There are several factors to think about when your baby reaches the age where they can begin playing. You may not realise it, but newborns thrive on having their own place to explore and play in.
Providing kids with a specific, secure play space is the best approach to achieve this.
It will take some planning and imagination on your side to make your home the ideal baby playroom, as it will be different from mine and everyone else's.
Toddlers have an innate curiosity for the world around them, and your house is essentially a giant playground for them. This is beneficial since exploration and experimentation are essential to children's development and learning.
Keeping your child safe while they explore their environment and learn can be challenging.
Toddlers will happily explore what has dropped under the sofa (and probably taste it), grasp for objects that could tip over, and generally bounce around the house heedless of any dangers if left to their own devices.
A space where toddlers can play without fear of harming themselves is essential in this case. Even if you're right there watching your kid, there's still a chance they could get wounded. Online baby product directory at My Baby Nursery.
Here are some general guidelines to follow that will help you plan for your toddler's safety when you need to step away for a moment, such as when you have to use the restroom.
How To Create A Secure And Safe Play Area
Do Not Rely On Rules.
For the most part, toddlers lack the cognitive maturity to consistently follow even the most basic rules about what they should and should not do.
Young children lack the cognitive capacity to understand why the kitchen cabinets are off-limits or to be disciplined for breaking fragile objects.
It's likely that if you tell your toddler "No," they'll try again in a few minutes.
In general, children don't have the cognitive capacity to grasp the concept of rules and consequences until they're at least three years old. They will still require numerous prompts, however.
Select A Safe Play Area
To make your home toddler-friendly, it doesn't matter how big or little it is. Depending on your child's age, you have a few different choices. Cribs can be used as an emergency sleeping area, but should not be used as play areas.
Activity Center
Self-contained swings, stationary activity centres, or exersaucers may still be useful for very young toddlers, since they allow them to stand at a platform or sit in a swing while still having access to some helpful objects.
Playpen
The playpen is adored by certain toddlers. Many people, once they are able to move freely and discover the world around them, object to being confined to a tiny location.
Stocking this room with your child's favourite toys increases the likelihood that they will use it and enjoy it. For short trips, such those to the bathroom or laundry room, a playpen can be a lifesaver.
Play Zone
Extend their play areas for the older toddlers and the ones who don't like to be confined.
Toy "walls" can be purchased to keep children safely contained in one area while entertaining them with lights, noises, and other engaging tactile and visual features.
These allow children to have more freedom of movement and promote longer periods of uninterrupted playtime.
Childproofed Room
Baby gates can be used to keep your youngster out of the kitchen, bathroom, and other potentially hazardous areas, while foam protectors can be placed over dangerous objects, and furniture can be anchored to the wall.
Giving your child some freedom to roam around while you keep a close eye on them is a great way to foster independence and satisfy their natural curiosity.
Toys Suitable For Age
Children under the age of three are particularly vulnerable to choking hazards caused by small objects, such as those that can fit through the opening of a toilet paper roll.
Don't leave your mobile phone or keys in a play area, even if you allow your child to handle them under close supervision. These items are not designed for use by children. For the safety of the kids using the enclosed play space, please only supply toys that meet all applicable safety standards.
Keep your youngster within sight no matter how you establish a secure environment for them.
You can keep an eye on the kids in their play area and still get your laundry folded without worrying about small hands destroying your neat stacks.
You should try to arrange the safe play area so that you can keep an eye on your active toddler even if you have to leave the room for a few minutes.
A playpen can be set up in the kitchen while you prepare, or even in the bathroom so you can have a longer shower.
Your Home Is Secure And Childproof
Childproofing your home should include both designated play areas and the rest of your property.
Toddlers are always learning something new (like how to escape the playpen), so you have to be prepared for anything.
Toddlers can learn to climb bookshelves, open safety gates, undo harnesses, or squeeze between the sofa and wall in the blink of an eye.
