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Toy storage ideas for a living room
As your child grows up, it’s inevitable that you’re going to buy them lots of toys. Soft toys, costumes, model cars, the list just goes on and on. And, as the amount of toys you buy begins to pile up, so does the clutter in your living room. Therefore, good storage space can prove vital. This blog will provide some great ideas for how to organise your living room in a clutter free, orderly fashion. Why Toy Storage is Essential for a Clutter-Free Living Room Keeps your room clean: A good amount of storage can ensure that your room is kept clean and tidy. Promotes Organisation: Your child will notice you putting their toys away after they’ve played with them, and after some time, they may begin doing it themselves with the right teaching. This allows them to foster responsibility traits that could benefit them in the future. Safety: Toys scattered around on the floor can become trip hazards for your kids which are ,obviously, dangerous. Tidying up the living room and putting these hazards away makes the room much safer. Less Stress: The more clutter on the floor, the more likely it is for you to get stressed and unhappy. The more tidy your living room is, therefore, the less stressed you and your children are. Protects toys: When your child’s toys are safely put away, they will be much less likely to be broken by stepping on them. More space: With a clean living room, you and your child have much more space to play with their toys and games, which maximizes the fun of playing. Smart toy storage ideas for the living room To help you tidy up your living room in the best possible way, here are some smart pieces of furniture to help you do this: Stackable Wooden Storage Boxes Stackable wooden storage boxes are just wooden boxes that can be put on top of each other from the smallest at the top to the largest at the bottom, rather like a pyramid. In this way, you can store your child’s toys in a convenient and aesthetic way. Colourful toy storage shelves with removable bins These shelves are similar to the “clearance” shelves in a shoe shop. They are convenient when putting things in and taking them out. Children will love them as they are bright, colourful, and attractive with a range of enticing colors to choose from. Wooden toy storage boxes that double as seating These storage boxes serve two purposes: as a storage box, and a comfortable chair. You can take the lid of the chair/box off and put toys and games in it. A lot of these storage boxes are comfy and made from fabrics, so you don’t have to sit on a hard, uncomfortable surface. Lightweight and Stackable Plastic Storage Boxes Similar to wooden plastic storage boxes, their lightweight, plastic counterparts serve exactly the same purpose in being able to be stacked in a tower for convenience. However, in terms of interior design, and making your living room look as nice as possible, wooden stackable storage boxes are more recommended. Activity Tables with Built-In Storage Compartments These tables are convenient, organised, and contain fun accessories. For example, activity tables often come with a LEGO baseplate on which your child can build and play with their LEGO sets. Also, some activity tables have a blackboard that can be placed in the baseplate’s position, so your child can draw pictures and write sentences. Finally, when playtime is over, and it’s time to put away the toys, they can easily be slotted into the spacious compartments underneath the table. It’s systematic, yet simple and it could be perfect for keeping your living room clean and organised. How to Match your Toy Storage with Your Living Room Decor Here are some helpful tips for matching your toy storage product with the items already in your living room. Match the colour of the storage with the other things in your living room Go for storage methods that serve two purposes (e.g. the storage box that can also be used as a chair) Choose products of different materials such as cloth or woven materials Generally opt for storage options that have closing doors to hide the toys. Tips to Keep Your Living Room Stylish Yet Kid-Friendly There are many ways to make your living room as contemporary as possible, as well as making it totally safe for you and your child. Here are some of them: Try to buy pieces of furniture with rounded edges that are safe and pleasing to look at Stick with a neutral colour palette; colours that are too bright will pop in an unpleasant way, whereas more muted colours tend to blend in more. Go with the tips about toy storage before, so your living room will always look clean and tidy Make sure to keep delicate items at a safe height away from children. Let your child make decisions about what colour something might be, so they accept the design and show respect to it. Final Thoughts: All the tips given today will no doubt help you on your way to creating a blissful, perfect living room. Today, we’ve discussed many things, from toy storage methods, to how to keep your living room feel safe and secure. I hope your living room will feel much more comfortable and peaceful after reading this blog.Time to start designing!
