Best Plush Toys for Babies

Growing up, we’ve all had a fluffy companion that never left our side. It was like a guardian angel by our side on every adventure. Whether on a walk in the park or in bed for a Storytime, our plushie was there from day 1. Times may have evolved, but plush toys for newborn babies remain a constant gift, providing them with a companion to grow up with. However, it's essential to consider a few factors when choosing soft toys for newborns. There’s a variety of such plushies in the market, but babies are still young and sensitive to their environment. When giving a gift or buying one for yourself, it's essential to look for safe baby plushies. 

If you are planning to get your young ones some plushies as a lasting memory or are looking to gift one to a little munchkin, this blog is for you. Wondering what considerations to take and which plushies to get? We will dive into the list of best plush toys for babies in this brief guide.

Why Plush Toys Are Great for Babies

Plushies and soft toys are one of the most common gifts given and received at the birth of newborns. These cuddly toys for infants evoke innocence and childhood. But they are so much more than just bedside decoration. Babies’ strong brain development is necessary from an early age, and these soft plush toys are a great source for stimulating their senses early on. They catch their attention and are easy to grab, through which parents can help their babies become responsive and familiar with different textures. Here are a few main baby plush toy benefits:

Motor Skills

• Grasping and hand coordination: Plushies of lightweight and soft textures are simple to hold, squeeze, and pull by little hands. Picking up and transferring objects between hands repeatedly assists in refining pincer movement and bilateral coordination.
• Reaching and batting: Infants like to reach and touch hanging or nearby plushies during tummy time or as they sit, and this helps strengthen their arms, stabilize their shoulders, and give them meaningful and intentional movement.
• Tummy time activity: A stuffed toy can be positioned in reach, and the baby may be encouraged to look up and pull out arms and follow the directional movements, attempting to touch the toy.

Sensory Stimulation

• Tactile diversity: Plushies are available in different forms of texture- smooth, fluffy, ribbed, or satin ears. Varied textures awaken the sense of touch, and babies learn to distinguish the textures and acquire tactile discrimination.
• Temperature and comfort: Plushies are made from soft, comfortable material that may have a calming effect, as they uplift mood and reduce fussiness. This assists in the development of feelings and self-calming abilities.
• Auditory: There are also crinkles, rattles, or soft squeaks on certain plushies. The sound provides a sound component to play, and it assists in differentiating sounds and tracking attention.

Moreover, the smell and feel of the plushie can create a sense of familiarity among babies and can find emotional comfort during times of distress, even as they grow up.

What to Look for in Baby Plush Toys

With so many options in the market, it is important to filter your choices by putting some crucial considerations that concern the baby’s safety, health, and growth.

Safety First

Newborn plushies' safety is a priority every adult should take into consideration because babies have very little sense of their surroundings and textures. They are also very sensitive to the environment, as their immune system hasn't developed yet. So you should look for safe plush toys for babies. Ensure the plush is made from baby-friendly fabrics and is not something that the baby can be allergic to or form a rash from. Rather than choosing a teddy bear with button eyes, look for the ones with embroidered eyes instead, so there’s no choking hazard. Make sure the plush is finely stitched with loose ends from where the stuffing can peek out for the baby to grab.

Softness and Comfort

The plushies should be stitched in non-toxic and extra fluffy materials so babies find more comfort in them. A harsh stuffed toy made with any hard material could potentially harm the baby during playtime and can bruise their sensitive skin, too. So always go for gentle plushies for infants. Plushie Play has a great collection of soft baby plush toys that are made specially just for babies' comfort and safety.

Size and Design

The size and making of soft toys matter a lot. While there are various sizes ranging from a regular soft plush to huge fuzzy ones, babies' hands are really small and can only pick up lightweight and small ones. Huge plush stuffed animal toys can also seem scary to them, which may make them cry out of fear. This is why always choose a neutral design that is colorful but not too harsh, and its appearance should be overall softer than having harsh expressions. 

Best Types of Plush Toys for Babies

A variety of soft plushies and toys can be found in the baby aisle of a store, but which ones are the types to get your little one? Here’s a list of some of the best type names for plush toys:

Stuffed Animals

The classic go-to choice is getting an animal plushie. These could be bears, bunnies, and many others. These baby stuffed animals can be a source of potentially teaching kids about the different appearances of animals and the sounds they make, and who knows, the kids will form a special attachment with one, which could later on become their favorite animal.

