Every parent knows that a cuddly toy is an essential part of their child’s development. However, it’s not always easy to find a quality cuddly toy that respects your little one. There are lots of different plush toys on the market, and not all of them are very good quality. That’s why you need to take a few precautions before buying the perfect cuddly toy. In this article, you’ll find all the information you need to take into account to make sure you choose the right soft toy.
Take the time to check the cuddly toy before you buy
Even if every cuddly toy seems soft, solid and easy to handle, you mustn’t forget that it’s your child’s real companion, which they can take everywhere and keep close to them for a very long time. So it’s important to make sure your child is as secure as possible with this cuddly toy. If you decide to buy the cuddly toy in shop, don’t hesitate to check the solidity of its parts. Like the eyes, nose and accessories on the cuddly toy, it’s important that they’re firmly attached and won’t fall off.
If you have the chance, shake the cuddly toy for a few minutes to make sure that the hair stays in place. It’s important that the eyes can’t be torn out, as little ones are known to like pulling on them. So take the time to touch the cuddly toy, but also to check the seams. It’s best if the padding is completely inaccessible.
Choosing a plush by material
Another criterion that can help you choose a quality soft toy is the material it’s made from. Obviously, it’s best to choose a soft material that’s kind to your child’s skin, as they’re likely to keep it for a long time and give it lots of cuddles. What’s more, little ones much prefer it when their cuddly toy is soft, so they can paw at it – it’s much more pleasant and soothing. With this in mind, you can check the material of the cuddly toy.
There are many different materials: a soft toy can be made of linen, wool, cotton, polyester, etc. The best thing is to make sure it’s not too soft. The ideal is to choose a natural material, such as wool, linen or cotton. These are high-quality, hypoallergenic materials. This way, you can be sure that your little one’s skin will not be irritated, even when he or she is sleeping in the cuddly toy. Synthetics, on the other hand, are more likely to retain odours and discolour when you wash them.
Whether on the internet or in a shop, you’ll always find full details of the material used to make the cuddly toy on the label or in the “composition” or “material” section of a website.
Find out how to care for your soft toy
It’s also best to choose a soft toy that’s easy to wash and doesn’t require complex care. Children are inseparable from their cuddly toys and take them everywhere with them! So plush toys are often exposed to stains and dirt. That’s why it’s best to choose a soft toy that’s easy to clean, to ensure that your child snuggles up to a soft toy that’s always clean. Cuddly toys made from cotton or wool, for example, are renowned for being easy to wash, at 30° minimum.
However, you mustn’t neglect regular maintenance of the plush to prevent it becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and to remove odours if necessary. So it’s advisable to take the time to wash your plush at least once a month, if it’s not too dirty. You can always refer to the information on the label to find out how often to wash the plush. Bear in mind, however, that a quality plush is supposed to dry quickly, so you won’t be separated from your child’s beloved cuddly toy for too long.
As for the material of the plush, the care instructions are always indicated on the label or in the product details online.
Choosing the right soft toy for your child’s age
For your child’s safety, it’s also important to choose a quality plush toy suited to his or her age. For example, during the first few months of your child’s life, it’s best not to buy a soft toy that has batteries. You should also be careful with soft toys that are not recommended for children under 36 months.
Labels and standards to help you choose a quality soft toy
Whether you look at the labels on the cuddly toys or the product details on the online site, you can check whether the cuddly toy has been created under a standard or label guaranteeing its quality. There are several, but here are the main labels and standards you should look out for.
The European safety standard
This is a guarantee of safety for your child. If the manufacturer displays the CE standard on its soft toys, it means that they meet very specific requirements. They are safe from the point of view of their mechanical and physical properties, their flammability and the possible migration of chemical substances.
The stamped CE logo means that the manufacturer complies with these European regulatory standards. If the cuddly toy does not bear this logo, you should be wary of the quality of the product: the safety standards have probably not been complied with. However, it is the manufacturer who is responsible for affixing or not affixing this standard to his product, so this information is only accurate if the manufacturer is acting in good faith.
Labels from independent bodies
There are also independent bodies that carry out checks. For example, the NF-Petite Enfance label indicates compliance with an even more complete and strict set of specifications in terms of product safety and quality. In order to obtain this label, the manufacturer undertakes to comply with these rules, which apply to early years, outdoor and nursery toys. If you’re keen to buy a soft toy that comes from fair trade, there’s the Max Halevaar label, which promises a product that comes from ethical and sustainable trade, and thus a fair redistribution of the income obtained from the product.
Independent labels from abroad also guarantee product quality. The German GS label ensures that each toy complies with the relevant regulations, while the GUT label attests to the toy’s technical and educational qualities. Finally, you can also look out for the SpielGut label, which confirms that toys are free from toxic substances.
Labels to ensure chemical safety
Current regulations prohibit toys, like soft toys, from containing specific chemical elements (lead, aluminium, chrome, etc.) because they can come into contact with children’s mouths. But if you want to be even safer in this respect, you should know that the Oeko-Tex label promises that the soft toy contains zero chemicals that are harmful to your child’s skin. You can also buy organic soft toys. The AB (organic farming) label guarantees that the materials used to make the plush are genuine. Cuddly toys with this patch are 98% organic, with no chemical treatments.
Final tips before buying a soft toy
To ensure you get a quality plush toy, check the warnings on the label. Avoid looking for the best bargain, as you’ll end up with a plush of mediocre quality that won’t last. In general, these plush toys do not meet safety requirements. If you want to buy on the internet, you can also check the comments of people who have bought their plush and find answers about its quality.
Finding a quality plush toy: criteria and standards to help you
As you can see, there are several stages to the search for a quality plush toy and precise criteria to take into account. You now have all the information you need to decide which soft toy your child will have the pleasure of meeting. If you have any other ideas on how best to choose a soft toy, please let us know in the comments. Also let us know if this article meets your expectations, as our aim is to share quality information.