As a parent, you only want what's best for your child. That's why you might spend a lot of time researching and analyzing the products that you buy for them. One particular product that can be overlooked is stuffed animals.

Stuffed animals provide kids with comfort and a sense of security, but not all stuffed animals are created equal. That's why it's important to choose organic stuffed animals.

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Why Choose Organic Stuffed Animals?

Here are a few of the reasons it's important to choose stuffed animals made with organic materials.

Safer Materials for Your Child

A lot of stuffed animals are made with conventional natural fibers or synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester. Companies typically opt for these materials because they're cheaper than choosing organic materials.

However, synthetic blends can contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde which is a known human carcinogen.

Plus, natural materials like conventionally grown cotton are typically treated with pesticides, insecticides, and other harmful chemicals.

It's reported that conventional cotton textile manufacturing process uses chemicals in their practices such as ammonium sulfate, hydrochloric acid, benzidine, and oxalic acid.

On top of considering the fabric the toy is made from, it's also important to be cautious of dyes and other chemicals from the supply chain that can linger on these fabric toys as your child might be putting in their mouth.

Some fabrics contain flame retardants and other toxic substances that could have potential impacts over time.

Most organic toys are crafted with organic cotton. Organic cotton is grown using non-GMO seeds and eliminates the use of toxic chemicals. This creates a cleaner fabric for your kids toys and reduces the risk of pesticide residue.

You can easily look for the Global Organic Textile Standards certification symbol to know the toy has been made with organic materials.

Better for the Environment

Since organic cotton isn't sprayed with pesticides or insecticides this is better for the environment and the farmers caring for the crop.

Plus, organic cotton is biodegradable at the end of it's life cycle which is way more eco-friendly than commonly used synthetic blends.

4 Organic Stuffed Animal Toy Brands

If you're ready to shop for some organic plush toys, here are some sustainable brands to check out!

Apple Park's Plush Organic Farm Buddies & Dolls

Based in San Francisco, Apple Park's mission is to create unique, lovable and stimulating toys from organic, sustainable and recycled materials.

Apple Park's Farm Buddies collection features cats, pigs, and other animals your kids will adore. They also have a great collection of stuffed dolls and clothing for the dolls.

Their stuffed toys are a combination of organic cotton and sustainable, hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial corn fiber filling.

Apple Park's plush toys range from $11-$48. Along with their organic stuffed animals and dolls, Apple Park sells organic kids clothing too! This is a great one-stop shop for finding organic goods for your kids or organic gifts.

shop apple park

Tikiri Toys Organic Cotton & Rubber Toys

Tikiri Toys is the home of hand crafted toys made with natural high-quality materials. Every toy is designed to enlighten and delight children of all ages. Tikiri Toys specializes in organic cotton and organic rubber toys.

Sustainable parents can shop organic plush baby dolls, dragons, bunnies, and more. Their organic toys range from $18-$48.

shop tikiri toys

Under the Nile's Biodynamic Organic Cotton Toys

Under the Nile is committed to providing the highest quality baby clothes and toys in a sustainable and socially responsible manner, while demonstrating authenticity and transparency in their business practices.

All of the cotton used for Under the Nile products is certified organic and biodynamic. Through their toys and clothes they help provide fair wage jobs with their partner factory in Egypt. Under the Nile toys range from around $19-$56.

shop under the nile

Bella Luna Toys Organic Plush Stuffed Animals

Bella Luna is an online store that carries a variety of children's brands.

They have a great selection of organic stuffed animals including their Organic Wooly Teddy Bear made with Organic cotton and stuffed with wool or their Organic Plush Giraffe made with organic cotton and filled with material made from 100% recycled PET bottles.

Their organic stuffed animals range from $24-$99.

shop bella luna

Tips for Shopping for Organic Toys

If you're ready to purchase some organic toys here are a few tips!

Look for the Certification

Try to look for certified organic cotton. Looking for this symbol is an easy way to know if the toy is organic.

Shop Small Businesses

Trying checking local craft fairs in your area or check out different Etsy shops. These are great ways to support small businesses using responsible materials.

Shop Made in the USA

Made in the USA means supporting local American businesses. When you choose organic stuffed animals made in the USA, you are supporting local businesses and American-made products.

Buying products produced in the USA also reduces the carbon footprint since the items aren't shipped from abroad.

Look for fair trade

The fair trade certification means the workers who crafted your child's toys were paid fairly and treated with respect! You can also look for toys made with fair trade certified organic cotton which guarantees the organic cotton farmers were paid fair wages.

Ask Around

If you have friends with older kids ask if they have any recommendations for organic cotton toys!

When it comes to your child's everyday items, there's nothing more important than prioritizing safety and quality.

Choosing organic stuffed animals not only provides your child with a safer, more eco-friendly option but also helps promote responsible consumerism. And, let's not forget the comfort and joy a well-loved stuffed animal can bring for years to come.

So, the next time you're shopping for a plush toy, consider going organic and buying made in the USA or fair trade for a more meaningful and memorable childhood.

Hopefully this guide gave you some tips on what to look for when toy shopping and a few ideas on where to buy the perfect toys made with organic cotton.

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