It remains a mystery to parents why just that one cuddly animal is chosen over the other. Did you think of getting a stuffed rabbit? Your baby thinks it has to be a monkey. To find out which one your baby likes, it is best to offer two different cuddly toys. A favourite cuddly toy is always good to have as a buddy. It gives comfort, and makes your child feel at ease.
Where one child is inseparable from their cuddly toy, another will have no interest at all in it. Not every child needs a cuddly toy. There are also children who attach to a cloth, or other stuff. But they like to attach themselves to something.
A little friend
Around the 7th month, your baby can get attached to a cuddly toy. A cuddly toy gives comfort when teething or during sickness, and helps them through the more difficult times. It’s like a little friend who is always there and goes everywhere with you. For your child, this is very important. It can give confidence at daycare, or at night when they wake up. So don’t take this toy away from your child too soon. Let them decide when they don’t need it anymore.
Get an extra copy
To avoid disappointment, it is useful to buy an extra (or more) of your baby’s favorite cuddly toy. One that’s being cleaned, one for travelling and one for bed. This is very useful for when the cuddly toy is dirty. For hygiene reasons, it’s a good idea to get a washable toy for your child.
Some children only have the cuddly toy with them in bed or on the road. But there are also children who take their toy with them everywhere they go. They can even take it with them to the bathroom. That is why it is nice to be able to wash it regularly. Wash it with a neutral detergent without perfume. That way the cuddly toy keeps its scent and that’s exactly how your baby likes it.
Source: Unsplash.comSafe
Provide a safe toy, without loose parts. Most brands that sell plush toys for babies, take this into account. Also think of the size of the cuddly toy. Toys that can cover the head or face are not safe! It is recommended to remove the cuddly toy after your baby falls asleep. Put it next to the bed, so your baby can see it if it wakes up at night. That way your child will still feel the comfort of it’s plush friend, but it won’t be able to harm him. Wipes or blankets that get wet from saliva are also dangerous, they can cause your child to suffocate.
Goodbye
There are children who can’t live without their cuddly friends. This is not bad and there will come a time when they don’t need their plush friend anymore. Usually this happens when they go to school. The cuddly toy can’t go with them on a daily basis anymore. There will come a day when it won’t be needed anymore and will go back to being just a toy.
