A Houston teenager is turning a question about what makes stuffed animals soft into a growing business focused on safety and representation.
Read full article: Houston teen launches non-toxic plush toy line after researching chemicals in stuffed animals Federal immigration agents are seen at Newark Liberty International Airport, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Newark, N.
J. Read full article: EXPLAINER: Why is ICE at US airports with TSA FILE - The DoorDash app is shown on a smartphone on Feb. 27, 2020, in New York. Delivery company DoorDash is looking for a valuation of nearly $30 billion when it takes itself public. The company is planning to raise up to approximately $2.8 billion from an initial public offering of 33 million shares. Health inspectors found thawed seafood, food stored in buckets leading to temporary closure of Mama Tina’s Gumbo Read full article: Health inspectors found thawed seafood, food stored in buckets leading to temporary closure of Mama Tina’s GumboInspired by his sister’s stuffed animals, 14-year-old Colton Cyr created Dough Babies with a focus on safety testing, inclusivity and a new National Bear Day plush releaseA Houston teenager is turning a question about what makes stuffed animals soft into a growing business focused on safety and representation.after looking into the materials found in plush toys, prompted by his younger sister’s collection of stuffed animals, according to his father, Dr. Steven Cyr. “About a year and a half ago, my daughter was showing my son all of her plush toys,” Steven Cyr said. “He was noticing how they all felt, and he was intrigued by what made them soft.”Dr. Steven Cyr who a board-certified orthopedic and cosmetic surgeon said his son began researching what toys are made of and found information he described as alarming including claims that many toys may contain chemicals such as heavy metals, phthalates, formaldehyde and other substances that can disrupt hormones. “He was so worried about his sister and other kids playing with these toxic toys that he talked to me about his idea of starting his own toy company with non-toxic toys, focusing on cute dolls that were safe to cuddle,” Dr. Steven Cyr said. Cyr said he was surprised by what his son found, adding that as a physician he had not been aware of the issue and decided to look deeper as a family. The teen’s idea became a yearlong project, Steven Cyr said, as the family researched materials, manufacturing and testing. “It actually took us about a year or so to get the dolls out into the market, because we had to figure out how to test them and how can we go above the minimum testing standards?” he said. Steven Cyr said the family went to multiple manufacturers and was told by several that the design would be difficult to produce as a plush toy because of details such as “chubby cheeks” and hands. He said they eventually found a manufacturer that could make the concept work.Along with safety, Steven Cyr said representation was a priority for his son, who wanted the dolls to reflect a range of skin tones so more children could see themselves in the toys. “We represent the range of skin tones that are seen in America, so that every kid could see a doll that made them feel like they could relate to it,” he said. The line includes four skin tones and two genders, he said. The family says the brand is also expanding beyond its original doll line. Steven Cyr said a new bear-themed plush “Cubby Chubkins Baby Bear” is being released for presale in connection with National Bear Day. Steven Cyr said he hopes the project raises awareness among parents about what children may be exposed to and encourages families to ask more questions about the products they bring home.Paige Hubbard Paige Hubbard is a proud Houstonian with 10 years of TV experience. The TSU graduate has worked at FOX 26, KHOU 11, CW39 and KPRC 2. She also reported in Beaumont at KFDM FOX 4 and in Central Texas at CBS Austin. She is extremely passionate about news and driven to produce accurate, impactful storytelling that uplifts her community.Long TSA lines expected at Houston airports again as government shutdown causes staffing shortagesFort Bend County Judge KP George taken into custody after guilty verdictHouston Cougars are using last year’s national championship game as motivation
News Houston Health Safety Colton Cyr Dough Babies
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
No. 2 Houston vs No. 10 Texas A&M Live Updates, Box ScoreUH basketball faces A&M in a massive Texas rivalry game in the second round of March Madness. Follow along for live updates.
Read more »
No. 10 Texas A&M vs. No. 2 Houston, Round of 32: Box Score, Live UpdatesFollow along as Texas A&M meets their in-state opponents in the Round of 32 for the second time in three years.
Read more »
Texas Kalshi Promo Code COVERS: Get $10 Trading Bonus for Texas A&M vs. Houston on SaturdayGet the Kalshi promo code COVERS for $10 bonus on Texas A&M vs Houston March Madness predictions. Trade $10 to unlock your reward.
Read more »
Grand Champion Steer sells for record $1.5 million at 2026 Houston Livestock Show and RodeoThe Grand Champion steer, named Zinger, sold for a record-breaking $1.5 million at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, with the Reserve Grand Champion, Ryan, setting its own record sale of $750,000.
Read more »
Woman shot, hospitalized as SWAT scene unfolds in Houston's Washington Corridor: HPDAuthorities said a 911 caller reported seeing a man with a gun and then reported hearing gunshots. SWAT was sent to the scene and has remained there into Saturday afternoon, officers said.
Read more »
3 Areas Texas A&M Needs To Address This Offseason After Loss to HoustonThe Texas A&M Aggies had a successful season, reaching the Round of 32. What do they need to address in Bucky McMillan’s second season?
Read more »