A great stuffed animal can be a companion for life. Its soft body provides comfort to a child throughout their development. Children become very attached to their stuffies, often giving them names and personalities. Because of this, no matter what age your child is, you want to make sure that the stuffed animal you choose for them will last a lifetime - or risk a meltdown when your toddler’s best friend becomes broken beyond repair! But with so many options, how do you choose an animal with the right personality that will last? Here are our tips to help you find your child’s new best friend!

8 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Stuffed Animal

Tip 1: Consider How Long Stuffed Animals Last

Toddlers love to take their plush friends everywhere – from the car to the bedroom and even to preschool. As your child grows, they’ll want to interact and play more with the animal, pulling its ears and giving it huge bear hugs.

You want a toy that can withstand your child’s love. You also want a plushie that can survive a thorough trip through the washing machine, so that all the places the animal goes don't stay around forever.

Understanding Lifespan and Durability

The lifespan of a stuffed toy depends on its durability. Well-made stuffed animals will have strong seams that your child and washing machine can’t rip and be created out of lasting materials. For color staying power, polyester is recommended. Stitched details also last longer than plastic elements, though plastic can provide important texture to stimulate your child’s development. Crocheted toys, such as those from Cuddle+Kind, allow for textural interest while remaining gentle and durable. Remember - durability is important, but shouldn’t get in the way of how soft an animal is!
How long a stuffed animal lasts also depends on how well it's cared for. We all remember a friend who kept a teddy bear until college, but the usual lifespan of a stuffed animal is only five years -- or a few months, if the toy is not treated properly. Regular washing to prevent dirt build-up, storage in a dry, well-ventilated area, and an occasional check of a toy's stitching can help a stuffed animal last an entire childhood.

Tip 2: Choose Age-Appropriate Stuffed Animals

Though most plush toys are legally suitable for all ages, it’s important to think beyond safety regulations when deciding what’s appropriate for an infant, baby, toddler, or older kid. In general, the classics, such as teddy bears and bunnies, are terrific for babies. Older kids, on the other hand, will likely prefer something more out-of-the-box, such a dragon or octopus.

Essential Tips for Selecting the Right Companion

When purchasing stuffed animals for babies, stay away from plush toys with removable parts, plastic eyes, or large size. Baby Jellycat Soothers with their extra-soft bodies and blankets are the perfect choice for a new baby. Cuddle+Kind's Baby Animals are also ideal for a newborn. Their round bodies give immediate comfort, whereas their beautiful, crocheted details will be appreciated by the child as they age. When choosing stuffed animals for kids, reach for something different than the classic Teddy. Toddlers and older kids want a companion with a little more gusto, such as toys with plastic elements, bright colors, and mixed materials. Consider the child’s interests when purchasing. Are they a dino lover? Do they love fantasy and folklore? Find something that matches their taste, but stay away from anything they might already have in their collection.

Tip 3: Explore Different Types of Stuffed Animals

Stuffed animals have moved far past just lions, tigers, and bears, oh my. With the modern world offering an entire planet of creatures (and non-creatures), how do you decide on the perfect plushie? Teddies remain the most popular with 40.6 percent of stuffed animals that were bought being bears, but even the humble shrimp had a few searches. Our collection of Jellycat stuffed animals has over a hundred stuffies to choose from! Thankfully, there are categories that break down types of stuffed animals to help reduce decision fatigue.

Common Varieties for Every Child

Teddy Bears: A classic for a reason, go with a timeless design or choose from an assortment of other teddy-like animals.
Domesticated animals: Get them that pet they’re always asking for, without all the hassle.
Wild animals: Bring the outdoors indoors. With creatures from the bountiful ocean to the frozen Antarctic, foster a spirit of adventure and a love of nature.
Fantasy creatures: Help magic come alive and spark your child’s imagination with a dragon or pegasus.
Dinosaurs: What kid doesn’t love a dinosaur? Encourage a lifelong fascination with science along with a new friend.
Non-animal stuffies: Perfect for the unique kid who wants something new. Explore a selection of everything from plants to coffee cups.

Tip 4: Select the Best Material for Stuffed Animals

Aside from durability, softness is an essential element to stuffed animals. Polyester is one of the best materials for stuffed animals. Its elasticity prevents tearing and its breathability keeps the animal clean. Jellycat stuffed animals are made with this in mind, using polyester as the perfect fur simulant. PE beans give their animals a great weight, while polyester fibers ensure they remain cuddly. If natural is what you’re looking for, Cuddle+Kind uses breathable cotton and hypoallergenic polyfill. Cotton is breathable just like polyester, keeping the toy fresh

Tip 5: Know How to Clean Stuffed Animals

With children’s habit of bringing their stuffed animals everywhere, sooner or later a plushie will get dirty. But how do you clean a stuffed animal? Don’t stress! Stuffed toys are easy to clean and keep fresh.

Best Practices for Keeping Cuddly Friends Fresh

Wash only in cold water on a gentle cycle or hand wash.
Lay flat to dry after wringing out. Never put a stuffed toy in the dryer!
If the stuffed animal starts to smell, put it in the freezer overnight or in a bag with a cup of baking soda. Shake the toy around, leave the bag in the sun for a while, and then vacuum off the baking soda.
Dab dirty spots with distilled white vinegar or the bubbles from dish soap. Use a microfiber cloth for the best application. Try not to soak the animal, just a few dabs should be fine.
Stuffed animals should be washed at least once a month. If your child sleeps with theirs, a weekly washing is recommended. Remember to always wash a stuffed animal immediately after a child has been sick.

Tip 6: Look for Safety Features

Whatever toy you buy, make sure it complies with regulation. Our Jellycat collection complies with and has been tested by EN71, ASTM, and ISO 8124, which is the European standard for testing all children’s toys. Cuddle + Kind is Canadian standard certified. Compliance with safety regulations should be included in the description for all toys. No safety rating means an undue risk for your child, so it's better to leave those toys behind.

Tip 7: Choose the Right Size Stuffed Animal

Stuffed animals come in all sorts of sizes, and each offers a different benefit. Larger stuffies provide comfort, especially at bedtime, and can ease the transition from crib to toddler bed. Smaller toys are easy to move and can join in on the fun everywhere your child goes, providing comfort in new situations. Medium sized stuffed animals are a great in-between, but something extra-large or extra-small is sure to add excitement to a stuffed animal collection and not get lost in an assembly of plushies.

Tip 8: Personalize Your Choice

The most important aspect of choosing a stuffed animal is finding one that completely connects with your child’s unique personality. Consider limited edition stuffies or something handcrafted, such as those from the Cuddle + Kind collection. Removable outfits, such as those featured on Jellycat’s Bartholomew Bear, add the feeling of originality to your little one’s toy collection. Remember, the design of a stuffed animal tells a story that you want to fit into your child’s life. Browse our vast selection of stuffed animals to get to know your child’s newest companion.