Some toys are just toys. So what is the difference between those and those who help children? And how does one become the other?
Softness is the key. A large, robust study found that one in three children express attachment to an inanimate object like a stuffed animal , but only 7% of those kids are enamored with a hard toy like a figurine (sorry Woody and Buzz). Thirty-one percent of children were attached to Teddy bear or other soft dolls, beating attachment to security blankets by several percentage points, but falling short of the 38% that clung to soft fabrics (mostly rags or scraps of fabric).
But the Teddy bear don't just capitalize on the human need to snuggle up to something soft. They are designed to evoke confidence and affection, according to a 2012 article. Citing research conducted by legendary zoologist Konrad Lorenz in 1950, the authors note that a short face, broad forehead, protruding cheeks and maladaptive limb movements all naturally seem to make well-proportioned humans with glassy eyes. Later studies confirmed Lorenz's suspicions. Stephen J. Gould even went so far as to claim that when Disney's first, mischievous Mickey Mouse took on its adorable, modern form, Mickey's face evolved as a result.
Historically, the Teddy bears have always walked on the same sacred ground . The authors of the 2012 article note that an early teddy bear from 1903—derived from a photo of President Teddy Roosevelt with a brown bear—had a low forehead and a long snout. Over time, the vintage teddy bears were replaced by newer models with broad foreheads, short muzzles and dominant cheeks.
Cartoon characters do the same, and the animals most often selected as pets also tend to have them."
The Stuffed animals are a universal staple in a child's bedroom . In fact, if a child only has one toy, it's likely to be a stuffed animal. From tigers and penguins to dogs and elephants, plush dolls come in all shapes and sizes and suit almost every taste. Each era and generation have their toys, some are robots, others dinosaurs, dolls or even Smartphones for the youngest, yet soft toys are timeless.
In this article we present six reasons why children love soft toys.
1. PLUSH TOYS ENCOURAGE EDUCATION
After being handled all day, children want a chance to play adult. Stuffed animals are great beneficiaries of a child's supposed attention and discipline . They are small, light, humanoid and perfectly docile. By carrying out fun activities such as the dinette or quite simply by giving free rein to the imagination of the child, the latter feels able to control the situation. Studies prove that the imagination of the child but also the games which solicit the imagination, are important factors for the intellectual faculties and the development of the child. In fact, if a child only has one toy, it's likely to be a stuffed animal. From tigers and penguins to dogs and elephants, plush dolls come in all shapes and sizes and suit almost every taste. Each generation and each era have their favorite toys, it can be a doll, LEGO or even smartphones, yet soft toys are timeless and that's what makes them so charming.
2. STUFFED ANIMALS AND EDUCATION
After being handled all day, children want a chance to play adult. Stuffed animals are the great beneficiaries of a child's supposed attention and discipline. They are small, light, humanoid and perfectly docile. By carrying out fun activities such as the dinette or quite simply by giving free rein to the imagination of the child, the latter feels able to control the situation. Studies prove that the imagination of the child but also the games which solicit the imagination, are important factors for the intellectual faculties and the development of the child. Moreover, at three years old, nothing beats the extraordinary feeling of having a "baby" with a cat's head or an alligator's tail.
3. PLUSH TOYS ARE ALWAYS SMILING
stuffed animals always bring joy and good humor to those around them , in short they are never gloomy! No matter how many times they are let loose, sat up, or left alone, they always greet their owners with comforting and reassuring smiles. the presence of soft toys gives the impression that the world is more pink and joyful, the child will feel reassured and will never have a problem no matter what happens to him. Mom, Dad or the teacher may be disappointed, but Teddy is never disappointed.
4. THE PLUSHES AND THE BEST CUDDLES
Nothing chases away the blues like a warm, fluffy hug, and it doesn't get warmer or fluffier than a stuffed animal. Plus, stuffed animals take the longest, most intense hugs without having to gasp or rush to answer the phone. On the other hand, hugging a toy robot or a Barbie doll is no match for this irrepressible sweetness.
5. PLUSHES ARE EASY TO CARE FOR
For a child, nothing is easier than picking up stuffed animals from the floor after playing. Their overstuffed bodies are gentle on little hands, and putting them away often means tossing them on the child's bed (happily). When the stuffed animal itself needs cleaning, a quick run through the washing machine is usually enough. But picking up a barrel of building blocks is a real chore, and besides, it hurts when you step on it.
6. PLUSHES ARE RELIABLE TOYS
Teddy bears or stuffed animals in general are companions who have significant longevity no matter what happens to them. Indeed, unlike other toys that end up forgotten or damaged or even broken by the child. Plushes do not get lost, do not break or degrade. They don't have screens that creak, batteries that run out, or parts that get lost. A child can pick up or drop off a stuffed animal at any time without worry and without getting tired. They are perfect for car or plane rides. If a stuffed animal rips, it can be repaired with a needle, thread, and some extra fluff. With their indulgent smiles, hugs and longevity, stuffed animals really are the perfect friends.
