Are Loved Befores safe for children?
Loved Before - Toy Safety Statement

UK-BASED OPERATIONS (see below for USA)​

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Soft toys which have been manufactured to safety standards acceptable in the UK will have an attached CE label. UKCA labels have been introduced post-Brexit, but this is too new to affect most of the cuddly toys that come to Loved Before, and the CE label is still officially considered an acceptable safety mark. These labels also warn about any additional issues relating to that toy’s use. For instance, unsuitability for children under a particular age. Soft toys without a valid CE or UKCA label are not suitable for use by children under the age of 14. We strongly advise against buying them for a home where children younger than that may be able to get hold of them.

 

Whilst the great majority of cuddly toys we offer do have CE labels, some were made before these labels were introduced. But don’t worry, ‘toys’ which (for that or any other reason) are unsafe for children will always be clearly marked with a warning. This will be shown on relevant product pages. Where items have a CE label which gives any safety warnings, we will highlight these. Just to be extra-careful, in cases where the CE label is damaged or not completely legible, we treat the toy as having no valid label and being unsafe for children.

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As well as checking labels, we closely examine every Loved Before, before it leaves HQ. On occasions we will list a well-loved cuddly toy which is in some way broken or non-functioning. As with the older, pre-CE labelling toys these will not be suitable for children, but we offer them for adoption because as soft toys lovers ourselves, we understand how appealing these ‘retired’ toys will be to many adults. Cuddly toys of this sort will only ever be sold through the website (or specialist collectors events), where clear written warnings will leave buyers clear about the toy’s condition and its unsuitability for children.

 

We sometimes offer Loved Befores in situations where adopters would not always have the chance to see website warnings. This would apply for instance to the toys offered in our pop-up shops, and to pre-release agreements made via social media. You can be confident that LB’s offered for adoption outside our website will always have undamaged and legible CE labels, and will have been carefully checked to make sure we can find no feature creating a potential risk to children. If, as per the manufacturer's label, there are additional warnings - these will be physically printed onto the toy's swing tag.

 

No cuddly child-suitable toy will leave Loved Before HQ with any visible tear in its covering, or any part which we believe has started to come loose. We can’t of course guarantee that toy coverings will never get torn or that parts won’t eventually become loose at some point after you have adopted your Loved Before. So just as you would do with any other toy, it will be sensible to keep an eye on their condition, and to use your judgement about whether their use may one day need to be restricted, or more closely supervised. And (just as would apply to a cuddly toy bought new from a shop) childcare professionals advise that children under the age of 12 months should not sleep with any soft toys, to reduce the risk of suffocation or accidents and that a child playing with a toy should ALWAYS be supervised. 

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US-BASED OPERATIONS

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In the USA, Second-hand toys are not required to undergo CPSIA or ASTM F963 testing, but we follow best safety practices for all stuffed animals.

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On Bloomingdale’s website, some individual toy listings may not contain specific warnings regarding age suitability. However, to ensure clarity and safety, we state that all toys are suitable for children aged 3+. This approach ensures we meet the highest safety threshold, as many toy safety risks—including small parts, loose features, or long fibers—are particularly relevant for children under 3. Even if a toy might technically be safe for younger children, we do not recommend them for under-3s and advise all adopters to follow our safety guidance.

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No child-suitable stuffed toy will leave Loved Before HQ with any visible tear in its fabric or any loose parts. However, as with any stuffed animal (even those purchased brand new), we recommend regularly checking for wear and tear. Over time, materials may weaken, and parts may become loose. If you notice any damage, please use your best judgment on whether the toy’s use should be restricted or more closely supervised.

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Finally, child safety experts advise that children under 12 months should not sleep with any plush toys due to the risk of suffocation or entanglement. Regardless of age, children playing with any toy should always be supervised.

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While Loved Before takes every possible precaution to ensure the safety and quality of our pre-loved soft toys, we cannot guarantee their long-term integrity once they leave our care. It is the responsibility of the adopter to inspect all toys upon arrival and regularly thereafter to ensure they remain safe for use. Loved Before assumes no liability for any injury, accident, or damage resulting from the use or misuse of our toys. By purchasing from us, you acknowledge and accept these terms.

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