11 Best Organic Stuffed Animals: Best & Safest Brands [2023] (2024)

My baby’s bedtime in not complete without some cuddly, organic stuffed animals to keep him company!

They’re child-friendly and made of organic materials, making them non-toxic, eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and (almost) all-natural.

Never worry about playtime and cuddle sessions ever again because I have the list of BEST organic and non-toxic stuffed animals for your toddler.

11 Organic & Natural Stuffed Animals for Your Baby

I gathered a collection of eco-friendly, non-toxic, and organic stuffed animals for your baby.

Your baby will surely love these brands and will carry them around until they grow older.

1. Mary Meyer Lovey Soft Toy

The first item on this stuffed toys list is the Mary Meyer organic cotton stuffed rabbit.

I really like that their collection is unique and natural, and their stuffed toys are FREE from toxic chemicals.

To add to this, Mary Meyer brands deeply care for the environment, which is a cause I will always support.

They create organic toys that your children will find love and comfort in for ages!

Features:

• Oatmeal Bunny is a comforting cuddle toy with a super-soft, textured creamy white fabric.
• A stuffed head and un-stuffed body make this rabbit part-toy and part-blanket
• Neutral colors look great in any nursery.
• Bunny has long floppy ears with tan trim and satin lining and embroidered eyes for total softness
• Huggable stuffed animals – These Mary Meyer organic stuffed toys for babies and toddlers make great gifts for a baby shower, birthday, or as a play buddy for a child or grandchild

Things to Note:

• The size of the organic stuffed toys is much smaller than expected

2. Benaturalbaby Organic Cotton Animal Elephant

My kid was super happy to receive this adorable, plush elephant!

These stuffed toys are made of 100% organic cotton. In fact, all Benaturalbaby toys are made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton!

NO chemicals. NO pesticides. NO fertilizer.

An added bonus for me is the filling is made of hypoallergenic polyester, and I can safely machine-wash this toy at 40 degrees.

Features:

• An organic stuffed animal elephant made of 100% certified organic cotton
• You can use this as a decorative piece in their nursery
• Endearing facial expression and body position
• Hand & machine washable

Things to Note:

• It may contain choking hazards that are not safe for babies
• Minor inconsistencies in how the manufacturer creates the stuffed toys

3. Organic Cotton Baby First Friend

You’ll surely adore these organic stuffed animals for your children! I know I do, and my kid does as well!

The Organic Cotton Baby First Friend is manufactured to be natural, non-toxic, eco-friendly, and durable for your child.

I’m glad these stuffed toys are also fairly priced, so they will definitely be worth it in the long run!

Features:

• The perfect size for your children
• 100% made from organic cotton
• A super-soft toy
• Free from harmful dyes

Things to Note:

• Not easy to clean
• Stuffing is made from polyester

4. Organic Cotton Animal Stuffed Animal Plush Dinosaur

I knew my kid would love this dinosaur the minute I saw it!

What’s even better is that Benaturalbaby toys are 100% GOTS certified and chemical, pesticide, and fertilizer-free!

My kid has a whole collection of this brand’s organic toys, which is great considering their wide variety is great for collectors.

These organic stuffed animals can also be machine-washed at 40 degrees to save time!

Of course, these high-quality plushies come at a high price, so I would look for cheaper options.

• 100% certified organic cotton for the outer shell + Oeko Tex certified dyeing
• Imported
• Free from harmful dyes
• Hand and machine washable
• No choking hazard risk

Things to Note:

• These organic toys can be quite costly

5. Pebble Handmade Dinosaur

My kid’s a big fan of dinosaurs in case you can’t tell.

The Pebble Hand-Sewn Dinosaur is a guaranteed member of the World Fair Trade Organization.

I can immediately tell how lovingly crocheted/knitted these toys are with their gorgeous, contemporary designs!

Safe for ages 0+, Pebble toys are non-toxic and have been safety-tested by a third-party testing company to ensure there are no choking hazards or toxic dangers.

Despite these organic stuffed animals being pretty costly, they’re certainly still a top option if you’re looking for something truly special for your kids!

• Pebble products have a 100% soft cotton outer layer with a 100% polyester fill
• No batteries are needed for this toy; it needs only little hands to show it some care
• The colors, textures, and shapes spark tactile, auditory, and visual stimulation
• A quality gift that can be treasured for years

Things to Note:

• Costly non-toxic stuffed animals

6. Apple Park Organic Farm Buddies

Next up on the organic stuffed toy brands I adore is Organic Farm Buddies!

