Play kitchens give kids the tools to expand their imaginations, develop fine motor skills, and practice social skills. They pretend to play as chefs, cooking up new creations and meals for their stuffed animals and dolls.
For them, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of hearing the timer go off, announcing that their latest concoction is ready for taste-testing. And while play kitchens are a lot of fun, they also serve an essential purpose. By playing with play kitchens, kids learn how to follow instructions, practice problem solving, and develop their unique sense of creativity.
If you want to upgrade your child’s play kitchen, or if you’re shopping for your first one, check out these five must-have accessories.
A Play Sink
A toy kitchen is not complete without a sink. A play sink is a great way to encourage your child to help with the dishes or cook alongside you in the kitchen. After all, play kitchens are all about imitating real life, and the sink is an essential part of that.
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a play sink. First, consider the size of the sink. It should be big enough for your child to comfortably use but not so large that it takes up too much space in the play kitchen.
Second, think about the material the sink is made from. It should be durable and easy to clean, as kids can be pretty messy. Finally, take a look at the accessories that come with the sink. Some play sinks have realistic features like faucets and sprayers, while others are more basic. Choose the one that best fits your child’s needs and interests.
A Play Stove
Another must-have accessory in a toy kitchen is a play stove. Gone are the days when a toy stove was just a box with four circles on top. Nowadays, all sorts of features like lights and sounds make the experience more realistic for little ones.
When choosing a play stove for your child, consider what features would be the most beneficial. For example, some stoves come with a built-in oven which can be great for baking pretend cookies. Others have knobs that make clicking sounds when turned.
Some play stoves also come with accessories like pots and pans. These can be great for adding to the realism of the experience.
The most important thing to remember is that a toy stove should be safe for your child to use. Avoid anything with small parts that could get swallowed or sharp edges that could cause cuts. These hazards will only make your kid’s playtime less fun.
Play-Food
Play-food is another toy kitchen accessory that can add sparkle or fun to your little one’s pretend kitchen. Play-food comes in all shapes and sizes, from fruits and vegetables to sandwiches and snacks.
You can even find food sets that come with their mini kitchen appliances, like a blender or juicer. Ensure that the play food you choose is made from safe materials, like BPA-free plastic.
Avoid play-food sets with small pieces that could pose a choking hazard for your little one. You don’t want your child’s playtime to become a trip to the ER and get a traumatic experience.
An Apron
Kids can get messy playing with their toy kitchens. While there’s no real food involved, keeping the area clean can still be challenging. One way to teach your kids about cleanliness is to let them wear aprons.
Letting them wear aprons will keep their clothes clean, and it’ll also give them a sense of responsibility. Aprons can be fun too – you can find ones with their favorite characters on them or in bright colors. Check out My Happy Helpers for some great options!
A Play Refrigerator
Your kids will love having their very own play fridge. It’s perfect for imaginative play and motivates your little ones to organize. In addition, play fridges usually come with realistic features, like a working ice dispenser, fridge shelves, and compartments.
When looking for the best play fridge for your child, consider their age and what features they would like. Some play fridges are more basic while others have additional features.
Also, consider looking for a durable play fridge that can withstand kids banging on it or dropping it. Finally, you want a toy that will last for years, which your kids can pass onto future siblings or cousins.
Takeaway
Your little one will undoubtedly have a wonderful time cooking up pretend meals with their new play kitchen and accessories. And, you can rest assured knowing that they’re playing safely with toys designed just for them. So, what are you waiting for? Start shopping for the perfect play kitchen and accessories for your little chef today.