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Are Bunk Beds with Slide are Safe for Kids
Bunk beds with slides are getting more and more popular. Sales have skyrocketed, according to The Times, with the revenue from slide bunk beds rising by up to 300%. But these products, while extremely trendy, can still be dangerous if they are not installed properly, or are of bad quality. This blog will be going through how accidents through bunk beds with slides can be prevented and avoided. What age is Safe for a Bunk Bed with a slide? Recommended Minimum Age The widely recommended minimum age that your child should begin using a bunk bed with a slide is around 7-8 yrs old. Physical and Emotional Readiness The reason that your little one should not be introduced to a slide bunk bed from an early age is because climbing the ladder to the top bunk may prove a challenge and be potentially very dangerous. Children are only ready to move into a bunk bed with a slide when they seem like they kick about less, and their hand-eye coordination is more mature. Also, your child may have a fear of heights, or has a habit of sleepwalking, both of which would be very dangerous if they were to sleep in a bunk bed with a slide. UK Safety Standards for Bunk Beds with Slides The UK has very strict standards that all bunk beds, and bunk beds with slides, must adhere to, such as the fact that every bunk bed must have guardrails that rise over 16cm above the mattress. BS EN 747 Compliance All bunk beds, including slide bunk beds, must comply with these regulations, which provide the following rules regarding the safety of bunk beds: Strong structure Detailed instructions Correct dimensions Slide-Specific Safety Considerations While bunk beds have safety considerations, so do the slides that sometimes come with the bed. Make sure that, when choosing the bunk bed with a slide, the slide is not too slippery, and contains a small amount of friction. Top Safety Features to Look for Sturdy Guardrails Secure Ladders Sturdy Guardrails Rounded Edges Sturdy Guardrails Smooth Finishes Sturdy Guardrails Safe Mattress Height Sturdy Guardrails Anti - Slip Slide Design Safe Setup Tips for Parents Proper placement in the room: Place the slide bunk bed against a wall, so your child will have a smaller chance of falling out of it. Also, try to place it away from windows, radiators or ceiling fans. Anchoring the bed: Make sure that the bed is placed on a smooth, flat surface , to minimise any chance of the bed collapsing or falling over. Supervision: When your child goes to bed, you should take a look and ensure that they are not too energetic, which could cause them to accidentally fall off the bed. You could also place a pillow or other item as a blockade to prevent this from happening. Soften Landing Place: The slides that can attach to bunk beds usually go quite fast, so you’ll need to place a soft rug or pillow to guarantee your little one’s safety. Make Rules: Your child needs to know what they’re allowed to do and not allowed to do. For example: No jumping No climbing up the slide Tidy away sharp items when using the ladder Only one child on the top bunk at a time Climb up the ladder one step at a time Keep toys off the slide When to Avoid a Slide Bunk Bed Small Bedrooms or Low Ceilings Bunk beds are usually quite bulky, due to there being two beds, and many other accessories to think about, such as the slides and cushions. Small bedrooms, and those with low ceilings, will not be able to accommodate these beds, so please measure out how big your child’s room is before purchasing a bunk bed. Underage or Unsupervised Children As said before, children under the age of 6 should not be sleeping in bunk beds with slides, due to safety issues. Also, children who regularly sleepwalk, as well as children who have ADHD or are prone to overexcitedness, should steer clear of bunk beds with slides, and bunk beds in general. Benefits of Bunk Beds and Bunk Beds with Slides When you and your child use the bunk bed responsibly and safely, a plethora of benefits will arise: Encourages Physical Activity and Independence: Climbing in and out of the bunk bed provides children with a good amount of energy, and sliding down the slide can give them happiness and liveliness. Also, the process of learning to climb up the ladder to go to bed is not only a source of exercise, but is good for their hand-eye coordination as well. Saves Space: While bunk beds can be quite large, they do save a lot of space if you have two or more children. With an elevated level to sleep, the lower level can be used as a play area, study desk, or another bed for a different child to sleep in. With this extra amount of space, your children can have much more fun. Added Fun: Bunk beds with slides can double as a basic indoor climbing frame, and children can have lots of fun