Living with Children: Create Safe and Creative Home
To furnish a home with children, it is important that your home is functional and flexible.
Create a perfect home for your family with IKEA home furnishing solutions.
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AGE Growing and learning
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PLACE Living space For children
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ACTIVITY Furnish for activities with children
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Growing and learning
Children are born with the potential to learn and develop.
They develop and grow in phases; their needs and the activities in the home change over the years.
The first years, up to age seven, are the most important.
This is when the foundation is laid for learning and development later in life.
Thereafter, children are trying out, practicing and getting better at what they have already learned, and acquiring new skills.
To create realistic solutions IKEA retailers need knowledge about children's needs an abilities at different ages, and about how their needs, wants and dreams change as they grow. -
Living space For children
As each child is unique, there are countless ways to combine form,material, colour, light and function in a room.
But basic knowledge of children's development lends some guiding principles for creating rooms that are functional and aesthetic and where children are encouraged to be children.
It is important to plan a space that invites play and movement rather than prevents it where children are safe and given free space to play, develop and practic their interests and motor skills. -
Furnish for activities with children
From early morning to bedtime, the child's day is filled with activities that take place anywhere and everywhere in the home.
Drawing in the living room, helping out in the kitchen, reading comics in bed.
IKEA retailers need to imagine everything that goes on in a day of a family with children, taking both the parent's and child's perspectives and considering how they share the home together.
This way, IKEA retailers can create functional solutions that are safe, realistic and beautiful for the whole family as well as smart and inspiring to allow play, relaxation and development.
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0-6months Growing and learning
During the first six months children sleep a lot and need constant care nurturing.
At the some time they learn about the world around them.
They also learn to make use of their ability to move, and their sense-hearing, sight and touch. The child uses its entire body to attain knowledge and explores its surroundings by looking, listening, sucking, feeling and biting things. -
Traits
- Explore with both mouth and fingers.
- Put hands in mouth. Hold a large object and move it between the hands.
- Babble and play with sounds. Lift his/her head and look around.
- Grasp things and let go. Roll from back to stomach.
- Sleep a lot, and React to sounds.
- The child's height at this age is 50–65cm.
- Follow objects with the eyes.
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Solutions
- An armchair with low armrests to make mother and baby more comfortable while breast-or bottle-feeding.
- All baby care items are within easy reach of the changing table so that the baby is never left unattended.
- Flexible furniture, changeable for different needs and the possibility to grow with the baby over time.
- Extra pillows also help parents and baby to be more comfortable while feeding. Storage for clothes (a chest of drawers is most suitable since most children's clothes at this age are folded)
- Comfortable furniture in a quiet area of the home for both parents and baby, for sitting and lying down. A warm, calm and secure environment.
- A soft rug or baby blanket for playing on the floor.
- Contrasting colours and moving objects, such as mobiles, to stimulate the baby. Materials with different textures so children can touch, feel and explore.
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6-12months Growing and learning
In their second six months, children further develop their senses and start to develop their motor skills. They learn to sit, crawl, stand, totter and start to walk. They learn to grasp objects, bang them together, and start trying to fit things together.
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Traits
- Play and explore with food. Tries to eat with own fingers.
- Hold an object in each hand and bang them together, on the table or on the floor.
- Sit up. Crawl, rise, and stand with support.
- Play give and take. Throw things. Build up and tear down.
- Pick up objects from floor. Take things out of bookshelves, cupboard and drawers.
- The child's height at this age is 63–82 cm.
- Play peek-a-boo.
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Solutions
- Safety in all areas of the home as the baby starts to move about. Dangerous or fragile items are kept out of reach.
- Pillows to support the baby as it is learning to sit.
- A soft baby blanket or a play mat for playing on the floor.
- Storage for clothes (shelves, chest of drawers) High furniture is securely fastened to the walls.
- A high chair with a crotch support.
- Stable furniture that will not tip over or roll when grabbed or pushed.
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1-2years Growing and learning
When children are awake they are nearly in constant motion. They take over the home!
They are crawling, tottering, running and also throwing, kicking, banging, hiding and pretending. They are developing their balance, gross and fine motor skills, logical thinking and imagination.
At this age, children enjoy pushing and pulling things as they move around, and prefer trying to put things together rather than making them fall apart. -
Traits
- Scribble.
- Eat with a spoon. Drink from a mug.
