Soft toys are usually the first baby toys that children have. They're often gifted at birth and remain present throughout every stage of a young one's early life and beyond. In fact, many people still treasure their childhood teddies in adulthood and have them as prized possessions they can pass down to their children and grandchildren.
If a cuddly toy is going to be with them for most of their life, it's important for your little one to have the best soft toys that are built to last. Whether they have a traditional teddy bear, a plush animal or a cuddly version of their favourite TV character, a cuddly toy is typically one of your child's first friends.
Editor's choice:
•Best for animal lovers: Living Nature Highland Cow Soft Toy - view offer on Amazon
•Best for talking toys: Hey Duggee Teddy Bear - view offer on Amazon
•Best for a budget: Wild Republic Playful Penguin Plush Soft Toy - view offer on Amazon
•Best for a personalised toy: My 1st Years Personalised Knitted Dinosaur Soft Toy - view offer on My 1st Years
They'll be with your little one during happy times and during any periods of uncertainty as they discover the world as they grow. It doesn't matter what type of toy they have, as long as it is as soft as it can be and super snuggly too.
Discover our top picks of the best soft toys for children below.
The best soft toys 2023
Best for animal lovers
This furry friend comes complete with sounds. You just need to press on his hoof to hear him 'moo'. It looks very realistic with its signature shaggy coat that your little one will love to nestle into.
A grandparent reviewer said: "I bought this for my granddaughter after we saw some highland cattle on holiday. She absolutely loved it, especially making the moo noise with the foot. And it’s so soft and has such a comical look that she really wants to take care of it."
Pros
- Makes a realistic "moo" sound
- The tag it comes with is full of information about highland cows
Cons
- Some reviews mention it is difficult to change the battery for the sound
| Suitable from: | 0 months and up |
| Size: | 26.97 x 11 x 16.99 cm |
Best for talking toys
Rrp: $32.58
Is your little one a Hey Duggee fan? They can bring their favourite TV character with them on all their adventures with this plush figure that makes 6 noises from the show. Along with the toy, they'll receive a cute collector's badge.
One reviewer said: "For any toddler who loves Hey, Duggee this is the perfect size plush toy for them to carry with them. My granddaughter loves him and takes him everywhere. It’s very well made and a quick wipe with a soapy cloth keeps it clean too."
Pros
- Great for small hands
- Batteries included
Cons
- Could be softer
| Suitable from: | 12 months - 5 years |
| Size: | 16 x 26 x 27 cm |
Best for a budget
How adorable is this little guy? Its body is covered in soft, downy grey feathers and its wings are in a lifted-up position, ready to give your little one a big hug. You are given the option to purchase a ring tailed lemur plush with it too.
One reviewer wrote: "What a lovely baby penguin toy. My 3 year was delighted with it and it's excellent quality. It sits up well due the weighted nature. I also bought the polar bear by the same company - also brilliant. Definitely recommend."
Pros
- Affordable price
- Realistic details
Cons
- The different sizes have different designs
| Suitable from: | 0 months and up |
| Size: | 20cm or 30cm |
Best for a toy rabbit
One of the biggest drawbacks of soft toys is worrying that you will lose them. Often your little one will want to take their beloved friend out on their adventures. But what happens when they become lost? Lots of tears and a very heartbroken tot. But fear not, with the Kaloo Lapinoo, you can tie the rabbit's long ears to your pram or bag so they won't become a lost toy.
Mother&Baby writer, mother of three, Hannah James said: "My two-year-old son has never been interested in teddy bears. He is often found swinging from the staircase or launching off a wall. So, I initially got this rabbit for my youngest child. However, when the box arrived my curious son opened it and instantly fell in love, sweetly naming him Mr Flop. Now my two-year-old won't sleep without him. He cuddles up to him and takes great comfort in having him there. It has made bedtimes easier. I would highly recommend it. "
Pros
- Available in different colours
- Different sizes to choose from
Cons
- Light colours can become dirty quickly
| Suitable from: | Birth |
| Size: | 25cm or 35cm |
Best for a classic
A timeless toy that will be adored by both children and parents alike. Paddington wears his famous duffle coat and red hat, along with shiny wellington boots and a monogrammed suitcase.
A reviewer wrote: "Very nice and well done, arrived in advance in a postal envelope complete with a Royal Mail stamp directly from the United Kingdom. Just the right size for a girl under three years old and can be held comfortably in her arms. "
Pros
- Amazing attention to detail
- Different textures
Cons
- Could be more of a collectable soft toy rather than an everyday soft toy
Best for a personalised toy
www.my1styears.com
Surely this smiley stegosaurus soft toy can't be topped for fans of all things dino-related? Made from knitted polyester, it can be customised with up to nine characters.
One parent reviewer wrote: "This dinosaur is soft, cuddly and cute. It is absolutely perfect for a newborn."
Another parent reviewer wrote: "Perfect for my boys 1st birthday. It arrived plucked but the company replaced it within 24 hours."
