Latex-Free Water Balloons/ Non-Toxic Water Balloons
Just because you or your kiddo has a latex allergy, that doesn't mean summer fun goes out the window!
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Updated 2024; originally posted on July 8, 2019.
Unfortunately finding latex-free water balloons isn't an easy task. Since every exposure to natural rubber latex worsens a Type IV latex allergy until it transitions to Type I, airborne anaphylactic, latex water balloons are an absolute must to avoid- for both parents and children. Even if you don't care about the neighbors who may have a latex allergy, latex balloons aren't truly biodegradable. They take at least 7 years to even break into pieces.
Furthermore, my article on how toxic natural rubber latex actually is offers a number of authoritative links for you to peruse.
Natural rubber latex is categorically unsafe and prudent avoidance is thus advisable.
Check out these 3 latex-free alternatives to water balloons!
Sponge Balls
Instructables offers a tutorial as to how to make sponge balls. Simply cut some latex-free loofah sponges into strips, attach them in the middle to form a ball, dip them in water, and throw them! You can use twine, zip ties (note that some ironically are sold with latex rubber bands around them), or latex-free rubber bands to hold them together in the middle.
Check out my post about latex in sponges here.
Soppycid Reusable Latex-Free Water Balloons
I previously featured Water Wubble here, but they no longer appear to be in production.
Soppycid is a reusable, latex-free water balloon made of 100% silicone. There are a few reports on Amazon of them breaking, so you might consider buying some extras to ensure you don't run out. Nothing lasts forever, but these are so much more environmentally-friendly than latex-balloons since they're reusable. Plus, no clean up!
With that said, there are a handful of reports of safety concerns due to magnets inside, of which I would be neglectful not to mention. Consider testing these yourself, as an adult, to ensure safety first!
There are a number of China knock-offs listed online when it comes to "latex-free, 100% silicone water balloons," but remember that you cannot trust online product listings.
Crocheted Water Balloons
Have your latex-free summer fun and support a small Etsy maker as well! Crafty Prairie Girl offers these crocheted water balloons. While they may not *sound* all that much fun, you would be surprised at how much water yarn can hold! I may or may not know this from washing skeins of yarn in the washing machine then trying to get them to dry quickly while still in a skein.....
Handmade, these water balloon alternatives are latex-free and arrive ready for use. Just dunk in a nearby bucket or bowl of water, throw them at your nearest friend (or enemy?), and the water balloon fight is on! Keep dunking and throwing, then spread them out to dry in the sunshine when you're done.
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