When something seems beyond obvious, leave it to science to come swooping in and confirm it.  In this article from Fatherly.com, Joshua A. Krisch examines the science behind why stuffed animals are an important part of our collective lives. Follow links within the article to papers written and studies done on the subject and be astounded that studies like them have even taken place.  Science seeks knowledge,  and the knowledgeable seek comfort, and comfort seeks stuffies.