Kids’ Playrooms – A Serious Concern

Circle of Wellness
Kids’ Playrooms – A Serious Concern

Kids are carefree, and this freedom of spirit is often reflected in the state their rooms. It is possible, however, to provide children with a a natural, clean, and orderly space. Here are some simple and sensible solutions to your playroom problems. So, take a deep breath, and read on!

Problem:

With clutter all around, it’s difficult to clean up your child play space.

Solutions:

• Use storage bins (with lightweight lids) to prevent dust and dirt build-up on your children’s belongings, and to keep surfaces clear.

• Make your children feel that putting toys, books, and craft materials in their proper place at the end of playtime is an important part of play.

Problem:

Your kids’ dirty toys are a ready source of infection.

Solutions:

• Rotate your kid’s toys! Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and it allows you to keep the toys spic and span.

What to do:

Divide your child’s toys into two containers. Each month, give your children one container of toys to play with. Wash the rest of the toys, and store them in the second container. When the month is over, switch the containers, and wash the first set of toys. Toys will be kept clean, and your children will enjoy their things more.

• Make sure to clean your kid’s stuff animals. To wipe away dust mites, regularly vacuum and wash your child’s plush toys. Leaving them in the freezer overnight is also an effective method of killing dust mites. Just tell your child that her buddy is going on a trip to the North Pole!

• Wash solid toys with a non-toxic cleanser, or with vinegar and water.

Problem: You’re not sure which toys are safe for your children.

Solutions:

• Opt for sturdy, well-made toys.

• Follow all labels, warnings, and safety messages provided by the manufacturer.

• Select toys that are intended for your child’s age bracket. Keep in mind, however, that all children are different. Watch how your children play with their toys in order to determine what is safe for them.

• Only purchase toys from reputable manufacturers.

• For younger children, avoid toys with sharp edges, loose parts (like noses on teddy bears), cords that can wrap around the neck, or batteries that are accessible by the child. Your children can play with these toys when they are older.

• Clean out those odd bits and pieces, like broken crayons and dolls’ shoes, that lurk at the bottom of toy containers.

• Did you know that children use toys to learn about their environment and prepare for their adult years? Sometimes the best toys are household items, like wooden bowls and spoons, broken telephones (without batteries or cords), and cleaned-out food containers.

Problem:

You’re worried about PVC plastics.

Bisphenol A is a component of clear plastic, and phthalates are ingredients used to soften vinyl. These chemicals can cause cancer and developmental abnormalities.

Solutions:

• Dispose of soft vinyl (or similar) products, including teethers, pacifiers, nipples, and plastic cups.

• Switch to products that use latex, polypropylene, or polyolefines. Or use natural items, like wooden teethers and glass bottles.

• Only use plastic products with the recycling codes #1, #2, #4, and #5. Avoid products with codes #3, #6, and #7.