climbing up the ladder at bedtime, and sliding down the slide in the mornings. Furthermore, The lower level can serve as an adventure den, where the child’s imagination will run wild. Therefore bunk beds with slides offer more fun in a smaller, more secluded space, which is perhaps the reason for their rise in popularity. Recommended Slide Bunk Beds from Small Smart Here are some models that can be bought on the Small Smart website: Stylish and Safety First designs: Parisot Tobo Mid - Sleeper bed with Slide and Drawers Estella High sleeper bed with Storage, Desk and Futon Ordi 4 Midi Playhouse mid sleeper bed with Desk and Cube Eco-Friendly and Functional Options: Trasman Girona Mid Sleeper Bed Parisot Higher High Sleeper Bed with Desk and Cupboard Kids Avenue Eli F Mid Sleeper Cabin Bed When to move on from the bunk bed From around the age of 10-16, the child should be beginning to think about moving on from the bunk bed. Also, if they’re feeling like their sleeping is getting cramped or uncomfortable in any way, then again, maybe think about moving on. Bunk beds usually have the space to accommodate children of up to 160cm height, and a weight of around 80kg. If your child surpasses any of these, they should not be using the bed anymore. Some good transition options are a low bed or a single bed with drawers. It’s important to recognise when your child is not suitable for the bed anymore, as sleep is vital to a child’s wellbeing, and should be as comfortable an experience as possible. FAQs About Slide Bunk Bed Safety 1. Can the slide be removed? Yes, the slide can be removed from most slide bunk beds if it is necessary. 2. Which is better: stairs or a ladder? Stairs are easier to climb so are more suitable for younger children, but ladders save up space, so are more convenient. 3. Can kids get hurt using the slide? Yes, it’s possible, so please ensure your child knows about safe use of the slide before using it. Final Thoughts Bunk beds, especially those with slides, are fun, safe, and when used responsibly, incredibly beneficial. So, if your child feels bored, and they want something really exciting in their life, it’s time to get a bunk bed!
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Learning Towers: What Age Is Appropriate to Start
Has your child ever felt they’re not tall enough to reach a table? Are they really impatient to just get taller? If this is the case, then a learning tower is definitely for you. From the educational advantages to the opportunities of boosting social skills, learning towers have endless positives. This blog, though, will be diving into the practicalities of this product, like when to start and stop using it, and its key safety features. What exactly is a Learning Tower? A learning tower, also known as a toddler tower, is an elevated stand that is used by a child to experience things at a greater height. A typical tower includes: A guardrail is used to prevent the child from falling An adjustable height for when your child grows taller A stable and wide base, to ensure your child’s safety Learning towers can be used for: Helping in the kitchen Reaching a tall shelf Doing creative things at higher surfaces Brushing teeth at the sink Watching adults complete activities at a safe height and distance For safe seating alternatives during mealtime, explore our baby high chair collection. Why Parents and Kids Love Learning Towers As you may have noticed, learning towers are very lovable items, and provide many different benefits. Therefore, these towers are bound to make you and your child extremely happy. But for what reasons? Promotes Safety: Toddler towers allow for safety at an elevated height, providing more enjoyment in a safe space. Convenience: A learning tower takes away that constant worry about where your child has gone and whether they’re being safe. Learning towers will guarantee your toddler to be in a safe, enclosed space, due to the railings around the tower. Kids love learning towers because it allows them to play safely at elevated spaces. Good quality learning towers, such as the one on the Allis Baby website have accessories such as a blackboard giving your child more things to do. When should you introduce a Learning Tower? While the height of the majority of learning towers can be adjusted, it’s important to know when you need to introduce your toddler to it. Recommended Starting Age: Typically, the starting age for children to use a toddler tower is 18 - 24 months Anything under this age would be unsafe, as they may not have learnt how to stand up yet. How Learning Tower Benefits Kids at Every Stage Learning towers can be used for totally different things at different stages of their lives. For Infants (Under 1 Year) Crawling in and out of the learning tower can allow the infant to develop their motoring skills. This view is supported