Safety Tips for Setting Up Indoor Play Equipment at Home

Creating an enriching indoor play environment that your little ones can feel safe in is one of the most valuable investments you can make in their development. To do this, you want a dedicated space with curated and personalised indoor play area equipment.

A well-designed play space will encourage physical movement, problem-solving, creativity and confidence. But just as important as the play equipment itself is creating an environment that supports safe exploration.

Keep reading to discover the best techniques and recommendations for creating a safe indoor play area no matter what space you’re working with.

Key Considerations

• Available Space: Measure the room where the play area will be. Make sure there's enough room for the equipment as well as buffer zones around them.
• Child’s Age and Abilities: Choose indoor children’s play equipment that matches your child. Younger children need lower, softer equipment, while older kids will enjoy larger climbing frames or monkey bars.
• Flooring: Install soft, impact-absorbing flooring like foam mats or padded tiles. These are especially important around indoor soft play equipment to cushion falls and protect little knees and hands.
• Ventilation and Lighting: Craft a room that is well-lit and has good airflow. Natural light is best, but you can also use bright, warm artificial lighting to keep the area inviting and safe.
• Durability and Materials: Look for high-quality, non-toxic materials.
• Supervision Access: Make sure adults can easily see and access the play area.
• Ease of Cleaning: Choose equipment and surfaces that are easy to wipe down and maintain, especially in shared spaces.
• Storage: Include storage bins, baskets or shelves to organise toys and avoid clutter.

The Setup

1. Choose a Safe, Low-Traffic Location.

   Pick a quiet corner or unused room where your child can play without interruption or foot traffic. Avoid areas near stairs, fireplaces or sharp furniture.

2. Use Soft, Non-Slip Flooring.

   Install padded play mats, rubber tiles, or thick foam mats to cushion falls and prevent slipping. These are especially important under climbing structures and around soft play zones.

3. Childproof the Space
   • Cover all electrical outlets with safety plugs.
   • Secure nearby furniture or large objects to the wall to prevent tipping.
   • Add corner guards to sharp edges nearby.
   • Use baby gates if needed to block off unsafe zones.
4. Anchor and Secure Equipment.

   Make sure larger items like indoor climbing frames or Pikler triangles are fully assembled according to manufacturer instructions and placed on a level surface. If possible, anchor heavier items to the wall or floor for stability.

5. Leave Safe Clearance.

   Keep at least 1 metre of space around all sides of your equipment. This creates safe movement patterns and less collisions.

6. Organise and Declutter
   

   PictureStore loose toys in bins or on low shelves to avoid tripping hazards and keep the play area tidy and inviting.

7. Supervision-Friendly Layout

   Make things easier on yourself by arranging the space so you can easily see and reach them. Keep taller or enclosed equipment away from doorways to avoid blind spots.

Keep It Clean

Having a hygienic play area is just as important as setting it up safely. A clean environment not only creates a healthy space for your child but will keep your equipment in good condition, extending its lifespan. Here are some essential tips for keeping the area fresh and tidy:

1. Daily Wipe-Downs

   Use a non-toxic disinfectant wipe or spray to clean high-traffic areas where your child’s hands or feet come in contact the most.

2. Vacuum or Sweep Regularly

   Vacuum the play area to pick up dust, dirt and any small debris. If you have mats or foam tiles, vacuum around the seams as well. Sweep the floor every few days to avoid build-up of dust or crumbs, which can attract pests.

3. Wash Soft Play Items

   If you have soft play equipment like foam blocks or cushion mats, wash the covers regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Machine-washable items should be cleaned weekly or as needed.

4. Clean the Walls and Baseboards

   Don’t forget to wipe down walls and baseboards in the play area. Spills and sticky hands can transfer mess to these surfaces.

5. Inspect Equipment

   Tighten screws, reassemble loose parts and replace any worn-out materials. Do a check of the play area for any safety hazards, like sharp edges, loose parts or cracked equipment.

6. Deep Clean Monthly

   Every so often, do a deeper clean by moving larger equipment to clean underneath. Disinfect the mats, toys and all equipment thoroughly.

7. Air Quality

   Open windows or use a fan to keep the space well-ventilated. This helps reduce any build-up of dust and keeps the area smelling fresh.

CONCLUSION

If you’re ready to set up the perfect play area at home, find your nearest store for expert advice and to explore the wide range of indoor play equipment.