Senger Naturwelt: Cuddly Companions Made with Natural & Organic Materials

The Story Behind Senger Naturwelt

The story of Senger Naturwelt began with a move from the bustle of Berlin to the quieter countryside of Obersinn, nestled between the Spessart and Rhön. Volker and Sabine Senger discovered that Volker’s mother’s old clothing factory, which had stood quiet since her retirement, offered an unexpected space for something new.

With Volker’s tailoring background and Sabine’s love of children’s books, they began making dolls together simply for the joy of creating them. Inspired by the animals and characters found in stories such as The Wind in the Willows, they imagined little companions with their own personalities and a sense of story.

What began as a small, almost spontaneous project gradually grew into Senger Naturwelt - a family business shaped by creativity, craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for natural materials. Today, that original spirit remains at the heart of Senger’s lovingly handmade cuddly animals, each created to be treasured companions for childhood and beyond.

Made with Love and Responsibility for Nature

Natural materials have always been at the heart of Senger Naturwelt. From the soft, handwoven organic cotton used for their animal fur to the natural fillings tucked inside their cuddly companions, every material is chosen with care for both people and the natural world.

Virgin sheep’s wool from the Eifel gives many of the animals their wonderfully soft, comforting feel, while cherry stones, grape seeds and spelt husks are used to create gently warming or cooling cushions.

Senger works with trusted suppliers across Germany and Europe, choosing high-quality materials that are safe, durable and made to be enjoyed for many years. We love that this thoughtful approach extends right through each animal - creating beautiful companions from simple, natural materials that feel as good in the hands as they do in the heart.

What Does GOTS Certified Mean?

GOTS stands for the Global Organic Textile Standard, one of the most widely recognised standards for organic textiles. It looks beyond the fibres themselves, setting requirements for the entire textile supply chain - from the use of certified organic fibres through processing and manufacturing, to environmental practices and social responsibility.

GOTS-certified products must meet strict criteria designed to limit harmful chemicals, protect water and ecosystems, and ensure responsible working conditions throughout production.

For Senger Naturwelt, using GOTS-certified materials is part of their commitment to creating cuddly companions from carefully chosen, responsibly produced materials - with consideration for both people and the planet.

Why Choose a Cuddly Toy Made from Organic Natural Materials?

A cuddly toy is often one of the things a child holds closest. It may be carried everywhere, slept with at night and, especially during the baby and toddler years, naturally find its way into little mouths. For something that spends so much time against a child’s skin, it is worth considering what it is actually made from.

Many conventional cuddly toys are made using synthetic fabrics and fillings such as polyester, acrylic and nylon. These materials are forms of plastic, manufactured from fossil fuels such as oil and gas. Unlike natural fibres, they do not come from plants or animals and do not readily break down at the end of their useful life. As synthetic fabrics are worn, washed and handled, they can also shed tiny plastic fibres known as microfibres or microplastics, which can make their way into household dust, waterways and the wider environment.

There is also the question of everything that may be added to a synthetic textile during its production. Fabrics can be treated with chemicals to make them softer, brighter, stain-resistant, water-resistant or easier to clean. Some textile treatments can contain substances that we would rather not have around young children, particularly when a toy is being cuddled, chewed or sucked. The difficulty for parents is that these treatments are not always obvious from the finished toy.

Natural and organic materials offer a different approach. Organic cotton and virgin sheep’s wool are fibres that come from nature rather than being manufactured from petroleum-based plastics. They have their own natural qualities - cotton is soft and breathable, while wool is naturally temperature-regulating and moisture-absorbing. Senger also uses simple natural fillings such as sheep’s wool, cherry stones, grape seeds and spelt husks, rather than relying on plastic-based stuffing.

Choosing natural materials does not mean that every synthetic product should be viewed with fear, but it does give us an opportunity to think more carefully about what we surround our children with. At Little Acorns to Mighty Oaks, we believe that when something is going to be held, cuddled and perhaps chewed on every day, there is real value in choosing materials that are natural, responsibly sourced and free from unnecessary synthetic fibres and treatments. It is a small choice, but one that can make a meaningful difference to the materials we bring into our children’s everyday lives - and to the world we leave for them.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why Is There Loose Fluff on My Senger Animal?

You may notice a little loose fluff or fine cotton fibre on your Senger animal, particularly when it is new. This is a natural characteristic of the untreated white cotton plush used for Senger’s white cuddly animals and is not a cause for concern.

The white plush is made from natural cotton that is washed after weaving but is not dyed, bleached or otherwise chemically treated. Because the fibres remain in their natural, undyed state, they do not hold together quite as tightly as the fibres in the coloured plush fabrics. As a result, some individual fibres and tiny particles may naturally work loose, particularly during the first few uses or when the inner cushion is removed.

Senger takes care throughout the manufacturing process to remove loose fibres. The animals are blown with compressed air after each stage of production and are brushed and vacuumed before leaving the workshop. Even with this care, it is not possible to remove every loose natural fibre from the plush.

