Water balloons and summer fun are all but synonymous. With growing consciousness surrounding climate change and the environmental impacts of single-use plastics, however, many are turning to the reusable water balloon. But during this summer’s swelters, it’s important to ensure these products come from reputable, safety-tested brands — the alternative could be harmful, and even fatal, to kids.
The first thing to understand is what makes poorly constructed reusable water balloons so potentially hazardous.
The basic structure of a reusable water balloon is remarkably simple: A plastic, spherical shell is joined at the center by magnets, mostly hidden beneath a layer of plastic but sometimes exposed, so that the balloons “pop” on impact. This design delivers that signature water balloon pop, while also allowing kids to fill and refill the same balloon.
That small band of magnets is where problems can occur.
Hospitalization is one example of the trouble this design can result in when shoddily executed. This happened last August when a woman from Morrow, Ohio, had to bring her daughter to the hospital due to the small magnets accidentally getting lodged up her nose — magnets she says came from reusable water balloons purchased on Amazon.
And this past December, the Consumer Product Safety Administration (CPSA) advised U.S. shoppers to steer clear of SplishSplashFun’s SplishSplash Balls for violating federal regulations regarding the strength of the magnets in their water balloons and the number of magnets. Per the violation notice, the CPSC notes that: “When high-powered magnets are swallowed, the ingested magnets can attract to each other, or to another metal object, and become lodged in the digestive system. This can result in perforations, twisting and/or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning, and death.”
These are pretty frightening prospects from a seemingly innocuous product. But does this mean you and your kids should forgo reusable water balloons this summer? Luckily not. There are still plenty of ways to shop safely and enjoy a summer filled with eco-friendlier water balloons.
Joan Lawrence (AKA the “Toy Safety Mom”) is the senior vice president of standards and regulatory affairs at The Toy Association, a top toy industry organization. She says that it’s the choking hazard component of both traditional water balloons and reusable water balloons that parents should be concerned with.
“Always supervise children when they are playing with balloons of any kind (latex balloons, water balloons, and reusable water balloons). Uninflated balloons and broken balloon pieces are a choking hazard for children,” Lawrence says. “If a reusable balloon breaks, or if any magnet comes out or breaks away from the balloon, dispose of all parts (balloon and magnet material), since both small magnets and uninflated balloons/balloon pieces pose serious safety issues if swallowed.”
The other major stress point from the Toy Safety Mom? Trusted companies are key: “The Toy Association advises shoppers to only buy toys from recognized brands,” she says.
ZURU is a well-known brand that currently has a line of reusable water balloons on the market. Its Bunch O Balloons line promises 1,500 splashes per balloon, and the brand says it goes through rigorous internal and external testing. “ZURU’s product testing team performed over 1,500 life cycle tests where a Bunch O Balloons Reusable Water Balloon was launched and burst open repeatedly with no observable damage sustained,” ZURU’s team tells The Toy Insider. “Due to the nature of water battle action, users will not be able to realistically count splashes so each balloon should be inspected for wear and tear before each use. Any balloon that is not completely intact should be discarded.” A six-pack of Bunch O Balloons reusable water balloons retails for $12.99 at Target.
As a result of its internal and external testing, ZURU says its Bunch O Balloons line, “has met and complied with all US ASTM F963 and CPSC regulations.”
Relatable, formerly known as What Do You Meme?, is another company that sells a version of the buzzy summertime toy. A pack of 10 Hydrobursts, Relatable’s reusable water balloon line, costs just under $15 at Walmart.
Relatable tells the Toy Insider that it, too, passes safety standard tests with flying colors. “Relatable prides itself on staying on top of all the latest Product Safety Commission (CPSC) updates and safety guidelines,” it says. “We ensure Hydrobursts meet the highest standards with extensive use-and-abuse testing as per the U.S. Toy Safety Standard, making these a top pick for big box retailers.”
Despite a dependable standard of safety, both ZURU and Relatable recommend checking the balloons for damage frequently. Relatable suggests changing out Hydrobursts each season, or even sooner.
The increase in publicity regarding the dangers of shoddy reusable water balloons unfortunately doesn’t mean that potentially hazardous water balloons have been eliminated from the market. The Chinese retailer AliExpress, which peddles suspiciously low-cost goods, has several reusable water balloons for sale, many of which cost under $3. The same goes for Temu, the direct-from-China brand selling knockoff and (quite possibly) untested toys.
Reusable water balloons from these sites should be avoided as safety standards and product information are often nowhere to be found within the product listing and even in the shipment purchasers receive.
Consider also the materials from which your reusable water balloons are made. These plastics can include silicone (which is known to expand easily in heat, making insecure magnets more likely to present a choking hazard) and latex, which is a common allergen.
Still, there is much to be excited about: Avoiding dubious brands and shopping platforms goes a long way, and sustainable water play is closer than ever. However, parents would still be wise to keep in mind this suggestion from the brand Relatable as the summer weather calls for more and more outdoor fun: “There is no substitute for a safe parent who properly supervises safe play.”
