I need some ideas on how to make a doctor's office more kid friendly?

Question

Everything from the toys to the kind of carpet and paint. I also really need some good online sources for this.

Answer 1

Well, the sites below are a start...One of the fav Dr Offices for my Son had 3-4-5 foot size plywood cutouts in bright colors lining the walls, giraffe, pink elephant, zebra etc. In one large corner was a carpet covered wooden physical play area with large holes and ramps for the kids to crawl in and out of. The top platform was about 4 ft high by about 6 ft wide for a sitting area, when they reached the top. Easy enough for the parent to get their kid. Had wide stairs along the wall side for toddlers to climb to the top with a small railing a parent could reach over. In another corner was a child sized table with books and crayons to keep the minds and hands occupied. Toys were various for different ages in large containers and baskets. Seems like if we had to wait for an hour or longer for the Doctor to catch up on his appointments the time went by very quickly. AND big EYE signs posted that the parents were responsible to keep an eye on their children, several of these would be appropiate.....Commercial bright colored carpet with extra padding in the play area for sure, Primary colors in 6-8" stripes horizonal above the solid grey walls where the animal cut outs are and add some fun stuff in the ceiling, that is always forgotton and left boring.....Good Luck (How fun to do this)

http://home.ivillage.com/decorating/kidroom/topics/0,,4tk5,00.html
http://www.officeplayground.com/?engine=adwords!8540&keyword=%28office+decorations%29&match_type={ifcontent:content}&gclid=CPadp9Sklo8CFSgZagodvm65fA

Answer 2

Toys should be easy to wash. Many toys are safe to put in a dishwasher, which steralizes them. Remember that noisy toys will drive the staff and parents nuts! No toys that are used in the mouth (instruments, play silverware, cups/ tea sets) Make sure that toys are safe for the smallest children, and you will have fewer tantrums.

Our pediatrician had a 'well child' and a 'sick child' waiting area, and one for 'teens'. The well room had brighter lighting, and toys that allowed for more activity -- a low table with small chairs and toys. NO crayons, tho -- as the kids will color on the furniture, walls and books. Don't take the risk!

The sick room had dimmer lighting, softer chairs, and more books and trashcans (for tissues and the occasional barf). They also had a basket of 'clean' toys that had just been thru the dishwasher, and one for 'played with' toys, that would be washed that night. ALL parents appreciated that their child had less risk of getting a new illness.

Both had TV's playing children's videos.

The teen room (smaller) had magazines geared more for teens, and played videos geared for slightly older children. A table for homework was welcome, too. (Many of these kids were in for sports physicals, allergy shots, etc. and really liked not having to sit with the little kids).

Carpet should be low-pile - easy to vacuum and shows less wear. Use a small pattern that is easy to match, so that worn or damaged sections can be replaced easily.

Paint - look for the kids-room paints available. They have a sealant component, which makes them easy to wash down.

Answer 3

When my children were young we went to one office that had a little room next to regular waiting room. This room had the carpet that looked like little city streets and game boards on them. Not that many toys...just a few things for them to climb on and into. Nothing high enough ( 36" ) for them to get hurt one.....and nothing in there smaller than a tennis ball....that way the little ones couldn't get it in their mouths.

Answer 4

the carpet should be more commercial grade for durability (ask local carpet store) also the color should if u can be dark....no slippery surfaces..... for the furniture if u are getting chairs or something that is upholstered make sure it can stand wear and tear........ also try to get furniture that has soft round edges... no sharp corners so they dont hit them slef when they are playing and also that when ppl or urself are running around dont walk into them.......window treaments -----no hanging strings and stuff like that... i dunno if that help but good luck