- Understand most of what is said. Say a few words.
- Place blocks on top of each other without them toppling.
- Learn to walk. Crawl up the stairs.
- The child's height at this age is 67–95 cm.
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Solutions
- Children's-sized furniture that children can play with.
- Soft rugs for playing on the floor.
- High furniture is securely fastened to the walls.
- Children explore by pulling things out and down. Therefore fragile and dangerous items needs to be out of sight and out of reach.
- Mobile storage solutions for toys throughout the home (e.g. boxes)
- Fixed storage stations for toys in areas where children often play. Convenient, easy to play with, easy to tidy up.
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2-3years Growing and learning
At this age, children's gross motor skills are more developed. They can skip, climb, run and keep their balance.
Language develops strongly and conversations, stories and songs are exhilarating.
Role-play is important and often about daily occurrences, such as preparing food, shopping and driving.
The need for friends increases as does the ability to fantasise. -
Traits
- Dress and undress with some assistance. Say sentences and sing.
- Run, walk backwards, tip-toe. Jump with both feet together, stand on one leg.
- Role-play – "help out" together with grown-ups.
- Ride a tricycle or rocking toy.
- Draw various types of scribbles. Know colours and shapes. Sort by size and shape.
- The child's height at this age is 78–103 cm.
- Walk up stairs. Go to the toilet with some assistance.
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Solutions
- A step stool at the kitchen counter or table so children can join in grown- ups' household tasks.
- Comfortable furnishings so children can relax to watch films and TV together with other children and grown-ups.
- A comfortable space with functional light for grown-ups and children reading together. Full-length, child-safe mirrors, for children to play with and see themselves fully.
- Enough floor space for active play and movement.
- Their own furniture – furniture that is easy to move around the entire home.
- Fixed storage stations for toys and books in areas where children often play. Convenient, easy to play with, easy to tidy up.
- Mobile storage solutions for toys and books throughout the home (e.g. boxes, storage boxes under bed). High furniture is securely fastened to the walls.
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3-4years Growing and learning
Children's imagination, logical thinking and social skills are developing fast.
They are learning to play with other children. They are learning the difference between real and make-believe.
Their role-play is more realistic and imitative. The ability to do things on their own increases their self- confidence and it is important for children to be able to use things adapted to their age group. -
Traits
- Count to five or more.
- Play with other children. Go to the toilet, but needs help.
- Fantasise, pretend and imitate grown-up roles (e.g. teacher, train-driver, chef).
- Dress and undress. Speak clearly.
- Draw pictures with different lines and circles, head, arms and legs.
- The child's height at this age is 85–105 cm.
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Solutions
- Children's furniture that rocks or swings. These are fun to play with and a source of relaxation.
- Space for furnishings and solutions for role-play, that children can easily move around and play with.
- High furniture is securely fastened to the walls.
- A room within a room, where children can have their own space to play — together with grown-ups, or alone knowing that the grown-ups are nearby.
- Pillows and blankets so children can jump, play and create their own secret, hidden places.
- Spaces for children to play throughout the home. Storage stations for toys and books in all areas (e.g. cabinets, boxes, storage boxes under bed).
- A plastic-glass mirror securely placed at children's height. Playing and moving in front of a mirror fascinates children and is a way of self- discovery.
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4-5years Growing and learning
The ability to do things and to take part is increasingly important – "I can do it!" Children become more interested in story books and numbers. Their motor skills are put to the test and strengthened constantly, often through movement and play.
Role-play is still an important part of playing and learning. Games are fun but preferably at a rapid pace and with simple rules. In many countries, children at this age are starting school. -
Traits
- Wash and dress on own. Walk up and down the stairs.
- Construction or carpentry with adults. Build secret hiding places.
- Start using technology. Knows his/her own age.
- Help out in the kitchen. Start reading.
- Test/strengthen balance and motor skills. Somersaults.
- The child's height at this age is 90–122 cm.
- Count to ten or higher.
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Solutions
- Storage stations for toys and books throughout the home (e.g. cabinets, shelves, boxes, storage boxes under bed). High furniture is securely fastened to the walls.
- A child-safe mirror for when the child starts dressing on their own.
- Ergonomic solutions for children to use computers and other technology. Comfortable, at the right height.
- Space where children can play with their friends or be on their own. Flexible solutions where furnishings can be moved if children need more space to play and move in.