Your children will find comfort in these stuffed animals for YEARS to come. This brand even creates cute descriptions for each of their special friends:

“Frenchy is a cuddly, floppy child with organic stuffed animals that come with a rattle in his head and hand-stitched facial features. He loves poetry and books. He also loves how his polka dot scarf looks.”

This 14” stuffed doll makes it the perfect size for babies to hold. My kid carries it around all the time!

The cherry on top is that all Organic Farm Buddies are made using all-natural, organic materials, such as 100% certified organic cotton, sustainable corn fiber filling, and dyes.

Be careful, though, as the colors may fade sooner or later. Plus, they were smaller than I expected.

Features:

• Making all the packaging is eco-friendly because it is printed on recycled paper with soy ink.
• Farm Buddies products are naturally safe, so they are perfect for newborns and infants with allergies or sensitive skin.
• Free from any harmful chemicals, meaning they are non-toxic

Things to Note:

• The clothing collection of the toys has some faded colors
• The stuffed animals are smaller than expected

7. Stuffed Animal Dog Plush Toys Ultra Soft

The next one to look out for on this best brands list is Henley Place. This ADORABLE dog is a great gift for any individual, whether a newborn or an adult!

My kid has already made this stuffed puppy an official member of the home and family! How cute is that?

Your child can carry this little pup, add it to their collection of stuffed animals, or just have this adorable buddy as a loyal friend, just like any dog would!

The one surprise that put a smile on my face is the affordable price tag!

Although it’s not as big or fuzzy as other toys, it still makes a great companion for any baby.

Features:

• It will not disappoint when it comes to softness and durability
• 100% organic-stuffed, non-toxic, and free from dyes
• Threaded and stitched with polyester fibers, creating a corduroy texture that gives these plushies a familiar soft, durable feel
• Ideal size and weight. These lightweight and compact plush toys make them a great companion to join your child when sleeping
• Infused with organic stuffed cotton, it’s almost as light as a feather.
• The length of the non-toxic stuffed animals from hand to hand is approximately 14 inches

Things to Note:

• The stuffed animals are not fuzzy
• A bit big for smaller kids

8. Squishmallow 12″ Rocky the Raccoon

Next on our list of favorite stuffed animal brands is Squishmallow! What a cute name!

Squishmallows are stuffed animals that are the softest and cutest toys around. As you can see, Rocky the Raccoon is nice and cozy, wearing a warm winter scarf.

I must note that these stuffed animals have a pretty steep price. Not to mention that some parents might like that this toy is made in China.

However, with their unique appearance and features, I say they’re definitely worth it!

Features:

• Can encourage fun and imaginative play
• They are super soft
• Can be collectible plush toys
• These stuffed animals are perfect for bringing on long car rides, airplanes, or sleepovers.
• Non-toxic toys, free from chemicals, and are made natural
• Officially licensed Squishmallows merchandise
• Made with love by women in countryside villages in China

Things to Note:

• These stuffed plushies are expensive
• Being made in China might not be ideal for some parents

9. Vermont Teddy Bear Classic Teddy Bears

A timeless classic — so much to enjoy from these stuffed bears!

The Vermont stuffed teddy bears are made naturally and free from harmful chemicals and dyes.

They are DEFINITELY safe in your home!This adorable, soft stuffed bear is made with smooth, silky fur to be oh-so squeezable!

He makes the perfect bedtime companion for my baby!

Features:

• These stuffed animals are made from 100% recycled stuffing; feature premium, long, buttercream fur and tan paw pads.
• Your stuffed animals are guaranteed for life! Any damage can be treated at the bear hospital in Vermont, and if it can’t be treated well, expect new dolls to replace them.
• It can be a thoughtful gift for women, and children for Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s day, birthday, graduation, or an anniversary, and even for your mom!
• Non-toxic and free from chemicals

Things to Note:

• The organic toys need to be more stuffed
• The stuffed animals have a bit of a scratchy texture

10. Organic Cotton Stuffed Rhino

The brand uses soft cotton, which is certified to the HIGHEST standard with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

It’s perfect for toddlers with sensitive skin!

These non-toxic stuffed animals have no hard plastic eyes or nose, so they’re safe and DO NOT present any choking hazard.

