Is the playroom really safe for your child? Inspection results show that it isn’t always. That’s why we created Mammutico® foam blocks and SafetyMat mats—solutions that combine safety, hygiene, and creative play all in one.
What standards apply in playrooms?
You surely take your child to a playroom from time to time—for a birthday party or just so they can play in a different environment with peers. Are you sure your little one is completely safe in this or any other playroom? This is a fundamental question worth asking yourself every time you leave your child in a playroom under the care of a staff member, or simply take your eyes off them for a moment to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee at the parents’ café table.
In 2014, the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection, together with the Trade Inspection Authority and in consultation with the Ombudsman for Children’s Rights, inspected children’s playrooms throughout Poland. At that time, 48 playrooms were inspected, along with a review of the 82 sets of rules in effect at those locations. What did they find? In as many as 75% of the visited locations, the owner’s rules exclude liability for personal injury, meaning staff are not responsible for accidents involving children while they are playing. What’s more, nearly half of the inspected venues do not even properly inform customers of these rules, protecting themselves with a clause stating that purchasing a ticket constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions.
Why is Mammutico foam safe?
“Mammutico blocks aren’t just for fun—they’re a tool that supports the development of fine and gross motor skills.” — Magdalena Wierzańska
While the terms and conditions can still be “swallowed” somehow, it’s worth noting that in over 25% of playrooms, toys and equipment could pose a danger to children. The condition of these facilities simply threatened the health and even the lives of the little ones. After all, can we really talk about safety when there are sharp edges or hard protruding parts in the playroom? On top of that, there were unsecured electrical outlets, equipment where a child could get their head stuck, or exits through which a child could leave the playground on their own.
Actually, the answer to that question is obvious after reading the previous paragraph. A safe playroom is, above all, a place where the organizers of such facilities take responsibility for the children’s safety. In that case, their efforts to provide the little ones with appropriate conditions for play will be much greater. When it comes to supervision, it’s worth checking whether the staff has the appropriate qualifications, what their scope of duties is, and whether there are too many children under their care. And what requirements must the equipment meet? Certainly, the equipment used by the little ones must not have sharp edges or protruding parts, but I’ve already mentioned that. In addition, the floor should be covered with appropriate material that will cushion a child’s fall if necessary, especially from the highest elements in the room. For the youngest children, it’s worth paying attention to the quality of movable elements—blocks and other toys. After all, we know how much children like to put them in their mouths and even try to bite them. Such items should have the appropriate certifications confirming they are safe for contact with the youngest children, and they must also be cleaned regularly. After all, a playroom is a breeding ground for germs, but not all of them come from people—some are transmitted through objects that everyone touches.
How to choose blocks for a playroom?
Mammutico’s giant foam blocks were created precisely to serve as the foundation for organizing a safe, friendly, and modern play space for the youngest children. This product fully meets the needs of children, adults, and those who ensure their safety. Among all the series of large foam blocks Mammutico (Simple, Basic, and Smart), you won’t find any elements that pose a danger to children. Each piece in the individual sets is soft and, regardless of size, very lightweight. This eliminates the risk of injury, scratches, or painful impacts. The foam used to make the blocks also has a number of advantages that make it ideal for children’s playrooms and play areas. The material is waterproof and quick-drying. It can be cleaned with plain water, steam, mild detergents, as well as disinfectants used in medical facilities. This makes it much easier for play organizers to ensure the hygiene and health of children. MammuticoFoam is also extremely durable and resistant to daily use, which is a significant advantage in high-traffic public play areas for children.
In addition to blocks, our company also offers safe foam play mats called “SafetyMat.” This is one of the best products on the market, designed for equipping safe children’s play areas. The foam comes in various thicknesses, which can be selected depending on the type of play. For tall structures like "climbing frames," the thickest version—7.5 cm—is ideal, cushioning falls from nearly 3 meters high! This type of flooring would certainly give you the confidence that your little one is playing in a safe place.
I’d also like to point out that, in addition to a range of safety benefits, our blocks are also incredibly engaging and inspiring. They allow children to incorporate creativity and ingenuity into their play, all while getting plenty of physical activity.
If you own a playroom, be sure to check out what we can offer your business to ensure even greater safety for children while they play. If, on the other hand, you’re a parent, we recommend this article to help you always ensure your child is safe while playing in a children’s playroom.
Mammutico® blocks — a good decision starts with a conversation.
