Ball Pit Dangers

Function

• A ball pit is a large rectangular pit with padded walls and a padded floor; the pit is filled with colorful plastic balls that are hollow and approximately the size of a baseball. Children enjoy wading and swimming through the plastic toy balls, or jumping into them from above.

Types

• Ball pits are found at amusement parks, play centers, video arcades and fast-food restaurants. Smaller ball pits may also be purchased for the home.

Hidden Dangers

• The multiple layers of plastic balls make it impossible to see the bottom of the pit. It is necessary that the facility clean the pit at least once a week, to ensure that any sharp or dangerous objects are removed from the ball pit, to ensure the child's physical safety.

Bacteria

• Dangerous bacteria may also be found in ball pits. A diaper may fall off a child in the pit, allowing for urine or feces to rub off onto the plastic balls. Other potential bacteria sources include vomit, spit, urine and blood. Again, it is necessary that the facility properly cleans and sanitizes the pit and plastic balls regularly to guarantee child safety.

Physical Risk

• A potential for a physical injury exists also because children might land too hard on the plastic toy balls or hit the side walls. Also, children may throw the plastic toy balls at each other, which could hurt the face or neck.