Every year, there is are specific toys that are considered to be the hottest, most popular, Christmas gift for kids. This year, a toy called Bunchems has attracted a lot of attention. The toy inspires creativity, but, unfortunately, also can get stuck in children’s hair.
Bunchems is a toy that functions similarly to LEGO. Each Bunchem is a round, colorful, ball that appears to be made out of plastic. Each Bunchem is covered in little hooks that enable it to connect to other Bunchems.
The cool thing about this popular toy is that it inspires creativity. Kids can build things with them. A video on the toy’s website shows a plethora of possibilities. Children can build a three-dimensional tower, animal, or flower pot. Or, they can use Bunchems in a flat way to make a “painting” or to shape the letters of their name.
The problematic thing about Bunchems is that they “stick and stay” in children’s hair – and it is difficult to get them out. To be fair, the toy is not intended to be worn. It is possible that little girls are putting Bunchems in their hair because they think the toy is a hair accessory. Or, maybe kids with long hair are accidentally getting the colorful plastic balls in their hair as they play with the toy.
Spin Master is the company that makes Bunchems. They released a statement that includes the following:
Bunchems are colorful, soft, tactile balls that make endless creations, however, they are intended only to be adhered to other Bunchems. This is particularly important for parents and caregivers to understand. The Bunchems packaging and directions clearly state: “Caution: Keep away from hair. May become entangled.” We recently changed the color of the warning to make it even more identifiable when opening the packaging.
In addition, Spin Master created a video titled “How to Remove Bunchems From Your Hair.” It gives parents a step by step guide that shows how to get the Bunchems out of their child’s hair.
* Use vegetable oil or conditioner (whichever you have handy).
* Parents should coat their hands and fingertips with the vegetable oil or conditioner.
* Apply it to the hair where the Bunchems are stuck.
* Brush or comb the non-tangled hair that is below the Bunchems.
* Gently pull and slide the Bunchems to the hair ends.
There are things parents can do to prevent this entire problem. Talk to your kids and make sure that they understand why they should not put Bunchems in their hair. Monitor your kids while they play with the toy – or play with them. Put your child’s hair in a ponytail, or pull it back, before letting him or her play with Bunchems.
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