Soft Toy Safety Guide

(what to look for)

Soft toys are part toy, part companion.

They're not just picked up and put down, they're hugged, chewed, slept with, dragged along the floor, and taken everywhere.

Which means every detail matters:
the stitching...
the fabric...
the filling...
even the smallest decorative details.

A toy that feels soft on the outside can still have hidden weaknesses, like loose seams, detachable parts, or materials that don't hold up over time.

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How soft toys are tested (and why it matters)

In Australia and internationally, soft toys are tested against recognised safety standards, one of the most widely used being EN71.

This testing looks beyond how a toy appears, and focuses on how it performs under real use.

EN71 testing includes:

• Mechanical and physical testing
  Toys are pulled, twisted, dropped and stressed to check that seams don't split, parts don't detach and small pieces don't become choking hazards.
• Flammability testing
  Materials are tested to ensure they don't ignite easily or burn rapidly.
• Chemical testing (this is an important one)
  Fabrics, dyes, and materials are tested for harmful substances, including heavy metals and toxic chemicals that could be absorbed through skin or mouth contact.

Because children often hold toys close to their face, chew or suck on them and sleep with them, this level of testing becomes especially important.

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Materials, dyes, and what's inside

When it comes to soft toys, what you can't see matters just as much as what you can.

Low-quality toys may use:

• unstable dyes that can bleed or transfer and are unsafe for children
• chemical finishes that leave a strong smell
• poor-quality fillings that shift or break down

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Safe construction: what to check

You should look for the following in a well made soft toy:

• tight, even stitching
• no loose threads or gaps
• firmly attached limbs and features

Embroidered features are generally a safer choice than glued or plastic parts, especially for younger children.

Pulling on ears, arms, or tails should feel solid, not like they might loosen over time.

Choosing something well made makes a difference, especially when you are choosing a comfort toy for everyday use.

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Age suitability

Age labels are there to guide how a toy is designed to be used.

For babies and younger children:

• simpler is safer
• no detachable parts
• no internal components like pellets or mechanisms
• shorter, non-shedding fabrics

Even if a toy looks suitable for all ages, it may not be right for every child.

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A note on sleep and supervision

Soft toys are often part of bedtime routines, but it's important to use them safely.

Safe sleep guidelines (including SIDS recommendations) advise that
soft toys should not be left unattended in a baby's sleep space, especially for younger babies.

They can still be part of:

• supervised comfort
• daytime cuddles
• settling routines

but should be removed from cots and sleeping areas when babies are left to sleep.

As children grow older, this becomes less of a concern, but it is a good idea to be mindful of in the early months.

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Everyday use matters

A well loved comfort toy doesn't sit on a shelf. It is slept with, played with, taken outdoors and washed again and again.

Safety isn't just about how it looks when you buy it. It's about how it holds up over time.

After washing or heavy use, it's always worth checking:

• seams
• stitching
• any loose parts

Because even well-made toys change with love and over time.

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Where you buy from matters

Not every plush item is designed as a children's toy. Some are decorative or collectible pieces, and may not be made to the same safety standards.

Choosing toys from trusted brands or retailers means:

• clearer labelling
• known materials
• proper safety testing

Look on woven labels for the testing standards that your toy has been subject to before you buy and make sure they comply with the standards of your country.

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Safety, without worry

Choosing a safe soft toy doesn't need to feel overwhelming. It's simply about:

• noticing the details
• choosing something well made
• understanding how it will be used

The safest toys are often the simplest ones: soft, secure, and made to last.

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Find a forever friend

Every soft toy we create is designed with both comfort and safety in mind, tested to EN71 standards and above and made to be held, loved, and taken on adventures big and small (including splashing in puddles in the rain!)

Explore our collection of soft toys