For those who wish to encourage the use of a lovey or transitional toy, wool also is unique in that it retains comforting and familiar scents. Sometimes Mamas will place a lovey next to her body while nursing, then pass the toy along to the child for nap time.
After making Little Lamb (above) I started to think about how children continue to care for and love their transitional toys well into toddlerhood and beyond. What to do in the event of a major spill at that afternoon tea party or that puddle splash during that stroll in the park? Sometimes spot-cleaning simply will not do.
I decided to give Little Lamb a bath to see how she would fare as she, too is stuffed with wool.
I decided to give Little Lamb a bath to see how she would fare as she, too is stuffed with wool.
First I immersed her in a dish filled with lukewarm water mixed with some mild laundry detergent.
After giving her a couple of rinses under running water, I wrapped her up in a towel and sponged her gently by pressing down with my hands.
Then I placed her in a well-ventilated spot. This is a key since putting toys filled with wool in the dryer is generally not advisable.
On this particular day, it was quite rainy and cool, so instead of putting her in a sunny spot I placed her about a foot away from a heating vent.
Once her ears had dried, I checked the insides via a small side slit. They were still a little damp.
I closed her up with a safety pin and checked again a little later. Within 24 hours of her bath she was completely dry.
With some of my denser toys such as the fabric balls and blocks, I imagine drying time would take longer so I would still recommend spot cleaning with these. Since those toys are what I would consider play toys rather than loveys , keeping these items clean should be less of a challenge.*
Oh, and on a final note, I've added a new Little Lamb to my shop today, as my daughter quickly claimed the original.
