The best baby soothing toy should be safe, cuddly, and comforting while in the womb. It should also provide a sense of security once your baby is born. The right plush toy can help calm a crying infant and ease any feelings of loneliness or isolation in a new environment. But how do you pick the perfect toy? Here are a few things to consider before making your purchase.
Health and Safety
A high-quality toy should be both safe and comfortable. A baby’s developing nervous system is sensitive to noise and textures. So, the baby soother you select mustn’t present any immediate health risks, like a loose button or chemical-tainted stuffing. Additionally, when cats are exposed to latex, they can experience an allergic reaction that manifests as hives. So, if you own a cat and plan on using the toy with your infant, choose one without latex or strong scents that could trigger an allergic reaction.
Softness and Cuddliness
The best baby soothing toy should be soft and fluffy. This is more than just a preference, it’s a necessity. Babies are extremely sensitive to touch. They can’t tell the difference between a hard toy and a plush one so you want to pick something that will be gentle on their skin.
Your baby will spend many hours asleep in your arms or on their own, snuggled up with their favorite cuddly toy. The last thing you want is for your child to wake up feeling discomfort from the fabric they’re laying on. A plush toy not only feels better but also resembles the sensation of being in the womb which can help calm some babies down if they’re feeling anxious or upset about being outside of your uterus for the first time in their lives.
Comfort
The best baby soothing toy will be comfortable. Babies can feel independent when they are in the womb and need something to cuddle with so they feel secure. These toys should also provide comfort once your little one is born.
A good idea is to choose a plush toy that has a lot of different textures, smooth material, on each side. This will give your baby an assortment of comforting sensations to explore during those first few days of life.
It is important to make sure the baby’s soother is machine-washable as well as durable for any accidents that might happen in infancy. You also want it to be a size that your baby can hold onto but not too big so it doesn’t get lost and swallowed or become a choking hazard.
Style
When it comes to choosing a toy, the style is up to you. Some toys are more cuddly and comforting like a stuffed animal or pillow. Other toys have more of an educational value, like interactive ones that teach colors or numbers. Some combine both of these styles in one toy, so it’s important to think about what your preferences are and which style would be best for your baby.
Each baby is unique and will have different needs, so you must take some time to consider which features your baby needs in a toy before you make a purchase. Some of these features include softness, cuddliness, and comfort, which can make any soothing toy the perfect choice for your baby.