Because of this, you should never go more than a minute or two without being within sight or hearing. In addition, remember these crucial safety guidelines:
- Prior to your baby's mobility, begin childproofing your home. If you need assistance, there are many local businesses that offer childproofing services.
- Then you should childproof everything. All potential points of entry, including windows, cupboards, kitchen appliances, stairways, electrical outlets, and potentially dangerous substances or weapons, should be secured.
- Always have a screen in sight. When you can't keep an eye on your young child, you should equip them with a video or audio baby monitor and carry the receiver with you at all times. Make sure the monitor's cord isn't dangling where it could cause strangling.
- You won't be gone long. A quick shower may seem like it would only take a few minutes, but it's easy to get sidetracked and end up spending more time there than necessary.
- Accidents may happen in a flash, and even if you think you've safeguarded your child's play area, it's possible that you've forgotten anything that could hurt them.
What To Purchase For The Baby's Play Area
There are a few things you can get for your baby's play space that will make it both a safer and more enjoyable location for them to spend time.
Activity Tables.
An activity table should be one of your initial purchases for the baby's play space. These tables are fantastic since they are the perfect height for your child and promote play that takes place away from the floor. Toy vehicles, trains, dollhouses, and puzzles can all find a home on it.
Playpen.
A playpen is useful for restricting your infant to a smaller space while they are still young. My Baby Nursery has a wide range of baby nursery playpens for your little bub.
Play Mat.
Infants who are just learning to crawl and are naturally curious about their surroundings but who still can't get up and move around freely can benefit greatly from having a play mat in their play area.
Playmats have a variety of interactive elements, such as buttons, lights, and colourful and varied textures.
Baby Gate.
The baby's play area should be separated from the rest of the room if it is part of a bigger room like the living room or basement.
Foam Flooring.
Your child is bound to fall down a few times in his play area. Foam flooring is a relatively inexpensive technique to save him from breaking his fall, therefore it's a smart idea to put some down.
Baby Toys.
Babies require toys, of course. As was previously discussed, when shopping for a baby, it is important to get toys that are appropriate for their age and development.
Baby Gates
Baby gates are useful if you plan to install a play yard near stairs (not a good idea) or if you simply want to protect your child from wandering into other areas of the house.
Covers For Electrical Outlets
Your child should not have access to any electrical outlets in their play area, so be sure you cover any that are accessible with safety covers.
Tips For Maximising Your Baby's Play Area Safety
Safe Baby Play Area
- Many kids get hurt or even die from preventable household mishaps, so it's important that your play environment is risk-free. Here are some suggestions for making your playground as safe as possible.
- Having an adult around to keep an eye on the playground at all times is a necessary. Your infant should always have an adult (you, your partner, another family member, or an older, responsible sibling) to keep an eye on them.
- A safe play space will not be near any stairs and will not have any heavy furniture or other objects that could cause injury if they were to tip over. The area should be devoid of anything a curious toddler could use as a climbing structure or plaything.
- Put socket covers over all exposed electrical outlets. To improve safety even more, the play area should be located in a room with no accessible outlets.
- Remove any potential strangling hazards, such as drawstrings from curtains or blinds, that your infant could grasp.
- Maintaining a clean play area is a must. Your infant is so interested that she will put anything—even a speck of dirt—in her mouth. Keep it clean and check it often for any things that could end up within your infant's grasp.
- Make sure the playground's surface is nice and smooth for the kids. Your baby will be falling down quite frequently as he or she is learning to crawl or walk. Foam play mats that snap together are a great option for creating a safe floor for your baby's play space.
- When shopping for infant toys, please use caution. Toys with small parts pose a choking hazard, so always follow the manufacturer-recommended age guidelines.
Baby Gate Safety
You should measure the area and make sure a gate can be mounted securely before making a purchase of a baby gate. You should never install pressure-mounted gates at the top of the staircase.
Use gates that screw into the wall; only install pressure-mounted gates at the top or bottom of steps where there is no chance of a child falling. Gates without a filler bar at the top, horizontal slats, or anything that may be used as a foothold should never be used.
