17 Best Stuffed Animals for Babies, According to Parents
Cute stuffed animals make perfect playtime companions and offer little kids comfort when they’re working through some big feelings, which is why babies and toddlers adore them. New parents will soon find themselves sharing their home with a whole menagerie of the cutest stuffed animals—but that doesn’t mean you should give baby any old toy. The best stuffed animals for babies and toddlers are sweet, huggably soft and well made to safely withstand endless play. There are also safety elements to consider, depending on your child’s age.
Whether you’re shopping for a baby shower gift, looking for a first birthday present or nabbing a special something for an older child, here you’ll find the cutest stuffed animals for newborns, babies and toddlers, as well as tips for choosing safe options.
While “cute” is a subjective term, there are a few other factors we considered when choosing adorable stuffed animals that are suitable for newborns, babies and toddlers. Here are the steps we took to create this article:
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First, we consulted the AAP guidelines to ensure that the toys we selected were not choking hazards and met safe sleep guidelines, keeping in mind that babies should not sleep with stuffed animals in their cribs until they’re at least 12 months old.
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We then looked at popular stuffed animals and narrowed our selections based on safety, size, material, quality and cuteness, of course. And of course, since many of us are parents, we also relied on our experience with our own children.
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To see how these plush toys worked for a range of families, we conducted extensive market research, analyzing feedback on message boards and reading user reviews to see what parents across the country liked and disliked about these stuffed animals.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Plush puppy toy
- Machine-washable
- Super-soft
- Wide range of products featuring this character
- Plush toy has hard eyes
Jellycat is one of the most popular stuffed animal brands and we can see why. Every item is incredibly soft, heart-stoppingly cute and made with the greatest care. While there are many adorable characters to choose from—including anthropomorphised fruit, veggies and fungi—this puppy plushie was recommended by multiple parents in The Bump community. “My daughter's favorite is the Jellycat black and white dog,” says mom of one, Anahí. “I added the lovey, stuffed animal and book to my baby shower registry (because the nursery theme was dogs-and it kinda looks like our dog) and I'm so glad I did because she LOVES them,” she continues. As her daughter grew older, she started to prefer the stuffed animal version “to the point that we used to send it to daycare to help with some separation anxiety.” Now that her little one is a toddler, Anahí’s daughter sleeps with her toy at night and uses it as a pretend play companion during the day.
Age rating: 0+ months
Our community says:
This little guy from Jellycat is our son’s #1. - Jenny L., mom of one
From a parent perspective, I love how easy it is to clean. We just throw it in the washer and dryer and it comes out like new. It's light, perfect size to fit in the diaper bag, and SO cute. - Anahí G-R., mom of one
Lovey blanket
- Embroidered features
- Doubles as a comfort blanket
- Blanket is small in size
While the plush toy listed above is suitable from birth, the lovey blanket version is a better option for newborns as the little lamb is small enough for them to clutch onto and has embroidered features for safety. “We used the lovey during her NICU days, I would sleep with it and bring it to her to have during the day. Nurses also recommended it to help me with breastmilk production,” explains Anahí.
Age rating: 0+ months
Our community says:
We love Jellycat! Favorite stuffed animal is the lamb. He mostly uses them as comfort for sleep. And what we typically look for is softness when choosing a stuffed animal. - Heather K.H., mom of one
Soothing seahorse plush toy
- Emits a soft light
- Plays up to 5 minutes of music
- Machine-washable (with electronics removed)
- Batteries required
- Hard plastic tummy can be difficult for infants to press
Some of the best stuffed animals for newborns feature interactive elements that engage the five senses. Case in point: This soothing seahorse by Fisher-Price. This is perfect for restless newborns or babies going through a sleep regression phase, as the plush toy emits a soft glow from its tummy and plays a variety of comforting lullabies and ocean sounds. “I wanted to share with you the only thing that has worked, getting my little /[one] to sleep in his crib—the Soothe and Glow Seahorse,” says one member of The Bump forum. “I put it next to him until he falls asleep, then take it out of the crib. It works like a charm when he's in his little fussy mode,” they continue. And, when baby’s awake, they’ll appreciate that the seahorse is easy to grasp.
Age rating: 0+ months
Our community says:
We gave /[baby] a Soothe & Glow Seahorse and she LOVES it! It is amazing how quickly she quiets down when it is turned on. She even snuggles with it! - kjuryfl, The Bump forum member
It does work, I turn it on after a nighttime feeding, and by the time it stops playing, [my son] will be asleep if I am lucky! - Miracle Social Worker, The Bump forum member
Seriously go out and get one! It has been a lifesaver this first week home - Snickerdoodle11611, The Bump forum member
Floppy fox stuffed animal
- Embroidered features
- Super-soft fur
- Machine-washable
- Pellet stuffing
This clever fox is soft, cuddly and incredibly well-made. It has a luxurious auburn coat and a unique floppy pose. Plus, those paws are the perfect size for little hands to hold. Since it’s stuffed with pellets, it feels like a beanie baby rather than a regular stuffed animal, making it incredibly cuddly. (But remember to check the seams for damage on a regular basis, as you don’t want those pellets pouring out.)
