What parent hasn't torn their hair out in front of the overflowing shelves of a plush toy store? "What if I got them an elephant comforter? Or a musical plush? Oh, look, giant plush toys!"
To help you navigate, La Pelucherie has put together a special guide on baby plush toys: their benefits, pitfalls to avoid, and the right choices for every age. Let's get started!
The benefits of plush toys for babies
We all know that baby plush toys are essential. But as parents, we want to understand! Why? Why does baby love their plush toys so much? What do they bring them? The list of benefits is long:
- Softness and Cuddles
- Comfort and Security
- Sleep and Relaxation
- Sensory Awakening and Activities
- Affection and Connection
- Stories and Role-playing
- Imagination and Creativity
- Confidence and Sharing
- Responsibility and Empathy
And each age has its use! While for a newborn, a plush toy is cuddly and reassuring, it will become a source of wonder from 6 months, then a true playmate for early childhood.
Baby plush toys therefore have a significant impact on their development for many years. So, you might as well choose them well from the start!
Baby plush toys to avoid
As you can imagine, the first thing to consider when choosing baby plush toys is safety!
Carefully examine plush toys before purchase and avoid at all costs:
- "Made in China" plush toys, which are of poor quality and poorly sewn, could easily tear and release threads and stuffing materials that are dangerous for baby.
- Small detachable parts such as eyes or nose that baby could swallow, as well as any threads or cords that could wrap around their neck.
- Toxic materials such as phthalates (used to make plush toys softer), BPA (used to make the eyes and nose of plushes), or lead (used to stabilize certain dyes in plush toys).
- Plush toys that are too soft can also pose a choking hazard for infants.
Ensure safety and prefer:
- High-quality plush toys, "made in France" or in Europe
- Baby plush toys certified compliant with safety standards, such as the European standard EN71. These plush toys have passed safety tests on part size, material toxicity, solidity, resistance, etc.
- Natural, organic, and hypoallergenic materials, such as cotton or wool for example.
- Washable plush toys! Good hygiene is also part of baby's safety. Good baby plush toys are easily washable, preferably in the washing machine.
- Trusted manufacturers. Always prefer plush toys from well-known brands with an impeccable reputation, such as La Pelucherie, which, in addition to being a guarantee of quality and safety, guarantees its plush toys for life!
Different types of baby plush toys
Two good pieces of news await you in the baby plush toy market: firstly, there is a wide variety of different models, ranging from newborn comforters to giant plush toys and early learning plush toys. You are spoiled for choice!
Secondly, baby will be delighted to have different plush toys! In fact, it is even advisable to vary the pleasures. Rather than offering them 3 newborn comforters, combine the benefits and get them a comforter, an early learning plush, and a giant plush, for example!
So let's take a complete look at the different types of baby plush toys!
1. Newborn plush toys: 0-6 months
The Stork, My First Newborn Comforter, La Pelucherie
A newborn plush, or newborn comforter, is the first soft and cuddly friend for the newborn freshly out of mom's tummy. It is also one of the most sought-after baby shower gifts.
It's usually a small, cute plush toy that's easy for baby's small hands to grasp. The comforter is made of soft, washable fabrics so baby can cuddle and keep it close safely.
Most comforters are small plushes like storks, elephants, or bears, which are classics. Others are simply soft fabric squares equipped or not with a pacifier clip to help baby calm down and fall asleep.
My First Bear Comforter, La Pelucherie
2. Early learning plush toys: 6-24 months
After comforters come early learning plush toys. Also known as activity plush toys or sensory plush toys, these baby plush toys are generally introduced around 6 months and up to about two years old.
Like all plush toys for young babies, early learning plush toys are soft and often take the form of adorable little animals.
But they hold many surprises and are there to stimulate baby's sensory awakening, curiosity, and fine motor skills: bright colors, varied textures, fun sounds, small mirrors, pull tabs, and much more!
Read Also: Early Learning Plush Toys, A Concentrated Source of Stimulation for Baby!
3. Musical baby plush toys: 0-36 months
Some early learning plush toys also include musical functions. But if we're talking about musical plush toys exclusively, they usually consist of small plush toys equipped with a music box that plays music when baby (or mom) presses a button or pulls a string.
Depending on their preferences, musical plush toys can play a soothing melody to help them fall asleep or, on the contrary, lively songs to entertain them.
4. Giant plush toys for baby: 0-99 years old!
Lucien, The Giant Stuffed Bear from La Pelucherie, A great gift for baby!
Having a giant plush toy at home is like having a pet... but without the hair and the messes to clean up!
La Pelucherie's Big Ones are so big that baby can ride them like a real animal. Imagine them cuddling up against their enormous stuffed bear after a long day of playing.
These XXL baby plush toys offer an extra-large cuddling experience and will quickly become baby's favorite companion, for many years to come!
Read Also: Why Give Your Baby a Giant Comforter?
5. Interactive baby plush toys: 12-36 months
More than just plush toys, interactive plush toys are more like toys for baby. Modern and fun, they are equipped with sensors and buttons that respond to movements and sounds, creating a personalized play experience.
Depending on the model, interactive plush toys make noise, sing songs, chat, tell stories and can even repeat baby's first sentences.
Reserved for older babies, from about one year old.
6. White noise plush toys: 0-36 months
White noise plush toys are plush toys that emit a regular and soothing sound, described as "white noise" and similar to what baby heard in the womb.
Some studies have shown that white noise plush toys can help baby relax and fall asleep more easily.
7. Other baby plush toys
You get it: with baby plush toys, there's something for everyone and for every need, whether for cuddles, music, early learning, play, sleep, or more.
You will also find hot water bottle plush toys for babies, night light plush toys, and even plush armchairs!
Baby girl plush toy vs. Baby boy plush toy: What's the importance?
It's important to consider gendered education when it comes to buying plush toys for babies.
Baby and children's plush toys are often separated into two categories: plush toys for girls on one side and plush toys for boys on the other. And while girl plush toys are often pink with hearts and glitter, boy plush toys are usually blue and in the shape of wild animals or superheroes.
But this gendered division is not necessarily necessary, or even desirable, and even less so for babies! Whether they are girls or boys, babies love pink, blue, green, or yellow plush toys! In fact, what they love most of all are plushes.
And do you want a secret? Children prefer realistic plush toys to Disney plush toys. After all, what they want is to discover the real world, isn't it?
Personalized baby plush toys!
Whether for a birth or birthday gift, giving a personalized plush toy always makes an impression!
At La Pelucherie, we offer several personalization options for your plushes. You can simply have baby's name embroidered on the pouch or even on their new friend's paw (available for certain models only).
Even better! You can design a custom plush toy, just for your baby. And we'll bring it to life!
Have Baby's Name Embroidered On Their Dog Plush's Paw!
And you? Which plush toy(s) did you choose for your baby? Do they have a favorite plush toy? We would love to hear about your choices and read your plush toy stories!