- Items that enable children to help out in the home are placed Within their reach.
- Furniture suited to children's size.
- Lots of storage for a lot of small gadgets, collectibles and toys.
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5-6years Growing and learning
Children at this age are increasingly interested in other people.
Being with friends and making new friends is important. They feel more socially secure. Media, books, games and music open up their world and inspire them; role-play becomes increasingly realistic and is performed theatrically. It is important that the things they create look good. In some countries, children are starting school. -
Traits
- Re-tell a story in detail.
- Write names but will sometimes turn letters backwards.
- Swing on their own.
- Learn to count and read.
- Whistle. Wash and dry themselves.
- Colour pictures inside the lines. Draw figures with detail.
- The child's height at this age is 100–128 cm.
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Solutions
- Space to play independently, but safely, away from parents. With their friends or on their own.
- A feeling of ownership: their own individual space and solutions to store their personal belongings.
- Space for computer games where several can sit and play at a time.
- High furniture is securely fastened to the walls.
- Storage for clothes at children's height (wardrobes, chest of drawers), so that children can reach their clothes on their own. Storage solutions for new hobbies or interests such as football or playing a musical instrument.
- Storage for book and toys throughout the home (e.g. cabinets, shelves, boxes, storage boxes under bed)
- Furniture suited to children's size.
- A space safely adapted for increasingly physical and risky play (e.g. cycling, climbing).
- Flexible solutions where furnishings can be moved if children need more space to play and move in.
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6-7years Growing and learning
Children want to test everything. The desire to play and the need for activities is large and furthermore children need time for learning to read, write and count. Friends are important, as is adapting and being like the others in order to not become an outsider. Children use secret languages and create rules for play and adventure. It is important for children to have the same things that their friends have. In some countries, children are starting school.
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Traits
- Write their first name correctly.
- Has one dominant hand right or left.
- Count to 40 or higher.
- Prepare simple food: slice bread and spread butter or pour a drink.
- Simple arithmetic.
- The child's height at this age is 102–135 cm.
- Understand how to tell time.
- Tie bows and shoelaces.
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Solutions
- A suitable place for doing homework together with the grown-ups,such as in the dining space or kitchen.
- Depending on height of the child a high stool may be needed for the work space/ dining table.
- High furniture is securely fastened to the walls.
- A workspace for school homework including a desk or other workspace, a chair, lighting, and storage for books, pens, pencils.
- Their own space or room for socializing with friends or for being away from parents or siblings.
- Storage for clothes at children's height (wardrobes, chest of drawers).
- Storage for toys, media and sports in different parts of the home (e.g. cabinets, shelves, boxes, storage boxes under bed).
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7-9years Growing and learning
After seven years old children are improving their skills. They also love acquiring new skills.
Family, friends and play are very important. They are starting to understand and accept rules and learn to play in teams. They are also learning to compromise and accept others as they are. They begin to express who they are and what they like. They may spend a lot of time using technology. -
Traits
- Show individual skills according to their personality and preferences, for example in artistic creativity, talking, sports, numeracy, reading, socializing, playing music, etc.
- Concentrate, be patient and finish things.
- Wait for their turn and co-operate with others.
- Understand and discuss how other people feel.
- Have minor responsibilities at home for example clean up their room/ space, help out with the waste sorting.
- Have their own pocket money to spend.
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Solutions
- Ergonomic solutions for using technology, for example floor space for playing virtual sports, desk/ seating for computer use and typing.
- Their own space or room where they can sleep, play, do homework or relax.
- Furnishing and solutions for the family to spend time and do activities together.
- Space and solutions for hobbies: artwork, music, games, etc.
- Boxes or shelves to store and display collections: cards, figurines, coins, etc.
- Space for friends for playing, sleepovers, computer games.
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9-10years Growing and learning
A period of maturity and developing. Children reflect and think a lot and their ideas can influence the family, such as wanting to care for animals or be more environmentally aware. They need time by themselves but also their parents' support. They like to do things together like cooking, sport or playing games. But being part of groups outside the family is also important. They spend more time in friends' homes. They use the internet for homework as well as play.
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Traits
- Can manage and organise their own belongings.
- Conform to the needs of a group in order to fit in.
- Start to develop opinions and moral views.
- Start to move in wider circles outside the home.
- Use internet for homework, information and games.
