Play Rooms: Helping your children to learn safely through play

A well-designed playroom or nursery is a joyous experience for you and an educational, nurturing base for your child. Your six-month-old baby will be ready to interact with their environment, so choose toys suitable for your child's age and abilities. Avoid toys that have loose pile fabric or hair, small loose parts, loose ribbons or sharp edges. If you have older children try to keep their smaller toys away from your baby. Throw away damaged toys.

One-year-olds are active‚ mobile people with endless curiosity. They will particularly enjoy interactive toys like nesting cups, trolleys and bricks and toys that jump out of boxes or make a noise when you press or turn a button. Two-year-olds will be interested in problem solving. Inset jigsaws are an excellent resource, along with shape puzzles. A bookcase full of colorful books is a must, and can be cherished for years to come.

Decorating tips

Here are some other suggestions

Choose colors carefully. Use color chips or large pieces of colored paper to help your child
decide which colors he likes best.

Be fashion-wary. Remember that teddies and bunnies will soon go out of style.

Photographs and toys can add character to your nursery, and are easier to change than
themed paper or drapes.

Keep it safe. Choose appropriately sized furniture and consider covering any corners. Wall to
wall carpet is also a good idea.

Mix in some movement and music. A colorful, musical mobile over the cot is very stimulating,
and a familiar, soothing tune can be part of the bed-time routine.