Plush Dolls

Baby plush dolls are another type of soft toys that can bring a feeling of a friend to your little ones. There are many dolls made from soft cloth and embroidered features, which are safe to keep around babies, too. The soft dolls for babies are made lightweight so they are easy to carry and grab for them. They often have soft features to showcase friendliness to the young ones.

Plush Rattles & Teethers

Plush rattles are an amazing toy to get for babies for their sensory development. The rattle sounds can easily grab their attention and can be a source of their joy every time they’re a little moody. Another thoughtful gift can be teether plush toys, which can be useful in the phase where babies are growing teeth or learning to chew. The plush material is safer for the babies but parents should still monitor them while they’re playing with it.

Top Plush Toy Recommendations
To help you save time in hunting for the best plush toys, here are a few of our recommendations:

Eevee Plushies

The Eevee Plushies appeal to the youngest users, providing a cuddle-ready, yet gentle companion that is easy to hold in small hands. The material is extremely soft and comfortable to the touch, and close consideration has been taken to reduce the risk of choking hazards by using eyes embroidered rather than plastic. The plushie is designed to be easy to hold during tummy time or cuddle during nap times, and the materials are chosen because they are safe in the wash, so it is easy to keep clean. Perfect with babies aged between 0-12 months of age with adult supervision during active play.

Articuno Plush

The Articino Plush is sized to attract without being too big to overwhelm the tender sense of a newborn. The rounded and simple shape minimizes the risk of small detachable parts, whereas its strengthened stitching minimizes the risk of squashing and hugging soft, warm bodies. Tactile experiences are very soothing to the touch, which helps in sensory exploration, as babies become familiar with forms and textures. This plushie can usually be washed in the laundry, but it is necessary to consult the care label to avoid losing color and other fabric values. It suits infants as young as 0 years old up to about 12 months, when they are supposed to be supervised during play.

Lycanroc Plush

The Lycanroc Plush can be a friendly, snugly huggable companion that can turn into a close bedtime companion or a snug daytime playmate. It's stitched for baby safety because it is well-built and does not have any small, removable components; as such, it's a comforting choice for curious babies. The velvety softness is firm. Washability is also easy, and many of them can be washed in a machine; however, it is once again important to pay attention to the care instructions. This plush is suitable for the 0-12-month window, which requires close supervision.

Squirtle Plush

Squirtle Plush features a simple, friendly shape that babies can easily understand and interact with. Embroidered faces minimize choking risks, and the figures overall have been left uncluttered to allow safe mouthing and tactile play. It is soft, squishy, and nice to touch, soothing the gums during teething experiences and providing a cozy moment of rest. Its washability is an added advantage for busy caregivers, and it is typically suitable for infants from birth to 12 months under supervision, to prevent harmful handling.

Clefable Plush

The Clefable Plush offers a cuddly, dreamy form that encourages relaxing habits and cuddling. Its small size with no complex design ensures ease of handling and comfort of movement by small hands, and the soft outer cover creates a calming feel. The toy can be easily washed in a machine, thus ensuring hygiene for infants who tend to put their mouths to much use. The plush can be used in the 0-12 months age group, particularly when there is a need to quiet the baby or when it is utilized as a companion, such as during naps or story time; however, this requires close supervision.

Farfetchd Plush

The Farfetchd Plush provides a unique shape that can attract the attention of babies, being soft and safe to play with. Its design incorporates tiny components and reinforces heavy stitching, which makes it an effective toy to experiment with touch and movement. The plush material is soft on sensitive skin, and in most versions, it is machine washable and easy to clean. It is a nice alternative to babies between the 0-12-month span, and parents should be around to oversee safe play.

Conclusion  

A plush toy is a great gift idea for your own babies and others as well. The safe and soft baby plushies start off as development tools but go on to become inseparable pals in the baby’s future endeavors. The plushie keeps the kid’s creativity boosted and forms a safe space for them always to find when they hold their plushies close. Above, we mentioned some of the best plush toys for babies, all available at Plushie Plays online store, allowing parents to order safe companions of joy for their babies with just a tap on their screen. Take safety precautions whenever your child is handling these plush, but also engage with them in play personally to ensure a happy and healthy early development of your kids.