Teddy Bears, buying soft toys for babies and toddlers.

Buying a first teddy bear for a baby or toddler is special as it will be a gift that is loved and treasured. Their first teddy bear is usually the toy that children love and feel comforted to have close by them. This fondness for teddy bears often means that even adults who long ago gave away their all their other toys still have their favourite teddy bear.

When buying a teddy bear for a small child or baby there are things to consider the first being the safety aspect of selecting a teddy that is suitable for the child's age.

After this consider things such as if the teddy bear is to be used a lot it is probably a good idea if it is easily washable. If the teddy bear is for a small child then one that is small enough to be carried about with the child or that can be popped into a tote bag on trips out is probably a good idea.

Special care needs to be taken when buying toys for children with allergies and asthma or eczema and parents will be able to advise or will need to seek advice on this. Dust can cause problems to children with allergy related illness so any toys with a long pile fur are not ideal, but washable fabrics will be especially useful.