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FOR parents, there is nothing worse than worrying about crayons getting into their child's mouth. To help put their mind at ease, we've rounded up the best non-toxic crayons.

Drawing is one of the many ways toddlers and children can express themselves and their imaginations. It also helps with physical development and is the first step to writing.

Using crayons can help with fine motor skills, helping with holding pens and pencils when children start school.

However, there is often concern about the toxicity of crayons - especially since toddlers often use their mouths when exploring the world around them.

In 1994, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled a number of imported crayons due to concerns about them containing lead. This affected brands such as Toys R Us and Universal International.

Since this recall, parents have been worried about the ingredients in their children's crayons. To help put these worries to rest, we have tried and tested crayons on the market today.

1. What we tested: Djeco Crayons

As they become toddlers, kids start to learn how to grip crayons and pencils. This is where Djeco's flower crayons come in handy.

Each shaped crayon is easy to hold and comes in a storage box to make it easy for toddlers to grip. Mark-making has never been easier to encourage.

The storage box also helps keep toddlers organised, if that's possible. Children can take them out without tipping all the crayons on the floor.

These crayons are non-staining and non-toxic. This means they can easily be washed off tables, clothes and skin.

2. What we tested: Lionheart Collection

These large chunky crayons are great for toddlers who like to hold long objects over smaller ones.

What makes this product a 3-in-1 is that it's a wax crayon, wooden pencil and a water colour all in one pencil. You get eight in a pack, which helps keep your toddler occupied. To make the crayon into a water colour, just add water to a paintbrush and watch what effects your toddler can create.

The wooden pencil means that the crayons are clean, break-resistant and long-lasting. However, our toddler did manage to get a decent chop out of the tip.

As these crayons are water-soluble, they can be washed off most surfaces—and mouths.

3. What we tested: Crayon Station

These cute dinosaur crayons are great for little ones who have a big imagination.

All these crayons by Crayon Station are CE-certified and non-toxic, giving parents peace of mind when their children are getting creative. The small business handmakes these crayons into different shapes,

Small enough for little fingers, these crayons make lovely marks on paper. Little ones can not only draw their favourite things but also play games with the dinosaurs.

These crayons are also great for those who have a small budget. They're also perfect for themed party bags.

4. What we tested: Little Brain Paint Sticks

Don't worry - these are not glue sticks. They might look like our primary school sticks, but these are actually paint sticks.

They twist up and down just like a glue stick, providing a solid vibrant paint. A great alternative to wax crayons, they can be held by toddlers who are development their fine motor skills.

The paint dries in less than 60 seconds but can be cleaned quickly, meaning creating pictures can be mess free. Paint sticks can also be used on a variety of surfaces such as paper, wood, card and even glass.

The paint sticks are non-toxic, thus very child-friendly. As they're not too solid, toddlers can easily take a chunk out of the paint itself.

5. Vercico Jumbo Crayons

These toddler crayons are designed in the shape of a peanut and come in 12 or 24 packs. The colours can help children to explore colour knowledge visually and develop thinking skills.

The jumbo crayons are washable and do not stick to hands. They can comfortable to hold and do not create a mess.

Toddlers are safe with these crayons as they are made of certified non-toxic and edible material. They have an EN71-3 approved certification.

The grip on these crayons makes it easier for toddlers and children to handle, developing fine motor skills. The brand does advise that toddlers should be supervised by adults while they use them.

6. My First Crayola

These easy-grip jumbo crayons are sized to fit a toddler's palm. This is so they can easily make their first marks and develop those important fine motor skills.

This set also introduced toddlers to colour exploration as they develop, as well as physical and mental / thinking skills. They're also far less breakable than other Crayola products, making them perfect for any toothy gums.

According to the brand, these are made from non-toxic materials and are suitable from 12 months. They come with colours such as red, pink, yellow and blue—bright strong colours that help toddlers learn and spark creativity.

7. The Best Crafts

This set contains 36 bright, cold colours and are shaped like felt-tipped pens. These are better for older toddlers or those who are have advanced fine motor skills.

The crayons are 3-in-1 are they are crayons, pastels and watercolours. As they are gel crayons, they are "buttery smooth" and have good, bright coverage. You can also blend them, like pastel colours—just moisten your fingers to create a pastel effect, which is great for sensory stimulation.

Whole slim,. they are still jumbo in size and great for small toddler hands. The crayons are a twist up and down with a plastic shell to stop breakage. A great essential for starting pre-school too.

The recommended age is 4 years and above and confirms to ASTM D4236 and EN71 standards. They are water-based and non-toxic.

8. Ventvinal Egg Crayons

These wax crayons have a specially shaped design, making them attractive in appearance and easy to hold for little hands.

According to the company, these crayons can stimulate babies' creativity and imagination. The colorful crayons are supposed to enhance the cognitive competence of colour and creativity of young ones.

There's no need for cloths as these crayons are washable. Just use ordinary soap and the stains will wash away. The crayons also have a smooth surface that will not get your baby's hands dirty.

The egg shape makes these crayons less prone to breaking, unlike stick crayons. The brand says they are durable and have a long using life.

Are all Crayola crayons non toxic?

According to its website, Crayola has been ensuring its crayons are safe since 1903.

Its products are evaluated by an independent toxicologist and, according to the company, have been found to contain "no known toxic substances in sufficient quantities."

Are bath crayons toxic?

It's always best to check the ingredients provided by the manufacturer to ascertain whether a bath crayon could be toxic for your child.

Munchkin and Crayola both say that their bath crayons are non-toxic.

If you're concerned by your child ingesting any type of bath crayon, speak to your GP or consult the NHS website.

Where to buy nontoxic crayons

As an art and craft product, crayons can be found at a mixture of stores, both online and offline.

Supermarkets often sell crayons for both paper and the bath. You can also buy them from mother and baby stores such as Mamas and Papas.

Amazon also has a great selection of non-toxic crayons as well as online shops such as KIDLY and Babi Pur.

What ingredients make a crayon toxic?

While some brands might print 'non-toxic' on their products, it's worth bearing in mind that it's a technicality.

According to Reference.com, Crayola, as an example, buys additional ingredients - aside from paraffin wax - from third parties. Some of these ingredients and potential allergens could be considered toxic to some people - including those allergic to peanuts, legumes, tree nuts, milk casein, nuts, nut oils, Red Dye #40 and latex.

It's also worth noting that paraffin wax is created from petroleum, coal or oil shale. The process of creating this wax could expose it to toxic ingredients that are not purified in the melting process.

If your child ingests any crayon and you're concerned, speak to your GP.

How much are non-toxic crayons?

The price range for crayons is normally between £5 and £20, depending on the brand. For example, if you're buying organic crayons then these will be more expensive than non-organic ones.

Also, different stores have different prices. Supermarkets might have offers on or Amazon might have a Prime deal, so it's worth shopping around.

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