Age rating: 0+ months
Our community says:
My 1.5 year old absolutely adores this Aurora fox. It held up really well to many washes too. The /[toy] was gifted to us from a dear friend of mine. Her son also loved the fox. - Jenna B., mom of one
Classic teddy bear
- Soft plush material
- Quality craftsmanship
- Machine-washable
- Check that button in ear is secure
Steiff invented the Teddy Bear in 1902, and has continued to make top-tier stuffed animals ever since. Hand-crafted by talented artisans, this sweet bear is made using super-soft fabrics and has stitched features for safety. Better yet, this plush toy is certified as free of harmful substances by an independent testing organization. It comes in pink, blue and classic beige and even has the words “my first Steiff” embroidered on its paw. How cute is that?
Age rating: 0+ months
Hand-knit lamb stuffed animal
- Cute characters
- High-stitch count for durability and softness
- Made in Peru using Fair Trade practices
- High price point
Searching for an heirloom-quality stuffed animal? Look no further than cuddle + kind. Made by Peruvian artisans, these handmade toys are crafted from cotton yarn and stuffed with a hypoallergenic fill. There’s tons of sweet characters to choose from, but we adore Avery the Lamb who comes complete with striped overalls. Each doll is available in two sizes—20 inches or 13 inches—making them great sibling gifts too. The best part? This is a brand that gives back: For every doll sold cuddle + kind provides 10 meals to children in North America and around the world.
Age rating: 0+ months
Our community says:
We haven’t really purchased any stuffed animals as we always seem to get them as gifts. Our favorites (as parents) are Cuddle + Kind as well as Jellycat. My 2-year-old on the other hand sleeps with a little ratty looking bunny lovie. Not sure why he gravitated to that one as we probably have about 15 others that are MUCH softer and cuter. - Laura B., mom of two
Floppy stuffed animal
- Features several textures
- Embroidered features
- Machine-washable
- Belly can get stained
- Won’t sit upright on its own
Half blanket, half stuffed animal, this floppy bunny will be baby’s new BFF. Understuffed and ultra soft, it can be laid flat on the floor for tummy time or squished up for comforting cuddles. And thanks to its embroidered features, it’s a super-safe option. Better yet, it’s lightweight and small enough for little hands to clutch when they embark on new adventures.
Age rating: 0+ months
Textured plush toy
- Machine-washable
- Features crinkle textures, hidden squeakers and a rattle
- Embroidered features
- Some parents said it was smaller than they had expected
Different sounds and textures are endlessly fascinating to babies, and this plush caterpillar is full of them. Each soft section includes a fun surprise: From a tinkle chime in the tail to a rattle hidden inside its smiling face—and plenty more inbetween. It’s huggable, soft and makes for a perfect tummy time toy.
Age rating: 0+ months
Our community says:
GUND makes great, soft stuffed animals for babies. - akiernan, The Bump forum member
Frog stuffed animal
- Soft and cuddly
- Sits upright on his own
- Seasonal editions are available
- Hard eyes
It may be niche, but the Ricky Rain Frog collection by Jellycat has a cult following. This little green guy has a chubby body that’s perfect for cuddling and a glum expression that we would describe as “ugly-cute.” This is the classic Ricky, but there’s also a Halloween and Christmas edition if you’re tempted to collect them all.
Age rating: 0+ months
Our community says:
Our little one LOVES her Jellycat, Ricky Rain. He's a hit, and now we need all seasonal Ricky's. - Haley V., mom of one
Sausage dog rattle
- Stitched features
- Soft rattle sound
- Made from organic cotton
- Expensive for a rattle toy
This sausage dog, sporting a colorful striped sweater, is one of the cutest stuffed animals we’ve seen. Crafted from organic cotton, it’s decorated with delicate embroidery for safety, and also doubles as a rattle, making it a good choice for newborns and older babies alike. Bonus: Meri Meri has a few sweet rattles on offer, including a banana, monkey and an elf that’s perfect for baby’s first Christmas stocking.
Age rating: 0+ months
Toddler teddy bear
- Soft, silky fur
- Long limbs are easy to grasp
- Lifetime guarantee
- Plastic eyes
A stuffed animal is the perfect companion for tots on the move. And no matter where the journey takes you, Buddy Bear is ready to go! Designed with a narrow body, long limbs and weighted paws, Buddy is super-easy for little hands to hold onto. But because mishaps happen, you’ll find a name tag just below the tail so if Buddy gets lost he’ll always find his way back home.
Age rating: 0+ months
Heatable stuffed animal
- Can be heated up or chilled
- Soothing lavender scent
- Soft satin accents offer sensory stimulation
- Spot clean only
- These plush toy are weighted
Looking for something a little different? Warmies are cute stuffed animal toys you can heat up in the microwave to provide up to an hour of warming comfort. (You can also chill them in the freezer for cooling relief.) I bought both of my nieces Warmies for Christmas one year and to say they were a hit is an understatement. My eldest niece liked the weighted feel and would ask my sister to heat it up for bedtime cuddles. While the youngest loved to rub the silky-soft satin lined ears and bury her face in its furry belly to get a whiff of the soothing French lavender scent. Warmies come in a range of characters and sizes, but we love this sweet puppy with soft, satin-lined ears.
