Balloon Safety

Decorating with balloons can be an inexpensive and simple way to add colour and create a fun atmosphere for parties. Balloons however can also be a choking hazard for children. Balloons or balloon pieces can easily stick to the back of a child's throat. This can cause the child to stop breathing and die.

Keep your child safe:

• Never allow children to suck on, or play with, balloons that are not blown up, or with balloon pieces.
• Watch your children at all times if they are playing with blown up balloons.
• Collect and throw out all broken balloon pieces immediately.
• Adults should always blow up balloons for children.
• Balloons can spread germs. Never put a balloon in your mouth after it has been in someone else’s mouth.
• Children should be taught the dangers of chewing or sucking on balloons.
• Latex balloons can cause allergic reactions in some children. Foil balloons are an excellent choice instead of latex balloons.
• Hang balloons high enough to keep them out of reach of children.
• Keep balloons away from a child’s face. If a balloon pops it can hurt a child’s eye or face.
• Do not give out balloons to groups of children where there are only a few adults to watch them.