Babies are adorable and playful creatures. They love engaging in activities that enrich their physical and cognitive development. One of such activities is playing with balloons.
Balloon play comes with an array of benefits for babies, including improving hand-eye coordination, gross motor skills, and overall muscular development. However, as a parent or caregiver considering allowing your baby to join in on the fun, you may be wondering if it's safe.
Well look no further! In this article we're going to explore everything related to balloon playtime vis-à-vis its safety for babies.
The Deflation Rundown
Deflating balloons not only makes them easier for the little ones to enjoy but it also reduces its associated risks (which will elaborate below) which include but are not limited to suffocation(keep a keen eye out), choking hazards (close watch required) , fires (well blow me down) etc.
One thing you should always have in mind when embracing balloon play with infants would be deflating each toy after usage inorder to evade any form of curtailed risk factors. (deflating could come from squeezing all air out by holding at both ends; piercing gently with skewer don't pop them yet!!!, hypodermic needles or other dedicated paraphernalia)
It’s also best practice/science advice NOT TO allow children under 8 years old inflate balloons because they pose higher chances/choking risks due/inherent ability & likelihoods that come alongside sucking/blowing motion made by these younglings during inflation process therefore we must advise parents/caregivers exercise caution & vigilance when supervising their little angles' balloon indulgence time/consumption processes.
Pro Tip:
For more comfortable handling especially amidst children parties whereby/binge-play times witness guests being exposed around pet allergies e.g cats/dogs, you could opt for alternative/ eco-friendly balloons such as water ball products, spongy foam balloons while keeping the health of your little ones and their guests in check.
The Choking Hazard
The risk with balloon play is associated mainly with its random omnipresence expectation when it comes to popping. The potential of a quick distension or explosive collapse resulting from a popped balloon will create tearing points that could be choking hazards should any part find its way to babies' sensitive breathing organs (fingers, mouths etc).
Babies tend to tap things into their oral cavity which may become hazardous if balloons fragments are involved (Seriously Pay Close Attention) because they tend towards impulse sharp swallowing motions which might result in choking.
Thus it's up to us parents/caregivers always ensuring we keep all activities by infants harmless/playful whilst away from life-threatening circumstances/threats [a mouthful right? wink; but hey we baby proof everything else don't we?] By instructing older children who have tighter grips & more congnizant comprehension levels on how maintain handling efficacy during happy-balloon times.
Don't Shoot Your Eye Out Kid!
Side warning here Attention Please! We must carefully guide our toddlers not allowing them hold blown-up inflated-balloons near eyes, throw or use them as projectile toys when larger objects / furniture items within home around thereby avoiding potential impact casualties thrown off course via bursting pathways.
It’s also important that no one blows air directly into an infant's face. Not only can this cause discomfort, irritation or even unexpected scrapes/scratches from nails …it could also result in lung damages due high pressure inflow.
Helium Balloons
Helium-filled/mylar-diffused rubber helium-imbibed latex air skimmers adorned/tied-in at birthday occasions (you name) shall/must forever remain out-of-reach by infants. Their ability, when consumed/swallowed by infants in large quantity could lead to bowel blockages (meaning obstruction or clotting of intestine walls).
Balloon play is an incredibly fun and beneficial activity for babies. However parents/caregivers cannot let their guards down. Proper supervision is required, and precautions need to be taken to ensure a safe playing environment.
Always remember these tips when engaging in balloon play with infants:
- Deflate balloons after use
- Do not allow children under 8 years old inflate balloons
- Keep balloons away from eyes, nose and mouth
- Discard broken pieces immediately 5 Or opt for eco-friendly alternatives such as water balls/spongy foam ballons
Bottom-line
Take care of all the little ones around us & there's really no harm mingling/balooning it up! So go ahead babysit that nephew/niece/grandchild/& just stay alert like smoky the bear/that neighborhood security guard
Pat on Back
Kudos Humankind you are ALL simply amazing #1000%