by the NHS: “Crawling is excellent for developing muscles and sometimes older children who never learnt to crawl continue to have some weakness in their muscles.” For Toddlers (2-3 Years Learning towers will let toddlers do more complex activities, such as drawing, pouring, and general hand - eye coordination For Children (4-6 Years) Again, learning towers will present older children with more complicated actions, like helping out in the kitchen. Also, a good learning kitchen can provide children with an introduction to basic routines, such as making breakfast at a certain time, and learning to be safe around tall surfaces and shelves. Keeping Your Child Safe in a Learning Tower While learning towers are notoriously safe, keeping your child safe in the learning tower is, as always, very important. Here are some tips for keeping your child safe: Potential risks: Tipping over The child hitting their head Your child falls from the tower The tower is assembled in an improper way Access to unsafe items The child falls off the tower Ways of avoiding these risks: Always supervise your child when they are using the learning tower Read the instructions very carefully when constructing the learning tower. Also, make sure everything is securely fastened to prevent the tower from collapsing. Place the toddler tower on a flat, non-slip surface to prevent the learning tower from falling over. Teach your child the safety boundaries, such as how to climb safely in and out. Also, make sure you tell your child that they can only get onto the toddler tower when you are with them. Keep it away from hot or sharp objects as your child will be able to reach things that they won’t be able to reach normally, so please be wary of things they shouldn't be touching. For similar adjustable safety features, check out this convertible baby high chair (Light Grey). Adapting the Learning Tower As your child grows, the learning tower will need to be adapted in different ways to suit your child’s needs. They will need new games as the birds roll by, so here are some ideas: Fun activities to Try at Every Age: Peeling soft vegetables: This will not only provide some good early life experience, but will also give you a helping hand with the cooking! Helping wash dishes: Again, this would help you with some chores, and give them some good experiences. Painting and drawing:Drawing and painting can still be done at higher levels, and it might even be more fun to do so. Pretend play scenarios: The learning tower can be transformed into a knight’s castle, or your child can be a pretty unicorn on a cloud. As toddlers grow, a versatile Amethyst high chair adapts with height and recline options. When it’s time to Move on from a Learning Tower No matter how much you will love your learning tower, it will inevitably outgrow your child, mentally or physically. The question is: when? Signs your Child has Outgrown it: They’re too tall for them: As your child gets taller, you should adjust the height of the learning tower to fit their purposes. However, when they exceed the greatest height that the toddler tower can go, then it’s time to move on. They no longer want to use it: When your child finds the learning tower boring, and they don’t want to use it anymore, again, it’s time to change it. It’s less safe than it was before: Your child may find that: as they grow taller, they’re more able to jump straight off the learning tower rather than normally sliding out of it. When you notice that this is occurring at a steady rate, then you should stop using it. Better Alternatives for older kids: Get a non-slip sturdy step stool Make your table lower, and more accessible to your children Buy an adjustable table or chair, and you can lower it when your child wishes to use it. FAQs 1. Can one learning tower work for multiple kids? Yes, your learning tower can work for multiple kids, as long as they use it one at a time. However, if you have two kids squabbling over who can use the toddler tower at one certain time, then it would be better if you get one for each child. 2. How is a learning tower different from a step stool? A step stool does not have a guard rail, while a learning tower does. Also, learning towers are taller than step stools. Therefore, step stools are more suitable for children of older ages, and learning towers are more for infants. 3. Do learning towers grow with your child? Yes! The majority of learning towers have multiple tiers that allow you to change the height of it, as your child grows taller. Final Thoughts Today, we’ve gone through the benefits of a baby learning tower, and when to start and stop using it, and fun activities involved with them . I hope you’ve received some good advice about these amazing items, and if you think you’ve been persuaded, then hop on over to the Small Smart website to buy your own today!
