VENT: What they don't tell you about FLOAM...

CarSeatPoncho

New member

• Feb 19, 2007

• #1

is that it's REALLY REALLY STICKY!

It is basically styrofoam beads mixed with very thick, sticky glue, plus some pigment.

When I say "thick" I mean melted marshmallows that you mix into Rice Krispies treats. So thick that when you squish it in your fists, it's actually hard for an adult (me) to open her fists. So thick that when your child mushes it between his hands, he can't separate them. You -- with your now Floam-covered fists, will try to wedge his hands apart, and your four hands will just morph. I'm just glad my husband was around to break the cycle.

This is a terrible product, really really un-fun, and (big surprise) nowhere near as easy to handle as it is in the commercial.

 

joolsplus3

Admin - CPS Technician

• Feb 19, 2007

• #2

LOL, isn't it GROSS?!?!?! My mom sent me some when I was in college and I thought it had gotten sticky in transit during shipping or something... it's totally NOT fun .

 

canadianmom2three

Active member

• Feb 19, 2007

• #3

Hmmmm I guess I got off lucky when I cheaped out and bought the no-name floam. The kids all complained about how "it doesn't stick to everything, like they say in the commercial" but at least there were no morphing hands to deal with

 

Victorious4

Senior Community Member

• Feb 19, 2007

• #4

My mom got some for Leila & she loves it -- I'm just glad Grandma waited until Leila was old enough to not put stuff in her mouth anymore.... But, thankfully, she hasn't gotten it stuck in her clothes: I make her use it only on a plastic floor mat, though!

 

A

arly1983

New member

• Feb 19, 2007

• #5

What I really hate about it is that it leaves a residue behind on whatever it touches (hands) then the hands touch everything. Definatly a sit at the table and play with this type of thing.

 

Simplysomething

New member

• Feb 19, 2007

• #6

I got some for my six year old for christmas. My mother described it as...feeling like grits and snot.

 

chaoticoctopus

Member

• Feb 20, 2007

• #7

Disgusting stuff. I'd rather have Play-doh, to be honest. At least that will eventually dry and crumble and can be picked out of the carpet.

Besides, have any of you actually smelled this stuff? Horrid.

 

Michi

Member

• Feb 20, 2007

• #8

Floam IS bad, and Moon Sand is also nasty stuff.

It feels okay, but because it's waterproof it's very hard to wash off of stuff.
My kids got some for Christmas, and I now have gritty/colored measuring cups and spoons. I think they call it MOON sand because that's exactly where I want to send the inventor of the stuff!

 

T

twokidstwodogs

New member

• Feb 20, 2007

• #9

Oh dear. I've never used it, but we just gave some of it to DD's classmate as a birthday present. Perhaps I should apologize to her parents.....

 

broken4u05

New member

• Feb 20, 2007

• #10

I have never used it. I like playdough myself

 

S

southpawboston

New member

• Feb 20, 2007

• #11

broken4u05 said:

I have never used it. I like playdough myself

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yeah, from the sounds of it, i'm staying clear of this stuff!!! playdough it great... our magdalena loves it, it doesn't stick to her clothes or the rug, it doesn't stain, and it barely leaves any residue. it's kid-tested, parent-approved. why mess with a good thing!

 

lovinwaves

New member

• Feb 20, 2007

• #12

twokidstwodogs said:

Oh dear. I've never used it, but we just gave some of it to DD's classmate as a birthday present. Perhaps I should apologize to her parents.....

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For some reason your post cracked me up! I can see it now, "Sorry, for giving your DD a horrible present!" LOL it just doesn't sound right

 

griffinmom

Moderator - CPST Instructor

• Feb 20, 2007

• #13

FLOAM is not allowed in my house anymore. I can't believe that DH, super neat freak, bought it for DS.

 

skaterbabs

Well-known member

• Feb 20, 2007

• #14

the boys have been begging for it - this just reinforces my "NO!" answer even more lol

 

T

twokidstwodogs

New member

• Feb 20, 2007

• #15

lovinwaves said:

For some reason your post cracked me up! I can see it now, "Sorry, for giving your DD a horrible present!" LOL it just doesn't sound right

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No, it doesn't sound so great. I had better watch out--perhaps they'll be getting revenge when DD's birthday rolls around! In my defense, I wasn't the one who selected it. DD did. But I think I'm still responsible.

As for Playdoh, my only objection to it is that my golden retriever finds it extremely tasty. I actually had to call the vet once when she ate a ton of it. I know it's non-toxic, but I wasn't sure how well it "passes" through a dog's system. (Just fine, in case anyone needs to know!) We don't dare buy the scented kind.