The loose cotton fibres are harmless and will naturally reduce with use. If you notice excess fluff, it can simply be removed with a vacuum cleaner, ideally using an upholstery or soft-furnishing attachment. Gently tapping the animal outdoors can also help to release any loose fibres.

This is one of the small characteristics of choosing an untreated natural cotton plush - a material valued for its simplicity and natural qualities rather than a perfectly uniform, treated finish.

How Do I Wash and Care for My Senger Cuddly Toy?

Senger cuddly animals are made from carefully selected natural fibres, so they benefit from a little gentle care. Thankfully, because natural materials have a lovely ability to breathe and recover, they generally do not need frequent or vigorous washing.

If your animal has picked up some surface dirt, you can gently remove it with a soft brush before considering a wash.

Caring for Sheep's Wool-Filled Animals

For animals filled with natural sheep’s wool, we recommend gentle hand washing using cool water and a small amount of mild or wool detergent.

Before washing, soak the animal in clean water at the same temperature as the washing water. Add a little wool detergent and gently move the animal through the water, taking care not to rub or scrub the fabric.

Natural wool can felt when exposed to friction, heat or vigorous movement, so please do not rub, brush, wring or spin the animal. Strong spinning can cause the wool filling to felt and form permanent clumps.

Once washed, gently squeeze out the excess water without wringing. Lay the animal flat on a clean towel to dry, moving it gently from time to time to help the filling dry evenly.

You may notice a slight woolly smell while the animal is wet. This is completely natural and will disappear as the wool dries.

Caring for Cotton-Filled Animals

Senger animals filled with natural cotton can also be hand washed using mild detergent. Some cotton-filled animals may be suitable for a gentle washing-machine cycle, but we recommend checking the specific care instructions for your animal first.

As with wool-filled animals, avoid strong spinning. Vigorous spinning can cause the natural cotton filling to gather into small clumps.

A few small areas of unevenness or gentle clumping can sometimes occur after washing natural-fibre fillings. This is a normal characteristic of natural materials and cannot always be completely avoided.

A Little Gentle Care Goes a Long Way

Senger animals are made from natural fibres rather than polyester, and treating them gently helps to preserve their softness, shape and beautiful natural qualities for years to come.

Whenever possible, spot clean or gently brush away small areas of dirt rather than washing the whole animal. When a deeper clean is needed, a cool, gentle hand wash followed by careful air drying is the kindest approach.

Are Senger Cuddly Toys Colour-Fast When Washing?

Senger Naturwelt takes care to use high-quality dyes and carefully considered processes when colouring its fabrics. Different dyeing methods are used depending on the depth of colour, with lighter shades and richer, darker colours treated slightly differently to achieve the desired finish.

The dyes used by Senger are free from lead and other harmful additives, and no azo dyes are used. Heat is used during the dyeing process to help the colour bond securely with the natural fibres.

As with any naturally dyed fabric, a small amount of colour movement can sometimes occur during washing. We recommend following the care instructions carefully and avoiding fabric softener, which can affect the fabric and its colour.

What If I Notice Brownish Discolouration?

Occasionally, particularly with white or very pale cuddly animals, you may notice some brownish or darker discolouration after washing. This can happen if the animal has remained wet for too long.

The woven plush contains warp yarn beneath the surface, and if the animal stays wet for an extended period, some of the dye from these yarns can migrate into the surrounding fabric.

If this happens, don't worry. Washing the animal again according to the care instructions will generally help to remove the transferred colour. The best way to avoid this is to wash gently, remove excess water carefully and allow the animal to dry thoroughly without leaving it sitting wet for a prolonged period.

As always, gentle washing and careful drying will help your Senger friend retain its beautiful natural appearance for many years.

What Is the Natural Smell That Senger Naturwelt Toys Have?

You may notice a gentle, natural woolly scent when you first meet your new Senger friend. This is a completely natural characteristic of the pure sheep’s wool used to fill many of Senger’s cuddly animals and is part of what makes these natural-fibre companions so special.

Senger sources its sheep’s wool from controlled organic animal husbandry in the Eifel region, choosing natural fibres without the need for harsh chemical treatments. Sheep’s wool is naturally breathable, moisture-absorbing and temperature-regulating, making it a lovely filling for a cuddly companion.

Where Does the Woolly Scent Come From?

The natural scent comes from lanolin, the natural wool fat found within sheep’s wool. Lanolin helps to protect the wool fibres from dirt and moisture while keeping them soft and supple.

Because Senger leaves the wool in its natural state, some of this gentle woolly scent remains in the finished animal. The scent usually becomes much less noticeable with time, although a subtle natural wool aroma may remain.

You may notice the scent more strongly after washing, particularly while the animal is still damp. This is perfectly normal and should soften again as the wool dries completely.

There is no need to add fragrances or fabric softeners to mask the natural scent. We love that Senger's cuddly animals retain the simple, honest qualities of the natural materials from which they are made.