Take note that these stuffed animals are pretty pricey.BUT! My kid likes to use them as pillows, which, in my opinion, adds to their value.

Features:

• Safe to chew on
• A portion of each stuffed animals sale is donated to a conservation organization that helps endangered animals from across the globe.
• Helps promote sustainable practices you can do at home
• These non-toxic organic toys are free from dyes and other chemical ingredients
• Easy to clean
• Shipping comes with a non-toxic storage bag
• These stuffed animals are the perfect size for young ones

Things to Note:

• These natural organic toys are quite expensive

11. Under The Nile Organic Cotton Supermeow Roxie Scrappy Cat

Organic Egyptian Nile Supermeow Roxie Scrappy Cat is designed in partnership with the Meow Meow Foundation.

The Nile Supermeow plushie is filled with 100% cotton, which is okay for little mouths to bite on.

In addition to this, Under the Nile is a company that makes quality plushies, loveys, and fruit and vegetable toys.

My only issue is the colors and design do not blend well in the nursery, but nonetheless, this toy makes my kid happy, and that’s all that matters.

Features:

• Ultra-soft, child-safe, organic toys
• Certified by GOTS and the Gold Seal of authentic Egypt cotton
• Part of the profits are donated to the Meow Meow Foundation, helping to implement water safety and eliminate childhood drowning deaths

Things to Note:

• Color and design might not blend well in your home nursery

Benefits of Organic Stuffed Animals

Of course, it can be tempting to choose any stuffed animal that looks like cute and fluffy. But there are a lot of reasons why organic stuffed animals are worth the purchase!

Natural, Sustainable Materials

Non-toxic, organic toys are made of sustainable and organic materials that are better for babies!

You can be assured that these toys are not riddle with toxins or harsh ingredients, making them safer for them to hug and cuddle with.

Safer for Babies

In relation to the materials, organic stuffed animals are safer for babies to hold, cuddle, and even put in their mouth.

The absence of toxins and harmful materials should give you the peace of mind if ever your baby comes in contact with these toys.

Additionally, some toys are hypoallergenic, so you don’t have to worry about allergic reactions or skin irritation.

Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable

In relation to the organic materials, organic stuffed toys are more environmentally-friendly.

The materials used in these toys are ethically and organically sourced with NO chemical processing. These toys also help reduce waste and keep the landfills clean.

Durable and Long-Lasting

Organic stuffed animals are made of sturdier and more durable, helping them last longer!

The organic materials of these toys are less likely to break down over the years, no matter how much wear and tear they go through.

They may even last until the baby outgrows, so you can pass it down to younger kids!

Soft and Gentle

Organic stuffed animals are made organic cotton and other soft materials, making them gentler for babies to hold and preventing skin irritation.

The softer texture makes them more enticing for babies to hold, increasing their stimulation and enjoyment!

Stimulating for Babies

Speaking of stimulation, most organic stuffed animals are mad with the child’s enjoyment in mind.

Therefore, a lot of them are made with bright colors, fun designs, or unique textures designed to keep your child stimulated and entertained.

High-Quality

Apart from the higher-end materials, more thought and budget goes into making these toys, which is reflected in their higher quality.

As mentioned earlier, these toys last longer, look better in terms of design, and are made with safer materials, which adds to their overall value and quality.

What to Look for in Organic Stuffed Animals

It’s easy to just choose any attractive-looking plush toy from the shelves, but it also pays off to be a bit picky.

There are some things to consider when choosing the best toys for a safe and fun playtime!

Certifications

Certifications are official ways to make sure that a stuffed animal is non-toxic and only made of baby-safe materials.

Before going onto the shelves, these toys are tested for harmful chemicals or flame-retardants. You will know they passed if you see these certification seals.

The most common one would be GOTS-certified, which ensures the safety and quality of the product.

Once you see this seal, you can be assured that it is made WITHOUT harmful chemicals and organic materials only.

Organic Materials

If you plan on bringing home stuffed animals for your little ones, you want to make sure they’re organic and non-toxic.

Ensure that they are free from chemicals, have no artificial dyes, and are made from natural products.

Safety should always come first!

Sometimes, this can mean more thought goes into stuffed animals’ designs; organic materials should be of higher quality.

Quality control should be considered a brand’s RESPONSIBILITY rather than just government standards.

