As long as there have been children, there have been dolls, rattles, miniature weapons, and hand-made animals. Anthropologists have found evidence of toys dating back to the earliest records of human life.

Play is universal and cross-cultural. Though it may vary among cultures and generations, it’s clearly instinctive and a key part of our development. A child’s play is his way of learning about himself and his world. Play opens the door to a child’s imagination. Some of our fondest memories from childhood are recollections of time spent playing with special people and favorite toys.

A classic among childhood plush toy animals is the Teddy Bear, who made his appearance in 1903 and is still popular today. Although the Teddy Bear may be famous because of his political affiliation, just about any stuffed toy can become a child’s favorite. Especially for infants and toddlers, there’s great comfort and reassurance in having soft, cuddly companions like stuffed dogs to snuggle up with.

As surely as children play with stuffed toys wholesale, their needs and interests change as they grow and mature. As a child matures, a stuffed toy may come to represent a favorite animal in nature. Toy stuffed dogs might be huggable versions of media characters like a cartoon or comic strip dog. Finally, stuffed dogs can play the role of imaginary family pets.

When shopping for stuffed dogs for small children, keep in mind the child’s age, interests, and abilities. Be especially careful when selecting toys for children under age 3. And you should also consider the home environment in which a child will play with a toy and younger children who may be there. A toy intended for an older child may be dangerous in the hands of a younger one.

Other advice on safe play as follows:
Always provide toys in conjunction with sensible supervision. Supervise children when they play and set good examples of safe play. And remind caregivers, including grandparents, of play-related safety concerns.

Do not leave toys on stairs. Choose a safe storage place for stuffed toy animals. Anything large enough for a child to climb inside should have a cover that’s easily removed. And check toys at least every three months to determine their safety. Make any repairs immediately or throw away damaged toys.