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Mum shares her disappointment at discovering her child’s daycare centre allows children to play with balloons.

The concerned mum shared on MOM answers that when she arrived at daycare to drop off her baby the carers had set up latex balloons hanging from the ceiling.

She added, “The balloons hung to a height just above the ground to where the children could reach. My child is 12 months old and walking and would love playing with balloons but I think they are just too dangerous.

“The centre has a no plastic bag policy so I find it strange they give balloons to the kids. I know they will get rid of the balloons once I voice my concern today, but my trust has been eroded and now I am thinking of pulling my son out of the centre. Is this over reacting?”

Some people simply told the mum she was definitely overreacting, while others were more concerned for the environment.

A couple of responses to her post include:

– “I think unless your child has a known allergy or a history of trying to eat them then there isn’t any reason to worry,”

– Another said, “Kids do have a lot of fun with balloons, but I see where your concerns come from as they can be dangerous. I’m more concerned about their impact on the environment. Ban all non compostable balloons and help save our planet.”

– “It is actually a sensory toy used in many daycare centres and schools australia wide to encourage play. But kids love balloons and there is no harm in them unless they try to eat them or are allergic to them. I would voice your concern if you really think it is an issue but I certainly don’t think they have violated your trust – particularly if they didn’t know you were so concerned”, wrote another.

This mum is actually fighting to ban balloons – read her story here. While in QLD the release of helium balloons is now officially illegal!

Do you allow your children to play with balloons?

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  • Balloons can be lots of fun or terrifying to some children when they pop. I guess it depends also if they are biodegradable or just the type of plastic that is not going to break down. They also need close supervision as children can swallow the plastic and cause harm.

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  • I don’t think it’s too much of a safety issue. I do hope they use biodegradable ones though to save the environment

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  • I always let my kids play with balloons. Great for throwing/ catching, keeping up in the air, if filled with helium then on a string, paper machie, kicking, drawing faces. Of course at first sign they were going down they were gone before the kids were tempted to put them in their mouth.

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  • I’d be more concerned with the sound they make when they pop. Frightening!

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  • Balloons are great! I get them out for my kids every son often. You can use them in so many ways.
    Definitely think she is over reacting, as I’m sure the staff would of supervised well.

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  • The world has really become a sad place…… no playing in the mud, no vitamin D from sun, no monkey bars and now no balloons! We are bringing up a bunch of overprotected kids that won’t even be able to think for themselves. Ridiculous.

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  • I would be on the mother’s behalf on her concerns. Even though balloons are colourful, its not good for day care. Not only is ok for all the kids at daycare but what about the adults who comes in to pick up the child. my mother has bad balloon allergies. the noise may be too much for those who have sensory issues. there are plenty of things they could use instead of balloons.

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  • Just tell them how you feel or, if possible, stay for a while to see how the children interact with the balloons. It may help to relieve your worry.

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  • I think perhaps she should pull her child out if that daycare centre and go to one less fun or inline with her beliefs. Gee whizz that is a bit of an overreaction if there are no allergies and the children are well supervised. Car emissions are also bad for the environment, but I’m thinking she didn’t cycle there….

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  • They are NOT good for some sensory issues.. A child would be very distressed if their sensory issue is loud noises. (the same situation also relates to older children and adults That is why some supermarkets have particular times that they have only soft or no music and avoid using the PA System if possible. We almost had to leave a supermarket a couple of weeks ago. Fortunately they turned the music down for us. It was on very loud and other people were commenting about it.


    • The center may have considered this and it may not be an issue at this particular center.

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  • Other than the fact they are not good for the environment.. I don’t see a problem in using them as sensory play. I’m sure they would be well supervised and not left with broken balloons they could swallow

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  • Totally fine to use balloons for sensory play! If they pop, they are loud and the centre can pick up the pieces before the child puts it in their mouth.

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  • Wow! Definitely an over reaction! What kid doesn’t love balloons? Hours of entertainment,very petty!

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  • Children love balloons and so long as they are disposed responsibly, where’s the harm? They can easily be disposed of at Coles or Woolworths recycle containers for soft plastic.


    • I agree – it always comes down to being responsible along with being vigilant.

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  • If you know they will immediately respond to your concerns I would happy with thst.

    Reply

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