By going organic, we can join the movement to look out for humanity as these stuffed animals can last for years!

Reputable Brands

You would naturally want to get your stuffed animals from a brand that is already well-known.

The reason for this is that they have already established good, high-quality, and child-safe stuffed animals that most parents would get for their children.

Having said this, choosing European or US-made toys made (not just designed) in these countries is the BEST way to ensure your child’s stuffed animals don’t contain any chemicals.

If you see that some of the stuffed animals were created in factories in Asia, mostly in China, you should give it a second thought.

China and other factories in Asia are known to have poor working conditions.

It’s not always guaranteed that the factories that are making these organic, non-toxic stuffed animals actually make them organically.

Handmade

If you find a store with organic and handmade furry animals, you should go for it! Hand-sewn, hand-stuffed, handmade processes are less likely to use toxic chemicals.

This is why organic is definitely the way to go!

Softness

Of course, no baby will like a stuffed animal that’s not soft!

Softness is rather subjective, but the important thing is to ensure that it is soft enough for your baby to enjoy playing with and even sleeping with.

Mind the stuffing of the toy’s parts and make sure there is enough!

Size

You want the stuffed animal to be the right size for your baby to hold.

Anything too small might not be stimulating enough, whereas anything too big may be too much to handle.

In worst case scenarios, if your baby is not careful, they may end up suffocating themselves if the toy is too big!

Durability

Since your baby will be playing with these toys a lot, you want to ensure they stay intact after many uses.

Some babies throw their toys or are even strong enough to tear them apart, which is not ideal. In some cases, they may even soil them with their saliva.

Find a toy that is well-stitched together and that retains its shape after several uses and washes. That way, your baby can enjoy playing with it as he grows up!

Safety Features

When I talk about safety features, I am referring to choking hazards, such as buttons or small detachable parts.

Even though stuffed animals rarely have these hazards, it’s best to choose a toy that has none at all.

On the other hand, some stuffed animals may have plastic sewn eyes or noses (or anything similar), but your baby still be strong enough to rip it off!

Choose a toy that made purely of soft, undetachable materials only.

Design

I know design is subjective, depending on what your kid likes, but sometimes, it pays off to choose one that is nicely made and designed.

Some stuffed animals are made of bright colors that may attract your child. Others have unique designs and textures that your baby will love to hold all the time.

Observe your child’s reaction to certain toys, and that should help you decide what kind they like.

It helps to bring them with you when you go toy-shopping!

Cleaning and Maintenance

It always pays off to choose a toy that is easy to clean!

Some toys are machine-washable, which should save time, but others do not react well to the washing machine.

Either way, it’s best to choose a toy that is easily washable and still retains its shape. Additionally, avoid toys that react poorly to detergents and rinse them in gentle settings only (more on this later).

Price

Consider your budget for stuffed animals after spending on all necessities.

You don’t want to spend too much on toys; even though they are important for kids, other things are even more important.

Look for affordable but safe brands to get the most out of your money.

What to Avoid in Stuffed Animals

You want your little ones to stay away from harm and danger, especially when playing.

Be on the lookout and avoid these 4 things when buying these items:

1. Synthetic Fibers and Dyes

Synthetic fibers and dyes are harmful to your little ones. They contain lots of chemicals that can cause damage to their health!

For example, AZO dye is one kind of colorant used in different products like children’s and dog toys.

AZO dye releases aromatic amines and contains heavy metals, which are known carcinogens you want to avoid close skin contact with.

When you go into the store, read the label first!

Make sure that it is ORGANIC and free from harmful chemicals. When shopping online, you can look it up to be extra sure!

2. Stuffed Animals from China

In 2007 alone, more than 25 million toys, most of which were made in China, were recalled by U.S. sellers because of the number of chemicals that were found in them.

Many were recalled for excessive levels of lead in paint (chemicals) used to coat the toy’s surfaces, which may lead to serious complications or death to little ones who put them in their mouths. Yikes!

3. Older Manufactured Stuffed Animals

These were made with fewer regulations than are enforced now.

The safety standards for chemical use today are a LOT more restrictive than it was before.

With that being said, these are likely to have heavy metals or potentially banned flame retardants that are no longer allowed to be used due to cancer links.

4. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Lead in PVC are chemicals that can damage the nervous system.

For example, Cadmium has been linked to causing cancer, kidney damage, and side effects on a child’s developing brain.

