How to Love Your Stuffed Animal

Co-authored by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann

Last Updated: November 9, 2024 Approved

In general, all kids cherish a stuffed animal companion to talk to, take care of, play with and love. And as parents often won't give their children a pet, a stuffed animal is the perfect choice. It has the cuddly feel of a real pet as well as being cute and something to care for. While no article can fully express how to love your new companion, this guide will give you some suggestions for showing your love for your stuffed animals.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Caring for a New Stuffed Animal

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When adopting or buying a stuffed animal, decide wisely on what you will choose. Size, shape, colour, texture and the type of animal all make a difference to your feelings for the little critter.
This will make it seem like a real companion for you.

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Or you could just make a bed for it. If it's very big or likes cuddling with you, it can live on your bed.

Part 2

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Spending Time with Your Stuffed Animal

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This helps it to feel wanted. If you absolutely cannot take your stuffed animal with you, tell him or her they can't come and give them a hug, kiss or both.
2
Do fun projects with your stuffed animal companion. Do things such as:
- Making a bedroom for it
- Papier mâché projects
- Have a party/tea party with other stuffed animals.
- Have a sleepover party with other stuffed animals.
- Write a story.
- Draw funny pictures and caricatures of people.
- Read a good story.
- Cooking or baking pretend food.
- Put in a movie and cuddle up on the sofa with a tub of popcorn.
- Brush each other's fur and hair.
- Play some make-believe games.
- Take a walk and tell each other some personal things.
- Draw a family tree of all the family members in existence.
- Play doctor with your companion or on your companion.
- Go shopping and look at the new teddy bear styles.
The best way of showing your stuffed animal or teddy you love him or her is to do things with them and have fun together.

Part 3

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Taking Care of Your Stuffed Animal

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If your teddy or stuffed animal receives a tear or loses parts, leave it on a little hospital bed until you can stitch it up. Ask an adult to help you, especially if parts need replacing.
Your stuffed animal might like being groomed once in a while. Brush him or her with a soft brush.
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Wash your stuffed animal at least once a month.
- For stuffed animals without batteries, place them inside preferably in a closed pillowcase and toss them in the washer. Use 1 tbsp of laundry detergent and distilled white vinegar for the rinse cycle to deodorize and remove any detergent residue.
- Stuffed animals with batteries, spot clean (removing small marks), dip a clean old toothbrush into the soapy water and gently rub over the mark.
- Make sure you always care for your animal!

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Tips

Don't believe people if they tell you that it is weird to still love your stuffed animals. You're developing both empathy and a good imagination.

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Give each other presents for celebrations or festive events.

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Kiss or hug your stuffed animal before you go to bed, then say "goodnight".

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Be cautious when bringing your stuffed animal outside. Bring a blanket for the ground if you're in a place with dirt or mud. If you leave it on an outdoor chair while you play, be careful that the chair isn’t wet or dirty. And remember not to leave it outdoors when you're done playing outside!
If you're bringing it to school, ask your parents first and make sure your teacher knows. Keep it in your desk or your backpack during class and only play with it when your teacher allows you to, like during snack time or recess.
Take your stuffed animal with you if you go on a vacation! Make sure to take loads of photos as well. You could even make a scrapbook of your adventures!
If you have a pet (specifically one that likes to destroy things), keep your stuffed animal somewhere your pet can’t get to it.

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Warnings

Be careful when taking the stuffed animal out––always check you still have it when you return home. If taking it to school, be sure that it is safe to do so.

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Ask a parent before washing or cleaning the stuffed toy. They may have useful advice that spares it from being ruined.

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If your stuffed animal needs stitching, take care. It's always best to ask for help.

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If your stuffed toy isn't able to get wet, don't take it to places where this is a possibility.

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Avoid feeding the stuffed animal real food, as it can easily stain the artificial fur.

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If you know people will tease you for loving your stuffed animal, don't show them the toy.

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