Are 3D Printed Fidgets Safe for Kids?
Straight answers from the people who print them. What our fidgets are made of, who they suit, and the few rules worth following at home.
The short answer
Our fidgets suit older children, teens and adults. They are not suitable for children under 3 because they have small parts. They are printed fidgets and collectables, not certified toys, so we recommend supervision for children aged 3 to 6. Our full Safety and Care Guide covers the details.
What our fidgets are made from
We print most of our fidgets in PLA. PLA is a plastic made from plant starch, often corn. It is one of the most common 3D printing materials in the world, and it prints with crisp detail and bright colours.
PLA is rigid, so our fidgets move through printed hinges and joints rather than soft rubbery parts. That is what gives an articulated dragon or axolotl its wiggle.
Why they are not for under 3s
Australia has a mandatory safety standard for toys made for children up to 36 months. It focuses on small parts that a young child could choke on. Many of our fidgets are small, and articulated pieces have joints and tails that can snap if a child bites or forces them. For that reason we label our fidgets as not suitable for children under 3.
Picking a fidget for your child's age
| Age | What works | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Under 3 | Not suitable | Choose a certified baby toy instead |
| 3 to 6 | Larger pieces, with supervision | Axolotl, Highland Cow |
| 7 to 12 | Most of the range | Pocket Pals, Infinity Cube, Crystal Dragon |
| Teens and adults | Everything | Magnetic Fidget Slider, Lunar Dragon |
A note on magnets
The Magnetic Fidget Slider contains magnets. Swallowed magnets are dangerous for children, so keep it away from younger kids and check it now and then for loose parts.
Looking after 3D printed fidgets
- Keep them out of hot cars. Keep PLA away from heat above 50°C. An Australian car in summer gets hotter than that and can warp a fidget on the dashboard
- Dust, do not wash. Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Skip water, cleaners and sprays
- Keep out of strong sun. Long stretches in direct sunlight fade colours
- Do not chew them. They are not teethers and joints can break under a bite
- Check for damage. If a part cracks or snaps off, take it away from younger kids
- Move joints gently at first. Articulated pieces loosen up with use
Are fidgets good for kids?
Lots of kids focus or settle better with something in their hands. We have written about that in fidgets as sensory tools and fidgets for ADHD. If you are not sure where to start, our best fidget toys guide matches fidgets to the way your child fidgets.
Frequently asked questions
Are 3D printed fidgets safe for kids?
Our fidgets suit older children, teens and adults. They have small parts, are not certified toys and are not suitable for children under 3. We recommend supervision for children aged 3 to 6.
What plastic are your fidgets made from?
Most are printed in PLA, a plastic made from plant starch such as corn.
Can 3D printed fidgets melt in the car?
Yes. PLA can warp above 50°C, and a parked car in an Australian summer gets hotter than that. Keep fidgets out of hot cars.
How do I clean a 3D printed fidget?
Dust it with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid water, cleaning sprays and solvents, which can damage the finish.
What age are your fidgets for?
They are not suitable for children under 3. Most of our range suits kids from around 7 and up, and larger pieces suit 3 to 6 year olds with supervision.
Pick the right fidget
Still not sure what suits your child? Send us a message with their age and what they like and we will suggest a few.