Playroom Risks And How To Prevent Them
Given that kids spend a lot of time in these spaces, we looked into the most prevalent dangers they face and what can be done to mitigate them.
Stuffed Toys
Your child's plush toys may look cute and cuddly, but they pose a serious safety risk. Keep these items away from your baby's sleeping and laying areas to reduce the danger of suffocation.
Always double check the safety of toys, especially those with removable parts like buttons and eyes that a child could choke on.
Stuffed animals can be a breeding ground for germs and insects, to conclude. Always give them a good washing, and if you find any bugs or pests (like lice or mites), pop them in the freezer for a night.
Magnets
The ingestion of even a single tiny magnet can cause severe injury, especially to children. Younger kids shouldn't play with toys that include magnets, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If you find any of these in your kid's playroom, put them away until they are old enough to use them securely.
Furniture That Can Be Tipped Over
Bookshelves, wardrobes, and other potentially topple-over pieces of furniture can all be safely fastened to the wall with the use of safety brackets. Keep it out of the kids' room if you can't promise its safety.
Trampolines
Even though an indoor trampoline may appear safer than its outside counterpart, it is still not a completely risk-free activity.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against letting children use trampolines unless they are trained athletes under close supervision.
Consider switching out the trampoline in your playroom for something safer.
Supplies For Art And Craft
Most children's art supplies, including Play-Doh, glue, crayons, and paint, are safe for consumption by adults.
But that doesn't make them totally secure. Even non-toxic materials have the potential to elicit adverse reactions if swallowed.
Create safer art supplies from scratch until your kids are old enough to use them correctly.
Trinkets And Small Toys
In children less than five, choking is the fourth most common cause of accidental death. The greatest risk of choking is posed by any item that can fit through a toilet paper tube or small object tester.
Everyday playground objects like jewellery, balloons, toy pieces, and hair clips should be kept out of reach of children under the age of five.
Packaging And Bags
Foam peanuts, Plastic wrap, and other packaging elements commonly used for children's toys and electronics pose serious suffocation and choking risks.
If you have a child, it's safer to err on the side of caution and unpack all boxes in a high-up position where they can't get to them before throwing away the packing materials.
Other Common Household Hazards
Your child's play area likely includes several potentially hazardous items, not only toys. Here are some other potential dangers and the steps to take if you encounter them.
Electrical Cords Dangling
The risks of electrocution, tripping and strangulation, are all amplified by loose electrical cords.
Make sure every power cord is in good shape and hidden from sight.
Broken Window Locks
Thousands of kids are hurt every year when they fall out of windows. Keep all the windows closed and check that the locks on them are working properly.
Replace any that don't work and add window sensors to your monitored security system for extra protection.
Window Blind Cords
Young children and newborns should never play around blind cords because of the risk of suffocation or choking.
Blind cords should be wound up or replaced with alternatives that don't have hanging cables to keep children safe.
Every moment of every day must be spent working to ensure your family's safety. You can't keep your kids completely safe from harm, but following our tips can lessen their risk of getting hurt at home.
Consider equipping your children with a wearable GPS tracker to keep tabs on them whether they're outside or away from home. Check out our range of baby nursery products and furniture for all your baby needs.
Conclusion
If a child is a toddler, having their own space is essential. Creating a dedicated, risk-free play area is the greatest option for youngsters. Cribs are fine for napping or overnight guests but not for play. You'll need forethought and creative thinking to convert your home into a toddler haven. Some toddlers like the playpen, and it can be a godsend when it's time to sneak away for a minute to do some laundry or use the restroom.
Small objects, such as those that can fit through the opening of a toilet paper roll, pose a serious choking risk to children younger than three. Infants and toddlers can quickly figure out how to open safety gates, remove harnesses, and climb bookcases. It would be best if you didn't let yourself leave for more than a minute or two without being in the eye or earshot. Keep these essential playroom safety rules in mind. Getting toys that are too old or too young for a baby might be frustrating when trying to find a present.
