All parents are aware that a cuddly toy is essential during their child’s growth. However, it is not always easy to find a quality plush toy that respects your little one. There are a lot of different plush toys on the market and not all of them are of very good quality. That’s why there are precautions to take before buying the perfect plush toy. In this article, you will find all the necessary information to consider to make sure you make the right choice of plush.
Take the time to check the plush before buying
Even if each plush toy seems soft, solid and easy to handle, you should not forget that it is your child’s real companion, that he can take everywhere and keep close to him for a long time. It is therefore necessary to secure your child as much as possible with this comforter. If you decide to buy the plush in a store, do not hesitate to check the solidity of its elements. Like the eyes, the nose, the accessories of the plush, it is important that they are well fixed and do not fall.
If you have the opportunity, shake the comforter for a few minutes, this will also ensure that the hair is held. It is important that the eyes cannot be pulled out, as it is known that little ones like to pull on them. So take the time to touch the plush, but also to check the seams of it. Indeed, it is better if the padding is perfectly inaccessible.
Choosing the plush according to the material
Another criterion that can help you choose a quality plush is its material. It is obvious that it is better to choose a soft material that respects your child’s skin since he will probably keep it for a long time and give it a lot of cuddles. Moreover, the little ones prefer when their plush is very soft, to be able to paw them, it is much more pleasant and also soothing. In this sense, you can check the material of the plush.
The materials differ, a plush can be linen, wool, cotton, polyester etc.. The ideal is still to choose a natural material, such as wool, linen or cotton. These are quality materials, hypoallergenic. Thus, you will have the security of having a resistant plush and respectful of your little one’s skin, which will not be irritated even when he sleeps with it. While synthetic materials may retain more odors and discolor when you wash them.
Whether on the internet or in a store, you will always find full information about the material of the comforter on the label or in the “composition” or “material” tab on a website.
Find out about the care of the plush
It is also preferable to choose a plush that is easy to wash and does not require complex maintenance. Children are inseparable from their stuffed animal and take it everywhere with them! The plush is therefore very often exposed to stains and dirt. That’s why you should choose a plush that is easy to clean to ensure that your child will always snuggle with a clean plush. For example, cotton or wool plush are known to be easily washable, at 30° minimum.
Nevertheless, you should not neglect regular maintenance of the plush to avoid it becoming a nest of bacteria and to remove odors if necessary. So it is advisable to take the time to wash the plush at least once a month, if the plush is not too dirty. You can always refer to what is indicated on the label to know the washing of the plush. However, you should know that a quality plush is supposed to dry quickly, which limits the amount of time your child is separated from his or her beloved stuffed animal.
As for the material of the plush, its care method is always indicated and accessible, either on the label or in the product details online.
Choose a plush toy adapted to the child’s age
For your child’s safety, it is also important to choose a quality plush toy that is age appropriate. For example, during the first few months of your child’s life, it’s best not to buy a plush that has batteries. Also be careful with plush toys that are not recommended for children under 36 months of age.
Labels and standards to help you choose a quality plush toy
Whether it is on the labels of the plush or on the details of the product on the online site, you can check if the plush was created under a standard or a label, guaranteeing its quality. There are several, here are the main labels and standards that you can notice.
The European safety standard
This is a guarantee of safety for your child. If the manufacturer presents the CE standard on its plush 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 standards of the European regulation. If the plush does not have this logo, beware of the quality of the product, the safety standards are probably not met. However, it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to put this standard on their product, so this information is only accurate if the manufacturer is in good faith.
Labels from independent organizations
There are also independent organizations that carry out controls. For example, the NF-Petite Enfance label indicates compliance with even more complete and strict specifications in terms of product safety and quality. The manufacturer commits to respecting these rules to obtain this label, which concerns first age, outdoor and nursery toys. If you want to buy a plush toy from a fair trade, there is the Max Halevaar label, which promises a product from an ethical and sustainable trade and thus a fair redistribution of income obtained from the product.
On the other hand, independent labels from abroad also guarantee the quality of a product. The German GS label ensures that each toy respects the given regulations and the GUT label concerns the technical and educational qualities of the toy. Finally, you can also notice the SpielGut label which confirms that the toys are free of toxic substances.
Labels to ensure chemical safety
Current regulations prohibit toys, such as stuffed animals, from being composed of particular chemical elements (lead, aluminum, chromium…) because they can come into contact with the mouth of children. But if you want to have even more security on this aspect, know that the Oeko-Tex label promises that the plush has zero chemicals harmful to the skin of your child. It is also possible to buy organic plush. The AB label (organic agriculture), promises you a certain authenticity of the manufacturing materials of the plush. The plushies with this patch affirm a 98% organic agriculture and without any chemical treatment.
Last advice before your purchase of plush
To ensure a quality plush, remember to check the warnings on the plush’s label. Don’t look for the best bargain, as this will result in a poor quality plush that will not last over time. Generally, these plushes do not meet the safety requirements. If you want to buy online, you can also check the reviews of people who bought their plush and find answers about the quality of the plush.
Finding a quality plush, criteria and standards to help you
As you can see, the search for a quality plush requires several steps and precise criteria to take into account. You now have all the cards in hand to decide which plush toy your child will have the pleasure of meeting. If you have any other ideas on how to best choose a plush toy, feel free to share them in the comments. Also let us know if this article meets your expectations, the goal being to share quality information.