Is the Labubu Doll Safe for Your Child? A Parent’s Guide to Smart Soft Toy Choices

Introduction: The Labubu Phenomenon and Safety Concerns

The Labubu doll has taken the toy world by storm in 2025, becoming a viral sensation among both children and adult collectors. With their mischievous grins and furry bodies, these plush creatures have become status symbols, often seen clipped to backpacks and luxury handbags alike. However, recent safety warnings from government agencies have raised important questions about whether these trendy toys are truly safe for children. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine the safety concerns surrounding Labubu dolls and introduce you to Babuniya Toys, your trusted online destination for safe, high-quality soft toys that prioritize child safety above trends.

Understanding the Labubu Craze: Why Everyone Wants One

Labubu dolls originated as characters from Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung’s “The Monsters” picture book series, inspired by Nordic folklore. These elf-like creatures with their distinctive nine-toothed grins captured the imagination of collectors worldwide when Chinese toy company Pop Mart began producing them in 2019. The toys are primarily sold through blind box packaging, meaning consumers don’t know which character they’ll get until they open the package, adding an element of surprise and collectability that has driven unprecedented demand.

The phenomenon has reached fever pitch, with searches for “Labubu doll” reaching 2.1 million in a single month according to Google Trends. The craze has been fueled by celebrity endorsements from pop stars like Dua Lipa, Rihanna, and Lisa from BLACKPINK, making them must-have accessories. The scarcity factor has created a booming resale market, with rare variants selling for thousands of dollars on platforms like eBay—one life-sized Labubu figure even sold for over $170,000 at auction in China.

The CP Safety Warning: What Parents Need to Know

In August 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued an urgent safety warning about counterfeit Labubu dolls, commonly referred to as “Lafufus.” According to the CPSC, these fake dolls “pose a serious risk of choking and death to young children” .

Key Facts from the CPSC Warning:

1. Choking Hazard: The fake dolls, sold as both plush figures and keychains, are small enough for children to fit entirely in their mouths, potentially blocking their airways.
2. Breakage Risk: CPSC has received reports of counterfeit Labubu dolls breaking apart easily, releasing small pieces that present additional choking hazards .
3. Illegal Importation: CPSC investigators have identified multiple shipments of these counterfeit products attempting to enter the U.S. from China and have requested the seizure of thousands of units for violating federal regulations for toys with small parts.
4. Safety Violations: The Chartered Trading Standards Institute in the UK has issued similar warnings, noting that these toys often violate toy safety regulations .

Peter Feldman, CPSC Acting Chairman, stated emphatically: “These fake Labubu dolls are dangerous, illegal, and have no place in American homes. No parent should have to wonder if a toy will stop their child from breathing. Protect your children and buy only from reputable sellers” .

Authentic vs. Counterfeit Labubu Dolls: How to Spot the Difference

For parents who already own a Labubu doll or are considering purchasing one despite the warnings, it’s crucial to know how to distinguish authentic products from dangerous counterfeits.

Table: Identifying Authentic vs. Fake Labubu Dolls

Feature	Authentic Labubu	Counterfeit (Lafufu)
Number of Teeth	Exactly nine teeth	Often has eight or more than nine teeth
Brand Markings	Holographic Pop Mart sticker, scannable QR code to official site, UV stamp on foot.	Missing or poorly replicated branding elements
Price Point	Typically $25-$100 retail (though resale prices may be higher)	Deeply discounted prices
Color Quality	Normal color intensity	Overly bright colors
Construction Quality	Durable construction that doesn’t break apart easily	Poor construction that may break apart easily
Safety Labels	Proper choking hazard warnings and safety certification marks	Often missing proper safety labels

Authentic Labubu dolls are only sold through official channels including Pop Mart retail stores, the Pop Mart app, Robo Shops, Pop Mart’s official TikTok Shop, and verified third-party retailers like Amazon’s official Pop Mart storefront 5.

The Babuniya Toys Alternative: Safe Soft Toys for Your Child

In light of the safety concerns surrounding counterfeit Labubu dolls, parents seeking quality soft toys should turn to trusted specialists like Babuniya Toys, your premier online destination for safe, certified soft toys that prioritize child development and safety above trends.

Why Choose Babuniya Toys?

1. Rigorous Safety Standards: Unlike the questionable origins of counterfeit Labubu dolls, all products at Babuniya Toys meet or exceed international safety standards, with particular attention to age-appropriate designs that eliminate choking hazards.
2. Developmental Appropriateness: While Labubu dolls were primarily designed as collectibles for adults, Babuniya Toys specializes in products specifically engineered for child development and sensory stimulation.
3. Transparent Sourcing: Every toy available through Babuniya Toys comes with clear manufacturer information and safety certifications, eliminating the guesswork that comes with blind box toys.
4. Educational Value: Beyond mere cuteness, Babuniya Toys selects products that support cognitive development, emotional comfort, and creative play without compromising on safety.

Best Soft Toys Available on Babuniya Toys Online Website

While the Labubu phenomenon has captured attention, Babuniya Toys offers a wide range of engaging alternatives that prioritize safety without sacrificing fun:

1. Organic Cotton Plush Animals: Made from hypoallergenic materials with embroidered eyes (not plastic) to prevent choking hazards, these soft toys are perfect for infants and toddlers.
2. Interactive Educational Plushies: These toys combine cuddly comfort with learning opportunities, featuring elements that help develop fine motor skills, color recognition, and sensory perception.
3. Character-Based Plush Toys: For children attracted to the unique personalities of characters like Labubu, Babuniya.com offers engaging animal characters with distinctive personalities but designed with child safety as the priority.
4. Customizable Soft Toys: Unlike the random blind box model, Babuniya allows children and parents to select exactly what they want, reducing disappointment and excessive purchasing.
5. Age-Specific Collections: Carefully categorized by developmental stage, Babuniya’s collections ensure parents can easily find toys appropriate for their child’s age and abilities.

How to Choose Safe Soft Toys: A Parent’s Checklist

When selecting soft toys for your child, consider these safety guidelines inspired by the CPSC’s recommendations regarding Labubu dolls:

1. Size Test: Ensure toys and any detachable parts are too large to fit through a toilet paper tube, which simulates a child’s throat and prevents choking hazards.
2. Construction Quality: Check that eyes, noses, and other features are securely attached and cannot be pulled off easily.
3. Material Safety: Look for non-toxic materials and flame-retardant fabrics, especially for toys that will be slept with.
4. Age Appropriateness: Always follow age recommendations on packaging, as these are based on safety factors, not just developmental appropriateness.
5. Certification Marks: Look for independent safety certification marks from recognized organizations like ASTM, CE, or ISO.
6. Trusted Retailers: Purchase from established specialty retailers like Babuniya Toys rather than unknown third-party sellers offering deep discounts.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety over Trends

The Labubu doll phenomenon illustrates how viral trends can sometimes overlook crucial safety considerations, particularly when counterfeits enter the market. While authentic Labubu dolls from reputable sellers may meet safety standards, the prevalence of dangerous counterfeits means parents should exercise extreme caution when considering these toys for young children.

Babuniya.com represents a safer alternative, offering thoughtfully designed soft toys that prioritize your child’s wellbeing while still providing the comfort, fun, and developmental benefits of quality plush companions. By choosing toys from specialized retailers who put safety first, parents can protect their children from unnecessary risks while still enjoying the magic of childhood play.

Remember: no trend is worth compromising your child’s safety. Invest in quality toys from trusted sources like Babuniya Toys, where every product is curated with your child’s best interests at heart.