Humans often use stuffed animals as a sense of comfort, safety, and love. Even though stuffed animals are usually connected to babies, toddlers, and children, adults and teenagers often use them as well. It is clear that stuffed animals provide comfort and security to children when they sleep. But the connection between a child’s love for stuffed animals goes much deeper than the surface. Stuffed animals offer a sense of empathy and compassion to children, which builds the connection between the child and their toy. Stuffed animals often act as an object of safety, because many times children discuss their feelings and emotions with the stuffed animals as if it was a human, and further make the connection with the toy to the child much deeper. Stuffed animals reassure children that all will be okay, and children will also reassure their animals that things are okay, because they build a deep and emotional connection between their toys (Bunnies by the Bay). The familiarity of the stuffed animals provides babies with comfort in scary situations, and the warmth of stuffed animals is said to mimic the warmth of a parent, which further enhances the sense of security and reduces stress as well. 

As for adults, it is a little different since the way adults perceive things differs from children. But it still provides many of the same benefits. Psychologists have proven that adults who connect with their childhood stuffed animals often receive emotional regulation benefits (Toynk). Stuffed animals are classified as “transitional objects,” which are comforting items that essentially ease the transition from dependence to independence. The transition becomes easier due to the emotional support and reassurance these objects bring. Adults can also have common fears like darkness or sleeping alone, and stuffed animals can provide the comfort they long for. Now, there is a deeper concept as to why some adults might use stuffed animals as comfort and safety. 

When adults gain an unusual, large dependence on stuffed animals or transitional objects, it is important to note that it can be one of the first signs of BPD, which stands for Borderline Personality Disorder. Borderline Personality Disorder is associated with unstable personal relationships, a failure to be alone for a long time, an inability to calm down, and agitation. BPD is often caused by childhood trauma or when one was “abandoned” as a child. Adults with Borderline Personality Disorder often long for a sense of a responsible caregiver who truly cares for them. When an adult lacks this aspect in their life, they turn to stuffed animals to replace that void. Patients with BPD can not control their emotions nor soothe themselves, so the stuffed animals act as someone they can turn to in order to communicate (Plush This). Luke Moyer (12) explains, “I have always gotten stuffed animals as gifts for the people I knew enjoyed them, but I never knew the deeper and true meaning behind it. Learning that people use stuffed animals as comfort for specific disorders is super fascinating.”

Lastly, autistic children also connect and use stuffed animals for their own purposes as well. Alongside the comfort and safety it provides them, it also acts as a sensory object for those with this disorder. Many people with autism often deal with high sensory issues, and stuffed animals are known to have great sensory regulation benefits. Stuffed animals have a touch that resonates greatly with autistic children ​​ because the feeling stuffed animals provide is very similar to deep pressure therapy, a technique that is used for autistic children to regulate their sensory issues. Weighted stuffed animals are another type of stuffed animals that ease nerves and become especially helpful during high-stress moments (Autism Parenting). Abby Reddick (12) tells us that, “When I assisted with Unified Sports, I was in constant contact with kids who had autism, and many times they always carried stuffed animals. I knew that they had provided some comfort for them, but hearing about this truly changes my perception of why kids with autism hold them so near to their hearts.”

All in all, stuffed animals connect with children, adults, and even children with special needs on an extremely deep level. Stuffed animals have extraordinary benefits besides their cuteness. Whenever you feel alone or anxious, never be afraid to grab the stuffed animal.