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Why a Quality Baby Playmat is a Nursery Essential
Parenthood is often a truly joyous experience. Watching your baby grow into a flourishing child really is a pleasure, so making your little one’s early life as comfortable as possible would definitely be a priority. Preparing the nursery is a good first step. The addition of cots, baby toys, and changing bags could be a good start. But don’t forget to include the most important item - a baby playmat! Playmats are a safe space for your baby to lie on and relax. In addition, a playmat provides fun toys that the baby can enjoy playing for hours on end. Today, we’ll be discussing why one of these playmats is essential in the nursery. What actually is a Baby Playmat? A baby playmat, also known as an activity mat, is a soft, padded mat that lets a baby play and interact with their surroundings. They are usually placed on the floor, and have colourful textures and patterns for your baby to enjoy. There are 3 main types of baby playmat: Foam - These are made like this colourful jigsaw-style playmat. Fabric - These are the simplest type of playmat. Portable fabric playmats, such as this lightweight sensory mat. Activity Gym - Popular gym-style mats like this activity play gym with hanging toys. These playmats have the most accessories, and they are often the most popular among parents. Baby playmats are usually quite affordable, though, depending on the type you choose, the prices vary from £15 - £60. Key Benefits of Baby Playmats Supports Development: Baby playmats for newborns let your little one explore the world around them through activities like tummy-time. These activities allow the infant to develop their motor skills, such as rolling, and turning on the mat. The use of these skills will eventually help them begin to learn to crawl, and eventually stand up, marking an important step in their childhood. Also, some good quality baby playmats include arches that have interactive, sensory toys on them. When your baby plays with these toys, it develops their hand eye coordination, thus improving their reaction time and overall cognitive development. Safety: Quality playmats are notoriously safe and durable. Due to the organic, soft materials that they are made from, baby playmats will protect your newborn from hard floors that could injure their developing bodies. All the toys included are also completely non-toxic and baby friendly, ensuring that your little one can have as much fun as they want without the slightest chance of getting hurt. Maintainable: Baby playmats are surprisingly easy to maintain. Most are relatively large, but there aren’t many nooks and crannies that can accumulate a lot of dirt. Some have washable covers that can be washed, dried and put back onto the playmat effortlessly. Portable: Activity mats are really easy to carry around. All you need to do is fold them up, and, if you’re buying from Small Smart, you can pop it into the specially designed carry bag that is made especially for this product making transporting it much easier. With the foldable playmat’s portability, you can bring a cherished bit of home wherever you go, with ease. Versatile: When your child begins to grow up, you may think that it’s time to let your activity mat go. However, if you truly love it, there’s actually no need to stop using the playmat. It can easily double up as a picnic mat, a toddler play area or even as a changing mat. Keeps Toys Contained: When your child plays on their playmat, the toys they play with are going to either be on the arches of the playmat, or on the base of the mat around them. Therefore, loose toys are less likely to be lost and replaced, saving you lots of money. Eco - Friendly: Baby playmats are often made from organic cotton, which leaves a small carbon footprint. This means that they’re composed of non-toxic materials that are completely safe for your little one. Also, activity mats are biodegradable, meaning it can naturally decompose over time, and are recyclable. The materials they are made from are also very durable, so there’s often no need to replace broken or missing items. Style: High quality playmats sometimes come in neutral colours that will really blend in with your home. However, if you’re not too happy with these colours, a lot of them are coloured with attractive shades of red, yellow and blue, among others. Conclusion So, there we have it! Baby playmats are so beneficial in almost every aspect of your little one’s childhood! From portability to style, baby play mats are top notch items that truly are essential in your thriving nursery. Buy yours at the Small Smart Website today! FAQs Is the baby playmat