Pros
- Name or initials can be added for a personalised touch
- Option to leave leave blank/not personalise
Cons
- More characters you add, the smaller the text will be
| Size: | 27cm |
Best for sensory play
www.selfridges.com
Another sweet soft toy from Jellycat is this duck duo, featuring a parent cradling its young. It is crafted from the highest quality materials and is loved by all ages. With a fluffy exterior your bubba will love to nuzzle up to and webbed feet that are the right size for small hands to grab.
Pros: Squidgy to touch but with beans in the bottle so it can sit
Cons: Not recommended for cleaning in a washing machine
One reviewer wrote: "I bought this for my girlfriend and she loved it. It is very soft and the smaller duck detaches."
A parent reviewer said: "I bought it for my 15-year-old daughter. She loved it."
Pros
- Baby duck is detachable
- Squidgy to touch but with beans in the bottle so it can sit
Cons
- Handwash only
| Suitable from: | Birth |
| Size: | 24H x 10W cm |
Best for easy washing
www.thewhitecompany.com
The perfect playmate for the cheeky monkey in your life. He's got a curly springy tail, an embroidered face and a fleecy body that will feel nice brushed against your baby's skin.
A reviewer said: "This recipient was very pleased. It is a good quality, cute item."
Another reviewer said: "An excellent product."
Pros
- Made with recycled fibres
- Machine washable
Cons
- Lighter colour could get dirtier quicker
| Suitable from: | 0+ |
| Size: | H25cm x L25cm |
www.mamasandpapas.com
Say hello to Geoffrey! This playful giraffe is sure to be a reassuring and friendly character in your little one's life. The faux fur fabric gives it a luxury feel that's perfect for cuddles.
One reviewer wrote: "I have always loved giraffes, so happy to have found this one for our little one to be."
Another reviewer said: "So soft and cuddly; ideal for newborn welcome to the world gift."
Pros
- Super soft faux fur
- Ideal for safari-themed nurseries
Cons
- Some children may prefer a smaller toy
Best for a collectable
www.thewhitecompany.com
Jellycat soft toys have been a firm family favourite for over 20 years and it's easy to see why. They're made with super plush fabric and feature friendly faces, making them irresistibly cute. This grey bunny would make a great gift for a newborn.
Reviewed by Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert: "This gorgeous bunny will be our baby's very first cuddly toy and I couldn't asked for anything better for that purpose. As well as being adorable, it's so very soft and nice to touch. I already know it's going to get lots of cuddles."
Pros
- Super soft to touch
- Different colours available
Cons
- Wash by hand only
| Suitable from: | 3 years and up |
| Size: | 2.54 x 2.54 x 2.54 cm |
Best soft toys FAQs
What are the benefits of soft toys?
You may think that soft toys are just a cuddly companion for your little one but did you know they can aid with their development too? Plush toys help build their sensory skills and can encourage social and emotional growth too. Whether you have a baby, a toddler, or an older child, there are benefits to soft toys at every age.
Babies
Babies begin to grasp different colours, sizes and textures of the world around them from a young age. Plushes can act as sensory toys which give them new textures to touch, feel and explore.
After a while, their favourite cuddly toys will provide them with a sense of reassurance and familiarity. For this reason, stuffed toys are able to help babies self-soothe when they're distressed, providing them with some comfort and creating the illusion that they are with a loved one.
Toddlers
Your toddler's favourite teddy can help them with separation anxiety and when they move from a cot to a toddler bed. The warmth of a cuddly toy offers comfort and security that children desire when tired or facing a new change or situation.
Toddlers often use toys to project their own feelings and re-enact scenarios through role play too. This can help them build qualities such as empathy, affection and bonding, as well as helping them learn new skills.
Older children
The benefits of soft toys don't just apply to babies and toddlers. Older children and even adults may find that cuddling their treasured teddy can help soothe anxiety. Mimicking this human interaction with a cuddly toy can help to treat low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.
When can babies have toys in bed?
BabyCentre advises that it is best not to have any soft toys in your baby's cot until they're at least a year old. This ensures that their cot is a safe, clear place to sleep and reduces the risk of overheating, suffocation and other accidents.
If you're worried about what toys are safe for your little ones, look for toys that have a CE symbol or a UKCA mark. This tells you that the manufacturer has tested the toy for regulatory requirements.
How long do soft toys last?
Soft toys are often the ones that get passed down from generation to generation. With proper care and purpose-built teddy bear storage, there's no reason that your little one's favourite cuddly toy shouldn't last for years.
How we test and choose recommended products
Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.
Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe consistently provides great insights into which products mums like best and why, helping us highlight the products that will meet your needs.
For essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested. Full reviews from our mum testers can be found on our product pages. The winners and runners-up for each category will also appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.
Rosie Floyd is a Commercial Content Writer at Bauer Media, working across a number of brands including Yours, Mother&Baby and What’s The Best.