human
I'm interested in the history of the teddy bear. How did it come to be?
assistant
The teddy bear is a popular stuffed animal that has been around since the early 1900s. It was originally created as an alternative to cuddly toy animals, such as dogs and cats, which were considered too dangerous for children to play with. Teddy bears were made from materials like cotton and felt, and were often hand-sewn by women who had lost their husbands in World War I. They were designed to comfort children during difficult times, and they quickly became popular among children and adults alike.