Why Safety Eyes Are Not Actually Safe

We all love how the little plastic eyes bring amigurumi to life. 

But what many crafters might not realise is that those seemingly harmless embellishments can pose a serious choking hazard to young children under 3 years old.

• Small Parts, Big Risks: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) https://www.cpsc.gov/ emphasises the dangers of small parts for children under 3. Young kids under 3 years old tend to explore the world by putting things in their mouths, and a dislodged safety eye can easily become a choking hazard.
• Breakability Factor: While plastic safety eyes are designed to stay secure, they’re not indestructible. Rough play or teething can cause them to crack or break, creating even smaller, sharper pieces that pose an even greater risk. Burning the backs (like some crafters have done on social media) can cause the plastic to become brittle and breakable.
• Loose Stitches: Over time, crochet stitches can loosen up. Even if you think the back can’t come loose, the entire eye and washer can be worked free from the face (especially if a child has been chewing on the area).

• Embroider eyes directly onto your creation: This method eliminates the choking hazard altogether. Lots of crafters offer tutorials on various embroidered eye designs on their websites.
• Use felt or fabric scraps: Cut out eye shapes from felt or fabric and securely sew them onto your amigurumi. This adds a touch of texture and eliminates the plastic risk.
• Opt for yarn eyes: Create eyes using different yarn colours and crochet techniques. There are lots of crochet patterns for different eyes available on Pinterest and via search engines like Google. 

Remember, a few simple adjustments can make a world of difference in keeping playtime safe and worry-free.