Balloons Are Hazards Too
Surprisingly, latex balloons cause more choking deaths than balls, marbles, or toy parts. In addition to choking or aspirating on broken balloon pieces, some children actually suck in uninflated balloons while trying to blow them up. Of course, that doesn’t mean that kids can’t play with balloons anymore. Just be safe and recognize that they can be a hidden danger if your kids aren’t supervised.
Balloon Warnings
Although most toys with small parts are labeled as being a choking hazard to children under age 3 if they have small parts, it is important to remember the warning label that should be present on balloon packages: To be safe, parents should:
Supervise children under age 8 years if they play with uninflated balloonsCollect and discard all pieces of a broken balloon as soon as it breaks
You can also simply get Mylar balloons for your kids next party. These aren’t considered to be as big a choking hazard, especially since they don’t break into smaller pieces as easy as latex balloons. While Mylar balloons can be a safer choice, adult supervision is recommended with any type of balloon.
