Crocheting For Babies & Toddlers: Safety Considerations
Hello! Let's imagine you've picked out the perfect pattern, chosen the cutest yarn, and your crochet hook is poised – you're ready to create something special for a little one! But before you dive in, it's important to consider safety. Here are some key things to keep in mind when crocheting for babies and toddlers:
Yarn
- Material Matters: Choose soft, breathable yarns like cotton, wool or bamboo. Avoid yarn with loose fibres which may become a choking hazard - opt for more tightly spun yarn.
- Skip the Frills: Resist the urge to use novelty yarns with beads, sequins, or other embellishments. These can become choking hazards.
- Fire Safety: Choose yarns that meet fire safety regulations, especially for items used around sleep. Check the ball band for details.
- As an extra consideration, think about washability. We all know how babies and toddlers like to spill things! Choose machine washable yarns for easy care.
Choking Hazards
- Bye-bye Buttons: Consider embroidered closures or details as a safer alternative. If you must use buttons, sew them on securely with strong thread.
- Eye Spy: For amigurumi, use safety eyes specifically designed for children's toys. Embroidered eyes are another safe option.
- Loose Ends: Always weave in yarn ends securely to prevent them from unraveling and becoming a choking hazard.
- Double check seams: Take time to examine any areas you have joined together, reinforcing them if necessary.
- Strings & Cords: Long strings & cords are a potential strangulation risk. Keep these short to eliminate risk.
Cuddly and Safe
- Pattern Play: Avoid open lace patterns or anything with large gaps where fingers or toes could get caught.
- Blanket Best Practices: Crochet blankets are wonderful for supervised tummy time or car seat use, but avoid using them in cribs or for unsupervised sleep.
- The Perfect Fit: Make sure clothing items aren't too loose, which could be a tripping hazard, or too tight, which could restrict movement.
General Safety Tips
- Never leave a child unattended with a crocheted item.
- Wash crocheted items before gifting them. This removes any residues from the yarn manufacturing process and any potential allergens which you may have left on the item.
- Consider the baby or toddlers's age and developmental stage when choosing a design.
Conclusion
By following these simple safety tips, you can create beautiful and cherished crocheted items that are also safe for babies & toddlers to enjoy. Crocheting for little ones can be so rewarding because we can look forward to their happy faces and how cute they will look in our creations. So, apply my tips, use your common sense and don't forget to have fun!
Inspiration for you
Looking for crochet pattern inspiration for a baby or toddler? I'm currently expanding my collection, but I do have two suitable cardigan patterns; To The Park Cardigan (at the top of this email) and my Fields of Lavendar Cardigan (top left above). My Mavis Mitts and Saturday Beanie are available in baby & toddler sizes too (above).
I hope this has been a useful blog post for you. If you like these tips, please consider signing up to my mailing list, when you do so, you'll automatically be sent my PDF with 25 top tips that every crocheter should know!
Until next time, happy crocheting,
Marta xx
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