fully water proof and easy to clean? Small Smart playmats are made from organic cotton, so they unfortunately are not waterproof, but they are easy to clean! But there definitely are lots of playmats out there that are! Can a baby sleep on the baby playmat? Of course! The baby playmat’s softness is perfectly suitable for the baby to take a nap, though it’s more preferable if you’re close by your child, ready to check on them at any time. When should my child stop using their baby playmat? As said before, when your child grows up, you can give the playmat an entirely different function. However, if you’re just using it as a baby playmat, then they should stop when they begin to learn how to walk/crawl. This age is around when they turn 1. Can I use the playmat outdoors? Provided you’re willing to clean it! Playmats on the Small Smart website should be best kept indoors due to their organic material, but waterproof playmats would definitely still work outdoors. Do I need to supervise my baby while on the baby playmat? Yes. While baby playmats are very safe, it is important that you keep an eye on them at all times. That’s so that if your baby accidentally rolls off the playmat or starts crying for whatever reason, then you’re on hand to help. Also, when the baby is sleeping, it’s best if you watch them for any signs of discomfort or agitation.
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8 Best Kids' School Shoes for Boys and Girls of all Ages
Summer is the time of year when it’s meant to be a holiday, but it’s really just preparing your child for the next school year. Buying uniform, preparing stationary, filling in forms about immunisation, trips, and plays. And, one of the most important tasks of the summer holidays: picking your child’s school shoes! Which is why it is so hard to pick the right pair. Well, we have that sorted. We’ve narrowed the choices down to 8 amazing pairs of school shoes that will certainly delight your kids! First though, we’ll be discussing why choosing the right pair of shoes matters. Why the right pair of school shoes matters? Once you’ve made your choice and bought your child their new pair of school shoes, they will be wearing them for a significant amount of time; during lessons, in the playground, or on school trips. Your child has to be comfortable in these shoes, and, if they’re not, then it could affect their education negatively. Be willing, therefore, to spend a bit more on school shoes, as your child’s learning experience could be damaged, as a result of a bad choice. A bad choice could also give way to the following problems: Foot and leg issues: When your child does not wear the right shoes, all sorts of foot problems will arise, such as: Blisters Sores Rashes Foot fatigue, leading to discomfort Muscle and joint issues, leading to strain on legs and back Bad posture, which would affect the way your child walks Foot deformities Increased likelihood your child will fall over and twist their ankle While some of these foot issues are more serious than others, all of them are likely to occur if you buy your child an inappropriate pair of shoes. Furthermore, these foot problems will soon affect your child’s emotional wellbeing. Emotional issues: If your child is experiencing foot discomfort, this will lead to mental discomfort too. Your child will not be able to focus in lessons if they are too distracted by the pain in their feet. Their whole education experience will be affected. Also, a child who is experiencing pain through poor shoes will no doubt also experience embarrassment and anxiety that may continue into adulthood. They will not run around as much at breaktimes, they won’t like breaktimes anymore, they will no longer enjoy sports lessons, and their overall experience of school life will be severely dampened, all because of a pair of school shoes. That’s how important they are. Tips for when you're buying new shoes Make sure that they fit comfortably, but also ensure that there is growing room so you don’t have to swap shoes too frequently. Check all the materials are sturdy and of good quality. Regularly check your children haven’t outgrown their shoes yet - children’s feet can grow remarkably quickly! Finally, ensure you’re meeting the school guidelines for the types of school shoes your child should be wearing. Now, here are the best 8 kids school shoes that will definitely fulfil your child’s needs: 1. Lelli Kelly Perrie Black Patent School Shoes F Fitting Lelli kelly perrie shiny black shoes really stand out. With a beautiful bow on the front and strap, these shoes will not only give you confidence, but they also come with a free pair of socks! 