While young children are initially introduced to balloons of the round variety, the use of these to make balloon animals is not common. In fact, only recently have some very talented balloon artists successfully attempted to construct different animals with round balloons. The preferred balloon of most artists is one that is longer than wide and tubular in shape.

While many children are more than happy to watch a balloon artist construct an animal, with the hopes that he or she may be awarded that animal as a “prize,” many other children and adults are repelled by the necessary squeaks and other grating sounds that are a by-product of balloon animal construction.

Furthermore, although balloon animals date back centuries and were originally constructed by the injection of human air into animal bladders, which was later replaced by rubber balloons, the current material of choice is latex. These balloons may also contain powder and for this reason, it is strongly suggested that they never be inflated manually. Balloon pumps are extremely inexpensive, and a small price to pay to prevent a possible allergic reaction to the latex or powder contained therein. It also stands to reason that latex balloons should not be eaten, and parents with very young children should make every effort to supervise any play involving latex balloons, to insure that they are never ingested.

While caution is the watchword when using this, or any other toy, playing with balloon animals is normally a very pleasant experience for all concerned.

While young children are initially introduced to balloons of the round variety, the use of these to make balloon animals is not common. In fact, only recently have some very talented balloon artists successfully attempted to construct different animals with round balloons. The preferred balloon of most artists is one that is longer than wide and tubular in shape.

While many children are more than happy to watch a balloon artist construct an animal, with the hopes that he or she may be awarded that animal as a “prize,” many other children and adults are repelled by the necessary squeaks and other grating sounds that are a by-product of balloon animal construction.

Furthermore, although balloon animals date back centuries and were originally constructed by the injection of human air into animal bladders, which was later replaced by rubber balloons, the current material of choice is latex. These balloons may also contain powder and for this reason, it is strongly suggested that they never be inflated manually. Balloon pumps are extremely inexpensive, and a small price to pay to prevent a possible allergic reaction to the latex or powder contained therein. It also stands to reason that latex balloons should not be eaten, and parents with very young children should make every effort to supervise any play involving latex balloons, to insure that they are never ingested.

While caution is the watchword when using this, or any other toy, playing with balloon animals is normally a very pleasant experience for all concerned.