It also has many adults hooked due to its soft and silky feel, which relieves stress and anxiety. Like clay, the sand can be molded into shapes and forms, making it a favorite in any child’s toybox, but is it safe? Show Table of Contents
What is kinetic sand?Kinetic sand is made by coating normal sand with silicone oil; it comprises 98% fine sand and 2% “magic” silicone. The silicone makes the sand flow, move, and gives it a certain elasticity in the same manner as wet sea sand, but it contains no water. When the grains are pressed together, the substance displays the finer detail of the shapes and molds used to form it. To add to the fun, kinetic sand comes in a wide variety of bright colors, from neon to metallic. Use it to build three-dimensional objects such as castles, roads, and houses. Say goodbye to the cookie cutters, molds, straws, cardboard tubes, and toys for hours of creative fun. The material molds easily with crisp, defined lines. You can also slice it cleanly with a knife. If the structure is bumped or left untouched, the shapes will slowly collapse, sometimes surprising and interestingly. This is because the silicon makes the grains of sand stick together. If just one grain starts to dislodge from the molded shape, others will follow, causing the collapse of the entire structure. Kinetic sand is soft and velvety. It does not have the grainy texture of regular sand. The sand moves organically, and you may notice that some children become almost mesmerized by the silky feel of the material. It seems to have an almost meditative effect on children, so it is a great way to soothe over-energetic children. Adults may also enjoy the soothing effects of playing with the sand. Is Kinetic sand safe for kids?As we now know, kinetic sand is made from sand and silicone. Silicones are polymers that contain long chains of oxygen and silicon. They are found in many everyday household products, from cosmetics to conditioners and household lubricants. Silicon is anti-microbial and non-toxic, and it contains no allergens. Most commercially manufactured kinetic sand adheres to all safety regulations. They are, therefore, safe to touch and play with. Any child over three can safely play with this exciting new substance. Adults should supervise all small children while at play. Although kinetic sand is non-toxic, eating large quantities of it can be dangerous, so small children should not be allowed to play with the sand unsupervised. The same properties that make the sand so much fun to mold and touch are the exact properties that make ingesting it problematic. Large amounts of the sand could become stuck in the bowels because the movement of the bowels will mold and form the sand rather than move it. While consuming small amounts of sand will not cause harm, removing large amounts of kinetic sand from the bowel may require extreme methods such as surgery. Keep the sand safely out of reach of dogs, as there are reports of dogs eating large amounts of the sand and requiring surgery to remove it. If a large amount has been consumed, induced vomiting could save a trip to the surgery room. Benefits of kinetic sandHere are the several benefits of playing with kinetic sand.
Storing Kinetic SandUnlike beach sand, kinetic sand will never dry out. Keep the sand in a closed box and wipe the table when you use it, as the sand will not mold as effectively when it becomes badly soiled. The sand is sensitive to humidity and may lose its silky texture if wet. If your kinetic sands get wet drying, they will return to their smooth and silky texture. How to Make Kinetic SandMaking your kinetic sand is quick and easy, and it’s another learning opportunity for your children who can learn how to make mixtures using cups and measurements. What happens if my kid eats sand?So if your child does ingest sand, especially a large amount, Dr. Nelson recommends monitoring for diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or fever. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your pediatrician immediately.
What does kinetic sand taste like?And now, kids can do just that – metaphorically and for real – with this quirky edible kinetic sand recipe-craft that tastes like hot chocolate.
Is kinetic sand safe for babies?Though it's non-toxic, you'll want to wait to give kinetic sand to your child until you're sure they won't eat it. Kinetic sand poses a choking hazard and could cause constipation if eaten in large quantities, or even gastrointestinal obstruction.
Does kinetic sand contain lead?The White Playsand is naturally fine since it's made from feldspathic sand. The product is free from lead, asbestos, and crystalline silica dust, making it non-toxic and safe for children to play with. The company shares the test results so you can verify the product is safe.
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