The teddy bear isn’t just for kids anymore! Teddy bears are now commonly given to newborns as their first toys. And they can continue to be treasured possessions throughout childhood and adulthood. Here are some of the best reasons to buy a teddy bear as your new baby’s first toy, including how to choose the perfect teddy bear for your baby boy or girl.
What is a Teddy Bear?
A teddy bear is also known as a teddy or teddy bear. It is a type of soft toy, named after President Theodore Roosevelt. Nowadays it is associated with children and babies. The Teddy Bear was first created in 1902 by Morris Michtom and made out of wood. They were then called Teddy bears because they had been designed to be sold to raise money for Roosevelt’s election campaign.
They later became popularized when Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot an injured bear cub during a hunting trip. After he refused, his staff found him something called Teddy’s bears instead so that they could try to win him over on another idea using the popularity of what he had previously done on another one involving shooting animals. Once it became more famous than what has initially happened, more people began buying them just because of how popular they were getting at that time period.
Benefits of Buying Teddy Bears
Children learn about love and caring from birth. They already sense it in every hug, kiss, and cuddle they receive. But when you add in their favorite stuffed animal or teddy bear, they get something more. They gain security, protection, and support. A soft toy fills a special need in children’s lives: It’s someone who loves them no matter what! Teddy bears never criticize or abandon their child when things get tough; instead, they reassure kids that they’re worthy of love and affection.
And throughout life, that connection never fades—children often hold onto their soft toys well into adulthood. It’s why many adults treasure their childhood toys—even if they just turn to them once in a while for comfort during stressful times. Because kids also relate to teddy bears on an emotional level, it helps them be aware of their feelings sooner than other plush animals do. No wonder so many adults have continued to keep their beloved teddy bears through thick and thin! Buying a gift that brings lifelong joy? That sounds pretty sweet! Take your pick today!
How to Choose
If you’re looking to buy a teddy bear, then there are several factors to take into consideration. Obviously, you want to look at the size. If your little one is already on his or her way, then it might be best to just wait until they arrive and buy something that fits right away. For smaller kids, look for something that’s still soft and cuddly but small enough that your child won’t choke if they try and put it in their mouth. One key thing to watch out for? Scratchy tags. Try to find bears with plastic labels so your baby doesn’t get red marks all over their neck when you go to take them off. Also, don’t forget about scents! We all know how much babies love anything new—so pick up a plush animal that smells nice too! That way, your kid will love snuggling with their furry friend even more than usual.
Must Read Babies Creative Toys
Safety Concerns
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against toys with small parts and advises against plush toys that contain squeakers. This is because both could present choking hazards. The same goes for any stuffed animals with small, removable pieces. However, if you know your child will be gentle and well supervised, and if you’re able to remove any squeakers quickly when they become loose, there’s no reason why soft plush can’t be your baby’s first toy. If it is given as a gift before your baby is born, inspect it carefully to ensure that all parts are intact and firmly sewn on before presenting it to your little one. And always supervise play so that safety concerns don’t turn into safety issues.
Choose fabric over latex or vinyl when possible, since these materials are free from lead, BPA, and phthalates. Go for natural fibers such as wool and cotton whenever possible; synthetic fabrics made from plastic may melt under high heat, so leave it at home during those summer BBQs. Turn off those noisy batteries: Remove batteries from stuffed animals at bedtime so your baby doesn’t wake up in the middle of the night searching for a lost eye or earring—and instead look for you! Hangtags might be cute but potentially dangerous: Cut off any plastic or metal hangtags before giving a new plush toy to a young child, who might try to rip them off and swallow them. They can also cause injuries by pulling too hard on threads attached to them.