Tips for Buying Plush Toys for Babies

Plush toys are great gifts for a baby. You may want to buy every little cute plush toy out there, however there are special considerations to take when making this purchase. You want to get something safe and long lasting. Heed the following tips to get the right dolls for you.
Make sure that you get a plush toy that is safe for babies
Even though the plush toy may look completely safe, do not assume that it is. For many different reasons some plush toys are not approved for the under three set. For some of them it is because they have hard eyes that may come out and become a choking hazard if the baby bites at it. Others have clothing or other accessories that are choking hazards. You should look at the tags to make sure that it is approved for babies.
Even if it is approved, you need to still make your own decision. One issue is the “fur” of the animals. In some cases, stuffed animals, even those that say that they are approved for babies, will have fake fur that can come off very easily. If your baby chews on the doll, he or she may get some of it in his or her mouth. Even if it is not enough to choke the baby, it is not something that you want in your child’s mouth. You may want to pull at the fur a little bit to make sure that it will not easily come off.
Consider the size
You may want to get your child the biggest doll imaginable, but think about what will really work. If you want something for your diaper bag to take with you, for instance, then look for something smaller.
Consider the characters
Even if your baby does not yet recognize characters, he or she might soon. You want to get something that he or she will like in the future. For instance, you may want to get an Elmo doll from Sesame Street. You may want to get a Dora the Explorer doll.
Consider whether your child has any allergies
Many babies grow into children who are allergic to the dust mites that can grow in plush toys. You can actually purchase a doll that is made for those with allergies. If allergies run in your family, then this may be a consideration.
Look for other features
Some plush toys have other fun features for children. They may contain a rattle or squeaker, for instance.
Consider how to wash it
Babies like to chew and otherwise abuse their plush toys. Some of them are more durable than others. Some can be washed in the washing machine while others are only surface clean.
Once you have the plush toy, make sure that you use it right. Do not leave it (or anything in the crib) with the baby since that is a danger to the child. Make sure that it stays in a safe condition for the baby. Heed these tips and those above to give your child a great experience with his or her new plush toy.