Year: 2020

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Are Stuffed Animals Safe for Dogs?

Much like ourselves, our dogs love stuffed animals, but are they safe for them to play with? In general, yes, stuffed animals are perfectly safe and there is little threat to letting our dogs play around with them. However, as with anything, there are a few extra precautions that you need to take in order to keep your four-legged friends safe.

Beware of plastic

Some stuffed animals carry plastic parts, and if your dog accidentally ingests these, it could cause them serious harm. Buttons are typically made of plastic, so you’ll want to remove these as soon as possible. Eyes and noses can also be made of plastic, but not always. If you’re planning on giving your dog a stuffed animal, then, you should get one where the eyes and nose are made out of a thread instead.

Get a toy that’s slightly larger than your dog’s mouth

Your dog will be carrying that stuffed animal around in its mouth quite a bit. If a stuffed animal is too small, then the entire thing may end up in your dog’s mouth, making it harder for them to play with it. It will also cause your dog’s saliva to get all over the toy, resulting in a build up of bacteria. A dog’s toy should be just slightly larger than their mouth. This will allow them to grip it well without it falling into their mouth.

Check to see when repairs are needed

This stuffed animal will be put through the ringer. It will be chewed on, played with, and who knows what else. Without maintenance, the stuffed animal could be ripped open, causing your dog to accidentally ingest the filling. To prevent this, inspect the toy every now and then for any wear and tear, fixing any problem areas as soon as possible.

Here at The Zoo Factory, we offer stuffable animals that are safe for dogs and humans alike. Look through our inventory or contact us today to learn more.

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Babysitting Tips for Beginners

Did you just land your first job as a babysitter? Congratulations! While the idea of getting a job (and a paycheck) can be exciting, there are some things that you should be aware of before you walk through the door.

Ask plenty of questions

When it comes to babysitting, the old adage rings true: there’s no such thing as a stupid question. Kids can be a little quirky and understanding their habits will leave you better prepared once you’re home alone with them. Even if you don’t think of everything you want to ask on the spot, you should have the parents’ phone numbers on hand so that you can text them when the need arises.

Reinforce the house rules

It’s tempting to be the “cool” babysitter who lets the kids stay up past their bedtime, but this is also a surefire way for something to go wrong. There are house rules for a reason, so be sure to stick to them as much as possible. The parents will be grateful, and the kids will soon respect you.

Have an open line of communication with the parents

If something bad happens, don’t try to hide it from the parents. It’s best to speak with them frequently and honestly about any issues that pop up. After all, parents know their children better than you do, so they’ll know the right ways to tackle a certain situation.

Stay organized with a planner

Whether it’s for one night or several days, you should keep track of everything you have to do and when. Kids perform better under structured environments, and as the babysitter, it’s your job to take care of everything as planned. To do this, keep a planner with you containing such things as nap times, school schedules, food preferences, and more.

Bring along some entertainment

While kids will have their own games to play with, it’s not a bad idea to bring some of your own to add to the fun. Board games, video games, movies, and even your own stuffed animals are all great things to spend the time with. Plus, it’ll be fun for you too!

Looking for some stuffed animals to bring to your next babysitting job? Then look through our inventory here at The Zoo Factory to get started!

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Are Attachments to Stuffed Animals Healthy?

Do you have a child that, wherever they go, always seems to be carrying around their favorite stuffed animal? While the image is certainly cute, it may leave you wondering if this level of attachment is healthy for your child. The short answer is, yes, it’s perfectly healthy, but if you want to learn more, then read on to see how stuffed animals truly affect our children.

Children are less shy

Stuffed animals are seen as comfort objects, and studies have proven that comfort objects and “imaginary companions” can actually make children feel less shy and more focused. There are two reasons for this. Stuffed animals, acting as comfort objects, can make children feel braver in potentially stressful environments. It’s why firefighters and police officers often give children stuffed animals after a traumatic incident. Children can also practice their social skills on stuffed animals, reading them stories and playing with them just as they would with other children.

They can even help adults

Maybe your child is all grown up, and while they don’t carry their stuffed animal wherever they go, they still keep it by their bed at night. Some people believe this is abnormal, and that adults who still have stuffed animals should “grow up.” However, having a stuffed animal by your side can be helpful, easing anxiety, stress, and loneliness. Not to mention that about 40% of American adults still sleep with their stuffed animal, so you’re not alone.

Emotional attachments to our stuffed animals are perfectly healthy, no matter your age. So, whether you’re looking for a stuffed animal for yourself or for someone special in your life, take a look through our inventory here at The Zoo Factory to get started!

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Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

Whether it’s their first birthday or they’re turning the big 1-0, your kid’s birthday party will be something they always look forward to. You don’t want to disappoint, but you’re also not sure where to start. It can be a lot of pressure, that’s why we’ve gathered some of our favorite birthday party ideas to get you on the right track.

Obstacle Course Party

If it’s warm out and you’ve got a big backyard, then why not take advantage of it? An obstacle course party involves you filling your backyard with (you guessed it) obstacle courses for your child and their friends to challenge. Put the kids into teams or have them compete one-on-one to see who can complete it the fastest.

Dance Party

If it’s too cold for an obstacle course party (or too much work) then you can go for something simple like a dance party. Clear out one of your larger rooms and then get a playlist together. To add to the excitement, play some games where kids freeze when the music stops, or they have to keep balloons in the air while the music plays.

Scavenger Hunt

If you’d like the feel of an obstacle course party but don’t want your party outside, then opt for a scavenger hunt! Hide items around your house, or even around a public place like a mall (just make sure the kids behave themselves). You can have the kids keep what they find, or you can have a special challenge for the birthday boy or girl where they have to find one of their gifts on their own.

Carnival Party

Everyone loves the carnival, so why not have one in your own backyard? With balloons, games, and plenty of food, it’ll feel just like the real thing. You can have typical carnival games like balloon pop or gone fishing, or you can get original by incorporating some of the ideas found above.

Once you have the theme of your party settled, it’s time to get the presents. As you’re deciding on the right present for your child, consider getting them a stuffable animal from The Zoo Factory. Look through our inventory or contact us today to get started!