Buying a safe toy is just one part of staying safe. Stuffed animals seem like a no brainer as a safe toy, but they can become dangerous over time. Here are a few tips to help keep plush toys safe and clean, plus a few pictures of some super cute stuffed animals:
Always look out for worn or broken pieces on a stuffed animal. Eyes, noses and attached accessories can break over time and create sharp edges that can cut children. If a part is becoming loose, remove it to prevent it from becoming a choking hazard. Tags can also become dangerous when wiggly or worn, so be sure to trim them as needed. Tears and holes in stuffed animals can become very dangerous as the filling becomes a choking hazard (and a mess). Discard or sew up the toy when small holes appear to prevent them from becoming large and dangerous.
Keeping a stuffed animal clean is extremely important to prevent germs and dirt from sickening a child. Babies love to put things in their mouths, and stuffed animals are meant to be cuddled and snuggled, so a good cleaning is in order every so often. You can quickly clean stuffed animals with a vacuum on occasion to prevent hair, dust and dirt from accumulating. It’s a great way to help keep toys looking fresh and new.
Most stuffed animals can be cleaned in the gentle cycle of a washing machine. Try placing them inside a pillowcase or delicate garment bag. Using a dryer may clump or mat fur, but most stuffed animals can be brushed with a clean pet or even doll comb if you decide to machine dry them. You can also try using a dehumidifier or hairdryer to speed up the air-drying process.
The products featured here, from top to bottom: Baby Emperor Penguin by Cuddlekins ($13.59); Bunglie Kitty by Jellycat ($21.99); Snuffles the Monkey by Jellycat ($19.99).