2. Camper Loafers Black Leather School Shoes - Duet These camper loafers are very convenient shoes, due to the fact that there are no laces or straps that you have to undo and redo again as you put them on; to put these loafers on, all you have to do is slip into them! Simple yet stylish, these shoes will suit your needs perfectly. 3. Kickers Unisex Kids Kick Hi Classic Ankle Boots This pair of shoes is very popular for secondary school students, due to their cushioned footbeds and padded heel collars, all for extra comfort. Furthermore, these shoes are fitted with an anti-odour technology that keeps your child’s feet smelling sweet. 4. Lelli Kelly Annie Love Heart Black Patent Shoes These sporty shoes include extra toe protection, ensuring that the kids wearing them don’t hurt themselves. Also, the shoes have hook-and-loop straps, which allow the child to easily slip them on. These shoes are perfect for sporty children who love to run around the school playground. 5. Camper Pelotas Multicolour Leather and Textile Shoes These sporty shoes include extra toe protection, ensuring that the kids wearing them don’t hurt themselves. Also, the shoes have hook-and-loop straps, which allow the child to easily slip them on. These shoes are perfect for sporty children who love to run around the school playground. 6. Lelli Kelly Celine Black Patent School Shoes The previous few girls' shoes do stand out quite a bit, but these shoes are much more nuanced. They include a dainty pattern around the outside, and nothing but comfort on the inside. 7. Kickers Girl’s Kick T Bar Black School Shoes These comfortable shoes offer a stylish buckle and threaded pattern, and are comfortable inside. The soles have a non - slip function, and they are perfect for children at Key Stage 2. 8. Lelli Kelly Bianca Unicorn Black Patent Shoes Like so many of the shoes discussed today, these really do bring elegance and style to your children. With a detachable unicorn on the strap that can be replaced with a black bow, your child can truly be themselves in these shoes. And, the cherry on the top, when you purchase these shoes, you get a free Lelli Kelly Gift! All the shoes shown above here are of really high quality and are bound to give your child a happy education. Brands like Lelli Kelly, Camper adn Kicker are renowned for the way they mix comfort and elegance into one beautiful pair of shoes. So why not head over to the school shoes collection and buy some today!
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Wooden vs. Plastic Play Kitchen: Which one should you choose?
Play kitchens are known to help provide your child with a productive and enjoyable childhood. Role play empowers toddlers to explore the world around them, and play kitchens are the perfect setting for this. When it’s time for your toddler to get a play kitchen, it’s important to consider which type you should buy. Wooden or plastic? There are advantages and disadvantages to both of them, but overall, which one is more suitable for you and your little one? This article will be discussing the pros and cons of both types of play kitchen, and will help you to decide which will make your toddler’s childhood more pleasant. Wooden Play kitchens Wooden play kitchens are made primarily of wood. Usually, wooden play kitchens are made from sustainable timber that is biodegradable, a point that will be expanded on soon. They are durable and long-lasting and often of higher quality, though more expensive than plastic ones. Similar to plastic play kitchens, wooden ones also carry accessories such as toy phones and mini fridges. Some of the wooden play kitchens on our website even have pretend water and ice dispensers, all for your child to enjoy. Pros of wooden play kitchens 1. They’re more durable While plastic play kitchens are easily breakable, wooden ones are known to last much longer. They’re heavier, which does mean they’re harder to move around, but it also means that they are stronger and less likely to get broken. High quality wooden play kitchens, such as those on the Small Smart website, are particularly strong, and are most definitely more sturdy than plastic play kitchens. 2. They’re more aesthetically pleasing Wooden play kitchens often come in more calm, neutral colours that will almost always suit your home’s unique colour palette. There are some truly beautiful wooden play kitchens in grey colour out there, just waiting to be bought. Who knows, once you’ve bought a wooden play kitchen, you may notice that it looks even better than your real one! 3. They’re safer Most wooden play kitchens are finished with a non - toxic, child friendly paint that’s smooth and safe. However, plastic play kitchens can contain certain additives which are non - biodegradable and can be harmful for your child. Contrasting with the sharp edges of a plastic play kitchen, wooden ones, such as the ones on the Small Smart website have refined, flat ones that are much safer, greatly reducing the risk of injury, and increasing the chance of comfort. 