Indoor play areas are great for parents and children. If you own a daycare, an indoor play area is necessary when the weather doesn't allow you to entertain children outside. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children get an hour or more of physical activity each day. Play areas can include toys and activities based on the children's ages and developmental stages. The play area used should be safe and temperature controlled and all toys should be safe, age appropriate and clean at all times.
- Skill level:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things you need
- Outlet covers
- Interlocking rubber play mats
- Corner guards
- Toys
- Soap
- Water
- Sponge
- Sanitizing solution
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1
Set up the play area in a room that is free of dangerous items such as a fire place or low windows. Keep it centrally located so you can keep an eye on the child or children at all times.
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2
Insert outlet covers in all electric outlets and keep thermostats and light switches out of children's reach. Tie up all blind cords and electrical cords or unplug them if they are not a necessary part of the play area.
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3
Lay out interlocking rubber play mats to cover the entire floor area where the children will be sitting or playing. Remove from the room any furniture with sharp edges and cover the edges of remaining furniture with corner guards that contain foam padding.
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4
Purchase or include toys in the play area that are developmentally appropriate for the child. Sturdy, well made toys are necessary for children who are unsteady or crawling. Include bouncers, ride-on toys and a slide for children who can walk. Add puzzles and learning toys for toddlers or pre-school age children. Doll houses and toy trucks are appropriate for kindergartners.
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5
Clean and sterilize all toys at the end of the day. Babies put everything in their mouths and sickness can be spread by touch so wash every toy in a soap and water mix. Sterilize by dipping the toys in a solution of one tablespoon of bleach and 1 quart of water. This solution is properly diluted and non-toxic to children making it appropriate to use as a sanitizing solution.
