Jörgen remembers the call. The fact that the eye came off despite all risk analyses and safety checks was very serious. Still, in hindsight, he still sees that it led to something really good. ”Thanks to what happened, we learned to systematize safety work even more. We established clearer procedures and areas of responsibility”.
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BLÅHAJ
005.406.64Baby sharks quickly learn to be independent and take care of themselves. It takes a little longer for your child, but with this soft friend, every day full of developing and learning feels a little safer.
Product features
- Machine washable
More information
Sharks can swim and dive deep already when they’re born. How it goes for this little softie is more uncertain, but with a little encouragement, maybe it will dare to take a dip – in a washing machine.
All soft toys are good at hugging, comforting and listening and are fond of play and mischief. In addition, they are reliable and tested for safety.
The filling inside this soft toy is made of recycled polyester – since we care just as much about the environment and our future as you and your children do.
We know our soft toys should handle many years of love. That’s why we’ve chosen comfy materials, embroidered eyes, performed rigorous washing tests – and ensured that they’re free from harmful chemicals.
Reviews
Love BlåhajMollyI had to buy another Blåhaj for myself because my flatmates dog loved the original one so much I let her keep it.
Perfect to holdJi YoungPerfectly shaped, soft, good to hold
Cuddly and lovingJamey10/10 would recommend 🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️
Love my blahaj!AaronExtremely soft and a good size! The only criticism I have is that it could do with some more stuffing.
Love it!AngelaGreat soft toy, soft and cuddly. My son loves it
Baby sharkSusanA good size for the smaller shark, lovely and soft, delivered in time for Christmas too!
Perfect snuggling size!JudithReally good price, great value, well made, and perfect for a shark enthusiast to snuggle with! Very happy kiddo :)
Tran sharkSageSoft as and such a cutie
Good quality - no stains or freys
Good Pricing (10.99) Huggle SharkieDaisySnatched one on day one of opening while the big ones ran out. I have ze sharkie now!
Customer reviews
4.9Average rating
1133Reviews
4.9Average rating
1133Reviews
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Story
The story of a broken eye and what it taught us
The IKEA store in Helsinki, Finland, was full of customers that day back in 1997. Being a textile technologist at Children’s IKEA at the time, Carina Ingelsten ran a course about safety for a group of IKEA co-workers. ”I lifted up a teddy bear and pulled on the legs and arms to show how well they are sewn in place. When I pulled on the plastic eye, something happened that shouldn't – the eye came off”, says Carina. This was a major setback for Children's IKEA, but it was a setback that would lead to important safety improvements.
All soft toys were removed from the store as Carina tried to call her colleagues in Sweden. ”It was a Saturday, so it wasn't that easy to get a hold of people, but in the end Jörgen Svensson, my manager at Children's IKEA, answered and we succeeded in stopping global sales of our soft toys”.
Major consequences
More personal expression
The incident also led to the decision to not use plastic eyes at all. Embroidered eyes were not only safer, they also proved to give more character and personality to the toys. Annie Huldén, a designer who has created many soft toys over the years, agrees. ”The eyes are very important for a soft toy and plastic eyes easily seem too symmetrical and stale, while embroidered eyes are easier to vary in terms of the design, the size of pupils and the eyelashes.” Soft toys at Children's IKEA are loved by children throughout the world. It's a loved friend to play with and find comfort with - and which parents can always feel secure about.
Energy and resources
Is it possible to make plastic hug-friendly?
We want to reduce the amount of new material in our soft toys. Using recycled polyester as filling, and thereby giving new life to used plastic, is one way. That’s why we’ve embarked on an exciting journey with our new range of soft toys. Our goal is to fill as many soft toys as possible with recycled polyester – without compromising on safety or quality.
Function solution
Soft toys to hug, again and again
We know our soft toys should handle many years of love. That’s why we’ve chosen comfy materials, embroidered eyes, performed rigorous washing tests – and ensured that we test them for harmful chemicals. Simple to keep clean and fresh since they can be machined washed.
Quality
Sure, they’re cute but are they safe? Absolutely!
You can rest assured knowing that all our children’s products live up to the highest health and safety standards. We put our toys to the test – up against the toughest in the world (much tougher than any two-year-old). All so you can worry less and they can play more.