Safety features and certifications
Safety is a top concern for many parents when purchasing toys, and many play kitchens will note what certifications and safety tests their toys have passed. Natural materials such as wood and non-toxic water-based paints have lower chemical emissions than plastics, and certain models are Greenguard Gold certified after being tested for more than 10,000 VOCs and chemicals. , meaning it is considered a low-emission product.
Some product descriptions state that Play Kitchen meets federal safety regulations under the Consumer Product Safety Commission's ASTM guidelines, while other products are also certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This helps ensure that the product is safe by showing that it comes from responsibly managed forests. A healthier world for future generations.
If you are purchasing a play kitchen for young toddlers, make sure all small parts are securely secured in the kitchen and any small accessories that may pose a choking hazard are safely stored away before playing. please.
Material quality and durability
Most play kitchens are made of wood, plastic, MDF, or a combination of all three. Wooden models are heavier and more durable, but have different pros and cons depending on where you install them. If you need to easily move your play house from one room to another, plastic is much easier to transport. On the other hand, if you know you're going to keep it in one area of the house, a wooden play kitchen is more durable and likely to withstand the rigors of play even with older children. They also look more realistic than plastic ones.
Plastic play kitchens are easy to clean as they can be easily wiped down just like any other kitchen counter. Wooden ones, on the other hand, may have special cleaning instructions to prevent damage or warping of the material.
Parents also need to think about where in the house they will place the play kitchen. If placed in a common open area, parents may want a play kitchen whose visual style blends with the current home decor. Luckily, play kitchens now boast intricate details that cater to almost any design taste, from modern backsplashes, marble countertops, and brass hardware to cheerful retro models. Some details are stickers (which can be removed in the future), others are painted or even built-in.
Size and space requirements
Play kitchens come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are corner units that make the most of the space in your room, and units that take up very little space. Additionally, there are larger versions with multiple modular parts that require more floor space, so parents should plan accordingly. Things often look smaller or bigger on the internet, so be sure to measure the space you plan to set up your play kitchen before purchasing.
Parents should also consider the size of the child who will primarily be using the play kitchen. If you are taller, look for models with taller dimensions (i.e. 40 inches or more) rather than smaller models that are more suitable for toddlers.
According to play kitchen manufacturer KidKraft, the ideal counter height should match the child's waist. Similarly, if you're looking for a play kitchen that will grow with your child, some play kitchens come with adjustable legs and add-ons that you can purchase in the future.
Parents will quickly notice that most play kitchens have a manufacturer's recommended age range of 3 years and up, primarily because of the small accessories that come with the set. The author of this article started using the wooden play kitchen when his child was 18 months old, but parents should monitor their child while they play, especially if the child is prone to putting small objects in their mouth. is always important.
Some play kitchens are clearly designed with young toddlers in mind. They are shorter in size, have easier-to-operate features, and are generally simpler. More elaborate play kitchens that come with a variety of accessories can be more exciting for children aged 5 and up who engage in more sophisticated pretend play, and for families with children of multiple ages. there is.
Educational and developmental benefits
Playhouse kitchens allow children to get serious about imaginative play, which is essential for early childhood development. “Through unplanned pretend play, children develop independence and resilience, and learn to problem solve, self-regulate, and focus their attention,” says pediatrician Dr. Katherine Chan. She says, “Pretend play, when done alone or with others, promotes language and social-emotional development.”
Equipped with a variety of accessories and features, the play kitchen promotes a more immersive pretend play experience and develops your little one's fine motor skills as they turn knobs, flick switches, and try to catch fake ice cubes. Helpful for development. Look for sets that come with specific accessories to supplement age-appropriate development, such as a clock with movable hands to tell time or realistic kitchen utensils like tongs to encourage hand-eye coordination.
And don't underestimate the importance of all that food pretending. According to Dr. Steph Lee, a pediatrician, preventive medicine specialist, and AAP spokesperson, “Play kitchens with toy foods can also help picky eaters and encourage them to explore different types of foods before actually eating them.” can do.”
Realistic features and accessories
Some play kitchens come with all the bells and whistles, including an ice maker that releases fake ice cubes, lights and sounds from the cooktop, and a beeping microwave to make your child's playtime truly immersive. Some come with designs, while others are simpler designs that rely on a child's play imagination. In general, play kitchens with more realistic interactive features tend to be more expensive than ones that are more basic.
Only you know your child best to determine whether your child may be overstimulated by too much light or noise, or will be best entertained. You should also consider the age of your child to ensure that they do not get their fingers caught in the door or pose a choking hazard with the small attachments provided.
Modern play kitchens come with realistic appliances such as double-wide farmhouse sinks and magnetic refrigerators. These types of models can blend more seamlessly into your current home style, which can be a big selling point for some parents.
Ease of assembly and maintenance
This is a big problem for many parents. We all know the stress of spending hours assembling something that doesn't look like the model on the box. Parents should consider how convenient they want it to be and how much time they want to invest in building a larger, more complex play kitchen.
Small, simple units take less than an hour to assemble and can easily be completed by one person, while feature-packed options can take multiple people several hours to complete. If you're buying a play kitchen for a big holiday and want it already fully assembled, be sure to pay special attention to reviews that indicate actual assembly times.
Parents and caregivers also need to consider how durable the play kitchen will be without regular maintenance. Does it need to be screwed down or wiped regularly to prevent mold?
