Plushy Information
Safety Information for Pre-Loved Soft Toys
At Soft Darlings, every second-hand soft toy we offer through The Little Capsule Co is carefully checked to ensure it’s safe, clean, and accurately described. Because our toys are pre-loved, some may have been originally made overseas and labelled to meet different safety standards.
In Australia, new soft toys are required to meet Australian and New Zealand Safety Standards (AS/NZS ISO 8124) or equivalent international safety benchmarks. These standards help ensure toys are free from hazards such as choking risks or unsafe materials.
If a soft toy was originally manufactured in the UK or Europe, you may see a CE label attached. While this isn’t an Australian compliance mark, it does indicate the toy was produced to a recognised safety standard. Similarly, a UKCA mark (introduced post-Brexit) may appear on some newer toys and is treated the same way.
Toy Condition and Ongoing Care
While we take every care in preparing each toy for adoption, we can’t guarantee that materials will never tear or that parts won’t eventually become loose after your Soft Darling joins your home. Just as with any other toy, it’s sensible to check their condition from time to time and use your judgement about whether their use should be restricted or more closely supervised.
And, as childcare professionals advise for all soft toys — new or pre-loved — children under 12 months should not sleep with any soft toy, to reduce the risk of suffocation or accidents.
Toys Without Safety Labels
Soft toys that do not carry a recognised safety label (such as CE, UKCA, or AS/NZS ISO 8124) are not suitable for use by children under the age of 14. We strongly advise against purchasing these toys for homes where younger children may be able to access them.
Older or Vintage Toys
A small number of our Soft Darlings were made before modern safety labels existed. Don’t worry — any item that is considered unsafe or unsuitable for children will be clearly marked with a WARNING notice.
This will appear directly under the toy’s photo and again under the product’s “Details” tab.
Damaged or Unclear Labels
If a safety label is missing, damaged, or difficult to read, we treat the toy as unlabelled and therefore not suitable for children.
Every Cuddle Counts
About Soft Darlings
The Soft Darlings Plush Pal Adoption Agency rescues and rehomes pre-loved soft toys from around Australia — giving them a fresh start and saving them from landfill. Each adoption helps fund community initiatives through the Canberra Circle of Women, providing essentials to families in need.
Because here, every cuddle counts, every story matters, and every Darling deserves a forever home.