Checking a Toy for Wear Before It Becomes a Hazard

Nearly every toy-related problem starts as a small piece of damage that was visible for days beforehand.

What to look for

Open seams, loose stitching, exposed stuffing, cracked plastic, detached eyes or noses, and any component small enough to swallow. On rubber and vinyl, look for splits at stress points rather than general wear.

The stuffing question

A plush toy that has been opened is finished, even if the animal is still enjoying it. Stuffing that is being pulled out is stuffing that may be eaten.

A weekly habit

Checking takes a couple of minutes if it happens regularly and is a much bigger job if it does not. Tying it to something you already do — a rotation day, a cage clean — makes it stick.

Washing

Follow whatever the maker says about washing, and make sure a toy is completely dry before it goes back. Damp plush left in a bed is unpleasant for everyone.