Do Children Really Like Soft Toys Intrinsicly?
A baby NEEDS SOFT TOYS
Everything goes into the mouth first and foremost, and you don’t want a baby to have messy teeth before its first teeth even come in. Soft toys are a must-have for infants as they explore the world and provide a safe and comforting touch.
Stuffed Animals: A Daily Staple for Toddlers
Stuffed animals are an everyday staple in any toddler’s bedroom. In fact, if a toddler has one favorite toy, it’s likely to be a stuffed animal. From tigers to penguins to puppies to elephants, fluffy dolls are available in all styles and sizes to accommodate almost any taste. Even in an age of fancy LEGO units and flashy digital toys, cuddly animals haven't lost their appeal among young children.
Emotional Comfort and Cuddles
The child's feelings are delicate. Soft toys come in a variety of cute little animals that can be used as toys or as partners, satisfying the emotional needs of children at different times. In addition, the soft texture of the toy has the effect of comforting and stabilizing the emotions of children who are lonely, timid, or caring.
Psychological Attraction to Soft Objects
Our psychology is designed to be attracted to soft objects. Even the contour of the object can influence our emotions, as seen in the concept of contour bias. There was a fascinating study involving baby monkeys that revealed how important soft, cuddly things are to our development and stress response.
Harry Harlow’s Monkey Study
In the early 1950s, psychologist Harry Harlow conducted an iconic study with baby monkeys. He placed baby monkeys in a cage with two synthetic surrogate mothers: one made of wire and one covered with soft cloth. The baby monkeys consistently sought out the soft cloth mother for comfort, indicating a deep-rooted need for softness and emotional security.
Comfort During Absence
Most children who love soft toys are delicate and fragile. They have a strong sense of dependence on their mothers. Soft toys are gentle and comfortable, which can help soothe a child's inner uneasiness. When the mother is not around, these toys can provide a sense of security and safety to the child.
Current Trends and Future Concerns
While soft toys remain popular, recent trends in digital and interactive toys present new challenges. However, there is a growing recognition of the importance of traditional cuddly toys for emotional and developmental benefits. In an increasingly digital world, the value of real, tactile objects cannot be understated.
Conclusion
Soft toys are more than just playthings for children; they provide emotional comfort, physical security, and a sense of bonding. The need for soft objects is hard-wired into human psychology, and it’s crucial to recognize the intrinsic value of these cuddly companions.