Soft toys are an important part of any childhood, a trusty companion as they grow together.
Getting the right baby soft toys for your baby, or as a gift, will help them feel safe and comforted when they're heading off to sleep or for play. A toy can help children's imagination as they play make-believe with their furry friends, helping to stimulate their creative ability and motor skills.
How many of us can remember the first soft toy or baby teddy bear we had when we were children? Some of us may even still have them. Most soft toys are designed to be a treasured companion for your child for many years to come.
It's generally advised that you do not leave any baby cuddly toys or comforters in a baby's cot until they are over the age of one. Do not worry if your child has any accidents or spillages around the toy; many new toys are machine washable or wipe clean.
Whether you are looking for newborn baby soft toys, for a supremely soft toy or one with added extras, we've rounded up the best soft toys for babies on the market right now to make sure you find the perfect one for your little one.
Whilst all the plush toys on this list come highly recommended, this is our top pick thanks to its softness, design and inexpensive price point.
1. Nutbrown Hare, Guess How Much I Love You
'Guess How Much I Love You' is a classic on many children's book shelves. This cuddly hare is also a bestseller thanks to its immensely soft material and 'I Love You' on its foot which reminds children that they are cared for.
Its portable size and plush material make it a great choice for a baby's first teddy, or for a special birthday or Christmas.
Toys for newborns can be great for keeping them entertained or soothing their gums whilst they are teething. This fox toy is suitable for teething with its soft velour that also makes it perfect for cuddling. It is built for sensory engagement for babies to explore touch, new sounds and colourful patterns, helping to support their development.
To help babies drift off in their cot, car seat or pram, this owl is designed to ease them into sleep time as quickly as possible. Featuring a night light with adjustable light levels and a choice of four soothing sounds, including rainfall and a lullaby, it soothes babies' senses.
If your child happens to wake up and cry, it's CrySensor will make sure it turns on again to send them back to the land of dreams.
These cute cubes help promote babies' motor skills and imagination as they play with soft animal faces. The adorable and unique hedgehog, bunny, fox and dog designs will encourage your child to stack, tumble and throw.
5. Carson the Lion From Birth Soft Toy, Banks-Lyon Botanical
We love the original design of this 100% cotton striped lion. Sure to be a friend for life, Carson's compact size will fit snugly by their side at any time of day.
Fierce little lions will love this hand-knitted soft toy made from certified organic cotton that comes in three adorable designs. ChunkiChilli employ workers in remote Southwest China to produce the toys and provide them with an income, ensuring these lions are a sustainable option.
Newborn babies can't see colour, making the high contrast black and white of this little rattle helpful for promoting their eye development. It's fair trade and handmade, with a smiley octopus design that is sure to have your baby smiling too when it's time for bed.
8. Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Puppy, Fisher-Price
Toys aren't just for fun; they can be an educational tool too. The popular Smart Stages Puppy supports kids to learn their first words, shapes, counting and more. It has five touch points to increase sensory, conversation and numeracy skills, absorbing information as they play.
A cute and cuddly toy that gently supports your child's learning, this unicorn has light effects and sounds that teach first numbers, words and colours. The buttons on the toy are subtle, making impromptu spelling lessons easy without disrupting their playtime.
Help babies learn to build and match shapes with these six soft cubes that they can stack and throw. The bright animals and vehicles will help encourage their words and shape recognition whilst they enjoy the tactile fabric.
11. Everybody's Best Friend, Waffle The Wonder Dog
For slightly older babies who are beginning to engage with their toys, this fluffy dog moves, plays sounds and has a catchy theme tune. His mouth even moves as he talks!
12. Super Soft Toy Tristan Triceratops, Squishmallows
Similar to memory foam, the supremely-squishable foam of the Squishmallows make them the ideal companion for bed time. They come in a range of cute designs, but we love this Tristan Triceratops model.
Comforter's make a perfect gift thanks to their combination of soft toy and blanket, and will forever be a memory of their childhood. This giraffe comforter is extra soft and soothing and has the option of personalisation to add a special touch to your gift.
Jellycat are known for their soft fabric and high-quality design. This adorable fox toy has a friendly face and bright orange colour that babies will love.
Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families of all ages. If you liked our suggestions for the best soft baby toys, then why not take a look at our guide to the best baby sleepsuit and pyjamas, or this guide to the best sensory baby toys.
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art
Georgia StoneBachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art
Georgia is an experienced Content Manager with a degree in French and Film Studies from King's College London and Bachelors degree from Université Paris-Sorbonne. Her passion for exploring the world and experiencing different cultures was sparked during her childhood in Switzerland and her year abroad in Paris. In her spare time, Georgia enjoys using London's excellent travel connections to explore further afield.
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