Turns out making a turtle huggable takes a lot of tries. Before Sandy could sit in a little one's arms, he went through dozens of versions, and every single one taught us something about what kids really need from a comfort toy.

Dozens of tries

The early versions didn't have the right body shape, and the shell wasn't quite a turtle shell yet. One had shiny plastic eyes and gem blush that looked a little too surprised. Each round got us closer, but "close" isn't the same as right when it's something a child will hold during a dental visit.

Finding the perfect blue

We tested fabric swatch after swatch to find the exact soft blue for Sandy's body and the deeper blue for his cape. It's the same calming palette you'll find in our logo and all through our office.

Details that keep little hands safe

Then came the details, and as parents ourselves, these were the ones that mattered most:

• Embroidered eyes and cheeks instead of hard pieces, so they're safe for little hands and won't scratch or pop off
• A rounder head that's easy to hug
• A softer belly with shell lines stitched right in
• A cape that actually drapes, because every brave turtle deserves a real cape

Every version got a little closer to the Sandy we drew.

Why we sweat the small stuff

It's the same care we're putting into the whole practice. Kids notice the small stuff: a soft toy to squeeze, a gentle voice, a room that doesn't feel cold or loud. When those little things are right, nervous children relax, and parents can breathe a little easier too.

Meet Sandy in person this November

Sandy will be waiting to say hi when Brave Kids Dental Co. opens in Sandy, UT.

Join our VIP list below to be the first to know when we open, plus a goodie bag, your own Sandy plushie and a sweet new patient exam deal.