We hope everyone enjoys balloons as much as we do. However, as with many things, balloons need to be used responsibly. Please take a few moments to read the information below.

Surprisingly, latex balloons cause more choking deaths than balls, marbles, or other small toy parts.

In addition to choking or aspirating on broken balloon pieces, some children suck in uninflated balloons while trying to blow them up.

Part of the reason that so many children choke on balloons may be that parents underestimate the choking hazard from latex balloons, especially to older children.

Balloons and pieces of broken balloons can easily be sucked into the throat and lungs. Besides, balloons are also not easy to remove from a child’s mouth or throat because of their smooth, slippery texture. Usual first-aid methods, like back slaps, the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts), or finger sweeps of the child’s mouth, often do not work.

Of course, that does not mean that kids can not play with balloons anymore. Just be safe and recognize that they can be a hidden danger if your kids are not supervised.

So, be careful:

Choking Hazard: Children under the age of 8 years can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Adult supervision is required. Keep uninflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once.

To be safe, parents should:

• Dispose of any plastic bags and packaging attachments associated.
• Read all instructions and warnings before using the balloons.
• Supervise children under the age of 8 years if they play with uninflated balloons.
• Collect and discard all pieces of a broken balloon as soon as it breaks.
• Inflate balloons using a pump, away from the face and eyes.
• Keep balloons away from fire, sparks and heated surfaces.

Latex Allergy

Like other natural things, people are allergic to such as bee stings and peanuts, and latex can also cause allergic reactions ranging from minor skin irritation to anaphylaxis in a tiny percentage of the population. However, latex allergy doesn’t have to mean missing out on the joy of balloons. There are now several non-latex balloon alternatives on the market, such as foil balloons and plastic bubble balloons.

Balloon Sticks

Many balloon sticks come in three pieces; a cup which the balloon attaches to, the small part which use to connect sticks, and sticks which attach to the cup. The cup and connect parts are fairly small and may present a choking hazard should they become loose. If balloons are to be given to children on sticks, we recommend parents supervise children while they are playing with them.