Plastic balls, also known as ball pits, may seem like harmless fun for children to dive into and play with, but these bright, colorful props come with some notable risks.

Safety experts warn that these toys can cause injuries ranging from minor scrapes to serious medical emergencies.

The Hidden Dangers of Plastic Balls

Plastic balls from ball pits can cause a range of injuries. Children can fall and suffer broken bones or head trauma from hitting the hard floor. These hard plastic balls can also cover germs, bacteria, and viruses that can harm children’s health.

Since it’s not possible to thoroughly clean the balls, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria and other harmful pathogens over time.

Choking and Swallowing Hazards

Small plastic balls have been known to pose choking hazards to children. Kids can accidentally inhale or swallow them. Since these balls come in various sizes, it’s difficult to gauge the risks of choking and swallowing.

In addition, if a child ingests one of the plastic balls, they can block their airway, leading to hospitalization or even death.

Balls Can Get Stuck in different body parts

Another injury caused by these toys is when a ball gets stuck in any part of the body. For example, a ball can get stuck in the ear or nose if children try to smell or insert them in that area.

Children might feel pain and discomfort and require immediate medical attention to remove the object.

Infections and Rashes

Plastic balls are notoriously difficult to clean completely. Over time, the balls can trap germs, bacteria, and viruses that can cause infections and rashes.

A child who comes into contact with dirty balls can develop an allergic reaction or catch harmful viruses like the flu, COVID-19, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Are There Any Preventative Measures?

There are several precautionary measures parents and caregivers can take to keep children safe around plastic balls:.

Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling the balls.
Make sure the ball pit is age-appropriate and not overcrowded.
Supervise children while they play to prevent dangerous behaviors like throwing balls at each other.
Check that the balls are clean and free of dirt, food, or other debris before letting children play with them.
Replace old plastic balls periodically to ensure they are free of bacteria and germs.
Choose ball pits made with soft, inflatable balls rather than hard plastic ones since they pose fewer risks of injury.

The Bottom Line

Plastic balls might seem like harmless fun, but they can pose hidden dangers for children. Choking hazards, infections, rashes, and other risks associated with these toys mean parents should take preventative measures to keep their children safe.

Before letting your child dive into a ball pit, be sure to check its cleanliness, age-appropriateness, and safety measures, and supervise playtime to prevent accidents.