Top 10 Cutest Baby Animals

Kudos to all the lady elephants who manage to give birth to 250 pounds of cute clumsiness after an astonishing 22 months of pregnancy, because it gives us adorable baby-phants to fawn over . These not so little rascals are attached to their mothers, and mom definitely returns the sentiment. They’re able to recognize her touch, scent, sound, and will drink her milk for up to three- but usually two- years. But the most adorable trait of elephant calves, by far, is their curiosity over their trunks as they swing them around and even suck on them the way human babies do with their thumbs.

Can we just agree that anything with “panda” in the name is adorable? Even if it’s not actually a panda? Due to the size of an adult panda, you’d think that the cubs would be rather hefty, but baby pandas are only about 3 and a half ounces at birth. Mama pandas are extremely careful with their cubs and carry them around in their paws and nurture the little bundles of adorableness until they’re able to move around on their own... which may take a while since the cubs don’t even open their eyes for up to 8 weeks.

No need to rush with this entry, because sloths certainly take their sweet time -- even at birth. Many baby animals are close to their mothers, but none are as clingy as the sloth... who literally clings to its mother with its trademark claws. This goes on for up to 8 months until junior is strong enough to let go, but even then it stays close to its mother’s side, sometimes for as much as four years. This may not seem like a long time in human terms, but compared to other animals, baby sloths are pretty late to the whole “surviving on their own” party.

Ah, raccoons. Sure they have such a bad reputation with homeowners. Sure they dig in the trash. And sure they scurry about in the attic. But they have sweet little cubs that look like itty-bitty masked bandits. Mother raccoons are pregnant for less than three months before giving birth to these little troublemakers. Don’t worry, the kits- yes, kits, though they’re also called cubs- lay low in the safety their den for about two months... then proceed to venture away from mom shortly after. In less than a year, raccoons are completely independent, but they tend to stay around other raccoons for protection... or in giant trees.

What even is an otter? They’re kinda like furry seal loafs with long tails, stumpy legs, webbed feet, and that distinctive squeak. Oh, and their babies are fluffy water pups -- yes, they’re called pups, as if we needed more reason to die from a cuteness overload. Newborn pups weigh just a couple ounces, save for the sea otter pup, who’s 5 pounds. While their eyes are sealed shut for the first 6 weeks or so of their young life, they’re already able to swim at two months old. That quick turnaround can be beneficial for hunting, holding hands, and lots and lots of playtime.

If you've ever pretended to be a penguin when you bundle up and waddle through the snow, you're probably not alone. Adult penguins are already criminally cute, but penguin chicks? You may think you are but you are NOT prepared for penguin chicks and their protective parents. After using their beaks to break out of their shells, the chicks let out a unique cry so mom and dad can tell them apart from the other penguins. Mom and dad will also care for them and show them the ways of the penguin: walking, hunting, and plenty of diving... that takes a bit of practice.

Before they become the majestic woodland creatures that confusedly wander into your backyard, deer are precious, spotted little fawns that can barely walk... at least for a couple of hours. Fawns may weigh as much as a human baby at birth, but they’re already up and moving before the first day is done... not that it really matters, as they spend most of their days lying around while mom ventures out. However, it doesn’t take long for the fawns to move on a regular basis, and when they do, they’re usually able to outrun trouble just like their adult counterparts.

Get ready for an overwhelming amount of cuteness, because we all know how rabbits are when it comes to mating. These lovable fluff-nuggets have up to fourteen kits in a litter, and they have litters multiple times a year. The kits are born with no fur and their eyes closed, but it doesn’t take long for them to grow into the delightful critters that hop around with those long ears and poof-ball tails. Bunnies are social creatures, and are big fans of running, playing, and you know- bunny... stuff... as they’re ready to reproduce in about six months after being born depending on the breed.

#2: Cat

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Everyone knows that you don’t own a cat... cats own you, especially when they’re kittens. This isn’t just the domesticated cats that we constantly talk to either, but ANYTHING in the cat family, whether big or small. Just like rabbits, kittens are born completely helpless, and it takes several days for them to open their eyes to the world. Nearly 3 weeks after birth, kittens will start to walk around, and use this time to socialize and learn, well... how to cat. This means that all the heart-warming playfulness we spend hours watching online or at home? is completely necessary in a kitten’s life cycle. Before we get to our number one pick, let’s squee in delight over these lovable honorable mentions: Pig Skunk Seal

#1: Dog

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Is there anything more heartwarming than a puppy doing... anything? It takes a bit for them to get going since their eyes and ears are sealed shut for a couple of weeks after birth, but that’s what noses are for, right? Once puppies are able to fully function, they will run around and play, developing social skills in the process -- and yes, that includes social skills with us humans, the sweet spot being between 8 to 12 weeks old. They may be a bit of a handful at times, but their loyalty -- and cuteness -- make them an ideal animal friend for years to come. Do you agree with our list? Which animal cutie pie helps keep a smile on your face? For more top tens that’ll make you go awwwww, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.