Play Date Primer

Following a few simple steps will help ensure that your child and his/her play date companion have a safe and happy adventure together.

Setting Up a Play Date

• Ask your child whom he/she likes to play with. Compatibility is more important than availability.
• When calling for a play date, be friendly and direct. Introduce yourself as your child's mother, and ask if your child and the other child could spend time together (at your home, or theirs). Choose dates that work for everyone, and discuss any ideas you have for any activities.
• Invite the other parent to attend if this is the first time the children are having a play date.
• Ask about any food allergies or dislikes so that you can plan an appropriate healthy snack. (If your child is visiting the other home, plan to send a favorite snack along.)
• Be sure to exchange home, work and mobile phone numbers in case of any emergencies or if either of you have difficulties related to drop-off or pick-up times.
• Plan activities that will help the children interact and have some quiet time. Ask your child in advance about any toys that are too special to share, and set them aside.

Preparing for a Safe and Healthy Play Date

• Make sure all toys that the children will play with are clean. When purchasing stuffed animals, choose those that are washable so that you can launder them between play dates. Wash plastic toys with soap and water. (If you disinfect them, remember that any toys children will handle must be rinsed well with water after disinfection.) Board game surfaces should be wiped down with disinfecting wipes.
• If you are planning a craft project, ask the other parent to send art supplies (like crayons) along with the child. Sharing art supplies is a good way to spread germs from hand to hand.
• Mop the floor. Cleaning hard surface floors with an appropriate detergent and water will remove dust, dirt, germs and visible mold growth and should be done weekly — especially during cold and flu season.
• Make snacks safe to share. Cut up sandwiches and snacks so the children don't over-handle the food.
• Have lots of tissues and disinfecting wipes on hand, and make sure the sink is stocked with soap and paper towels for handwashing.

Ground Rules for Play Dates

• Ask children to take off their shoes upon arrival. This can help prevent the spread of germs that could be tracked inside your home from outside.
• Encourage hand washing during the play date.
  • Make sure your child and his/her friend wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before they play in a new area.
  • Remind them to wash their hands before snack time.
  • You can make it fun by printing out a handwashing poster and hanging it above the sink.
• Encourage children to cover their noses or mouths with a tissue if they need to cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissue away and wash their hands.