One of the many areas where we can do our part to keep kids safe is right at home. As a do-it-yourself enthusiast, I know just how much fun a craft project can be for a little one. However, I’m also aware of the risks that can accompany crafts for kids if you’re not careful. Today I want to share my top safety tips to keep your DIY crafting kids accident free! Here are safety tips to keep in mind with doing preschool crafts with your little ones.
Safety Tips To Keep In Mind With Crafts For Preschoolers
1. Supervision
Be cautious and never leave kids unattended. Children should be supervised with using craft supplies.
2. Safety Scissors
Purchase child safety scissors with blunt edges and teach them how they’re used properly. Even though this style of scissor will help avoid accidents, they’re not risk-free. Make sure they know to handle scissors. Only when properly seated and to keep fingers away from the blades.
3. Non-Toxic Art And Craft Supplies
Use only non-toxic paints, glues and markers. While we may use permanent markers as adults, we don’t think about drawing all over ourselves like kids sometimes do! While we may safely use things like rubber glue as adults, kids may dip their hands in it!
4. Remove Choking Hazards
Be careful with small parts. Buttons, plastics and other fun embellishments are really appealing to curious and hungry toddlers. Make sure to keep them on you and away from tiny fingers. You don’t want them to become a choking hazard.
5. Prepare A Work Space
Create a DIY space just for kids. Keep this area clear of any tools or materials you don’t want them to have access to. It’s also a good idea to keep this low to the ground to avoid accidental falls. You may want to protect the work space with a layer of newspapers.
6. Limit use of heated materials.
Some craft projects may require a little help from a hairdryer, a glue gun or other heat involving tools. Instead of allowing the children to use these on their own, let them assist you whenever possible. When not in use, be sure to keep these out of reach from little hands.
7. Avoid Sharp Edges
Always keep an eye out for sharp edges. If it can cause more than a paper cut, think twice before allowing kids to use it.
8. Wear protective clothing.
When necessary, dress children in long sleeves, pants and shoes to avoid skin exposure. This comes in handy when they are doing messy paint projects.
9. Wash Hands
Teach preschoolers to always wash their hands when they are done with a craft. This is a good practice to make sure there are no supplies stuck to their skin. As much as young children tend to touch their noses and everything else, it is also just good for sanitary reasons to prevent the spread of germs.
10. First Aid Kit
Keep a first aid kit handy and have emergency numbers on the kit, just in case. I used to look after a little preschooler who had a thing for Band-Aids. You could find them in every room of the house, in various shapes, sizes and colors. To him, those flimsy little Band-Aids were the ultimate protection against danger and I never took the time to explain the difference to him, because all that mattered was that he felt safe.
When it comes to kids, it is always better to be safe than sorry. I hope these crafting safety tips help you out when doing preschool crafts! Last but not least, HAVE FUN! What is your favorite project that your crafting kids have done?
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