Looking for that soft, best stuffed animals for your newborn, but feel swamped by the countless options out there? You’re certainly not the only one. Navigating the world of baby toys can be a daunting task, especially when safety and comfort are paramount.
Fortunately, there are stuffed animals designed specifically with newborns in mind, ensuring they are gentle, safe, and just the right size for tiny hands.
With a deep understanding of baby needs and toy safety, I’ve sifted through the plethora of choices to bring you a curated list of the very best stuffed animals ideal for newborns.
Let’s delve in and find that perfect plush pal that promises to be your baby’s first cherished friend.
Best Stuffed Animals
1. Lambs & Ivy Jungle Safari (Editors Choice)
Lambs & Ivy Jungle Safari Gray Plush Elephant Stuffed Animal Toy Plushie – Jett is a great choice for parents looking for a soft and safe stuffed animal for their newborn.
Its gender-neutral design makes it a perfect gift for any baby boy or girl, and its lack of hard pieces such as eyes or noses makes it 100% baby safe and super huggable and cozy.
Pros
Gender neutral design makes it a perfect gift for any baby boy or girl.
No hard pieces such as eyes or noses, making it 100% baby safe and super huggable and cozy.
Machine washable, making for easy clean-up after messy make-believe play times.
Cons
May not be as soft as some other stuffed animals on the market.
Some customers have reported the hair coming out in chunks, which could be a hazard for young children.
At 9.5″ tall, it may not be as large as some other stuffed animals available.
2. GUND Baby, Lil’ Luvs Collection (Runner Up)
The GUND Baby, Lil’ Luvs Collection Emory Fox Plush Stuffed Animal is a great choice for parents looking for a safe and snuggly stuffed animal for their newborn.
The modern llama design is adorable and gender-neutral, making it a great gift for any baby.
Pros
The modern llama design is adorable and gender-neutral, making it a great gift for any baby.
The plush is made with high-quality, safe materials and is machine-washable for easy cleaning.
The 12-inch size is perfect for babies and newborns aged 0 and up.
Cons
The slender silhouette and floppy limbs may not be as easy for a baby to grab and hold onto as some other stuffed animals.
The design and colors may not be to everyone’s taste.
The price point may be higher than some other stuffed animals on the market.
If you’re looking for a safe and snuggly stuffed animal for your newborn, the GUND Baby, Lil’ Luvs Collection Emory Fox Plush Stuffed Animal is a great choice.
The plush is made with high-quality, safe materials and is machine-washable for easy cleaning. The 12-inch size is perfect for babies and newborns aged 0 and up. However, the slender silhouette and floppy limbs may not be as easy for a baby to grab and hold onto as some other plush stuffed animals are.
The design and colors may not be to everyone’s taste, and the price point may be higher than some other stuffed animals on the market.
3. ebba Loppy Giraffe Plush
The ebba Loppy Giraffe Plush is a great gift idea for any special occasion such as a baby shower, birthday, or holiday.
The soft, plush material is perfect for newborns to cuddle and snuggle, while the included rattle provides hours of interactive playtime. The embroidered details and safe design make it appropriate for babies of all ages.
Pros
Super soft plush is perfect for your newborn to cuddle and snuggle.
Interactive rattle included for hours of playtime for your infant.
Embroidered details and a rattle inside make it safe for babies of all ages.
Cons
The bright pink color may not be appealing to all parents.
Some parents may prefer a larger stuffed animal for their newborn.
May not be suitable for older infants who have outgrown their interest in rattles.
The ebba Loppy Giraffe Plush is a great choice for parents looking for a soft, cuddly stuffed animal for their newborn.
However, some parents may not be fond of the bright pink color, and others may prefer a larger stuffed animal for their newborn. The rattle may not be suitable for older infants who have outgrown their interest in such toys.
Overall, the ebba Loppy Giraffe Plush is a great choice for parents looking for a soft, cuddly stuffed animal for their newborn.
4. Mary Meyer Putty Nursery Soft Toy
The Mary Meyer Putty Nursery Soft Toy, Cow, 1 Count (Pack of 1) is a great choice for parents looking for a soft and cuddly stuffed animal for their newborn.
The ultra-soft textured fabric is perfect for snuggling, while the weighted bum and feet make the toy feel more realistic and lifelike.
Pros
The ultra-soft textured fabric is perfect for snuggling and cuddling with your baby.
The weighted bum and feet make the toy feel more realistic and lifelike.
The quiet, neutral hues of the toy make it a great fit for any modern nursery.
Cons
The toy is only 11 inches tall, which may be too small for some babies.
The embroidered eyes and sewn fabric nose may not hold up as well as plastic or other materials.
The toy is made in China, which may be a concern for some environmentally conscious parents.
Looking for a soft and cuddly stuffed animal for your newborn? The Mary Meyer Putty Nursery Soft Toy, Cow, 1 Count (Pack of 1) is a great option that your little one will love.
The quiet, neutral hues of the toy make it a great fit for any modern nursery. However, the toy is only 11 inches tall, which may be too small for some babies.
The embroidered eyes and sewn fabric nose may not hold up as well as plastic or other materials. Finally, the toy is made in China, which may be a concern for some environmentally conscious parents.
Overall, the Mary Meyer Putty Nursery Soft Toy, Cow, 1 Count (Pack of 1) is a great option for new parents looking for a soft and cuddly stuffed animal for their newborn. It’s machine washable and easy to care for, making it a practical choice as well.