- Increase their responsibilities in the home, e.g. cleaning up after meals, walking the dog.
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Solutions
- Solutions with adjustable work chair and task light for doing homework including internet research. Enough table space for reading, writing and computer work.
- Their own space or room to sleep, play, do homework or relax, alone or with friends. Solutions for sleepovers.
- Solutions to welcome children's friends to the home for playing, eating, computer games and socializing.
- Flexible furnishing solutions where children can create space for using technology, for example floor space for playing virtual sports.
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10-12years Growing and learning
These are the years between dependence and independence.
Children become critical of their parents and demand more freedom. Their wants and dreams for their own space/room change.
Toys are taken away and clothes, music and technology take over. But physically and emotionally they are still children.
Many are self-critical and spend hours in front of the mirror, trying out new dance steps, hairstyles and clothes.
Personal care can take a long time. The body is changing and difficult to control; their motor skills are temporarily worse than before. Feelings and relationships can be complicated. -
Traits
- Judging their appearance; trying new styles and identities. Connect with their friends using social media.
- Prepare a simple meal after school. Love girlfriend/boyfriend.
- Easily switch from being a child to a teenager and back.
- Be clumsy, stumble and fall, drop things (due to changes in brain function at this age)
- Girls reach puberty earlier than boys but they are still children and need to play.
- Spend more time on their own, minding themselves
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Solutions
- Solutions for personal care and storing personal items.
- Their bodies are growing so clothes change rapidly. New and more storage is needed. Furniture and solutions that are hard-wearing, safe and easily cleaned.
- Space for active play; solutions that can withstand wrestling, indoor ball play, dancing.
- Solutions to store their (new) belongings. Space for friends and sleepovers.
- Big, comfortable, soft seating, pillows for relaxing and when friends visit.
- Mirrors for play and personal care. Their own space/room that they can personalise to express their changing needs, wants and dreams.
- Ergonomic solutions for playing and socializing on the internet, games, music and movies. Alone and with friends.
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Place Safety at home
Children play the way they want to, not the way grown-ups expect them to. It can be difficult for adults to foresee what children will get up to, and what new ways they will find to use the furniture and other possessions in a home.
When visitors come to the IKEA store, visit the IKEA website or look through the IKEA catalogue they find many ideas and solutions that they may decide to try at home. That is why it is particularly important that the solutions shown are sage no matter where or how they are used. -
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The home environment
When children develop a new skill and find an opportunity to run, climb, swing, jump, explore... they will take it.
Everywhere there are unexpected risks. Parents cannot foresee what children may do, but they can take steps to ensure the home environment is safe for children. -
A child's cot or bed
Naver place a child's cot or bed, or a play space, under or close to a window. The child is at risk if the window breaks.
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A child's space
Furniture items in a child's space or room should be close togather or more than 40cm apart, so that children cannot get their head stuck.
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Socket covers
Use socket dovers to prevent electric shocks from children inserting objects into sockets.
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Anti-silp
Anti-slip strips make stairs safer.
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Safety gates
Safety gates blocking access to e.g. the stairs or balcony keep children out of danger.
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Safety first
Bathtub mats and anti-slip underlays for rugs help prevent falls.
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Cordless roller blinds
Blinds with cords and loops pose a strangulation hazard for children. Use cordless roller blinds for increased safety.
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Window catches
Window catches prevent children from falling out.
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Catches in drawers
Catches in drawers and cupboards prevent children from accessing sharp or harmful items.
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Doorstops
Doorstops keep doors from closing on small fingers.
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A multi-latch
A multi-latch is an easy way to prevent a child from opening the fridge or freezer.
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Attach high furniture
Attach high furniture and other furniture that can tip over to the walls.
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The art supplies
Products from the children’s range are tested and proven safe for children’s use. The art supplies are non-toxic and safe for children and the environment.
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Furniture position
Never show solutions with furnishings under a window that a child can climb on. They could fall out the window.
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Corner bumpers
Corner bumpers reduce the risk of children getting hurt on sharp corners of tables or cabinets.
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Appropriate toys
When creating solutions for a specific age group, only use toys appropriate for the age of the child.
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Place The child's space or room
Make it easy for the family by choosing textures and materials that endure wear. Colours should stimulate and not disturb.
Light is needed for all kinds of activities as well as lots of storage for putting everything away.
