toy - not safe if under 3 yrs old, really? Big soft toy (cheap) recommendation

[CillianMurphysOtherWife]

just bought a big second-hand (i'm fairly skint, and like to reuse anyway) cuddly toy for my baby (7 months) as she doesn't have one already and loves her friend's one.

It says it's only for 3yr olds and over but how seriously do you stick to these rulings? It doesn't have long plush, I understand why that's an issue. It has a zip so I guess if the handle bit came off it could be chocking hazard. It also has Velcro but her other age-appropriate toys have this. It doesn't have plastic eyes or nose.

I suppose I will just have to supervise her with it or put it away and introduce it when she's 3. And trawl round the charity shops for something that says it's ok for her age, unless mumsnetters can recommend a cheap one online???? Needs to be machine washable as don't have a butler ;-(

I think it's to cover their backs because there's different safety (CE) testing for under 3's
I may be wrong tho

Loads of my toddlers toys say age 3 plus. Even ones which are clearly for babies or small toddlers.

What is the toy? Can you post a picture or an Amazon link?

I think you have to use your judgement in deciding what level of risk you think any given toy poses and what level of risk you are willing to put up with - bearing in mind that being three doesn't automatically make a child immune from damage either.
For example, I am personally happy with sticker books that are for 3+ because the issue is more that the child won't do them "properly" than that they would be injured (assuming that they are generally being supervised anyway). But I wouldn't allow BRIO trucks with grape-sized detachable parts because the risk there is death by choking.

It's simple - material testing and certification for under 3 is more expensive, use your common sense not label when giving toys to your kid

thanks all, I thought it wouldn't be straightforward
sorry I can't post a link
must dash xx