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Types of Crayons You Can Buy for Your Toddler

Renuka Sathaye
Using crayons is a good way for kids to explore the world of colors. The following write-up promises to give you a plethora of information about the different types of crayons for toddlers.
If you see your kid grab a pen/pencil from someone else's hands to scribble on a page or wall, then it's high time you purchase a set of crayons for him/her.
Crayons are popular coloring products for children, as they are easy to hold, inexpensive, and available in any art shop. The kids hold them any which way they like, and a word of caution is that they are even tempted to eat them! Therefore, one needs to be careful while buying them.

Different Types

Flat-sided

Most of the time, this coloring device rolls and falls off the table. Your child may have to go down several times to pick them up. This will lessen his/her interest in coloring and painting. Hence, opt for flat-sided ones that will not roll off the table, thereby allowing your child to develop a liking for the art.

Large Ones

They are wide and easy to grasp, and therefore, it helps your child attain a firm grip while coloring. Also, small-sized ones might break easily every now and then resulting in loss of interest to color.

Edible

There are kids who enjoy eating this coloring device. In such a case, buy non-toxic ones. These are available in rectangular or triangular shapes instead of the regular cylindrical shape. Their unconventional shape helps in providing a firm grip.
Eco-friendly ones made from natural products like paraffin wax, beeswax, and soy are some of the safe products.
  • Soy: These are made from soy wax or soybean oil, therefore, are considered to be non-toxic and safe. This is an excellent product which has a smooth texture. Their thick and oval-shaped make helps in providing an easy and firm grip.
  • Beeswax: These are made from beeswax. They come with a natural smell of honey which is a favorite amongst most children. The smoothness of beeswax assists in providing a firm hold while scribbling.
  • Paraffin: They are made from natural petroleum and are non-toxic. The availability of different bright and vibrant colors makes it all the more preferred.

Washable

Kids scribble anywhere except on paper. The marks on the walls cannot be washed easily; so, buying this will help in protecting the walls from the marks. They are mostly available in unusual shapes which help the toddler develop a firm writing grip too.

Bath Crayons

Bathing time can become fun with soapy bath crayons used in the bathtub. They are available in stationery shops, and you can also make them at home by mixing soap (crushed/flakes), washable paints/food coloring, and warm water. They are comfortable to hold, and your little one can scribble on the sides of the bathtub while bathing.

Few Pointers

  • The tips tend to break and your toddler might eat the broken tip. Also, your little one will lose his/her interest in coloring if the tip keeps breaking all the time. Therefore, it is advisable to break the tips beforehand.
  • You can also choose to remove the wrapper. This helps the kid roll the crayon, and discover new ways of coloring.
  • Pens and pencils can cause serious injuries, as the children might poke themselves in the face. Hence, it is best to keep them out of their reach.
It is a good idea to keep a few of the earliest scribbles aside. You can frame a few or post them to the grandparents. It's a great way to archive your kids' art work and appreciate their creative efforts.