Whether it is to celebrate the arrival of a baby, a baby shower gift, a christening gift or a first birthday gift,  a teddy bear is the number one choice of gift for a little one. Often this special gift can be a companion for life, so it is important to spend a bit of time and get it right.

These loveable cuddly toys come in all shapes and sizes. From a tiny teddy to a giant teddy, a traditional bear to an interactive singing animal , there is just about every variation and colour that you can possibly imagine. So where do you start? We have put together some important considerations to help you make your choice.

Safety Considerations When Buying a Teddy Bear

Top of the list has to be safety.  Your choice of toy should carry a label with the appropriate CE Mark.  This means that the necessary tests for the age group it is recommended for have been carried out.  Amongst many factors, safety tests ensure there are no choking hazards, no loose attachments and that the toy has safety eyes and nose. These tests are different for a baby under 12 months so it is important to check the age that the bear is  suitable for.

Durability and Quality

The cuddly toy that you choose will have to be pretty durable if you want it to last. It will need to stand up to the tugging, throwing and chewing that a baby will put it through. Purchasing a cheap item from a store may result in it not surviving a few rounds with the child, not to mention several necessary trips to the laundry room.

Buying a quality branded item from a well known manufacturer such as Gund, Suki or Mary Meyer, all of whom specialise in baby toys,   may cost a little bit more but will ensure that it is fit for purpose and will survive these rigours.  Always check the label before putting your cuddly friend in to the washing machine as many can only be washed by hand.

Cuddleability

The teddy or soft toy that you choose will have a very important job of providing hugs for a very long time! With that in mind he needs to be soft enough to squeeze and gentle enough to hold close to the baby’s skin. Soft toys for babies under 12 months usually have smooth or very short fur to avoid any loose fibres being pulled out and swallowed.

Often, stuffed toys will be made from a variety of fabrics to provide different sensations of sight, sound and touch. Moulin Roty toys are bright, colourful and very tactile, encompassing all of these senses. Mary Meyer create beautifully  soft toys made from luxurious fabrics, to make a comforting companion for babies and children.

Educational Value

If this is important for you, you may want a more interactive toy.

A singing alphabet teddy , a counting toy dog or an elephant that plays peek a boo will provide hours of fun and entertainment for a young child with some educational value added.

So which ever gift you decide on we hope this guide helps you to make you choice and your teddy bear will be a life long friend for it’s owner.