Why Lego-type Tables are Not a Good Choice for Waiting Areas

We have had many businesses request Lego-type tables for their waiting areas, but we advise against it. They have loose parts, which are easily mouthed. They’re difficult to clean because of the deep crevices, and after a while with out proper care they look sloppy. The pieces end up on the floor and can pose a tripping hazard. And last but not least, they get taken way, and pretty soon you are left with a pegged base and no units to put on it. This is frustrating for the children, and costly for the business to keep replenishing.

What should you get instead? A commercial-grade play table designed to safely engage children in public settings. Where do you get something like that? Kiddinaround.com.

Lego-type tables are a great choice for the home and for classrooms.

Have you seen Lego-type tables in public settings? Parents, how do you feel about them? Business owners- do you have one like this? Are there any parts left? Please post your comments we would like to know.

Say NO to TVs in Public Waiting Areas

In my opinion there should be NO TVs in waiting areas. Especially in doctor's offices!

Why?

Here are three great reasons that you should just say NO to TV in your waiting room.

1. They are noisy.
2. Some channels may not be appropriate for children.
3. They are distracting to employees.

What are you thoughts? Do you like TVs in waiting areas? I would love to hear your comments.

Juliana

Grungy Broken Straps on Public High Chairs

I have noticed, all too often, that restaurants, food courts, and cafeterias don’t notice when the high chairs are in need of repair. Sometimes I need to search to find a high chair that is clean and has a strap that is not broken. At Kiddinaround.com we sell replacement straps, and we hope that more businesses will become aware that these need to be check and maintained on a regular basis. If a child cannot be strapped into a high chair, the n it is simply not safe. Curious kids will climb out, and a fall from a high chair can be very serious, especially if the floor is hard. If you have commercial grade high chairs in your eating establishment, please check them, and be sure that they are in good working order. I recently was in a pizza restaurant with my two children. Out of all of the 6 booster type high chairs that they had, NONE of them had straps.

The straps on high chairs also can get coated with food, and parents may not even want to touch them. The way that I recommend cleaning them is to simply fill a small container with warm soapy water, and let them soak for about at least 20 minutes. If needed, they can be scrubbed with a cleansing brush. Most of these straps are made of nylon, and they are washable. It is a bit of an effort to keep them clean, but parents really, really, really appreciate it.

Any thoughts? Anyone had similar experiences? I would love to hear your comments.

Special Waiting Areas for Sick and Well Patients

I recently came across a site of a Pediatrics office. It had photos of the waiting area, and it showed that they had designated an area for sick, and an area for well children to wait. I think this shows concern for the patients, and it is something that all Pediatric offices should do. How many times have you taken your child to the doctor for a yearly exam and two days later he/she has a fever!

This is another reason we recommend Play Tables rather than loose toys. The loose toys can be mouthed, and can harbor germs.

A simple reconfiguration of the waiting area, and a sign designating each area would be a simple change, but it sure would mean a lot to the moms and dads bringing the kids in.

Tired toys in Public Places

It troubles me to find boxes of tired-looking toys—with small, broken parts—at my auto repair center, at my bank, at the optometrist, at the doctor's office, and in many places where I shop for goods and services with my children.

How, can businesses that spent money and time to provide strong customer service forget about the children of the customers? Would they serve coffee in unwashed, chipped cups to customers? Don't they realize they are creating a liability for themselves?

Juliana Lapitino, President and Creative Director of Kiddinaround.com, continues to educate business owners about the growing need for them to provide safe, diversionary play for children who visit their establishments.

What have your experiences been?