Living / 17 August, 2026 / Christina Walter
There’s something incredibly special about watching a child care for their favourite toy. Whether they’re feeding a teddy, comforting a doll or tucking their baby into bed, these small acts of kindness are often where empathy, imagination and confidence begin to grow. Nurturing play gives little ones the chance to explore the caring behaviours they see around them every day. It can help children make sense of feelings, practise kindness and build their own stories through imaginative play. Sometimes it even opens the door to conversations about emotions, especially when it feels easier to
talk about how a toy or doll is feeling rather than themselves.
That’s where Luvibubs comes in, bringing a little extra magic to the familiar world of nurturing and imaginative play.
For children who love looking after baby dolls, the new Luvibubs range from Moose Toys adds a rather magical twist. With a little water and care, children can watch their Luvibub grow from the soil before revealing a baby doll ready to be cuddled, comforted and looked after.
The excitement doesn’t stop once their baby arrives. The pot transforms into a highchair, while the watering can becomes a beaker, giving little ones even more ways to care for their new arrival.
From feeding and cuddling to settling their Luvibub down for a nap, children can create their own caring routines and imaginative stories. It is a playful way to encourage nurturing behaviours while giving children the freedom to decide what happens next.
There’s something quite lovely about the anticipation of waiting for their magical surprise to arrive. As the sprout pops up through the soil and slowly starts to grow into a baby, the reactions are adorable!
Once their Luvibub arrives, the caring play can really begin. Perhaps their baby needs a feed, a cuddle after a busy day or a cosy nap before the next adventure.
Every child will create their own stories, discovering new ways to care, nurture and imagine as they play.
Let them take the lead
If their doll is upset, ask what they think is wrong rather than giving them the answer. Their imagination might surprise you.
Talk about feelings
Questions such as, “Why do you think your baby is feeling sad?” can be a gentle way to introduce conversations about feelings and emotions.
Make everyday routines part of play
If it’s time for bed, your child’s baby can get ready too with a bedtime story, a blanket and a goodnight cuddle.
Encourage imaginative adventures
Their baby might be going shopping, having a picnic or visiting the doctor. A blanket can become a bed, while a cardboard box can become a cot.
Let their story change
Don’t worry about doing it “right”. Nurturing play is about letting children make up their own stories.
Sometimes their baby will be lovingly tucked into bed, while other times they might be taken on a very important adventure around the garden. The only storyline is the one they make up for themselves, and it might change every day!
Whether they’re settling their baby down for a nap, taking them on an adventure or giving them an extra cuddle, every child will create their own unique Luvibubs story.
And with every caring moment, they’re discovering that a little love can go a long way.
Luvibubs is now available from Smyths, Argos, Amazon and Very.
Sponsored content in collaboration with Moose Toys.
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