4. They’re more sustainable Wooden play kitchens, unsurprisingly, are made of wood. While this makes them more expensive than their plastic counterparts, the use of wood is very beneficial for the planet. This is because wood is a renewable source of materials, and can always be replenished. Also, the manufacturing of this wood leaves less of a carbon footprint than the manufacturing of plastic play kitchens, thus releasing less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and reducing global warming. Finally, wood is biodegradable, which means it will naturally decompose over time, and will not be bad for the environment, if thrown away. It’s even recyclable, so after you don’t need your wooden play kitchen anymore, you can just turn it into something new! Cons of wooden play kitchens: They’re more expensive. They’re harder to move around, as they are heavier. They come with less accessories, and those are less realistic than the ones in plastic play kitchens. Wooden play kitchens are harder to take care of, as they are vulnerable to damage from children spilling water on them. Plastic Play Kitchens Plastic play kitchens are primarily made from plastic materials. Often they have realistic ovens, microwaves or even kettles that light up or make noises, and come with accessories like pots, pans, and utensils. Also, they are usually very brightly coloured, so can be very attractive to toddlers and young children. Pros of plastic play kitchens 1. They’re more affordable Plastic play kitchens are much less expensive than wooden ones. This is due to the cheaper material they’re made from. Plastic play kitchens have a price range of around £30 - £70, while wooden ones have a price range of £70 - £150. So, if you’re struggling financially, and just want to have one short - term, a plastic play kitchen suits you. 2. They’re easier to move around Because of their cheaper quality and the use of less durable materials, plastic play kitchens are often lightweight, and easy to move around. So, if you think your play kitchen looks particularly conspicuous in a certain location, you can easily alter it. 3. They have more accessories Plastic play kitchens offer a range of accessories, such as pots, pans, kettles, bottles, mugs, for your child to play with. Plastic play kitchens give toddlers many more options when it comes to accessories. Cons of plastic play kitchens: Children can grow out of them quickly, due to their accessories that are primarily aimed at very young toddlers. Some of them have materials that have toxins in them. The plastic material they’re made from is non - biodegradable, meaning they can’t be recycled and so are bad for the planet. When they’re not made to high quality, they can be very badly made, and have sharp edges which could injure your child. Conclusion and verdict So, time for the final decision! Which one is better? Plastic or Wooden? Well, it all depends on the situation you’re in: If you’re a bit tight financially, and you just want a suitable play kitchen that will last your child a few months, then a plastic play kitchen is for you. However, if you want a play kitchen that makes memories, and lasts your child their entire childhood and more, then you should definitely get a wooden play kitchen. They’re higher quality, and though they’re more expensive than their plastic counterparts, they’re definitely worth it! In other words, plastic play kitchens are more beneficial for short-term enjoyment, while wooden play kitchens are longer-lasting and can be doted on for years. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can plastic kitchens break easily? Plastic play kitchens are likely to snap or break if played with too much. They are more prone to breaking than wooden play kitchens. 2. Do wooden kitchens require assembly? Yes, wooden kitchens need assembly. While plastic play kitchens also require assembly, wooden play kitchens take much longer to assemble. 3. Which is more suitable for group play? Large wooden play kitchens are usually more suitable for group play, due to their larger size, durability, and accessibility, though a small group can still have fun with a large plastic play kitchen. 4. Which is safer for toddlers? Wooden play kitchens tend to have fewer small parts than plastic play kitchens do, but look out for chips or splinters on your wooden kitchen if you get one.
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