Free space is needed for family and friends to play and relax in. Flexible furniture can be moved about and used for different purposes as the needs of the child or grown-ups change over time. -
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Heat and light
Plan a child's room or space starting with planning the sources of natural and artificial light. Plan where to place furniture in relation to doors and windows. Maximise or minimise heat and light according to climate.
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A ceiling
A ceiling can provide space for imagination. A dark ceiling makes the ceiling feel lower and can create cosiness. A light-coloured ceiling reflects light making the whole area feel brighter and more spacious.
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Wall surfaces
Wall surfaces are easier to maintain and are more durable if treated with a silk or satin finish rather than a matt painted finish.
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Hard flooring
Flooring that can endure dropped toys, dirt, water and spills is recomended for areas where children are. Hard flooring is preferred for easy cleaning and to avoid allergens.
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Place Colour
Children are able to distinguish colours and contrasts early in life. But children's needs are different: very active children may be over-stimulated by too many different colours and contrasts and need a calmer environment, while others need more stimulation.
A space that mixes too many different colours and materials can make it difficult to concentrate and can lead to a certain degree of untidiness in a child. A space with balance and harmony will nurture a child's development. -
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Storage bins
Storage bins in different colours help keep soft toys, books, puzzles and other toys organised. Children can easily learn where different items are stored.
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The wall with different colours
By dividing the wall with different colours, the space is scaled to the height of the furniture and the child's size. The dark colour adds cosiness and the light colour keeps the space bright and airy.
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Colours harmony
The white colour dominates the space and makes it bright even though there are a lot of colours in the room. The colours are co-ordinated to create harmony.
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Place Lighting
Children need task lighting for reading, drawing and hobbies, as well as general lighting/daylight for playing. Lighting makes children's spaces cosier and more fun to be in. It creates contrast, depth and excitement and encourages children to indulge in a variety of activities. A soft light created by a dimmer or night-light creates a feeling of comfort and security when it is time to relax or sleep.
In children's spaces, always use the strength and type of lights that are recommended for children. -
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A comfortable atmosphere
Areas for work, play and reading require a mix of task lighting, natural light and general light. Mood lighting or a night light create a comfortable atmosphere for relaxing and sleeping.
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Child-friendly lighting
Only use child-friendly lighting, with an encased or protected light source, so that children cannot burn themselves, break the bulb or touch the bulb socket.
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Safety tested
Ensure that lamps in children's rooms are safety tested and tamper-proof to protect little fingers. Attach cables to walls or use cable management.
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Children's play areas
Show children's lighting in all children's play areas where they can reach the light.
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Place A more sustainable home
Cutting waste of water, energy and food as well as introducing healthy habits at home lead to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Sharing knowledge and awareness with the younger generation is a good start to making sustainable choices a natural part of everyday life. -
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Energy is reduced
Children's things require a lot of washing and drying. Energy is reduced by hanging laundry or using a drying rack instead of using a tumble dryer or a drying cabinet.
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A second life
Waste is minimised when children's furniture is given a second life on other parts of the home. Inspire and communicate ideas about how furniture can be transformed.
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To use water wisely
Grown-ups can teach children from an early age how to use water wisely. IKEA taps with water-saving devices also help to minimise waste.
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A healthier way
Growing vegetables together with the children is one way to encourage a healthier way of living.
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A hand-driven
A hand-driven torch inspires children to think about where energy comes from and how important it is to save it.
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Activity Come and go
The entrance is often a small and cramped passage area where members of the family meet and part, time and time again.
The space has to work for everyone, not least for the children.
This means having a place to get dressed and undressed, a place to sit and put on shoes, and a storage space for all the clothes, toys, outdoor equipment and possibly a pram. -
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The entrance
The entrance requires practical planning with storage for all pairs of shoes, clothing, sports gear, backpacks and helmets - all within easy reach for all family members.
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Outdoor sports items
Storage for outdoor sports items in the entrance area comes in handy when going out or coming in.
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Hooks at children’s height
Create a seating place where everyone can put on and take off shoes. Hooks at children’s height encourage them to hang up their own coats and bags.
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A floor protector
A floor protector in the entrance protects floors from dirt and moisture.
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Activity Cook
The kitchen is often the heart of the home where grown-ups and children spend a lot of time.
