At what age should I give my baby a stuffed animal?

All parents want to make their child happy from the moment they are born. This is understandable, but it is important to consider the safety and well-being of the baby. So, at what age can you give a baby a stuffed animal? This article gives you the answer.

safety first.

There is a very good reason why you can't bring a stuffed animal or toys to the maternity ward. Baby's safety remains the top priority. However, a baby can have a stuffed animal as soon as he is born, provided, of course, that the toy is not harmful to his health and well-being. With this in mind, parents should take certain precautions. The stuffed animal should be placed in a place that does not disturb the baby: at the foot of the bed, for example. Additionally, the toy should always be removed from the crib when the baby is sleeping. Your child moves a lot while sleeping, so the stuffed animal may make him or her feel uncomfortable or messy.
Of course, sometimes it is difficult to find a gift for a child. You can simply opt for a soft stuffed animal that is not too bulky. From 4 months onwards, your baby will begin to get used to these objects and will turn them into his stuffed animal.

Discover our stuffed animals specially designed for babies .

How to choose a stuffed animal for your baby?

When choosing a stuffed animal for your baby, think above all about its safety. Don't get too carried away by aesthetics. He's "just" a baby, it doesn't matter if he chooses a rabbit, a teddy bear instead of a frog. Instead, he thinks about what he's going to do with it. He's a baby, so of course he'll bite it, hug it, hold it close... In this case, choose a light object that's easy to hold. And most importantly, find a baby gift that won't suffocate your little one.

From 4 months onwards, babies begin to get attached to their toys. You will choose a favorite to make your stuffed animal. This will play an important role in your baby's feelings. It will give you a feeling of comfort and security. The stuffed animal will remind him of the smell of his mother and his home. The child will keep it until he grows up. With the help of his parents, he will forget it little by little. This usually occurs between 3 and 6 years of age.

Plush: is it a must for your little one?

A stuffed animal calms the child when he or she feels lonely or unhappy. From the eighth month onwards, the baby becomes aware that he is independent and that he is no longer attached to his mother. This is a scary moment for the little one and it is when they cling to a stuffed animal to calm down. Some children go through this crisis quite well: they don't need a sentimental object to comfort them.

The role of a stuffed animal is to help the baby overcome this crucial stage of its psychological development. Therefore, it is not mandatory. Furthermore, when the child grows up, parents will have to help him gradually become independent of this toy.