8 Factors To Consider When Buying Plush Toys For Babies
Plush toys are a staple in the toy box of almost every kid. They're usually very soft, cuddly, and huggable, giving kids the feeling of being hugged when they play with them. While there is a variety of plush toy designs available out there, choosing one for your baby can be tricky. It is paramount that you select stuffed animals that are safe for babies.
Fortunately, there are some things that you need to think about before buying a plush toy for your baby. These factors will help you determine whether or not it is something that you should buy for your child, regardless of their age.
So here are ten tips on what to look out for when purchasing plush toys for babies:
1. Is the fabric soft and cuddly?
The fabric is one of the first things you need to check when buying a plush toy for your baby. Here are some things to consider:
- The material should be soft and cuddly enough for your baby to snuggle up. Young children respond to sensory objects, and soft materials help them feel safe.
- The material should also be thick enough to keep your baby warm when he sleeps with it.
- Avoid buying plush toys with a fabric with chemicals and materials that can harm your baby.
- Your baby's plush toy should also retain its shape after several washes. It must be durable enough to last your little one's rough play.
Just because the plush toy is soft and cuddly doesn't necessarily mean it is safe for babies.
2. Young children love bright colors.
Another thing to consider when buying a plush toy safe for your baby is the color. Babies are very visual creatures; they love bright colors, especially reds, oranges, yellows, and greens. Make sure to look for a plush toy with these bright and bold colors without fading. This also signifies that your baby's toy is made with quality materials. The brighter and bolder the colors, the higher the quality of the materials used in making the plush toy. Aside from being bright and bold, the colors of your baby's plush toy should also be non-toxic. Just like the fabrics, the dyes used in making the plush toy should be safe for your baby.
3. Organic materials tend to be safe for babies.
In addition to selecting bright colors for your baby's plush toy, look for plushies made with organic materials. Stuffed animals made with organic materials tend to be safer for your baby. They are free from harmful chemicals and are grown organically. Organic materials are biodegradable, non-toxic, and safe to use for babies. They avoid toxic substances such as pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. In addition, organic materials are free from metals, formaldehyde, dioxin, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Look for materials like wool and cotton because they are also breathable and safe for your baby.
4. Is it made with quality materials?
Aside from the colors and fabrics of your baby's plush toy, you also need to check if it is made with quality materials. The best way to determine this is to look at the tags on the toy and find out what fabric it is made from. The toy tags usually also have care instructions and recommendations for safe use. You can also check reviews and grab the phone number of the store where you bought the plush toy to call them and ask questions about the materials used in making the toy. When buying a plush toy, you should check its seams, buttons, and zippers. Make sure there are no loose threads, buttons, or zippers. Also, check the seams to ensure that they are adequately sewn and do not have any loose threads or seams.
5. Durability is key
Aside from the fabrics and materials used in making your baby's plush toy, you must also look for its durability. A plush toy that is not durable can quickly fall apart after a few washes. It can also easily tear, particularly if your baby is teething. You wouldn't want your baby to accidentally swallow stuffing from their plush toy, would you? If you are buying a soft toy, ensure that the fabric is thick enough to withstand the wear and tear of your baby's teeth while remaining soft and cuddly. Stuffed animals with triple sewn seams are ideal and last longer.
6. Does it have small parts that can come off?
When buying a plush toy, look for parts that could come off. Avoid plush toys with tiny buttons and components, mainly if they are made of synthetic materials. We all know that babies tend to put everything in their mouths, so parts made of synthetic materials can be harmful. They can cause vomiting or allergic reactions, particularly for babies who are still breastfeeding. You also don't want to accidentally choke on any small parts. We suggest you avoid plush toys with small parts entirely. We would avoid any stuffed animals with:
- Small Pieces - Buttons, ribbons, or small pieces for features or clothing. These tend to fall off and be swallowed by your baby. Especially if your baby is teething.
- Sharp or Spiky Parts - Avoid plush toys with sharp edges or spiky parts.
7. Smaller is better - Can your baby grip the toy well?
Matching the plush toy to your baby's age is critical. Newborn babies usually love to cuddle with stuffed toys. They also love to put their hands inside the plush toys and move them around to feel the texture. This is why you need to buy a stuffed toy that fits in your baby's hands. However, your baby may move from cuddling to playing with its plush toys as it grows. Suitable toys can help them learn new things and build their imagination.
8. Consider your baby's developmental stage.
As your baby grows, they also develop new skills and abilities. They also like to play with different toys depending on their developmental stage. Keep this in mind when buying a plush toy.
Newborns usually like to cuddle with stuffed toys. They want to put their hands inside the plush toys and move them around to feel the texture. They also like plush toys with bright colors, particularly red, orange and yellow.
Crawling babies usually like to play with toys that have different textures. They also want to put the toys in their mouth and taste the different textures. They also like toys that are easy to grab and hold.
Look for a plush toy that fits in your baby's hands. It should also have different textures so your baby can taste them and explore them while playing with them.
Conclusion
Parents need to be very particular when buying plush toys for babies. This is because the wrong plush toy can harm your little one. Fortunately, there are a few factors that you can use to determine whether or not a plush toy is safe for your baby. These factors include the fabrics, the colors, the materials used to make the plush toy, the durability, and whether or not the plush toy has dangerous parts. You can use these factors to determine which plush toy is safe for your baby and which is not.
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