Consider investing in some foam play mats for a soft, safe surface on which your child may play. Be sure there's always an adult to keep an eye on them. Gates that screw into the wall are preferable to pressure-mounted gates at the top of a stairway. Safety brackets allow for the secure attachment of bookshelves, closets, and other potentially unstable furniture to the wall. Choking is the fourth leading accidental cause of mortality in children less than five.
Any item tiny enough to fit through a toilet paper tube or small object tester poses a significant choking hazard. Blind cables provide a suffocation hazard and should never be played with by infants or young children.
Content Summary
- There are several factors to think about when your baby reaches the age where they can begin playing.
- Providing kids with a specific, secure play space is the best approach to achieve this.
- Keeping your child safe while exploring their environment and learning can be challenging.
- To make your home toddler-friendly, it doesn't matter how big or little it is.
- Depending on your child's age, you have a few different choices.
- Stocking this room with your child's favourite toys increases the likelihood that they will use and enjoy them.
- A playpen can be a lifesaver for short trips to the bathroom or laundry room.
- Don't leave your mobile phone or keys in a play area, even if you allow your child to handle them under close supervision.
- You should arrange a safe play area to keep an eye on your active toddler, even if you have to leave the room for a few minutes.
- A playpen can be set up in the kitchen while you prepare or even in the bathroom so you can have a longer shower.
- Childproofing your home should include designated play areas and the rest of your property.
- In addition, remember these crucial safety guidelines: Before your baby's mobility, begin childproofing your home.
- Foam play mats that snap together are a great option for creating a safe floor for your baby's play space.
- You should measure the area and ensure a gate can be mounted securely before purchasing a baby gate.
- You should never install pressure-mounted gates at the top of the staircase.
- Use gates that screw into the wall; only install pressure-mounted gates at the top or bottom of steps where there is no chance of a child falling.
- Your child's plush toys may look cute and cuddly, but they pose a serious safety risk.
- Keep these items away from your baby's sleeping and laying areas to reduce the danger of suffocation.
- If you find any of these in your kid's Playroom, put them away until they are old enough to use them securely.
- Consider switching out the trampoline in your Playroom for something safer.
- Everyday playground objects like jewellery, balloons, toy pieces and hair clips should be kept out of reach of children under five.
- The risks of electrocution, tripping and strangulation are all amplified by loose electrical cords.
- Make sure every power cord is in good shape and hidden from sight.
- Please keep all the windows closed and check that the locks are working properly.
- Young children and newborns should never play around with blind cords because of the risk of suffocation or choking.
- Consider equipping your children with a wearable GPS tracker to keep tabs on them, whether they're outside or away from home.
FAQs About Baby Play Area
If you want to open the window for fresh air, but there is a child within reach of the window, you should lock it or install safety bars. Remember to give your window treatments the attention they deserve as well. Both the cords and the drapes present a potential risk of entanglement if they are used improperly. Consider installing cordless blinds or roller shades in your Playroom.
Baby Play Area for 2 -4 Month-Old Babies
You will need to modify the Playroom to be suitable for your child's current stage of development as they grow more aware of their surroundings. In addition, they are easily bored, so you will need to provide them with toys that keep them engaged while also helping them develop eye-hand coordination and visual tracking skills.
Surface made of solid rubber
Wet pour, another name for solid rubber surface, is generally considered the superior option for the flooring of a playground. Wet pour is a type of rubber surface that, in addition to providing a surface that is slip-resistant and hard-wearing, also delivers a high level of quality and requires next to no maintenance.
Parents who place their children's Playroom immediately above the family room may come to regret their decision after being forced to endure all of the bangs and crashes while attempting to watch some television. If they are located upstairs, they can create a lot of noise. It is always preferable to have them underneath you rather than above you in any situation.
Floor play is a crucial component of normal infant development because it helps to strengthen your baby's neck and shoulder muscles, and it is the first stage in developing mobility skills such as rolling and crawling. So playing on the floor is a great way to encourage your baby's healthy development.
