Ever wondered what gives Squishmallows their delightful squish and plush feel? These adorable, huggable companions are filled with a unique material that sets them apart from traditional stuffed animals. Let's dive into the fluffy world of Squishmallows and explore what they're filled with.
What are Squishmallows?
Before we delve into their filling, let's briefly discuss what Squishmallows are. Squishmallows are a brand of plush toys known for their squishy, marshmallow-like texture. They were created by Jonathan Kelly and his company, Kellytoy, in 2017. The toys are designed to be huggable, squeezable, and perfect for all ages. Now, let's find out what makes them so squishy.
The Secret Behind Their Squishiness
Squishmallows are filled with a proprietary material called "Squishy Beans." These beans are made from a soft, flexible plastic that's designed to mimic the feel of marshmallows. The beans are small, round, and lightweight, allowing them to shift and move within the toy, creating that satisfying squishy feel.
How Squishy Beans are Made
The process of making Squishy Beans is a closely guarded secret, but we do know that they're made from a type of plastic called Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). This plastic is softened and molded into small, round beads. The beads are then coated with a soft, smooth material to give them their plush feel.
What's Inside the Squishmallow?
Now that we know about Squishy Beans, let's talk about how they're used in Squishmallows. Each Squishmallow is filled with thousands of these beans. The beans are inserted into the toy during the manufacturing process, along with a small amount of polyester fiber filling to help hold everything in place.
How Much Filling is in a Squishmallow?
The amount of filling in a Squishmallow can vary depending on the size of the toy. On average, a 7-inch Squishmallow contains about 400-500 Squishy Beans, while a 16-inch Squishmallow can have up to 2,000 beans. The larger the Squishmallow, the more beans it contains to maintain that perfect squishy feel.
Are Squishmallows Safe?
One of the most common questions about Squishmallows is whether they're safe for children. The short answer is yes, Squishmallows are safe for children aged 3 and up. The Squishy Beans are securely enclosed within the toy, making it difficult for children to remove them. However, as with any toy, adult supervision is recommended.
What About Allergies?
Squishmallows are hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for people with allergies. The Squishy Beans are made from a material that's less likely to trigger allergies than traditional stuffed animal fillings. However, it's always a good idea to spot test any new toy before giving it to a child with allergies.
Caring for Your Squishmallow
To keep your Squishmallow in tip-top shape, it's important to take care of it properly. Squishmallows can be machine washed on a gentle cycle using cold water. However, it's recommended to wash them by hand to prevent the beans from shifting too much. Always allow your Squishmallow to air dry completely to prevent mold growth.
Can Squishmallows Be Refilled?
While it's possible to refill a Squishmallow if it loses its squishiness over time, it's not recommended. The beans are designed to be used in the specific Squishmallow they come with, and refilling can cause the toy to become lumpy or uneven. If your Squishmallow starts to lose its squish, it might be time for a new one.
Conclusion
Squishmallows are more than just plush toys; they're a unique blend of comfort and fun. Their secret lies in the Squishy Beans that give them that delightful squishy feel. Whether you're a Squishmallow fan or just curious about what makes these toys so special, we hope this article has given you a better understanding of what's inside these adorable companions.
