When a child is born, of course, come a host of questions, new habits to adopt, new objects to carry, new attitudes and new topics of conversation. But above all, a child is born and the family is growing, including the dad, the mom, the baby... and the cuddly toy!
The cuddly toy, your baby's best friend?
When it comes to our children, we want to give them the best of everything. We want them to have every chance and every advantage in life, so they can grow, be happy and succeed . And as new parents, one of the things we're most concerned about is making sure our child feels safe .
That's why many parents choose to give their child a comforter or blanket to sleep on, something that will be a constant companion and provide comfort during the night. We wanted our baby to have his own cuddly toy and so we gave him a panda soft toy.
Perfect for soothing your child
We also thought it would be great for him to wear whenever we went out. It turned out that having a stuffed animal with us was extremely helpful when he started getting upset on car rides. We could put him on his lap and let him hug him tightly until he calmed down. In truth, at first we also thought that our son's panda would be an inseparable companion for life.
It has now been almost three years since our little boy was born and he still loves his cuddly toy. Unfortunately, it is very common for children to lose them or, even worse, throw them away because they no longer like them.
When it comes to soft toys for children , nothing can be taken too seriously. I remember seeing one of my nephews (he was about eight years old) playing with a GI Joe figure he'd slept with for years, and I couldn't help but smile.
Take your cuddly toy everywhere with you
Of course, it's important to buy lots of stuffed animals (and if possible take them everywhere you go) because your child will feel really comfortable knowing they have a selection to choose from.
Ultimately, I think our son would be sad if he no longer had his panda. He's been hugging and kissing him for three years now, and he's practically become part of the family . We are even considering buying another one (in case we lose this one). But the truth is, I don't think he'll ever lose it.
A blanket, what is it?
Baby comforters come in all shapes and sizes . Some are plush, some are made from cloth diapers, and some are just blankets or clothes your baby loves. The important thing is that they give the child a sense of comfort and security . Cuddly toys are an integral part of many children's lives.
A cuddly toy for babies, but from what age?
If you're a parent-to-be, or know someone who is, you might be wondering what to buy as a baby shower gift . One of the most popular options is a soft toy that the child will keep and snuggle with. But when is the best time to give a baby their first stuffed animal? And what are the benefits?
Soft toys for babies: A transitional object?
Babies are born with the need to feel close to their parents. After about six months of age, a phenomenon called " separation anxiety " appears. I will give you more details in this article .
This need to feel close to one's parents can be satisfied by a transitional object, such as a comforter or a blanket. It is not uncommon for babies to use these objects in place of their mother when she disappears from their sight. They bring them comfort and security and help them grow.
What is a comforter used for?
As we have just said, from the eighth month, the child realizes that he and his mother are not the same person. Anxiety is then triggered in the baby because he realizes that his mother is not always with him. To alleviate his despair, a particular and reassuring object takes place in the family. It materializes calm and appeasement. It symbolizes the bond between the mother and him . It allows her to go from tears to consolation. Baby comforters can be very useful in all circumstances of separation: bedtime, nanny, school, etc.
Can we do without the comforter?
Soft toys for babies come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have in common that they provide a feeling of comfort and security for the child. Some babies are content with cuddles from their parents, while others need a transitional object to help them feel secure. This is where fluff comes in.
It seems risky to say that "yes", it is possible. In reality, it all depends on the child, his choice of cuddly toy and the way he uses it to support the separations.
How to manage the stuffed animal and up to what age?
What's the best way to handle a baby's favorite toy? When should he stop using it as his "cuddly toy"? What if he starts getting attached to something else as a new comforter (like a dog or other stuffed animal)? How do I know if my child has outgrown his cuddly toy and should move on? These are some of the questions that all parents face.
It is important to know that children grow and develop at their own pace , so there is no general rule. Every child is different! What may make you uncomfortable or worry about yourself may be fine for another parent and/or other children.
You also need to consider your baby's personality. Some children are very attached to their cuddly toys and may even begin to show some distress when you try to remove them permanently. This is completely normal and does not necessarily indicate that the child is "craving" or addicted. Cuddly toys are often a child's first object.
While there is no single answer to the question of when to give a baby their first stuffed animal , it is clear that they can provide comfort and security to children during times of separation anxiety. Soft toys for babies can help them feel closer to their parents and deal with difficult emotions. As each child develops at their own pace, there is no fixed age at which a child must give up their transitional object. Parents should pay attention to their child's individual needs and preferences when deciding whether or not to introduce a plush toy.
I hope this article has enlightened you on the subject. Feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments.
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