" Children love to cuddle with these "
Things that remind us of our childhood are important to many. Scents or objects bring back memories of carefree moments. To this day, almost everyone knows what their first plush or cotton friend looked like, was called or smelled like, because cuddly toys or cuddly blankets play a special role in baby and child development. They are comforters and the first self-chosen relationship. Read in the Zwergehuus magazine what should characterize a good cuddly toy or cuddle cloth and why babies already have their preferences!
Cuddling, snuggling, feeling safe and secure - these are things that every child needs in order to develop in a healthy and mentally stable way. In the arms of their parents, young children have their first and formative experience of human companionship and develop a basic trust in the world and their caregivers. Even older children cannot do without regular physical closeness. A hug, a loving kiss or a cuddle in their parents' bed in the morning give children the security, confidence and strength to cope with the challenges of life and to be able to bond with confidence as an adult.
However, mom and dad don't always have time to cuddle and can't explain to the baby why they sometimes have to disappear from their field of vision. A cuddle cloth, cuddly blanket or cuddly toy can then help as a temporary substitute and also play an important role in the child's transition phase.
The cuddle cloth - childhood friend with special status
The cuddle cloth is often given to babies in the cradle. Sometimes it is a simple cotton cloth that the mother has worn on her body while breastfeeding, for example, and which has therefore taken on her scent. The smell is the most important thing about such a cloth, hence the name "cuddle cloth". Even if the mother is not nearby, the familiar smell of the sling makes the baby feel safe and secure. Babies who do not take a pacifier are easier to soothe with a familiar cuddle cloth. During the weaning phase, the cuddle cloth helps the little one to get over the loss. Babies who are breastfed for a long time show a less pronounced need for it.
If the cloth has to be washed once, this is not usually a tragedy. A second cuddle cloth, which the mother has also carried with her, is accepted by the baby as a replacement without any problems. However, some children react sensitively here too. Later, a cuddly toy is often added to the cuddle cloth.
Other important characteristics are also attributed to this: It becomes a comforter, helps with falling asleep, dispels anxiety and loneliness and is a source of support when dealing withdifficult situations. Researchers refer to this as a so-called "transitional object".
Many parents are familiar with the chaotic situation when such a "friend" goes missing, is forgotten or simply needs to be washed. The relationship with a cuddly toy is the first self-chosen bond that a child forms. Your child's cuddly toy is therefore not just one of many, but is established as a being with feelings, thoughts and personality in your child's life. So it's no wonder that the toddler can hardly stand to watch mummy cuddle the teddy by the ears to dry. No matter how worn and cuddly the friend is, it never loses its status and is often kept until adulthood. Simply throwing away or replacing such beloved cuddly toys is a terrible betrayal of trust, from which the child suffers emotionally.
Special needs for babies and infants
The market for baby and children's accessories is huge. When it comes to cuddly products for babies, parents should pay particular attention to good workmanship and safe materials such as cotton or natural fibers in organic quality. Small parts that are easy to detach and poorly finished seams pose a risk. A cuddle cloth for babies must also be able to withstand a lot. It is tugged at, gets into the mouth and often ends up in the dirt or in a puddle unintentionally on walks. It must therefore be particularly robust and easy to care for. If you look out for the DIN-EN 71-3 test seal for safe children's toys, for example, you can be sure of their quality and suitability.
Babies also like stone bags or soft toys. These variants work like a hot water bottle, but without the risk of leakage, and produce a lasting cozy warmth close to baby. The cute warming stuffed animals are available in all kinds of shapes and sizes. They are simply heated in the microwave or oven and then continuously release their warmth into the environment. This helps with stomach pains, colic or flatulence, for example. Grape seed pillows, for example, perform a similar function.
Toddlers and cuddly toys
Even if your child chooses a companion based on aspects that parents cannot always understand (an ugly promotional gift, for example, or great-grandma's creepy porcelain doll), you should let them have their way. Cuddly toys are not status symbols. Research has shown that children choose them according to their very own criteria, which is precisely why they are so important.
Children particularly like cuddly toys that are easy to grasp and can be dragged around by their tail, ear or arms and legs. The funny cuddly friends from Doudou, for example, which are often a mixture of cuddly cloth and soft toy, are recommended here. Even if the dwarves are sometimes rough with their best friends, they don't mean it. An ideal best friend has to be able to put up with something and often acts as a substitute for unpleasant experiences.
Personal objects are important for identity development
Dealing with cuddly toys and cuddly toys promotes imagination, empathy and the ability to decide on a specific relationship in the face of an overflowing choice. Nevertheless, cuddly toys and cuddly toys cannot replace the attention of parents. For a full childhood and good development, little ones need the closeness and tenderness of their caregivers just as much as they need air to breathe or food and drink.
