Precautions for children using PU foam toys

PU Foam toys have always been around and available for children. As with any new toy there are pros and cons associated with them. The question is how can you decide which of the many PU Foam toys available is right for your child?

First of all let's go over what exactly are these toys made of? Basically, a polyurethane foam is made from a combination of plastic resin and polyurethane foam. They are both vacuum packed together to form a solid piece. This can then be poured into a mold and then shaped to meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines for toys.

The advantages of using polyurethane as a foaming agent in toys are fairly obvious. The biggest one is that it causes very little pollution because it doesn't use any petroleum-based products. Another advantage is that children often enjoy running and jumping on the toys. And because the toys will not shrink once they are filled, they are safe from accidental spills and broken limbs that might occur if a toy is swallowed.

One thing that parents need to be aware of is that the polyurethane foam that is used in many toys is made of a byproduct of the petrochemical industry. So while the foam may be completely safe for your child to play with, there could be some danger of it being contaminated with lead or other toxins. However, this is really a small risk when compared to the dangers of long-term chemical exposure. And if there is an accident where the toys are damaged or there is a leak and the polyurethane foam causes any water or liquid to come out, then it would be absolutely OK for you to take them in for disinfection. You would just have to call a good disinfectant company and ask them to dispose of the remaining material.

When choosing a PU Foam toy you want to pick one that has a long warranty and is very sturdy. These toys are not made to break or bend easily. They are also not made of inexpensive materials. Most of them are made from the best high quality polyurethane foam and premium cork lining.

You can choose from a wide range of toys made from this foam including boats, bikes, cars, picnic tables, benches, swings, slides and more. There are also toys that are geared toward older children like dolls, puzzles, and building blocks. Older children usually prefer toys that can move and express their imagination. So most of these toys are aimed at children from birth to 12 months.