Crayons are a great option for toddlers because of their many benefits. They help kids develop their fine motor skills, teach them about colors and shapes, and provide hours of fun. But before you can introduce your little one to crayons you need to choose the right ones first. Here is a guide on how to choose the best crayons for toddlers.
Safety First
The most important factor to consider when choosing crayons for toddlers is safety. Look for crayons that are labeled non-toxic, which means that they have been tested and certified by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) as being safe for children under three years old.
Make sure that the crayon box does not have any sharp edges or pieces that could pose a choking hazard if broken off. If you’re buying online, check out customer reviews to make sure you’re getting a quality product from a reliable source.
Non-Toxic Ingredients
Non-toxic crayons are crafted with care, using only the safest ingredients. They typically use natural wax, such as bee or soy wax, blended with natural food-grade dyes and pigments. The pigments come from a wide range of sources like minerals, and vegetables. This ensures that every time you pick up a non-toxic crayon, it's not just safe to use but also kind to our environment.
Size Matters
When it comes to choosing crayons for toddlers, size matters! Most standard-sized crayons are too big and bulky for little hands to hold comfortably. Look for small-sized or mini-sized crayons specifically designed with young children in mind, as these will be easier for them to grasp and manipulate successfully.
There are also different shapes available that are better suitable for toddler hands. Nowadays you can find crayons shaped like blocks, stones, eggs, or even peanuts. You should also look at the shapes of the crayon tips; some brands offer chubby triangular-shaped tips which are much easier for toddlers to control than regular-shaped tip ones. This makes it easier for them to create their art without frustration!
Crayon Variety
Another important factor when picking out crayons is variety – not just in size and shape but also in color! Choose boxes that come with several different shades of each color so your toddler can explore the world of color combinations while expressing themselves through art! Some brands even offer metallic or glittery options which add an extra element of creativity. Don’t forget about other materials like markers or colored pencils either – these can be just as fun.
Price
In general, crayons for toddlers are quite inexpensive, ranging from a few dollars for basic packages of eight to ten crayons up to around $25 for larger sets of 64 or more pieces. Such a small investment does have the potential to bring about huge rewards by fostering your toddler's creativity and development.
Shelf Life
When it comes to their shelf life, crayons tend to last longer than most people think - they can remain usable for up to 3 years if their wrapper is kept intact. Of course, this depends on several factors such as the location where the crayons are stored (sunny or humid places aren't ideal) and how often they’re handled by little fingers.
To ensure maximum freshness of your crayon collection, we recommend storing them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Conclusion
Choosing the right crayons is an essential part of helping your toddler discover their creative side while having tons of fun at the same time! When shopping around, make sure you keep safety first by looking at labels certifying non-toxic ingredients. Consider size by selecting smaller, chunkier versions designed specifically with little hands in mind. And lastly don’t forget about variety – choose boxes containing multiple shades of each color.
If you are a parent to an amazing toddler who's ready to explore their creativity then we have the perfect guide for you! Take a peek at our article, 'Colorful Fun: Get The 12 Best Crayons For Toddlers', and get ready to select the set that's right for your little one. Plus, we provide insight on which ones will develop hand strength as your child continues to grow. Don't let your toddler miss out on this fun. Check out our guide now!
