By default, kids play anywhere and everywhere but it is your responsibility to ensure that when designing play space for children, you ensure it is functional and safe. However, studies have shown that parents could only identify 40 of potential hazards in their children’s play space.
In recent times, there has been a growing emphasis on the safety of children at home and this cannot be separated from incidents of fatal accidents at home, which involved children.
Below are some grave mistakes you should avoid when designing play space for children.
Power Outlets
Every outlet in the playspace for children must have outlet protectors and it’s important to use reliable brands. You should also pay extra attention to those outlets that are around the cribs. Given the amount of time they spend in their cribs, by default, it also serves as a play space. You don’t want to have power outlets that your children are sticking their little fingers into.
Pay Attention to the Windows
There is a lot of misinformation about curtains in the house and the safety of children. A growing number of parents have been made to believe that they should avoid windows with long cords hanging down from the shades. This is, however, not entirely safe. What you should avoid is having any kind of cord hanging down.
If you have an active baby or toddler, he/she will likely look for a way to reach that cord even if it means climbing a table and other furniture to get to it. Go for window treatments that do not have any kind of cord hanging down.
Swimming Pools at Home
Having a child at home should not deny you the pleasure of having a pool at home. However, if you do have one, you need to design it in such a way that it is barricaded and not accessible to children. You don’t necessarily have to build a 20-foot wall around your pool but it is important to cordon off the pool area.
Teaching your children how to swim is just as important as keeping them away from the pool area. According to studies, According to 24 Hour Fitness, swimming is an excellent cardiovascular exercise. It promotes heart and lung health, improves strength and flexibility, increases stamina and even goes as far as improving balance and posture. In other words, swimming strengthens your child’s heart, lungs and respiratory system.
Not All Toys Are Safe
You can never be too careful with your play space for children. Children love toys but you need to be careful when selecting toys for their playroom and space. For instance, pebbles are a big no. Same applies to small toys that they can easily stick into their mouths.
The play space for children; especially children, should have large toys and big stuffed animals. If your baby is big enough to climb out of his/her crib, then the surrounding area should be considered his/her play space.
Mount the TV
You should not have a TV on a stand in a play space for children. It is a horrible idea because if the child tries to climb the stand, the TV can fall on the child. It’s worse if you have a heavy TV. Your best bet is to mount the TV to the wall with a secure wall frame.
Candles and Matches
Children love sticking things into their mouth and candles in the play space for children might just end up in their mouth. To prevent your child from choking on candle wax, keep candles away from their play areas.
If you need to light up your home and their play space, you can use rechargeable lamps instead or place the candle in a candle holder and place them beyond the reach of your children.
Matches and lighters should not be kept anywhere close to the play space for children. Familiarise yourself with fire safety tips for your home. No matter how undeveloped you think his/her fine motor skills might be, don’t take chances.
Photo Frames
It is beautiful to have photo frames when designing the play space for children but ensure you hang them high up on the wall at a point that is beyond their reach.
Don’t forget that if a child pulls down a photo frame with glass, the glass can shatter and cut the child’s vulnerable skin. Worse still, the child could pick up the shattered glass and stick them into his/her mouth.
If you must use glass frame, you should either make sure they are very high up on the wall or you go for plastic frames.
Final Thoughts on Play Space For Children
Regardless of how you choose to design your play space for children, you still need to keep an eye on them as it remains the best way to keep them safe. Remember that as your children continue to grow, you would need to adjust their play space to keep it safe, functional and childproofed.