Stuffed animals, especially those made for babies, contain plastic parts like crinkly ears and rattles to entertain them.

To keep your little ones safe, you should avoid words like “PVC” or “vinyl” in your stuffed animals.

How to Properly Clean Stuffed Animals

Maintenance is just as important as buying the safest stuffed animals. Here’s how to keep them clean and make them last for a longer time:

• Step 1: Protect the stuffed animal. Place them in a mesh laundry bag, zippered pillowcase, or pillowcase with the ends tied for added protection against wear and tear.
• Step 2: Choose gentle wash settings. We recommend using the Delicate, Hand Wash, or Gentle cycle setting on your washing machine, along with cold water to help keep colors from fading. Learn more about choosing wash cycles and settings just to be sure.
• Step 3: Add detergent. You can use your regular detergent when washing them or a mild detergent if you have it on hand.
• Step 4: Air dry. Take them out of the mesh bag or pillowcase and hang or lay them flat to dry.

How to Wash a Stuffed Animal by Hand

If you want to wash them by hand, here are the steps you need to follow.

Your little one can even join you when doing this!

• Step 1: Soak in cold water. Fill a bucket or sink with enough cold water to submerge them.
• Step 2: Add detergent. Add a small amount of mild or gentle detergent to the water.
• Step 3: Hand wash. Gently squeeze them to saturate them with detergent. Don’t scrub too hard since older toys may have loose strings or worn fabric.
• Step 4: Rinse. Refill the bucket or sink with clean, cold water or hold them under cold running water and squeeze it gently to rinse out the detergent, avoiding wringing.
• Step 5: Air dry. You’ll definitely want to air dry an older or more fragile toy, but to help remove moisture, you can roll it in a clean, dry towel first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Material for Stuffed Toys?

Minky fabric.

It’s probably the most popular fabric for dolls, and for a good reason.

It’s extremely soft, has a fluffy but smooth texture suitable for most projects, and is fairly easy to work with.

Are Stuffed Animals Bad for the Environment?

It depends. Some toys are packed with chemicals, while some aren’t.

A lot of today’s plushies, in contrast, break all the rules about sustainability.

Almost all are made of 100% polyester, which in turn comes from non-biodegradable, unsustainable, and polluting oil.

The good news is that the future for renewable, sustainable, natural fibers is again bright, thanks to society’s rapidly evolving grasp of environmental issues.

But REMEMBER, changing buying habits will always be a two-way street!

Do Organic Toys Make a Difference?

Definitely!

The number of chemicals present in non-organic toys is very alarming.

Imagine your little one proceeds to bite and chew on it.

The chemicals present in the item would then cause great harm to their health and well-being!

That’s why natural and organic toys are your best and safest bet, and they also contribute to planet Earth’s well-being.

Do Stuffed Animals Carry Germs?

Yes. Don’t be fooled.

Just because that teddy bear looks cute, cuddly, and clean doesn’t mean it can’t make your little one sick.

Don’t let your kids play with plushies in public facilities. Also, keep these out of the hands of sick playmates.

Make sure your child’s favorite teddy gets a long soak in disinfectant from time to time, too.

Soaking the soft plushies in a bleach solution for 30 minutes and then machine washing and drying will effectively reduce bacterial contamination.

Which Stuffed Animals Are Good for Children?

Those that are suitable for their age and are made with safe, organic materials!

Here are other guidelines to help you out:

• Choose ones that are appropriate for your child’s age. Always read the brand’s age guidelines to ensure that it is suitable for your child’s developmental stage.
• Invest in plushies that are well-made. Good quality plushies will withstand even the most rambunctious toddler games. Look for ones that are machine-washable, and check that the seams and edges are tight, so no stuffing comes loose during playtime.
• Check for loose parts. Plushies with plastic eyes and long strings or ribbons can be a choking hazard for young ones. It’s also important to check your little one’s items for loose parts or general wear and tear regularly.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the information you need, playtime is safer and more fun now!

You can lounge around knowing that the organic plushies aren’t harming your child. You’ll also be getting your money’s worth!

So if you’re still wondering if you should give these plushies a try, you definitely should!

Plushies aren’t the only type of toy that can stimulate your kids; it would also help to rotate toys every now and then to allow your child to maximize the potential of a toy!

FINAL TIP: You can also check out our list of the best non-toxic bath toys for your baby’s next bath time!