Stuffed Animal Safety and Information

The following is an excerpt from the CPSC document referenced in Part 1.  This excerpt discusses babies aged 19 through 23 months.
 19 Through 23 Months
 

Toddlers at this age still imitate a great deal, basing such play mostly on familiar domestic and media themes. They are attracted to dolls and stuffed toys that have a low to moderate level of cause-and-effect functionality. For example, they enjoy pushing buttons or areas on a doll or stuffed toy to produce combinations of sound, lights or action. They like to make simple manipulations of extremities or heads, and create different postures and looks. They can appreciate a low to moderate level of realistic detail and rich vibrant colors. Vinyl or rubber dolls with simple accessories like a baby bottle or blanket are appropriate. As they approach 2 years of age, toddlers have a simple set of basic words and phrases and can engage in simple pretend episodes. Therefore, dolls and stuffed toys that speak simple phrases or sentences are appropriate.
 

Because these children still mouth toys, appropriate dolls do not have hair and appropriate stuffed animals do not have long fur. Also for this reason, dolls and stuffed toys are washable or easily cleaned. They are easily grasped and supported in the air. They may be slightly heavier than those appropriate for younger children (6 to 12 ounces). These children also enjoy playing with small peg dolls.
 

Next time we will see what stuffed animals and dolls that CPSC suggests for a 2 year old.