Plush Toys & Soft Toys

Give A Baby Something to Cuddle with a Soft Toy or Plush Toy!

Is there any difference between a soft toy and a plush toy?

There are some differences between soft toys and plush toys. A soft toy is a toy that is made of soft materials, such as fabric or stuffing. A plush toy is a type of soft toy that is typically made from stuffed fabric and has a soft, furry, or velvety surface.

Why are soft toys and plush toys good for babies and toddlers?

Plush toys and soft toys are good for babies and toddlers because they help with the development of their fine motor skills. Additionally, plush toys can introduce your baby to different textures and colours, before they're old enough to play with other developmental toys and activity and baby toys.

Can you give newborns plush toys and soft toys?

Newborns can have plush toys and soft toys, but it is important to choose ones that are safe for them. For example, avoid any toys with small parts or ones that have long strings attached. It may also pay to wash the toy before giving it to your baby. You should always supervise your baby while they are playing with any types of baby toys.

What are the shapes and features of plush toys and soft toys?

• Shapes: Plush toys and soft toys can come in a wide variety of shapes, including animals, people, food, and objects. Some popular plush animal shapes include bears, elephants, dogs, cats, and bunnies.  Soft toys can also be made in the shape of cartoon characters or other pop culture icons.
• Features: Plush toys and soft toys can have a wide range of features, such as different colours, embroidered details, beads, sequins, and other embellishments. Some plush toys also make sounds, such as crinkling or squeaking, when they are squeezed or moved.

Can plush toys be used as comforters?

Plush toys can act as comforter toys for some children. Some of these cuddly toys have muslin or other soft draping fabric bodies that can combine as a small security blanket for babies. These may provide a sense of security and comfort, particularly in times of stress, such as when travelling, or when in new environments or around new people.

What other toys are good for babies and toddlers?

There are a lot of other good toys for babies and toddlers, such as rattles, baby activity centres, and balls. Also consider toys that combine fun and play with the practicalities of raising a baby, such as cot mobiles, teethers and baby bath toys, Aside from helping your baby sleep, teeth, and take a bath, these types of toys can help with the development of your child’s motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and social skills.

How do I clean my child’s soft toy or plush toy?

Soft toys have often have labels attached with cleaning guidelines that you should follow first.

• Spot cleaning: You can usually spot clean your child’s plush toy or soft with a damp cloth.
• Washing: If the toy is very dirty, you may need to wash it by hand in cool water with a mild detergent. It usually pays to avoid putting soft toys in the washing machine and dryer as this could damage them.
• Drying: Once you have hand-washed the toy, gently squeeze out any excess water and then let it air dry. Avoid putting it in direct sunlight as this could fade the colours of the fabric

If your child has allergies, make sure to wash the toy frequently to remove any dust or pollen that could trigger an allergic reaction.

Are there any safety concerns with soft toys and plush toys?

Yes, there are some safety concerns to be aware of when purchasing any type of toy, including soft toys and plush toys.

• Choose a toy that is safe and suitable for the age of your child, as some soft toys and plush toys may contain small parts that could pose a choking hazard.
• Make sure to inspect the toy before purchasing it to look for any loose stitches, cracks, or holes that could pose a choking hazard.
• Don't give very small soft toys or plush toys to very young children as they could easily put them in their mouths and choke on them.

Remember, always supervise young children when they are playing any type of toy, including soft toys and plush toys!