20 Itty Bitty Cute Baby Animals to Put a Smile on Your Face (October 25, 2026)

Author image for Blake Seidel
Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager
Oct 25, 2026 10:45 AM EDT

Life doesn't have to be so complicated all the time. Sometimes, you just need some cute pictures of baby animals, and everything just seems a little bit better after that.

One of the best parts about being the "smartest" species on the planet Earth is that we know so much about our own biology and the way our brains work. We know that repetition of a certain task increases our ability to do it again or remember it better, we know what makes us afraid, and we even know how to make ourselves happier without much effort at all. This last one is the part that I'm going to focus on today.

It's basic psychology, but I like to call it "bio-hacking." That's a fancy way of saying that we know how to trick our brains into being happier and calmer with just a few simple tricks! And guess what? I've already done all of the hard work for you. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and do a tiny bit of reading before we get into all the cuteness below.

Our brains are basically wired to melt a little when we see babies, including baby animals! Those big eyes, round faces, tiny noses, and oversized heads… they all trigger what researchers call "baby schema," which can make us feel more attentive, protective, and affectionate. From personal experience, I can tell you that they also improve my mood with every "awwwwww" and even lower my (naturally very high) stress levels.

So, like I said above - life doesn't have to be so complicated! If you're feeling overwhelmed, like you need a wholesome break in your day, or you simply need a reason to smile, scroll through some pictures of cute animals. Science says it's good for you, and so do I!

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  • 01

    Baby otter

    Cheezburger Image 10672998656
    via newhousewildliferescue
  • 02

    Roly-poly skunk

    Cheezburger Image 10672999424
    via Sweatyrando

  • I've had more than one bad experience with skunks (my dogs got skunked a few times when I was growing up), so I've never even dreamed of being close to one before. However, after seeing this little guy, I think I've changed my mind! While writing this article and seeing this tiny skunk, I did some research, and apparently you can buy skunks as pets that have been “descented," meaning that they've had the ability to spray that stinky goop removed. They are apparently highly intelligent, and use their tough claws to dig through lots of barriers. So, if you're considering getting a skunk after this, know that they require some pretty intense care! 

  • 03

    Fox blep

    Cheezburger Image 10672998400
    via Vechrotex
  • 04

    Baby wombat

    Cheezburger Image 10672999936
    via MissFlowerFox
  • 05

    Nap time

    Cheezburger Image 10673002752
    via Ambitious_Sir7113
  • 06

    Puppy love

    Cheezburger Image 10672998912
    via my-mr

  • As cute and as amazing as the exotic baby animals are, you just can't beat a good old-fashioned puppy. Maybe it's because I have so many fond childhood memories of playing with my dogs as puppies, or because I see them more regularly, but I know that any day I get to see (or even better, pet) a puppy, is a better day than one without. I can't help but take some of their joy that just exudes from them. Their excitement for life, the fact that they find joy in everything they do, and how they can make every scenario more fun and playful. 

    As much as I would love to have a cheetah cub or a bear cub, I know that with a puppy, I would have a friend for life.

  • 07

    Proud parents

    Cheezburger Image 10672999168
    via x_cnja
  • 08

    Baby lamb

    Cheezburger Image 10672999680
    via Spnvettech
  • 09

    Puppy dog eyes

    Cheezburger Image 10673000192
    via graypupon
  • 10

    Kitten cuteness

    Cheezburger Image 10673000448
    via Exidor
  • 11

    Double trouble

    Cheezburger Image 10673003520
    via Australian Dingo Foundation
  • 12

    Curious baby elephant

    Cheezburger Image 10673000960
    via Sarah Kilian
  • 13

    Fluffy cow

    Cheezburger Image 10673001216
    via Gabriel Herter
  • 14

    Baby penguin

    Cheezburger Image 10673001472
    via floannen
  • 15

    Cheetah cubs

    Cheezburger Image 10673001728
    via KimCureAll
  • 16

    Bear cub or puppy?

    R
    via aceshighsays
  • 17

    Bear cub with mama

    Cheezburger Image 10673002240
    via KermitTheSnail
  • 18

    Baby possum

    Cheezburger Image 10673002496
    via Ioniclizard
  • 19

    Baby mouse enjoying some sun

    Cheezburger Image 10673003008
    via OverCookedTheChicken
  • 20

    Nap time (part 2)

    WET
    via MrsApostate

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Tags

baby animals cute animals smile
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