A best stuffed animal for baby to sleep with
In this article, we shall review several options for stuffed animals for a baby to sleep with.
Before we delve into this, it is important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies should start sleeping with comforters or soft toys once they reach 12 months and older. This is to reduce the possible risk of suffocation or strangulation as they sleep.
AAP also adds that when a baby is under 12 months, only a fitted sheet should be in their crib, bassinet, pack n play, or Playard.
Nonetheless, AAP supports the use of stuffed toys and other comforters for babies aged 1 year and above to help them become emotionally independent. This is because soft and cuddly toys give babies a comforting and calming feeling, especially when transitioning from cosleeping to crib; thereby, minimizing separation anxiety.
Is your baby ready to have stuffed animals accompany them as they sleep? Here are a few options that you should consider.
Top 5 stuffed animals for baby to sleep in the crib
Flappy the Elephant by GUND
This huggable Flappy Elephant not only makes your baby’s playtime fun but can also be cuddled by your baby at naptime.
Flappy’s ears promote interactive play in two ways. One, when the right foot is pressed, the song “Do Your Ears Hang Low” starts to play, and the ears flip and move to the sound of the song. Two, when the left foot is pressed, the elephant’s ears begin to play the peek-a-boo game.
This interactive play promotes the baby’s development and learning.
The eyes are embroidered rather than plastic or glass. Hence, Flappy is safe for babies since it does not have any tiny objects that can come off and pose a risk of choking.
This stuffed toy is not machine washable but can be wiped clean with a wet cloth and air-dried.
Related article: Top 6 non-toxic cleaner for baby toys
Nonetheless, your baby will definitely be amused by these toys’ ability to sing, squeak, and flap ears.
Pros
- It comes with 3 pairs of AA batteries.
- Soft and plush
- Huggable
- It has embroidered eyes rather than plastic or glass.
- It offers interactive play.
Cons
- Volume cannot be adjusted.
- It is not machine washable.
Flopsie Moose by Aurora World
This Moose stuffed toy measures 12 inches in size, making it a perfect size for a baby to cuddle.
The fur on the moose is soft and plush and does not come off despite frequent handling by kids. Its softness makes it a great alternative to teddy bears and can be used in place of a pillow.
The ends are filled with beans, which makes it a little heavier at about 8 ounces.
Moreover, the inside filling is squeezable, so babies can cuddle and hug it perfectly.
Pros
- There are different colors to choose from
- Made from high-quality and fine fabric
- Super soft and plush
- Machine washable
- Its fur has a silky feel.
Cons
- If you are a safety-conscious parent, you may want to consider the fact the eyes are made of beads rather than being embroidered.
Slumbers Teddy Bear by GUND
Slumbers Teddy Bear is constructed to GUND standards. This means that it is made of high-quality and durable fabric.
It has super soft and cuddly fur for the baby’s comfort. Moreover, the softness does not wear off even after frequent surface wiping.
Its 17-inch height makes it huggable and can be carried on the go since it weighs only a pound.
To add a realistic touch, the paws of the bear have textured pads. In addition, it has an adorable expression that resembles the bears in most storybooks.
Pros
- It has squeezable filling yet is firm.
- High-quality material
- Super soft fur
- Good size for hugging and cuddly
- Easy to clean by wiping the surface
- It does not need batteries.
Cons
- Not machine washable or drier safe
- No soothing sounds or melodies
Three-Toed Sloth by Wild Republic Cuddlekin
This stuffed sloth has lifelike facial and authentic features, which replicate the look of 3-toed sloths in the rainforests of South America.
It is made using the finest high-quality fabric. This makes it very soft and plush and perfect for babies to cuddle while sleeping.
It measures about 12 inches, so it can be carried along for your baby to use as a comforter while in the car seat or during a sleepover.
This stuffed toy is great for children who love and want to learn more about animals.
Pros
- Super soft
- Huggable
- Squeezable filling
- It does not need batteries.
- Easy to clean by wiping the surface with a wet cloth and air drying
Cons
- It does not produce any soothing sounds or melodies.
- Has a bald spot at the back of the head
- The fibers look a bit rugged.
- Not machine washable
Cloud b Gentle Plush Toy (machine washable)
This soft Sleep Giraffe has a removable soundbox that produces 4 soothing sounds (white noise) and melodies. In addition, it produces a classical lullaby, which soothes the baby and promotes better sleep.
It has two sleep timer options. One timer can be set to shut off automatically after 23 minutes, while the other timer can be set to shut off at 45 minutes. This allows you to leave your baby, enjoying the soothing sounds until he or she falls asleep.
The tunes may also be turned down if they prove too loud, so there’s no need to worry.
This is one of the stuffed animals that can be cleaned in the washing machine. Sleep Sheep can be machine washed and dried once the soundbox has been removed.
The cloud b sleep sheep comes with a Velcro tab so that you can tie it to your baby’s cot if they are too young to sleep with stuffed animals.
Pros
- Can be washed in a machine
- Soundbox is removable
- Sounds and melodies automatically shut off after 23 or 45 minutes.
- It has 4 soothing sounds.
- Can be attached to the baby’s crib or car seat
- Very soft and plush
Cons
- Requires 2 AA batteries
Conclusion
The best-stuffed animal for a baby to sleep with can help your child to become emotionally independent since he learns how to comfort and soothe himself to sleep. In addition, when you transition him or her to a crib from a co-sleeper, he may experience separation anxiety since he is used to sleeping near you and being cuddled. Therefore, a cute stuffed animal that he can hug and cuddle as he sleeps can help to reduce separation anxiety and help him to sleep longer at night.
Resources:
- https://www.perfectimprints.com/blog/say-it-with-stuffed-animals-why-children-adults-benefit-from-stuffed-animal-gifts/
- https://www.redalyc.org/pdf/447/44740212.pdf
Last update on 2023-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API