus, they’re super easy to clean and made from soft, plush fabric that your little one will love snuggling up to.
- Recommended Age: 0 months+
IKASA Large Sloth – Best Sloth
Not only is this sloth perfect for cuddling up with, but it can also double as a cushion or decorative piece in your home. This plush sloth is built to last and will provide endless amounts of comfort and joy for your baby. Its sturdy design and soft touch make it the ideal companion for movie nights, nap time, or simply lounging around the house.
- Recommended Age: 3 years+
WILD REPUBLIC Mom & Baby Panda Plush – Best Panda
Are you ready for an adventure with the cutest mom and baby panda duo you’ve ever seen? Wild Republic has created a plush animal set that is so lifelike, your baby will feel like they’re in the bamboo forests of China. This pair is just the right size for snuggling, with the mother panda measuring 12″ long and her baby measuring 6″ long.
While real pandas can grow quite large, these cuddly plushies are just the right size for little hands to hold onto and love. And don’t worry about spills or messes, because these pandas are surface-washable.
- Recommended Age: 0 months+
WILD REPUBLIC Jumbo Crocodile – Best Crocodile
Don’t worry, despite its realistic appearance, this snuggly friend won’t bite! At around 30 inches long, it’s the perfect size for playtime and naptime. Crafted with high-quality materials and a sturdy design, this plush crocodile is built to last and can withstand even the wildest playtime adventures. And when it’s time for a bath, don’t fret – it’s easy to clean.
This crocodile plush is so lifelike, you’ll feel like you’re hanging out with a real reptile. It’s the perfect addition to any animal-loving kid’s bedroom decor and doubles as a comfy cushion for lounging.
- Recommended Age: 0 months+
How To Choose The Best Stuffed Animal?
- Size: Stuffed animals are available in a wide range of sizes, from those that fit in your hand to those that fill a whole room. The size is crucial when selecting a plush toy. If it’s too small, you can’t snuggle with it; if it’s too large, it won’t be cozy in bed.
- Quality: Keep an eye out for strong stitches, especially where the ears and legs are attached to the torso. For safety, make sure the eyes and noses are securely sewn on. Cotton, wool, or polyester is used to stuff high-quality stuffed animals.
- Safety: Make sure the animal is constructed from secure materials. Many stuffed animals are constructed from synthetic materials, which if consumed by your child, might be harmful to them.
- Recommended Age: Every plush animal will have an age recommendation on it. So make sure to check it beforehand, this is important as there are choking hazards that are not safe for younger ones.
- Cleaning: Not all stuffed animals can be washed in the washing machine; it depends on the material and characteristics. Check the label if machine washing is vital to you for convenience since some can only be cleaned by hand.
- Weighted: Some stuffed animals have weights in them. Those who are heavier may find it easier to sleep or to cope with their anxieties.
When Can Baby Sleep With A Stuffed Animal?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you wait until your child is at least 12 months old before introducing a stuffed animal to their bedtime routine (1). This is because keeping a plush animal in the crib might raise the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which is more common in newborn babies (2). When your child is a little older and has developed more consistent sleeping patterns, a stuffed animal may be a lovely way to make them feel safe and soothed.
How Do You Clean Stuffed Animals?
It’s crucial to clean stuffed animals on a regular basis since they have a tendency to gather a lot of dust and filth over time. Depending on how large and delicate they are, there are a few different ways to clean your stuffed animals. You may spot clean tiny, fragile stuffed animals with a damp cloth. You may machine-wash bigger stuffed animals on a gentle cycle. After cleaning, be sure to fluff them up to make them soft once again. They can also be protected by being placed in a mesh bag.
Are Stuffed Animals With Beads Safe For Babies?
Stuffed animals with beads may pose a choking hazard for babies, especially those under the age of one. If the beads become loose, they can be ingested and cause serious harm to the baby. It is generally recommended to avoid stuffed animals with small parts, including beads, for babies. Instead, opt for those made from soft, safe materials without any potential choking hazards.
Are Weighted Stuffed Animals Good For Babies?
Weighted stuffed animals can provide comfort and a sense of security for some babies. They should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as they may not be safe for all infants.