In the kitchen, children want to be a part of the action - it is one of their ways of learning. They want to help wash and cook, or at least pretend. It is important that all the family can be in this room even though it can be a dangerous place.
This means that the kitchen has to be safe and adapted to children. -
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Waste sorting
Children learn about sustainability, for example waste sorting, when taking part in everyday activities with grown-ups.
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Locks and safety glass
Ovens with heat-resistant glass, child locks and safety glass are safe for children. Placing the oven higher up (maximum at 90 cm) makes it even safer.
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A Countertop
To avoid the risk of spills and accidents over open floor space, it should be possible to move hot pots and pans between the cooking unit and sink over a countertop.
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Place drawer
Place drawer units away from the cooking unit as children may use them as a stepladder for climbing.
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The action in the kitchen
Step stools are useful for children who want to see and be a part of the action in the kitchen.
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Baby bouncer
A high chair or baby bouncer is a safe solution for small children who want to be nearby when parents are cooking. Do not place them in the path where hot pots and pans are being used.
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Drawer catches
Cabinet and drawer catches are an easy way to keep knives and sharp objects out of reach of children.
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Handy storage
Handy storage of everyday tableware makes it easier for children to help set the table.
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To warm up food
When older children are preparing food for themselves, a microwave oven is a safe solution to warm up food without needing to use the oven or hob.
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Cooking activities
Child-friendly kitchen utensils enable childen to safely join in cooking activities.
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The natural work flow
The children’s play area needs to be placed away from the cooking area so that it does not obstruct the natural work flow in the kitchen.
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Activity Dress
Learning to dress is an important stage in a child's development. Learning to get clothes on and off, and to manage buttons, zips, etc., helps develop gross and fine motor skills. Choosing their clothes and dressing on their own also helps children develop their independence, identity and self esteem. Dressing up helps develop their imagination and helps them learn through role-play.
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Within easy reach
Storing clothes, dress-up clothes and accessories in boxes or hanging up at child-height puts them within easy reach when needed and out of the way the rest of the time.
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Drawers
It is recommended to place baby clothing within easy reach of the changing table so that the baby is never left unat- tended. Drawers are convenient as most baby clothes are folded.
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Start choosing clothes
Children start dressing on their own at age 3-4. Have storage for clothes at their height so they can start choosing clothes on their own.
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The mirror
From an early age children love to look at themselves in the mirror, trying out different styles.
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Safety film
Provide a mirror at children’s height with proper lighting, using only mirrors that are designed for children’s safety. For small children use only mirrors from Children’s IKEA; for older children use mirrors with safety film.
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Different types of storage
Older children need more space and different types of storage for clothing. In addition to shelves and drawers, more hanging space may be needed.
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Drawers and cabinets
Boxes and interior fittings keep the inside of drawers and cabinets organised.
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Small storage boxes
Small storage boxes are handy for accessories and other small things.
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In the parent’s wardrobe
Use less space for storage and create more space for play in the child’s room by storing children’s clothes (e.g. shirts or dresses that need to be hung) in the parent’s wardrobe.
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Activity Eat
Children and parents want an inviting atmosphere to eat in that is functional and comfortable for everyone to meet, sit and dine together. It is also a multifunctional space that can be used for work and play.
A practical space that is easy to clean, especially for all those pieces that end up on the floor, and storage for everything from cutlery to toys or maybe even small works of art. -
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Furniture in the dining
Furniture in the dining area needs to be stable, hard-wearing and with a surface that can withstand children’s play, or with solid wood that can be treated.
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Junior chairs
Junior chairs without crotch support are suitable for children from three years and up, depending on the child’s height.
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A kitchen bar counter
A kitchen bar counter allows children to take a quick snack after school and easily clean up after themselves.
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Storage
Storage for creative play, games or other activities close by so it is easy to shift from one activity to another and to tidy up.
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An extendable dining table
An extendable dining table or two smaller ones together, where the whole family and friends can sit together to eat or play.
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A floor protector
A floor protector under the child’s seat protects the rug from spills. An option is to have no rug at all.
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A table-runner
A table-runner placed along the length of the table is easier to keep clean and practical for families with children.
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Chair pads or covers
Textiles like chair pads or covers need to be washable and easy to clean.
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An extendable dining table
Occasional tables placed by the sofa are convenient for eating a meal or snack while watching TV.
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A high chairs with crotch support
Children from about six months to three years old need a high chairs with crotch support.
