Stuffed animals are a popular gift for children of all ages, but at what age is it best to give a child a stuffed animal?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as every child is different and reaches various developmental stages at different times. Nevertheless, when deciding whether to give a child a stuffed animal, consider the following points:

AT WHAT AGE CAN CHILDREN INTERACT WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL? Newborns can begin to grasp or explore small, soft stuffed animals with their hands or mouths right from the start. However, toddlers typically won’t be able to independently engage with a stuffed animal until around 18 months or 2 years of age.

WHAT SIZE OF STUFFED ANIMAL IS SUITABLE FOR EACH AGE? The size of the stuffed animal should be tailored to the child’s age and abilities. For babies and toddlers, it’s better to choose a medium-sized stuffed animal that they can easily handle and grasp. Older children may enjoy larger or more intricate stuffed animals that they can take with them everywhere! At Adada, we recommend our small comfort blankets for newborns. They’re made from organic cotton and certified to OEKO-TEX 100 standards, allowing children to safely cuddle and nuzzle them from birth. For older children (and even adults!), our large stuffed animals are the best choice.

WHAT KINDS OF STUFFED ANIMALS DO CHILDREN PREFER? Children’s tastes and preferences often change over time. Babies and toddlers are often drawn to soft, simple stuffed animals, while older children may prefer more explicit or realistically depicted stuffed animals, such as those featuring animals or characters from movies or cartoons they adore.

Here are some additional factors to consider when deciding to gift a child a stuffed animal:

THE QUALITY OF THE STUFFED ANIMAL: It’s essential that the stuffed animal is of high quality, not easily torn or worn, and does not contain small parts that could be hazardous to the child. Also, ensure that the stuffed animal is made from safe, eco-friendly materials.

At Adada, our stuffed animals are made from organically grown cotton, knitted and dyed in France, and certified to OEKO-TEX 100 standards. Additionally, our stuffed animals and plush toys conform to EN71-1, EN71-2, and EN71-3 standards.

ALLERGIES: If the child has allergies, it’s important to choose a hypoallergenic stuffed animal or one made from materials that won’t trigger their allergies.

THE MESSAGE YOU WANT TO CONVEY WHEN GIFTING: Stuffed animals can be a way to impart a special message or story to a child. For example, you can give a stuffed animal to spark the child’s interest in different animals or their habitats, or a stuffed toy of a movie or cartoon character to encourage imagination and creativity.

Ultimately, the ideal age for giving a stuffed animal depends on the child and their interests and abilities, but if you follow these tips, you’ll find the perfect stuffed animal for your child!