PLAYROOM To make visits from family more enjoyable and possibly

PLAYROOM
To make visits from family more enjoyable and possibly more frequent, consider creating
a play area for families with children to gather during visiting hours.
Description of Environment
A playroom should have a door to keep children and noise inside. The play area can
consist of little more than a toy box in the corner with toys and some child-sized furniture
such as a table and chairs or gaily-colored mat. Child safety should be considered in
choosing the environment, the toy box and the playthings. Toys with small pieces that
could present a choking hazard should not be accessible to children under 3 years old.
One lounge that immediately comes to mind is the Quiet Lounge, as it has ample floor
space, ample seating and a door. Consider removing the dollhouse to another room if this
room will serve double-duty as a visiting-hours Playroom, as children would be tempted
to play with it, and it appears to be fragile. Also, the dollhouse has small parts that would
present a choking hazard. Once the dollhouse is removed, the empty corner could be
transformed into a cozy play area.
A second lounge that could serve as a playroom is the Fitness and Nutrition Lounge.
This large room also has ample floor space, ample seating and a door. It also has a
kitchen where snacks could be stored or prepared, and a television.
Safe Toy Box
The following suggestions are from Discovery Health (http://health.discover.com/)
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Look for a toy chest that has a support that will hold the hinged lid open in any
position in which it is placed or buy one with a detached lid or doors.
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Look for a toy chest with ventilation holes that will not be blocked if the chest is
placed against the wall, or a chest, which, when closed, has a gap between the lid
and the sides of the chest. Many chests are ventilated by a space between the
underside of the lid and sides or front of the box.
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Make certain that the lid of the toy chest does not have a latch.
1. Toy Story Wooden Toy Box
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Hinged safety lid
Stands 24.63 inches w x 15.38 inches d x 13.50 inches h
Cost ...……………….…..$49.99 – 69.99
PROS
Vented
Safety hinges
CONS
Some assembly required
TOYS"R"US/KIDSRUS - Manassas [8335]
10318 Portsmouth Road
Manassas, VA 20110
Phone:(703)330-8304
website: http://www1.toysrus.com/
2. #LFY003 Classic Playtime Stackable Toy Storage
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Modular storage units designed for stacking
Includes anti-tip kit and plate to attach units
Made of durable engineered wood for years of use
Cost ...…………………………………..…..$99.99 each
PROS
No lid
Blends with adult décor
Modular, can modify arrangement
Can place toys for older children
higher, where smaller children
can’t reach.
CONS
More expensive
Hayneedle
13900 Chalco Valley Parkway
Omaha, NE 68138
Phone: 1-888-880-4884
website: http://www.itoyboxes.com/
Play Table
1. Melissa and Doug Deluxe Wooden Multi-Activity Table
Amazon.com cost………………………………..$42.00
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Solid wood design and durable construction
Dimensions: 49.5” w x 32.7”d 15.75” h
Weighs 61 lbs.
PROS
Large play surface off floor
CONS
Takes up a lot of floor space
Heavy, not easy to move around
Web Link: http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Deluxe-Wooden-MultiActivity/dp/B000O62UAI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=toys-andgames&qid=1260038959&sr=8-7
2. Little Tikes Adjust N Draw Table
Amazon.com cost………………………………..$48.83
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3 Height adjustments
Tilts and locks in the desired position for easel projects
Clips hold paper for drawing or painting
Seats 2 to 4 children
PROS
Adjustable play surface
Built-in seating
CONS
For younger children only
Web Link: http://www.amazon.com/Little-Tikes-Adjust-DrawTable/dp/B001OC5YMM/ref=pd_sbs_t_8
Outlet Covers
When small children are present, it is advisable to cover electrical outlets. However,
child-safety products sometimes present problems for the elderly. For example, some
safety covers for outlets require squeezing the outlet tightly with one hand while inserting
a plug, which may be difficult for someone with weakness or difficulty gripping. The
following examples provide child safety with less hand strength
required for adult use.
1. Mommy’s Helper Safety Outlet Covers for Often Used Outlets
Cost:……………………………………4pk $14.95
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Protects child from live outlets
Accommodates large, three-prong grounded plugs
Easy installation, no wiring
PROS
Will accommodate most plugs
Can plug in one-handed
CONS
Must replace plate to install
2. Safety First Shock Guard Electrical Outlet Covers
Cost:……………………………………4pk $9.95
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Prevents "accidental" unpluggings
Protects child from live outlets
Easy installation, no wiring
PROS
CONS
Prevents cords from being pulled Must remove cover to plug anything
out accidentally
in
Need to squeeze to remove cover
Perfectly Safe
7090 Whipple Avenue
North Canton, Ohio 44720
Phone 1-800-898-3696
Fax: 330-244-9518
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://perfectlysafe.stores.yahoo.net/index.html
Articles
Healthy Child Healthy World: 12 Ways to Keep your Toy Box Safe and Eco-Friendly
http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/12_ways_to_keep_your_toy_box_safe_and_ecofriendly/
Discovery Health: Buying a Safe Toy Chest — And Using It Safely
http://health.discovery.com/convergence/momsguide/gear/toychest.html
TotSafe.com: Electrical Outlet Safety
http://www.totsafe.com/outletsafety.htm
NEMA: Real Safety with Tamper-Resistant Receptacles
http://www.childoutletsafety.org/