Kiddipedia
Every parent understands the charm and serenity that plants and flowers bring to a home. The presence of plants and flowers can instantly elevate the ambience of a home, turning it into a calming retreat. However, with the joys of parenthood comes the responsibility of ensuring the house remains a haven for the little ones.
But bringing plants inside the home often brings a dilemma: how does one maintain a stylish, nature-infused home while ensuring it’s child-proof? The challenge intensifies when factoring in the curiosity of toddlers or the playful nature of older kids. Parents often worry about toxic plants and fragile pots within arm’s reach.
But fear not! There are effective strategies to blend the beauty of nature with child safety. This guide will help you discover how to select child-friendly plants, position them safely, and even turn plant decoration into an educational experience for kids. And for those who might need a touch of nature in a jiffy, looking into services like same-day flowers can be a convenient option, all while maintaining a home’s aesthetic appeal.
Benefits Of Decorating With Plants And Flowers
Including plants in a home goes beyond aesthetics. Their presence offers numerous benefits to families. Here’s a rundown:
- Natural air purifiers – Plants serve as natural air purifiers in homes. They absorb pollutants, cleanse the indoor air of toxins, and release oxygen, enhancing the overall living environment.
- Effortless design elements – Plants elevate interior design by adding colour, texture, and dynamic detail. Their presence transforms spaces, infusing them with both liveliness and tranquillity.
- Mental and emotional boosters – Greenery acts as a mental and emotional booster. Green spaces help reduce stress and elevate mood. They also boost concentration and creativity. For parents, these pockets of nature offer a serene refuge amidst the often hectic demands of child-rearing
- Fosters Environmental Appreciation – Surrounding children with plants cultivates a deep appreciation for the environment. As kids grow amidst nature, they effortlessly form a bond with and value the world around them from an early age.
- Sustainable Décor – Plants serve as a sustainable decor option. Being eco-friendly and long-lasting, they stand out from other decor choices that might become outdated or deteriorate. With proper care, plants remain vibrant and enduring additions to any space.
Understanding these benefits leads to the next step: decorating with plants. The aim is to prioritize beauty while ensuring child safety.
Select Kid-Friendly Plants
When introducing plants to a home with children, it’s essential to consider both their appeal and potential hazards. Many plants enhance a home’s ambience. But not all are safe for homes with kids. Here’s a curated list of child-friendly plants along with their standout qualities:
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum )– Non-toxic and resilient, this plant can withstand the curious handling of kids.
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) – Offers lush greenery without any associated risks.
- African Violet (Saintpaulia )– Boasts delicate and colourful flowers, making it a vibrant yet safe addition to interiors.
- Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata) – Requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for busy households.
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas) – Both resilient and adaptable to various lighting conditions, ensuring a consistent visual appeal.
- Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum) – Known for its hardiness, this plant can thrive in different settings and poses no harm to kids.
With the proper selection, parents can cultivate an visually appealing and safe environment for their children, ensuring a harmonious coexistence of nature and nurture in the home.
Avoid Potentially Harmful Plants
While many plants are striking and can significantly enhance a home’s ambience, not all are safe for households with small kids. Some plants can pose risks if ingested, touched, or brushed against. Parents must be aware of these potentially harmful plants and avoid them when decorating their homes. Here are some examples:
- Oleander (Nerium oleander) – One of the most toxic. Even ingesting a small amount can lead to severe poisoning in children. All parts of this plant, from leaves to seeds, contain toxins that can cause heart issues and other severe symptoms.
- Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) – This plant can cause burning and swelling of the lips, mouth, and tongue when ingested. The calcium oxalate crystals in the plant can lead to difficulty swallowing, drooling, and even temporary loss of speech.
- Calla (Philodendron) – While popular for interior decor, it’s essential to handle with caution around kids. When chewed or ingested, its leaves can cause a burning sensation in the mouth, swelling, and digestive disturbances.
- English Ivy (Hedera helix) – Often used as a decorative element, its leaves, if ingested, can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, and hypersalivation. Its berries, mainly, are known to be toxic and can cause more severe symptoms.
- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) – While it has beautiful tubular flowers, all parts of the foxglove are poisonous. Ingesting even small amounts can affect the heart, leading to potential cardiac issues and other symptoms.
Parents should always research and verify the harmlessness of any plant, including indigenous ones, before introducing them into their homes, especially when young ones are present. Prioritizing native flora can be both ecologically beneficial and appealing, but safety should remain paramount.
Position Plants Cautiously
In homes with children, where you place plants is as crucial as which plants you choose. Kids, with their boundless curiosity and energy, will naturally be drawn to the intriguing textures and colours of household plants. Ensuring these plants are situated safely can prevent potential accidents and exposure to harmful plants. Here are some guidelines to consider:
- Elevate plants – Consider using wall-mounted planters or tall shelves to keep plants out of reach of younger children. Such placement ensures safety and introduces a vertical element to the room’s design, adding depth to the overall appeal.
- Avoid low tables – While coffee tables and other low surfaces might seem ideal for plant display, they’re easily accessible to toddlers and crawling babies. If a plant is potentially harmful or has a fragile pot, it’s best kept away from these surfaces.
- Secure heavy pots – Some larger plants come in hefty pots, which could cause injury if tipped over. Ensure that these are placed securely, preferably in a corner, and consider using anti-tip brackets for additional safety.
- Opt for hanging planters – Suspended from the ceiling or high on walls, hanging planters can safely house plants while adding a whimsical touch to interiors. But ensure the planter’s cord or chain is taut and not a dangling temptation for playful hands.
- Avoid doorways and high-traffic areas – Plants positioned near entrances or in busy pathways might get knocked over during play or daily activities. Choose quieter corners or sections of a room that are less frequented.
Remember, the aim is not to make a home feel confined but to shape an environment where elegance and protection seamlessly blend. With thoughtful positioning, parents can foster a green haven that’s both child-friendly and attractive.
Turn Decorating Into A Learning Experience
Decorating with plants gives parents a chance to offer children enriching hands-on experiences. Through tasks like watering or misting, kids grasp the commitment needed to care for living things and delve into broader lessons, from the basics of photosynthesis to the nuances of ecosystems. Moreover, parents can hone their children’s creativity and aesthetic sense by giving them a say in plant positioning and arrangements, transforming home decor into a multifaceted learning adventure.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the natural beauty of plants within a household is more than a mere design choice. This integration revitalises living spaces and offers invaluable lessons to young minds. As homeowners incorporate the verdant charm of the outdoors, they pave the way for a brighter, more nurturing environment for the next generation. With such profound benefits, there’s every reason to make the home a green sanctuary today.
