At a young age, about six months or so, stuffed toys provide tactile and visual stimulation. Each stuffed toy has its own specific texture and look, and most babies love to explore the differences of various soft toys.

When your baby is a year old, he may decide that one plush toy animals is the best, and that friend may become his carry-everywhere pal. Not all babies focus on one stuffed toy, but many do, and can’t bear to be parted. A cherished stuffed animal can soothe your baby at bed time, take the bite out of doctor’s appointments, and calm frazzled baby tempers.

Also between a year and two years of age your baby may start to act out pretend activities with his stuffed toys wholesale. Most babies act out everyday scenarios; feeding, putting their stuffed pal to bed, and telling their friend things like, No cookies. This is great social play for your little one, and allows your baby to be in charge.

Stuffed toys have parent benefits as well. As your baby becomes attached to a stuffed toy, he may be able to go longer stretches where he’ll play on his own. This is an important step for both babies and parents. Plus, it’s always nice to know that your baby has someone that helps to calm him down. Some parents worry about their kids becoming too attached to a stuffed toy animals, but this is normal baby and toddler behavior. Some little ones outgrow this early on, and some not until as late as elementary school years. The best thing to do is to allow your child to engage in pretend play for as long as he needs to. No one takes their childhood stuffed toys off to college, but well some people do, but they’re not still talking with them at this point.