Forget stuffed animals—this 5-year-old’s bedtime buddy has everyone talking

A 5-year-old girl has gone viral on TikTok for choosing a bedtime buddy no one saw coming: a life-size Chucky doll. Yes, that Chucky—the horror movie icon with the overalls, red hair, and menacing grin. But to her? He’s just a snuggle buddy.

The viral clip, which has racked up 1.4 million views and first reported by Newsweek, shows the little girl cuddling up with her oversized doll as part of her bedtime routine. Her mom captioned the video with a mix of humor and disbelief: “Is there any other 5-year-old girl in the world that sleeps with a life-size Chucky Doll?? Or is it just mine …”

@katelynnevin The other Teddy’s sitting there like 🤨🤨 #fyp #foryou #daughter #babytok #trending #viralvideos #weird #obsession #Chucky #chuckydoll #dolls #stuffedanimals #abcxyz #xyzabc #momsontiktok ♬ Pretty Little Baby – Stereo Mix – Connie Francis

Related: Teddy bears aren’t just for kids—why comfort objects might help adults sleep better too

When comfort comes in unexpected forms

While many children find solace in plush animals or cozy blankets, others—like this little girl—form bonds with comfort objects that are a bit more…unexpected.

And she’s not alone. A toddler recently went viral for carrying around a wooden cutting board as a beloved comfort item. These moments remind us that when it comes to emotional security, it’s not about what the object looks like—it’s about what it means.

For Georgia’s mom—a professional makeup artist with a passion for SFX and Halloween—the attachment isn’t totally surprising. “It has mainly been Chucky she has really clung to, every Halloween she HAS to be Chucky, Chucky birthday cakes, and even when she was 2 for a good six months she wouldn’t let me bath her unless the water was ‘Chucky water,’ (which was a dash of orange facepaint in the bath),” she explained to Newsweek.

Her love for the character runs deep, but it’s all rooted in play. Georgia has never seen the actual horror movies. In a now-viral video, her mom pans across a bed full of plush friends—Dumbo, Stitch, a unicorn, a lineup of teddy bears—and nestled among them is Georgia, fast asleep, arms wrapped tightly around her Chucky doll.

The science behind comfort objects

Comfort objects, or transitional objects, play a pivotal role in a child’s emotional development. Introduced by pediatrician and psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott, the concept describes items that help children navigate the transition from complete dependence to growing independence. These objects offer a sense of stability and reassurance, especially during times of stress or change.

Research suggests that about 60% of children in Western cultures develop strong attachments to comfort objects. Experts say these connections are healthy and beneficial, helping kids manage anxiety, self-soothe, and build resilience. Whether it’s a fuzzy bunny, a tattered blanket, or a grinning doll from a horror film, comfort objects serve as a tangible source of emotional support.

Related: Mom checks on toddler at bedtime—and is stunned to see what’s snuggled up next to her

How to support your child’s comfort object—no matter how quirky

It can be surprising (or downright baffling) when your child bonds with an object that’s outside the norm. But their attachment has real meaning, and supporting it can make a difference in their emotional well-being. Here’s how:

• Prioritize safety: Make sure the item doesn’t have choking hazards, sharp edges, or toxic materials.
  
• Keep it clean: Wash or wipe down the object regularly, especially if it’s unconventional or hard to sanitize.
  
• Validate your child’s feelings: Show interest and curiosity instead of judgment. Your child’s emotional attachment is genuine.
  
• Transition gradually: If it becomes necessary to phase out the object, do it gradually while offering new sources of comfort.
  

Whether it’s a cuddly stuffed animal or a creepy movie character, comfort objects offer something every child deserves: a sense of security, consistency, and love.