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Activity Organize
Children are energetic and like adults can be pretty messy.
Considering all the things they play with and collect.
It is no wonder! Children need lots of practical storage for all their "stuff". It is important that they learn to put their things back on their own. This helps them gain a sense of responsibility and self-esteem. When everything is well organised, there is no need to waste a lot of time and energy searching for things and tidying up. -
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A variety of storage functions
A lot of different things need to be stored in children’s room. Toys, clothes, books, etc. Show solutions including a variety of storage functions such as a deep storage bench, drawers, shelves and hanging space. When it is all behind doors it is tidy and functional.
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Drawers and cabinets
Drawers and cabinets look nicer when everything is sorted using boxes and interior fittings. It helps children to find things and tidy up!
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Movable containers
Movable containers make it easy to carry things to where you need them and to tidy up and bring them back when finished.
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Floor space
Save floor space and clear away toys and other items that are not often used, by placing them in boxes on high cabinets or shelves. Children can rediscover them again later!
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Plastic boxes
All plastic boxes from Children’s IKEA are made of plastic that will not have sharp edges in the unlikely event of breaking. Therefore they are safe for children to use and play with.
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Low storage
Since children often like to be where adults are, it can be a good idea to have “storage stations” for children’s things all through the home. Low storage gives them easy access.
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Sharp edges
Shelves are convenient to store toys, books and boxes. Place corner bumpers on sharp edges.
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Baskets on hooks
Baskets on hooks provide easy storage in children’s rooms. And make it easier for children to tidy up their own things.
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Storage products on castors
Storage products on castors make toys or other small items easy to transport from place to place. And help children learn to tidy up their toys.
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Different-coloured storage
Transparent or different-coloured storage containers make it easier for children to sort items and to find what they are looking for.
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Items for school
Children need lots of different items for school: school bags, sports gear, shoes.... Boxes, hooks and bags help to keep everyone’s things sorted separately and ready to use when needed.
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Electronic equipment
Storage at different heights is needed in families with children of different ages. Place valuable or fragile games, or electronic equipment that cannot be used without supervision, out of reach of small children.
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Activity Personal care
For babies a tender moment on the changing table results in feeling fresh and comfortable. For young children, personal care often prompts play - in the bathtub or in front of a mirror, trying new hairstyles or different clothing.
With all this activity, the challenge is planning space for everyone's needs, and practical storage for everyone's things. -
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A step stool
Mounting mirrors, hooks, toothbrushes and other accessories at child height allows children to manage on their own. A step stool is a convenient solution that puts things within easy reach.
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The changing table
Baby care items need to be within easy reach of the changing table so that the baby is never left unattended.
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A wall-mounted
A wall-mounted changing table saves space.
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A baby bath
A baby bath can be used in the shower or bath tub for safety and convenience. Hang it up so it is easily accessible without using floor space.
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Rubber bath mats
Rubber bath mats protect young and old from slipping in the bath tub or shower.
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Activity Play
Play is serious business. It is the child's way of learning about the world around them.
For instance, the child can spend a lot of time "work-playing" by the table or computer.
They draw, write, cut, paste and play games.
This is why there are lots of similarities between the needs of children and those of adults. -
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Role-play
At ages 3-4, small-sized furnishings encourage role-play.
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Practice their balance
Small children starting to walk move around all the time and practice their balance. Pushing toys in front of them or pulling them behind make learning fun!
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Creative play
A dedicated play space designed to fit into the dining area. Furnishing that is suitable for storing toys and games, and for creative play. Easy to tidy up and easy to switch from one activity to another.
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Safe area
A play area in the kitchen placed safely away from the cooking area. Here children can participate in cooking activities with their parents, then continue to play in their own safe area.
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Soft carpet
Lightweight chairs are easy to move to create space for active video games and other movement. The big, soft carpet invites children to play and roll around!
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Sofa tables on wheels
Sofa tables on wheels or smaller tables are easy to move to create space for play.
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Movable furnishings
Free play often requires plenty of space to move around in. Pillows, blankets and other easily movable furnishings enable children to use their imagination or just mess around.
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Ergonomic solutions
Play often involves use of technology. For most comfort, the solutions should be ergonomic and adapted to the child’s height and age with work chairs and task lighting for reading and writing. Mood lighting softens the harsh contrast from the monitor.
