“The popularity of ball pits has increased in the general population since commercial restaurant chains installed them nationwide in the 1980s,” the study authors say

“Ball pits are often contaminated with visible dirt, vomit, faeces, or urine providing an origin and permissive environmental factors for microbial contamination. Numerous types of bacteria have been identified in ball pits located in community settings.”

And how about cleaning? Apparently, this is far down the list of priorities for ball pit owners everywhere.

 

The study confirmed that ball pits may “go days or even weeks between cleanings, allowing time for microorganisms to accumulate and grow to levels capable of giving children infections and making them sick.”

Ready to rethink that ball pit, mama?