Babies love stuffed animals and soft dolls. Bonus - these kind of toys offer developmental benefits as well.
Benefits of playing with stuffed friends: At a young age, about six months or so, stuffed pals provide tactile and visual stimulation. Each stuffed friend has its own specific texture and look, and most babies love to explore the differences of various soft toys. When your baby is a year old, he may decide that one stuffed pal is the best, and that friend may become his carry-everywhere pal. Not all babies focus on one stuffed toy, but many do, and can't bear to be parted. A cherished stuffed animal can sooth your baby at bedtime, take the bite out of doctor's appointments, and calm frazzled baby tempers. Also between a year and two years of age your baby may start to act out pretend activities with his stuffed friends. Most babies act out everyday scenarios; feeding, putting their stuffed pal to bed, and telling their friend things like, "No cookies." This is great social play for your little one, and allows your baby to be in charge. Stuffed pals have parent benefits as well. As your baby becomes attached to a stuffed toy, he may be able to go longer stretches where he'll play on his own - an important step for both babies and parents. Plus, it's always nice to know that your baby has someone that helps to calm him down. Some parents worry about their kids becoming too attached to a stuffed friend, but this is normal baby and toddler behavior. Some little ones outgrow this early on, and some not until far later (elementary school years). The best thing to do is to allow your child to engage in this pretend play for as long as he needs to. Take heart; no one takes their stuffed friends off to college; well, ok, some people do, but they're not still talking with them at this point :)
