Some toys are played with for a season. Soft toys are different. They are carried, cuddled, whispered to and dragged around by one ear, and some of them stay with us for life.
But the right soft toy for a newborn is not the right one for a five-year-old. So here is my gentle guide to choosing a soft friend at every age.
Newborn to 6 months - something soft to hold
In the first months, babies explore with their hands, eyes and mouths. A small, light comforter or a soft rattle is perfect - something easy to grasp, with a gentle texture and a friendly face.
Look for embroidered eyes and noses rather than hard plastic ones, and nothing with long ribbons or loose parts. Gentle, natural colours are lovely, and a soft crinkle or quiet rattle inside gives little ones something to discover.
One important note: the HSE advises keeping the cot completely clear while your baby sleeps, with no toys, teddies or anything soft or fluffy. Soft toys are for cuddles and awake time, not for sleeping alongside.
6 to 12 months - textures and first favourites
As babies sit up and start to reach, they love toys they can squeeze, shake and pass from hand to hand. Small plush animals with different textures - curly, velvety, ribbed - are wonderful at this stage.
This is often when a first favourite appears. You may notice your baby reaching for the same bunny or bear again and again. If they do, that little friend is likely to become very important.
1 to 3 years - a teddy to carry everywhere
Toddlers want a friend who comes along for everything - to the shops, to granny's, to crèche and back. A medium-sized teddy or soft animal, small enough to carry and big enough to hug, is ideal.
This is the age when soft toys start to join in with everyday life. They are fed pretend dinners, tucked into buggies and given long, serious talks. Choose something sturdy, with strong seams, that can survive being loved hard - and washed often.
3 years and up - characters and stories
Big kids love soft toys with personality. Animals with clothes, little families of characters, or a larger plush friend to sit on the bed. Many children begin to name their toys, give them stories, and even start a small collection.
From three, you will also see more toys with small details, such as buttons, accessories or tiny outfits. These often carry a "not suitable for children under 36 months" warning, because small parts can be a choking risk for younger children. It is always worth checking the label, especially if there is a baby in the house too.
What to look for at any age
- The CE mark and an age label, so you know it meets European toy safety standards.
- Embroidered features for babies and toddlers.
- Strong, neat stitching with no gaps.
- A care label that suits real life - if it can be washed, it will be.
- A face you love. It sounds simple, but children often choose the toy whose face feels kind.
A few of my favourite makers
Kaloo is a French brand that has been making soft companions since 1998. Their fabrics are chosen for sensitive skin, and their comforters and baby plush are a beautiful first gift.
NICI is a German brand that has been making plush toys since 1986. Their comforters, teddies and guardian angels come in soft, natural colours, and they are kindly priced, so they are easy to give.
Orange Toys has been designing soft toys in Latvia since 2005. Every character is created by their own designers and given a name, a personality and a story of its own, and many arrive in a gift box. They are lovely for bigger children who are starting to name, dress up and collect their toys.
Keeping soft toys lovely
- Always check the care label first.
- Many soft toys can be washed gently at a low temperature, inside a pillowcase or laundry bag.
- Let them dry naturally, then give them a soft fluff.
- Check seams from time to time, and mend small gaps before they grow.
A friend for every age
The soft toys we love as children often become the ones we keep, long after we have grown up. Whether you are choosing for a newborn or a big kid, I hope this helps you find the right little friend.
Come take a look at our soft toys. Every order is wrapped by hand here in Cork, and you can add a gift message at checkout.
With love, Anita
