Ball pits.... Why are they 3 yrs and up?

[mtrattner]

It seems like I know so many people who let younger kids play in these. Kids seem to love them and I was going to get DD one for her 1st bday but then it says 3 yrs and up?
Can anyone tell me why? The balls seem huge and DD loves to crawl under the tables so I thought tunnels would be fun.
Any real reason why not?
Thanks!
Melanie

[MarisaSF]

I was confused by this as well. Jazz loves the balls at 12 mos. We have a plastic sandbox that we filled with balls (no sand).

Her daycare had the balls in a water table with no water.

I think the balls are plenty safe for any age, even though the box of balls says 3 yrs+. I guess that the age requirement probably has something to do with the structure. You'd want to make sure the balls don't go so deep that she can't get out. Ours are just one-ball deep.

[icunurse]

Yep, never understood it either. We bought one just before DS turned one and he loves it. The only thing I can think of is to make sure that it's sturdy and that there isn't any place that a little one can get tangled (the old adult supervision clause:)).
Traci
~Connor's Mom 02/2004~
Agency paperwork completed - waiting for #2!