How Do I Warm or Cool My SENGER Cuddly Animal?

Some SENGER cuddly animals contain a removable natural filling cushion which can be gently warmed or cooled for extra comfort. Please read the guidance below carefully before warming your cushion for the first time.

Always warm the inner cushion only - never the whole cuddly animal. Never leave the cushion unattended while warming, and always allow around 30 seconds after warming before checking the temperature. Test the warmth carefully with your hand before giving it to a child, as the inner filling can become hotter than the outer fabric.

The times and temperatures below are guidelines and can vary between different ovens and microwaves. Never exceed the recommended times or temperatures.

Warming a Cherry Stone or Grape Seed Cushion

For cushions filled with cherry stones or grape seeds:

• Oven: Warm at 75°C for approximately 3–5 minutes.

• Microwave: Warm for ½–1 minute at a maximum of 600W.

Please check the cushion carefully after warming and allow it to stand for around 30 seconds before testing the temperature.

Warming a Spelt Cushion

Spelt-filled cushions should never be heated in a microwave.

Instead, they can be:

• Gently warmed in an oven at 75°C for approximately 2–3 minutes.

• Carefully warmed on a safe heater.

As with all warming methods, never leave the cushion unattended and always check the temperature carefully before use.

Cooling Your Cushion

For a little refreshing comfort, place the inner cushion only in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.

The cuddly animal itself should not be placed in the fridge or freezer. Once cooled, simply return the cushion to your SENGER friend and enjoy the gentle coolness and comforting cuddles.

A Little Extra Care

Natural fillings can retain heat differently from one another, so always rely on careful checking rather than the timing alone. Take particular care when using a warmed cushion with babies and young children, and never leave a child unattended with a heated cushion.

Why Spelt Husk Doesn't Stay Warm as Long?

You may notice that a spelt husk cushion doesn't retain warmth for quite as long as a cherry stone or grape seed cushion. This is simply down to the nature of the filling.

Spelt husks are the outer shells of spelt grains, and it is the air held between the individual husks that warms. Cherry stones and grape seeds themselves absorb and retain heat, allowing them to stay warm for longer.

The lovely benefit of a spelt husk cushion is that the air between the husks warms quickly. Even gentle cuddling can help to create and maintain a little natural warmth, making it a particularly cosy companion.

Can the Senger Naturwelt Cuddly Animals be warmed in the microwave?

The removable inner grain cushion can be warmed in the microwave, but the goose itself must never go into the microwave. For cherry stone or grape seed cushions, place the cushion on a microwave-safe plate and warm for 30–60 seconds at a maximum of 600W. Always allow it to rest briefly and check the temperature carefully by hand before use.

If your Senger animal contains a spelt husk cushion, do not microwave it. Spelt cushions should only be warmed using the recommended oven or heater method.

Can I put the whole Cuddly Animal in the oven or freezer?

No. The cuddly animal should always remain outside the oven, microwave and freezer. The inner cushion is designed to be removed through the zip underneath the animal before warming or cooling.

For cooling, place the removable cushion only in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. For warming, follow the instructions specific to the type of filling inside your Senger animal.

From what age can the Senger Cuddly Animals be used as a heat cushion?

The Senger Small Goose is not suitable for premature babies or babies under 2 months old, due to the risk of overheating. From 2 months onwards, it can be used with appropriate adult supervision and careful attention to temperature.

Always test a warmed cushion with your hand before giving it to a child. The filling can become hotter than the outer fabric, so take particular care to ensure it is comfortably warm rather than hot. Never leave a baby or young child unattended with a warmed cushion.

Are Senger Naturwelt toys made from organic materials?
Yes. Senger places a strong emphasis on natural and organic materials, with many of its soft toys made using GOTS-certified organic cotton and natural fillings such as organic sheep’s wool.

What does GOTS certified mean?
GOTS stands for the Global Organic Textile Standard. It sets strict environmental and social criteria covering organic fibres from their processing through to the finished product, including restrictions on harmful chemicals and requirements relating to working conditions.

Why is organic cotton a good choice for children's toys?
Organic cotton is a natural, breathable fibre that feels soft against delicate skin. Unlike synthetic fibres, which are generally derived from petrochemicals and can release tiny plastic fibres or microplastics, organic cotton is a plant-based natural material. Senger uses GOTS-certified organic cotton for many of its soft toys.

Is a Senger soft toy suitable for babies to chew?
Senger toys are made from carefully selected, certified materials, but they are not designed specifically as teething toys. Babies should always be supervised with soft toys, particularly when mouthing them, and the toy should be checked regularly for any signs of wear or damage.

What age are Senger Naturwelt soft toys suitable from?
Suitability varies between individual Senger animals, so we recommend checking the age guidance given for each product. Where a toy is suitable from birth, this refers to supervised use as an age-appropriate soft companion. As children grow, Senger animals can continue to become part of imaginative and small-world play.