Age rating: 0+ months
Our community says:
My son has a couple Warmies that he loves! They’ve grown really well with him, both were gifts from our baby shower. When he was a newborn, we actually would heat them up and put them on his tummy to help with gas. It was that only thing that seemed to soothe him! Now that he’s a toddler, he sleeps with his Warmie and carries it around pretty much everywhere. We have two of the dog Warmies in case something happens to his! - Maggie D., mom of one
Stuffed animal and board book
- Multiple textures
- Belly rattle
- Comes with a board book
- Board book illustrations are one-dimensional
Tired of pastel plushies and basic teddy bears? Inklings is here to mix things up. Inspired by weird and wacky imaginary friends, these stuffed animals certainly stand out from the crowd. There’s six characters to choose from including Wobby the Wild Eared Wala. The cute critter has crinkly textured ears, soft fur and a rattle hidden inside his burlap belly. Better yet, this toy brand is dedicated to diversity and inclusive characters take center stage in the accompanying board book series.
Age rating: 0+ months
Adoptable stuffed animal
- Sits upright
- Educational fact sheet included
- Removable items for interactive play
- Diaper can be difficult to secure
Animal-obsessed toddlers are sure to appreciate this cute panda. Made with huggably soft fabric, it comes with a pacifier, adoption certificate, care checklist and fun facts about animals in the wild. One thing’s for sure—this jungle dweller will make a top-notch cuddle companion for any little one.
Age rating: 18+ months
Octopus stuffed animal
- Embroidered face
- Each tentacle features a different fabric texture
- Weighs about one pound
- Not suitable for babies
- Check regularly for signs of wear and tear
This plush octopus has eight floppy tentacles, each of which feature a different fabric. From sequins and satin to corduroy and fluffy fur, tots can dive in and explore a variety of textures. Plus, hidden inside each tentacle is a small marble that kids can push up and down to ease anxiety and work on their attention span. This tactile sea creature has embroidered features but is slightly weighted making it a better option for older toddlers and preschoolers.
Age rating: 3+ years
Our community says:
This is also a great one, it’s weighted and its tentacles have different textures on it so it has some sensory benefits. - Jenny L., mom of one
Stuffed animal and affirmation card
- Machine-washable
- Embroidered details
- Comes with an affirmation card and board book
- Plush fur may lose softness over time
Here at The Bump, we’re big fans of Slumberkins, a brand that specializes in products that build social-emotional skills in little kids. Each plush toy is inspired by a different theme, such as gratitude, mindfulness, conflict resolution and self-esteem. I gave my niece a Slumberkins plush toy set for her third birthday, and it went down a treat. She loves the snuggly stuffed animal. And any time she comes to visit we read the board book at bedtime and recite the sweet rhyming affirmation about gratitude. It's been a beautiful bonding experience for us both! Bonus: Get 15 percent off with code BUMP15.
Age rating: 3+ years
Custom plush toy
- Custom design process
- All toys are hand made
- High price point
Last up on our list of the best stuffed animals is a truly one-of-a-kind brand. As seen on Shark Tank, Budsies create custom plush toys based on your child’s drawings. Yes, really! To get started simply upload a photo of your artwork, describe the character, select a production time and you’re good to go. The talented team at Budsies will then make your kid’s creation from scratch.
Age rating: N/A
Babies shouldn’t sleep with stuffed animals or plush toys in their cribs until they’re at least 12 months old. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), soft objects—such as plush toys, loose bedding and pillows—should be kept out of baby’s sleep area to reduce the risk of overheating, suffocation, strangulation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The best stuffed animals aren’t just utterly adorable; they’re also reliably safe. Here are the main toy safety considerations to keep in mind when shopping for cute stuffed animals:
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Check toys for loose parts. Plush toys with plastic eyes and long strings or ribbons can pose a choking hazard for young children, per the AAP. When possible, opt for stuffed animals with embroidered or heat-sealed eyes, and check to make sure that there are no loose parts before giving the toy to baby. It’s also important to check toys for loose parts or general wear and tear on a regular basis.
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Invest in stuffed animals that are well made. Quality toys will withstand even the most rambunctious toddler games. Look for stuffed animals that are machine-washable, and check that the seams and edges are tight so no stuffing comes loose during play.
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Choose stuffed animals that are appropriate for your child’s age. Always read the brand’s age guidelines to ensure that the toy is suitable for your child’s developmental stage. Plush animals for infants should have an age rating of 0+ months.
About the author: Martina Garvey is an editor at The Bump, where she writes and edits e-commerce content for pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. Over a nine plus year career in educational publishing and digital media, Martina has developed a keen eye for detail and robust reporting skills. As a staff member on The Bump for over four years, she leverages an in-depth knowledge of must-have baby gear and postpartum essentials alongside a passion for the latest trends to create informative content parents can trust.
Plus, more from The Bump:
American Academy of Pediatrics, Safe Sleep
Healthy Children (AAP), Choking Prevention, September 2019
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