This is a collaborative post
When you have a toddler, or two, the last thing you have time to ponder is what flooring you have. But it is worth serious consideration if you are planning ahead or it’s time for a change. Consider water resistance, durability, comfort and maintenance to decide which flooring is best to install when you have toddlers.
Vinyl
For practicality, comfort and ease of maintenance vinyl is hard to beat. It will resist spills, is comfortable underfoot and easy to clean. There is also a large range of choices for colour, design and price brackets.
As toddlers spend a lot of time playing on the floor having something soft and forgiving is important. At this age, they are still unsteady on their feet and if they do take a tumble cushioned vinyl will soften the impact. It will also give you peace of mind about any mess they make knowing that your vinyl flooring is durable, water-resistant and low maintenance.
Laminate
Another toddler-friendly option is laminate flooring. This floor covering is available in a range of colours and designs with options for most budgets. While it is not the softest option it’s certainly not as hard as floor tiles and is easy to wipe up any mess or spills.
Laminate is also a DIY-friendly option as it is relatively easy to install. You can also be reassured that it doesn’t trap dust and allergens so is safer for toddlers to crawl around on. You may be tempted to use rugs with laminate floors but these are a trip hazard for young children particularly those just learning to walk.
Carpet
If your main concern is that your toddler has a soft surface to play on and will be cushioned when they fall then carpet is a good choice. It also acts as a sound insulator and so is good for bedrooms, landings and stairs. Carpet costs vary hugely and the price you pay will depend on the size of the room/s and the quality of the carpet.
However, there are a few downsides to having carpets with toddlers. First of all small children are messy, with everything. Whether that’s food, drinks, paints and lots of other things that can quickly ruin your new carpet. The second disadvantage is that carpet traps dust, dirt and allergens and that may not be the environment you want your little one crawling around in.
Choose For the Room
When you have a toddler and you’re trying to decide which floor covering to install consider first how each room is used and the practicalities of each choice.
In the bedroom, you may choose carpet for its softness and comfort as a toddler spends a lot of time on the floor. If you have a separate playroom or area for toys consider soft vinyl which is easy to clean but still soft underneath little feet, hands and knees.
For rooms where your toddler is less likely to be playing or crawling around such as the kitchen a laminate floor may be the best option. Even if they fling food from their high chair or knock over their juice you’ll be able to wipe it up with ease.
Taking the time to consider which option is best for each room will give you peace of mind that your toddler is comfortable and safe while reducing your stress about any mess that they make.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post