Stuffed toys are often considered to be a toddler’s first best friends. We assume that it’s just attachment on the surface level – who wouldn’t love a cute and cuddly teddy bear?

However, psychologists have confirmed that the connection runs a lot deeper than that. Bruce Hood, of the University of Bristol, and Paul Bloom of Yale University in the United States, has said so himself: “We anthropomorphise objects, look at them almost as if they have feelings. The children know these objects are not alive but they believe in them as if they are.”

So why do toddlers – of all people – need such a connection? Let’s find out:

Providing Comfort

The world can be a scary place for your toddler; they’re only just beginning to understand their surroundings better, and they’ll easily feel intimidated. Having a stuffed toy next to them keeps them from being overwhelmed with stress or anxiety, simply because a stuffed toy gives a sense of familiarity to toddlers.

This is most helpful when children go through major life events, such as welcoming a new sibling, or shifting houses for the first time. Primarily, stuffed toys help children learn how to comfort themselves without having to depend on parents all the time.

Teaching Independence

Your child might be anxious to leave your side in the playground – but with their stuffed toy, you’ll notice they become much more confident.

Stuffed toys have the ability to make children feel secure in an environment they’re not used to, or when they feel insecure. This works exceptionally well for children who have separation anxiety, where stuffed toys help them cope better. In its own way, a stuffed toy helps a toddler learn how to be more independent when dealing with the world.

Dealing With Emotions

No doubt, little toddlers have big feelings – and sometimes, it gets a bit too much for them. It’s one reason they resort to tantrums so quickly.

Stuffed toys come to the rescue by providing a healthy outlet through which children can deal with their emotions in a healthy, non-violent way. Whether it’s through role-playing, or simple cuddling, such comfort toys help children express their emotions, no matter how intense or confusing they may be.

Socialising

Stuffed toys give the best opportunity for children to engage in pretend play, where they get to role-play in different scenarios and act accordingly.

This might not seem much – but it’s actually helping your child learn the basics of socialising beyond the household; language, interactive skills, empathy and compassion are just some of the fundamental aspects of healthy social interaction.


Of course, an obsessive attachment to stuffed toys can be troublesome, especially if it persists even beyond toddler-hood. Nurseries in Dubai Marina have great potential to help manage such a problem, and Oakfield Early Learning Centre truly stands out. It offers many interesting group activities that allows children to interact – and have fun! – with one another, ultimately helping them depend less on their stuffed toys.

So the next time you see your child hugging their favourite teddy bear, be reassured of the science behind stuffed toys!