Links

http://www.fastcodesign.com/1672948/why-lego-minifigures-have-a-hole-in-their-heads

http://lego.gizmodo.com/5019797/everything-you-always-wanted-to-know-about-lego

TO MATCH THE BRICKS? TO SNAP ON HATS? NOPE. IN REALITY, MINIFIGS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO ALLOW AIR TO PASS THROUGH IF LODGED IN A CHILD

Interesting fact. I've heard the hole in life savers is there for the same reason and that the very name "life savers" is a reference to this feature of the candy.

I had read about this once before, quite interesting. I do have a few of the solid head minifigures though for naughty children

Very interesting, but don't the older sets have the solidd head minifigures.

I've heard the hole in life savers is there for the same reason and that the very name "life savers" is a reference to this feature of the candy.

The name and design of a Life Saver was inspired by a "life buoy" you would find on a boat and such. What you just described is the urban legend surrounding the fact that the candy creator's child had once choked on regular hard candy. I've found the history of candy to actually be very interesting.

I thought it was because the design of a Life Saver looks like a "life preserver" you would find on a boat.

Now then wouldn't they be called "life preservers"???? Jk jk jk jk jk (lest u be very sensitive)

Interesting...Never swallowed a LEGO head, so I don't know if it is indeed a "life saver", and am not keen on pooping plastic!        

just a minor interesting note.  this weekend, i helped my son build Chima Crawley's Claw Ripper (set 70001).  we noticed the gator minifig (Crawley) has the holes at the top of his head.  However, the Leonidas (lion) doesn't. I'll take a look at his other minifigs.

Now then wouldn't they be called "life preservers"???? Jk jk jk jk jk (lest u be very sensitive)

Ha, I guess "Life Savers" just sounded hellacool. I don't know. Where did the name "Snickers" come from and why would anyone think that was a good name for a candy bar with caramel and nuts? The history of candies, soda drinks, and other confections is an interesting although odd trip.

just a minor interesting note.  this weekend, i helped my son build Chima Crawley's Claw Ripper (set 70001).  we noticed the gator minifig (Crawley) has the holes at the top of his head.  However, the Leonidas (lion) doesn't. I'll take a look at his other minifigs.

I think the situation with the hole/no hole has more to do with where the head piece was manufactured. The choking bit is true but you have different parts made in different factories from different molds.

Of course the Lego Friends minifigs don't have holes in their heads, so I suppose they just think girls are smarter than to swallow a minifig head...