Stuffed animals are not only adorable companions for babies, but they also provide comfort, companionship, and stimulate their imagination. However, when it comes to choosing the perfect stuffed animal for your little one, safety should always be a top priority. In this blog post, we will discuss seven essential tips to help you select baby-safe stuffed animals. We will also highlight some of the most trusted and reputable plush brands known for their commitment to quality and safety.

1. Opt for Certified Safe Brands:
   
   When it comes to baby-safe stuffed animals, choosing brands that prioritize safety is crucial. Jellycat, Steiff, Squishable and Squishmallows are just a few brands renowned for their adherence to stringent safety standards. Look for certifications such as ASTM F963 or the European EN71 safety standard, which ensure that the plush toys have undergone rigorous testing for potential hazards.

2. Choose Hypoallergenic Materials:
   
   Babies have delicate skin, so it's important to choose stuffed animals made from hypoallergenic materials. High quality plush manufacturers often use high-quality, hypoallergenic fabrics that are gentle on sensitive skin and reduce the risk of allergies.

3. Avoid Small Parts and Loose Accessories:
   
   Ensure that the stuffed animal does not have any small parts or loose accessories that can pose a choking hazard. Reputable brands design their plush toys with safety in mind, making sure that eyes, noses, and other embellishments are securely attached. Keep in mind, plush brands will often offer different plush for different age ranges as well. For example some will have cloth eyes for babies and some are designed for older kids with sewn on eyes that are not intended for babies. Be sure to look at tags when shopping for stuffed animals, they will often note the age range or choking hazards if it's not intended for babies.

4. Check for Sturdy Stitching:
   
   Inspect the stitching on the stuffed animal to ensure it is secure and durable. Plush brands known for their exceptional craftsmanship, such as Steiff, Hansa and Jellycat, use high-quality stitching techniques that make their toys more resistant to wear and tear.

5. Consider Machine Washability:
   
   Babies and toddlers can be messy, so it's important to choose stuffed animals that are machine washable. A lot of great plush brands such as Manhattan Toy and Douglas Toys often design their plush toys with removable parts or provide specific washing instructions to ensure easy and safe cleaning.

6. Prioritize Non-Toxic Dyes:
   
   Ensure that the stuffed animal is colored with non-toxic dyes. Quality Plush brands use safe and non-toxic coloring methods, so you can be confident that the colors will not harm your baby or fade over time.

7. Read Reviews and Recommendations:
   
   Before making a purchase, take the time to read reviews and seek recommendations from other parents. Our website reviews as well as parenting communities often provide valuable insights into the safety, quality, and durability of different plush brands. Certain brands, many of which we carry at Legacy Toys including Steiff, Jellycat, Hansa, Adventure Planet, TY, Douglas and Manhattan just to name a few, have earned positive reputations among parents worldwide, making them excellent choices for baby-safe stuffed animals.

Choosing baby-safe stuffed animals is a crucial decision for every parent. By following these seven tips and considering trusted plush brands you can ensure that your little one has a cuddly companion that is both safe and delightful. Remember, safety should always be the priority when selecting plush toys for babies, so take the time to research, read reviews, and make an informed decision. With the right baby-safe stuffed animal, your little one can enjoy endless hours of snuggles, comfort, and imaginative play.