B. Toys Happy Hues Candy Pup – Best Budget
The B. Toys Happy Hues Candy Pup is a great choice for parents looking for a soft and safe stuffed animal for their little ones.
Its extra soft and squishy design makes it perfect for cuddles and snuggles, and its non-toxic materials provide peace of mind.
Pros
Extra soft and squishy for endless cuddles and snuggles
Safe for newborns and big kids alike with non-toxic, BPA-free, and PVC-free materials
Easy to care for with machine-washable design
Cons
May be too small for some children
Some reviewers reported issues with the stitching coming undone
May not be as durable as some other stuffed animals
If you’re looking for a soft, cuddly, and safe stuffed animal for your newborn or toddler, B. Toys Happy Hues Candy Pup is a perfect choice. It’s made with high-quality, non-toxic materials, and is machine-washable for easy care.
However, some children may find it too small, and there have been some reports of stitching issues and durability concerns.
Overall, the B. Toys Happy Hues Candy Pup is a great option for parents looking for a soft and safe stuffed animal for their newborns or toddlers. Furthermore, if your little one loves this pup, B Toys have a whole range of these lovable characters to collect.
Buying Guide for baby safe stuffed animals
Choosing the best stuffed animal for a newborn can be a daunting task. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your purchase:
Material
When selecting a stuffed animal for a newborn, it is important to choose a material that is soft and gentle on the baby’s delicate skin. Look for materials such as cotton, polyester, or plush that are hypoallergenic and easy to clean. Avoid materials that shed or have rough textures that could irritate the baby’s skin.
Size
The size of the stuffed animal is also an important consideration. Choose a size that is appropriate for the baby’s age and development. For newborns, it is best to select a smaller stuffed animal that is easy for them to grasp and hold. As the baby grows, you can choose larger stuffed animals that they can cuddle with.
Safety
Safety is always a top priority when selecting a stuffed animal for a newborn. Look for stuffed animals that are free of small parts that could be a choking hazard. Make sure that the eyes, nose, and other features are securely attached and cannot be pulled off. Additionally, avoid stuffed animals with long strings or ribbons that could pose a strangulation risk.
Brand Reputation
When purchasing a stuffed animal for a newborn, it is important to choose a reputable brand that is known for producing high-quality products. Look for brands that have a long-standing reputation for safety and reliability. Read reviews and ask other parents for recommendations to ensure that you are making a wise purchase.
FAQs on best stuffed animals for babies
What stuffed animals are safe for newborns?
When looking for safe stuffed animals for newborns, consider plush toys made from hypoallergenic, non-toxic materials, such as organic cotton.
Ensure that the plush stuffed animal is free of small parts that could pose a choking hazard and has securely attached features like eyes and noses. Machine washable baby plush toys are a great choice for easy cleaning.
We recommend that you pick a reputable brand such as Manhattan toy. You might want to consider a Lovey– these make a perfect newborn gift.
Are stuffed animals good for newborns?
Stuffed animals can be a wonderful gift for newborns. Soft, cuddly plush toys provide comfort and help create a warm, inviting environment for a baby’s nursery.
Baby stuffed animals can also support a child’s emotional development, providing a sense of security and companionship. However, it is important to ensure that the stuffed animal is age-appropriate and safe for a newborn.
Be aware of how to wash stuffed animals in order to maintain high levels of hygiene.
Can a newborn sleep with a teddy?
It is not recommended for newborns to sleep with a teddy bear or any other plush stuffed animal. Placing soft toys in the crib increases the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
It is advised to wait until the child is at least 12 months old before introducing the best stuffed animal for baby to sleep with to their sleep environment.
Can newborns have stuffed animals?
Newborns can have stuffed animals for playtime and nursery decor, but it is essential to ensure that the plush toy is safe and age-appropriate. The best stuffed animals for newborns are made from non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials and do not contain small parts that could pose a choking hazard.
When can I introduce stuffed animals to my baby?
You can introduce stuffed animals to your baby around the age of 12 months. At this age, children are less likely to be at risk of suffocation or SIDS, making it safer to introduce plush toys. However, always check the toy’s recommended age range and safety features before giving it to your child.
Can you give a 1-year-old a stuffed animal?
Yes, you can give a 1-year-old a stuffed animal. Plush toys can be a great source of comfort, fun, and emotional support for a child. When selecting a stuffed animal for a 1-year-old, ensure that it is age-appropriate and free of potential hazards.
What toy stuffing is safe for babies?
Toy stuffing that is safe for babies includes materials like polyester fiberfill, organic cotton, and wool. These materials are hypoallergenic, machine washable, and free of potential hazards.
Avoid using materials like small beads or pellets that could pose a choking risk if the stuffed animal were to become damaged.
Are plush toys safe for newborns?
Plush toys and teddy bears can be safe for newborns if they are age-appropriate and made from hypoallergenic, non-toxic materials making them wonderful gifts. It is essential to ensure that the plush toy does not contain small parts, long strings, or other potential hazards.
However, plush toys should not be placed in a newborn’s crib, as they could pose a risk of suffocation or SIDS.
Check out our post about the best soft toys to learn about the much larger range of plush toys to keep an older baby entertained. For example, the GUND Flappy the elephant is a best seller and a great interactive toy, even singing “If your ears hang low” when you squeeze its paw, however for safety reasons it doesn’t make this list.
Our No. 1 Recommended Product
Lambs & Ivy Jungle Safari
Lambs & Ivy Jungle Safari Gray Plush Elephant Stuffed Animal Toy Plushie – Jett is a great choice for parents looking for a soft and safe stuffed animal for their newborn.
