With kids, every day is a struggle. Sometimes, it is a good kind of struggle like when you watch them take their first steps or mumble their first word. Most of the time, especially with toddlers and young kids, you have to run after their muddy shoes, wiping and cleaning the floors as they run around the house. And then, of course, there’s the matter of safety, too. Kids are always bumping and falling. You want the floors to be the safest as they can be. If only there is a way to walk on foam, huh?

If you’re thinking about redoing your floors, there are a couple of things you must consider. The first one is you may want to live with your old floor now, especially if it’s a hardwood floor. Your kids are going to scratch the surface of the floor until they’re able to understand that they have to take care of such things, too. The second one is you can replace your floors now for a more kid-friendly option.

Floating Floors

Floating wood floors work well for temporary flooring. This means that the homeowners have plans of replacing these in the future such as when the kids are all grown up. Floating wood floors are made of many layers of hardwood meshed together. They offer excellent strength, durability, and practicality. These types of floors can withstand high humidity levels, so they won’t swell or expand.

The most common type of wood flooring that can float is engineered hardwood flooring. Plastic laminate, linoleum, and vinyl tiles are also good alternatives. Floating floors mean they are not fastened and glued to the subfloor concrete. This makes it easier for homeowners and contractors to remove or rearrange them in the future. This is a great option for families with young kids because there are no fumes that usually come from wood glue.

Wood Floors

Wood tends to be softer for falls and bumps compared to porcelain tiles, which feel almost like concrete. However, solid wood is susceptible to scuffs, scratches, dents, sunlight, and spills, so you may want to think twice before installing solid wood for your kids’ rooms. For high-traffic areas in your house, you can use engineered wood or vinyl. They are durable and look easy on the eyes.

Vinyl Floors

Perhaps, one of the safest choices for kids these days is vinyl flooring. It provides more traction because of its texture, which means that the kids will less likely slip on the floor. Vinyl tiles also emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause respiratory illnesses, headaches, and dizziness. However, some groups are advising against vinyl flooring because of its lead and phthalate risks. Young children should not be exposed to these risks.

Carpet Floors

If you want to ensure that your kids are not going to hit their heads on the hard surface flooring, you can opt for wall-to-wall carpeting. It’s soft under the feet and can absorb falls and prevent slips. Aside from providing the cushioning that your kids need, carpets are also a natural insulator that can keep the floor warm during cold winter months.

With carpet floors, you have to deal with the maintenance. You may want to choose a light color for your carpets so you can see any spills on them and clean them immediately. While carpets require a lot of maintenance, they may be the safest choice when you have kids in the house. At the very least, your kids’ bedrooms should be fitted with carpet. You can check out carpet tiles as these are the more affordable option than wall-to-wall carpeting.

Cork Flooring

If you want a soft floor but none of the hassles of maintaining carpets, you can go for cork flooring. It is soft beneath your feet and has antimicrobial properties that prevent the growth of mold. That makes it safe for kids with allergies. It is also safe against spills as cork doesn’t easily stain. This makes this material very easy to maintain.

However, although cork looks like hardwood, it is easy to damage and scratch. Toys, strollers, and other things can easily scratch its surface and rip the material. If this is going to be your flooring of choice, you have to be cautious of how your kids play around the house. Also, it might be a better option for crawling babies and not active toddlers.

You can rest easy if you know your house has kid-friendly materials, furniture, and devices. Your kids are not going to be this little forever. Enjoy their muddy shoes, cluttered playrooms, and toys strewn around the house because you’re going to miss these when they’re teens who only want to hang out with their friends.

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