Do you feel as though your entire home has been invaded by toys? If so, then it’s probably time to think about creating a dedicated playroom. But to create a space where your children can play without constant supervision, you need to think safety first.
Start by doing a “crawl-through” of the room you plan to use, keeping an eye out for sharp edges, electrical cords and uncovered outlets. If you find these hazards, make a note to purchase rubber edges, outlet covers and cord-keeping devices. Push on the furniture, including bookcases, shelves, tables and chairs, to check for stability. Secure items that seem unsteady with straps that you can buy at your local hardware store or by bolting the items to the wall. If the playroom is on a second floor, place kitchen sets and drawing tables away from windows to minimize the risk of a fall. Make sure that the toys are accessible to kids; keep them off high shelves and in open-top fabric or plastic storage bins with lids that snap closed.
If you’re starting a room from scratch, think about the materials you use to furnish the room. Cork is great for floors because it’s hypoallergenic and can withstand the moisture from the inevitable spills. Cotton fabrics are a good choice because they clean up easily and are better for children with allergies.
Source: Consumer Reports