Teddy Bears Australia - First Teddy Bears, Plush & Soft Toys for Every Age
A teddy bear is more than a toy. For babies and young children, a soft, familiar bear becomes a comfort object, a sleep companion, and a first friend - something they carry through the early years and often well beyond. At Peekaboo Baby, our teddy bear range brings together the world's most trusted plush brands, from newborn-safe first bears through to collectible characters for older children. We stock Gund, one of the most respected names in plush toys globally, alongside a curated selection of premium soft toys from brands that prioritise safety, softness, and quality stitching that holds up to years of cuddles.
Whether you are shopping for a baby shower gift, a first Christmas present, or a special birthday bear, our range has options at every budget. Browse teddy bears by age, from newborn-safe options with no detachable parts to larger collector-style bears for kids who love to build a plush collection. For more soft toy options, explore our full plush toys range including character plush, plush dolls, and blankies and loveys designed for comfort and sleep.
What to look for when choosing a teddy bear or plush toy
- Age-appropriate safety - For babies under 12 months, choose bears with embroidered features rather than button eyes, no detachable ribbons, and no long pile that could shed. Check that the toy meets Australian safety standard AS/NZS 8124 and carries an age-appropriate label.
- Softness and fill quality - The best first teddy bears use high-quality polyester fill that keeps its shape through years of squeezing, washing, and dragging around the house. Gund is particularly known for its premium fill and ultra-soft fabrics.
- Washability - A bear that cannot be washed will not last. Look for surface-washable or machine-washable options, and check the care label. Bears that go to sleep with a baby every night need to be kept clean, so this matters more than most parents expect.
- Size - Newborn bears should be small enough to hold comfortably but large enough to not be a choking hazard. Toddler comfort bears are typically 20 to 35cm. Larger display or collector bears (40cm+) are better suited to older children.
- Character and brand - Gund is famous for classic bears with distinctive faces that become beloved over time. Character bears tied to books or TV shows - Winnie the Pooh, Paddington, Rupert - make particularly meaningful gifts for families who love those stories.
Looking for a special gift? Browse our gifts and keepsakes range or explore gifts by age. For newborn gift ideas, our newborn gifts section has beautifully curated options that pair a bear with other essentials.
Teddy Bears - Frequently Asked Questions
For a baby's first teddy bear, safety is the top priority. Choose a bear with embroidered or stitched features rather than button eyes, no detachable ribbons or accessories, and a high-density fill that will not clump. The bear should meet Australian toy safety standards and carry a label confirming it is suitable from birth. Softness and washability are also key - a first bear will be handled constantly, so it needs to hold up. Gund's baby bear range is a popular choice for first bears, with ultra-soft fabrics and embroidered safe features.
Many teddy bears in our range are suitable from birth, but always check the individual product age recommendation. For babies under 12 months, loose soft toys in the sleep space are not recommended by safe sleep guidelines - a first teddy is for awake playtime and cuddles rather than sleeping in the cot. From around 12 months, a comfort bear can become a sleep companion. Always check the product label for the recommended minimum age before purchasing.
Yes. We stock a range of Gund plush toys, including classic Gund teddy bears, the popular Peekaboo range of interactive plush, and a selection of Gund's character and baby collections. Gund has been making soft toys since 1898 and is one of the most trusted plush brands in the world, known for exceptional softness, quality stitching, and designs that hold up beautifully over time.
Many of our teddy bears are surface washable or suitable for a gentle machine wash in a laundry bag. Check the care label on each individual product as washing instructions vary - particularly for bears with electronic components, music boxes, or delicate embellishments. For well-loved everyday bears, it is always worth checking washability before purchasing, as a bear that cannot be cleaned will quickly become unwearable for daily use.
A teddy bear is one of the most classic and reliably appreciated baby gifts. Unlike many newborn items, a quality bear is something a child will keep and treasure for years, making it a gift with genuine longevity. Gund bears are particularly popular as gift choices - they are beautifully packaged, recognisable, and perceived as a premium gift. Pairing a bear with a matching lovey blanket or a keepsake set makes for an especially thoughtful newborn gift.
Yes. Peekaboo Baby ships Australia-wide with free delivery on orders over $129. We dispatch from Melbourne with fast delivery to all states and territories including regional areas. For orders under $129, a flat-rate shipping fee applies. All orders are carefully packaged to arrive in gift-ready condition.