It's infuriating and misleading that these balls are marketed as "phthalate-free." That may be true, but it does NOT mean they are safe! They are made of PVC, a super toxic plastic that off-gases dangerous fumes and releases potentially carcinogenic chemicals! I don't know about you, but I do not want my baby chewing on that!
I had my suspicions about this product's safety when I noticed that the balls have that beach ball "smell." I checked, and, sure enough, discovered the PVC.
It's such a shame that a mother must do detective work in order to confirm the safety of her child's toys!
******************UPDATE: 3/6/2013
If you read the comments for this review, you will see a response from the manufacturer which states that the balls are in fact made with PVC, but that the PVC is "phthalate-free."
After a brief internet search, I discovered that phthalate-free vinyl (PVC, #3) is a small step in the right direction-but that does not mean that PVC itself is safe. The vinyl chloride used to make PVC is a known carcinogen. Furthermore, the manufacturing process creates and releases dioxins that can be dangerous to factory workers manufacturing the PVC and harmful to the environment. I encourage you to type the phrases "phthalate-free PVC," "PVC," and/or "vinyl chloride" into your search engine of choice. It is quite easy to find information about the safety of PVC and its manufacturing process.
While I do not have the means to test this product for toxicity (and therefore cannot say with 100% certainty that the balls could cause direct harm to children), I stand by my decision to avoid the product due to what I learned about the chemical components and manufacturing process for PVC-whether it contains phthalates or not. I hope the manufacturer will consider a natural rubber or silicone alternative to these balls, because I would gladly purchase them.
To close, I'd like to respond to a few commenters who have attacked my desire to protect my children from toxins. First, I think it's a shame to attack a mother who is trying to act in the best interest of her children... especially when your attack includes narrow-minded remarks about my being from California. If these comments actually reflect your world view, I feel sorry for you, and I forgive you. It's also apparent that you do not know the facts. I encourage you to read up on this topic! The Environmental Working Group is a great resource and provides links to the research that backs up the organization's claims. Sadly, many people have no idea that everyday products (toys, household cleaners, toiletries, etc.) can contain alarming levels of contaminants and chemicals that are KNOWN to be harmful to humans (proven carcinogens, neurotoxins, endocrine disruptors, etc.) and/or the environment. Some products even contain chemicals that have been banned in Europe and Japan due to their known toxicity.
Yes, it's impossible to avoid ALL toxins... even I admit that! But that fact should not excuse us from caring. It's impossible to completely protect children from injury, but does that mean that people who childproof their homes are paranoid California hippies? Certainly not.
It is my hope that more parents will voice their preference for non-toxic products, and that companies will respond to the rising demand. Until then, I'll be happy to clean my home with vinegar, purchase wooden toys, use body products with a low toxicity rating (btw, there is an authoritative and credible internet database with these ratings), and live with the "California hippie" accusations! You call this behavior "paranoid," but I call it "smart," "fact-based," "intentional." It is borne out of my love for my children, my body, and our planet.
I bought for my almost 3yr old boy who has SPD(sensory processing disorder) and he loves them, as does my 6 yr old son and myself. They are perfect for gripping, rolling, throwing, massaging and they are not sharp or harmful. I only gave 4 stars because it would have been better if they were all different sizes.
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I got these for DS's 1st birthday. They are soft but spiky. They bounce and withstand chewing. Since the focus is on Sensory Integration these days I figured these balls would be great for all in the household.
They massage feet, too. :D
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My 1 year old loves it when we take off his shirt and roll these down his back and sides. They are small enough for him to pick up with both hands and he loves the feel. The balls seem to be well made and have a valve like a basket ball to fill them with more air if desired. Recommend to anyone.
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Got these for my daughter's first birthday. They are easy to pick up and hold, and interesting because of the bright colors and bumps. I think they are a good choice. I think another reviewer said something about the bumps being "sharp", but I don't think so. Perfectly fine for 6 months & up, I'd say.
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I bought this toy for my twin girls around 10 months of age and they seem very interested in the toy and have even figured out how to put the balls on the top track to get them started going. I agree with the previous reviewer that the balls should be a little larger one of my girls can get the ball all the way in her mouth, too. My only other complaint is that while the edges are smooth, one of my girls bumped her head a few different times on the edge of the tracks (out toward the edge of the toy) and it left a pretty nasty bruise/mark. This is not the fault of the toy, as my little ones were learning to walk and quite clumsy at the time, but because of this I recommend this for children who are a little bit older and more stable with their walking.
