Plush and cuddly toys for children

Stuffed animals, plush toys, and plush toys are among the most enduring companions in childhood. They provide comfort, serve as playmates, and are often a part of everyday life for many years. Sometimes a classic teddy bear, sometimes a detailed animal figure, or a plush toy family with mother and baby animals – these soft companions combine closeness, comfort, and imagination.

Stuffed animals are ubiquitous in everyday life: in the crib, the children's room, the playpen, the stroller, or in the car. Many children develop one or more favorite stuffed animals over time, which are indispensable in important situations such as falling asleep, during times of change, or when traveling.

• Cuddly toys, plush toys and stuffed animals as emotional companions in the everyday life of babies and children.
• A variety of shapes – from classic teddy bears to animal figures and plush toy families.
• Soft materials and a pleasant feel create a sense of closeness and security.
• Suitable for different age groups with clearly stated recommendations for each model.

Why cuddly toys are so important for babies and children

Stuffed animals can play a central role from an early stage of development. They serve as a familiar constant when the environment or routines change, and help many children cope with transitions – such as falling asleep in their own bed, starting daycare, or their first overnight stay away from home.

• In infancy, soft stuffed animals offer a comforting presence and familiar feel.
• Toddlers often use cuddly toys as a "transitional object" that offers security and recognition.
• In preschool age, stuffed animals are often included in role-playing games and take on fixed roles in fantasy worlds.
• Even older children often keep certain favorite stuffed animals for many years for emotional reasons.

Across all age groups, it's not just about the toy itself, but also about rituals, memories and moments associated with the cuddly toy – from bedtime rituals to everyday family life.

Safety of cuddly toys: Standards, materials and age recommendations

Safety is paramount when it comes to cuddly toys, plush toys, and stuffed animals. Parents look for labels and testing standards to choose suitable models for their child's age. Copiloo's product range includes only items that meet legal requirements and are designed for use with babies and children.

• All cuddly toys in the range are CE marked and comply with the relevant European toy standards.
• Tests according to EN 71-1/-2/-3 (mechanical and physical properties, flammability and selected chemical requirements).
• Each item has its own age recommendation; many models are suitable from 0+.
• The materials used, seams and details are designed for regular use in children's everyday lives.

In addition to testing standards, practical aspects also play a role – for example, whether eyes and noses can be cut out of the material, how robust the seams are, and how easy the cuddly toy is to clean. These points are factored into the product range selection.

Types of cuddly toys: from teddy bears to plush toy families

The term "cuddly toy" encompasses a wide range of shapes and concepts. Some children prefer classic teddy bears, others are drawn to specific animal species, or develop a special relationship with plush toy families consisting of mother and baby animals.

• Classic teddy bears with a timeless design.
• Animal figurines from forest, farm, sea or fantasy worlds.
• Plush toy families with mother and baby animals that can be used together.
• Stuffed animals with special features such as integrated belly compartments or combination options of figure and baby animal.

Copiloo's product range focuses particularly on plush toy families, where the mother and baby belong together and the figures complement each other in play.

Select cuddly toys according to age

Choosing the right cuddly toy depends heavily on the child's age and its intended use. Key factors include safety, size, feel, and design.

• Infancy (0–12 months):Focus on soft, rather compact cuddly toys without small parts that could be swallowed, often with clearly indicated suitability for children 0+.
• Toddler age (1–3 years):Stuffed animals are allowed to be larger, more striking and more expressive; they are increasingly integrated into role-playing games and taken everywhere.
• Preschool age (3–6 years):Children increasingly choose toys based on stories, animals, or colors, and actively incorporate cuddly toys into fantasy and everyday situations.
• School age:Individual cuddly toys remain important as familiar companions in certain situations, even when other interests come into play.

Across all age groups, the official age recommendation helps with classification, but does not replace a conscious consideration of the individual child and the intended purpose.

Materials and feel of plush toys and stuffed animals

The choice of materials influences both the feel and the care properties of cuddly toys. Depending on their intended use – for example, as a constant sleep companion or more as a playmate – different surface textures and fillings can be appropriate.

• Soft plush surfaces for an exceptionally high cuddle factor.
• Textured fabrics or details for haptic variety and tactile stimulation.
• Stable yet soft fillings for a shape that is easy to grasp.
• Easy-care materials that make everyday cleaning easier.

Crucial is a balanced combination of a pleasant feel against the skin, sufficient stability and reliable workmanship – especially when cuddly toys are used daily.

Care and hygiene of cuddly toys

Stuffed animals are constantly in use and have close contact with children's faces, hands, and often mouths. Regular cleaning helps keep them hygienic and ensures they last a long time.

• Many cuddly toys are suitable for machine washing – the information on the label or packaging is crucial.
• Gentle washing programs and mild detergents help to preserve colors and surfaces.
• Smaller stains can often be removed with a damp cloth and a little mild soap.
• Stuffed animals should be completely dry after washing before being used again.

With careful maintenance, the soft texture of the plush toys is preserved for longer, and the cuddly toys can remain companions in children's everyday lives for a long time.

Things to consider when choosing a cuddly toy

When choosing a cuddly toy, plush toy, or stuffed animal, people usually combine safety aspects, visual preferences, and the intended use. Several criteria can help with the decision.

• Age recommendation and testing standards (CE, EN 71) as a basis for selection.
• Size and shape appropriate to the age and height of the child.
• Motif and animal type in accordance with preferences and interests.
• Care requirements – whether the cuddly toy should be washed regularly or cleaned only in specific spots.
• Processing of details such as eyes, nose, ears and seams.

Depending on the occasion – for example, as a birth gift, for a birthday or as an addition to the children's room – certain aspects such as size, design or material may be more prominent.

Stuffed animals as a gift idea

Stuffed animals, plush toys, and soft toys are among the classic gift ideas for babies and children. They combine emotional value, closeness, and practical use, making them suitable for a variety of occasions – from births and christenings to birthdays and seasonal celebrations.

Thanks to the wide range of animal motifs, shapes and sizes, a suitable companion can be found for almost every child – be it as a first fabric friend for the baby bed or as a characterful figure for imaginative role-playing games in preschool age.

Stuffed animals at Copiloo

Copiloo's plush toy selection focuses on select brands and concepts distinguished by thoughtful design, proven quality, and a clear profile. A particular emphasis is placed on plush toy families, where the mother and baby belong together and are meant to be played with together.

• Mamaanimals: Plush toy families with a mother and babies that are stored inside the mother's belly and can attach to her teats thanks to magnets. Copiloo offers a wide selection ofMamaanimals cuddly toys, including variants such asStuffed cat,Stuffed dogandStuffed rabbit.
• Les Déglingos: Plush toys and stuffed animals with strong personalities and mother-and-baby themes, such as...Whale plush toy, Turtle plush toy, Seahorse plush toyorKoala plush toy
• A selection of other models can be found in the collection Les Déglingos.
• In addition, the product range includes other cuddly toys and stuffed animals with animal motifs from the sea, forest, farm and fantasy world.

The combination of clear safety standards, carefully selected brands and a focus on everyday cuddly toys makes the "Plush and Cuddly Toys" category at Copiloo a go-to place for anyone looking for a reliable fabric friend for babies and children – whether as a permanent companion or as a special gift.