This post was modified on June 26, 2025.
Whether you're decorating a nursery or choosing a first friend for a little one, it is important to select safe stuffed animals for babies. From first puppy plushes to snuggly, squishy bear plushes, stuffed animals often become a baby’s first source of comfort and security, offering a familiar presence during naps, car rides, and bedtime routines. As you shop for gifts and safe baby toys for the littlest ones in your life, be sure to choose baby-safe stuffed animals thoughtfully.
Are Beanie Babies safe for babies? Many of our plush toys feature stitched details, ultra-soft fabrics, and high-quality construction, making them a trusted choice for countless parents and gift-givers. While Beanie Babies are beloved collectibles, not all were designed with infants in mind. Look for Ty plush toys with embroidered features and soft fabrics when selecting gifts for young children. Some of Ty’s cuddliest plush animals provide gentle sensory stimulation with the soft textures and bright colors our stuffed animals are known for. However, not all of our plush animals are baby-safe. Use the six tips in this shopping guide to pick the perfect present for your little one.
Ty products are recommended for children ages 3 years and up.
How to Pick Out Safe Stuffed Animals for Babies
- Avoid Removable Parts
Any stuffed toy you give your baby will be wrestled with, tugged, and chewed. Toys with a sewn-on button, nose, eye, or any other hard piece connected to the plush could come off while your baby chews on it, creating a dangerous choking hazard. However, Ty products are affixed with a lock washer safety mechanism to prevent them from being removed. Some of our stuffed animals, designed for older kids, feature large, sparkly eyes (Beanie Boos, I’m looking at you!) or sequins. Adults should regularly inspect stuffed animals for any loose parts or wear, especially around the eyes, nose, or seams, to ensure their continued safety and repair them when necessary.
- Test for Sturdy Seams
All of Ty’s plush animals have sturdy seams, but that’s not true of all so-called baby-safe stuffed animals. Make sure, as you compare stuffed baby toys, that you test the seams to make sure that they’ll stand up to your baby’s tough love. Weak seams could mean spilled stuffing, which could end up in your baby’s mouth. Depending on how long the threads are from the ripped seam, your baby could get them wrapped around a finger, a leg, or even their neck.
- Choose Non-Toxic, Baby-Safe Toys
As much as we’d like to think that any baby toy would be safe to put in their mouth, that’s not true. All of Ty’s plush baby toys are non-toxic and made from new, high-quality materials. You can trust Ty to keep your baby safe from toxins and bacteria from recycled stuffing materials. Because soft materials can trap moisture and bacteria, caregivers should wash or clean plush toys regularly to help keep them hygienic.
- Shoot for Smaller
Babies don’t have the strength in their arms and legs to move larger or heavy stuffed animals. Smaller stuffed animals are more baby-safe because they’re easy to move away if they fall on your baby’s face. However, it’s essential to strike a balance between size and safety when selecting the right plush pal. According to the Seattle Children’s Hospital, soft toys should be large enough that they can’t be swallowed, even when compressed.
- Wish for Washable
After your baby snuggles, chews, drools, and crawls on their stuffed animal, it needs to be cleaned. Look for toys that can at least be surface cleaned. Most stuffed animals aren’t washing-machine safe, but Ty’s plush animals can be surface cleaned (How to Clean Your Plush Animals) to make sure that they’re ready for the next time your baby puts their favorite Ty stuffie in their mouth.
6. Remember Supervision Even With Baby-Safe Stuffed Animals
Even when a stuffed animal checks every box for safety, supervision is still the most essential element for safety, especially with babies and infants. No toy is a substitute for caregiver awareness. Always monitor your baby during play and remove plush toys from cribs or sleeping areas unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
When Can Children Sleep with Stuffed Animals?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it is safest for babies to sleep without soft objects, including stuffed animals, in their crib until at least 12 months of age. Keeping loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, crib bumpers, and other soft items out of the sleep space is recommended for children under 12 months as a key guideline for reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). If you have any concerns, consult your pediatrician for personalized guidance.
Plan-Ahead Gifts: Stuffed Animals for Babies & Toddlers
While some plush toys may not be the right fit for a newborn, they make perfect plan-ahead gifts that little ones can grow into. Larger, ultra-huggable Squishy Beanies or supersoft Beanie Bellies might not be suitable for infants, but they’re ideal for toddlers who are ready to cuddle, carry, and play with their favorite plush pals. Themed collections with licensed characters plushes from beloved favorites like Paw Patrol, Bluey, Disney, and Marvel also make wonderful gifts to save for later stages. Whether you’re buying for today or tomorrow, Ty stuffed animals offer comfort, imagination, and years of comforting memories.