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Interact & senses
Babies discover the world by putting things in their mouth. Show toys with different colours, materials and sounds and that babies can interact with, to stimulate all different senses.
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Fine motor skill
Around three years old children improve their fine motor skills by repeating the same motions over and over again with concentration, such as doing a jigsaw puzzle, building blocks, dressing dolls.
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Construction toys
By around five years old children further develop their fine motor skills as well as logical thinking by playing with construction toys.
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Play furniture
Children’s spaces and rooms are often small. Big toys and play furniture take up a lot of space and may need to be placed in shared areas of the home.
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Large space
Any available large space in the home can be used for play, movement and for playing with large toys. Free up floor space in the living area by using flexible furnishings.
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Durable
Drawing, writing and creating often takes place around the dining table or work space. This space should be ergonomic, durable enough for all types of activities and preferably large enough for working with others.
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Small items
Make sure small items such as magnets, decorative stones, etc. are kept out of reach of children under three years old.
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Activity Relax and sleep
Children are always on the go, learning, experimenting and playing.
But children also need a place where they can sleep or relax and take in their impressions of the day.
It can be a secure space near the parents, or a place they can call their own, with all their own things. -
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A bed adapted to their size
Sharing rooms helps children feel safe. Smaller children feel secure in a bed adapted to their size. An extendable bed can be cosy and grow as the child grows bigger.
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The bed base
For 0–4 month old babies, place the bed base at a high level. Make the bed with only a sheet, without a pillow or quilt.
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Only a sheet
From 3-4 months, the baby start to move. For safety lower the bed base to prevent babies falling out of the bed. Make the bed with only a sheet, without a pillow or quilt.
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With soft toys
From 12 to 24 months the bed side can be removed and the child can climb in and out of the bed. Pillows, quilts, blankets and soft toys can now be added in the bed.
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Free space
About 70 cm of free space in front of a child’s cot is needed to ensure easy cleaning and easy access to the child.
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Furniture that rocks
Furniture that rocks is a source of relaxation.
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Comfortable cushions
The parent’s bed often becomes a meeting point. A big bed with lots of comfortable cushions is a perfect setting for bedtime stories.
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An extra mattress
An extra mattress on the floor or a bed under a bed is convenient for friends who stay over.
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A bedside table
A wall-mounted shelf can serve as a bedside table for a bunk or loft bed.
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A quiet corner
A quiet corner with soft cushions and proper lighting allows for relaxation.
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Bunk
Space-saving bunk benks are exciting and best suited for children from seven years old. Never attach anything to the bunk or loft bed that can be a safety risk, such as a jump rope, leash or belt.
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Privacy
Curtains to shut out light or to create privacy.
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The baby’s cot
The baby’s cot or bed must be in a secure place. If there are harsh lights nearby, protect the cot from the light with a curtain. A minimun of 40 cm is required between baby’s cot or bed to textile.
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An extendable bed
Children grow and grow. An extendable bed can be adjusted to the child’s size. It feels more secure and will last for a longer time.
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A loft bed
Children enjoy settings that match their size. A room within a room can be created with a screen or under a loft bed. Lighting that is cosy and safe, secret storage and a warm rug or cushions on the floor make the space complete.
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Activity School work
Children start school around four to seven years old. This is a big change for children and families, that brings many new needs, wants and dreams. Space, storage and lighting are needed for books, paper, pencils, computers and tablets so children can do homework and practice the skills they are learning.
New friends are made and children start new activities in and outside the home. -
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Stools without backrests
Depending on the school starting age, the first year of school is often more play than schoolwork. But children still like to have a desk at a suitable height where they can draw, paint and play. Stools without backrests help children to learn balance and sit up straight.
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Space and task lighting
Homework can be done in different areas of the home together with a grown-up. There needs to be enough space and task lighting for different functions.
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A workspace
Siblings sharing a room need a workspace adapted to each child’s needs. Desks can be both for work and play. Storage needs and ergonomic requirements will vary according to age and size. Adjustable desks and work chairs can be adapted as children grow.
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The different heights
In a workspace for both grown-ups and children the seating needs to be adjustable to suit the different heights.
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Homework
Even if a lot of homework is done on a computer, a desk should have space for books and writing.
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A wireless charger
A wireless charger makes it easy to charge the smartphone while doing homework.
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Availably space
Make the best use of all availably space.
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