You can look at the nearby variety and discount stores, furniture stores, and high end toy stores and find a variety of furniture that has been designed specifically for kids. It comes with many different features and in a variety of materials and finishes. You can invest as much or as little as you want into furniture for your child but one type of furniture that is likely to be used the most is that which works as a dinette set or playing area either one.

Sure, having extra room especially for the little ones when you are having big family dinners is a great help. So is providing children with their own space where they can sit, enjoy their snacks, and play games. Whether you want to make a big investment in your child’s dinette set or you want to stick with a budget, there are some features that will make it an even bigger asset.

• Choose furniture that can be folded up and taken wherever you want it to go. Whether you need to move it to a different room or take along on vacation, it is much simpler if you can condense the space it will take to move it.

• You can choose metal if you are on a budget but there are hardwood sets that are collapsible as well and they don’t cost much more! These sets tend to be sturdier than the metal ones and they are also more versatile for placing in different rooms.

• Make sure they have accident-proof safety locks. Even though they are easy to set up and take down, you don’t want to risk little fingers getting caught in the locks!

• Look for padded seats that will be more comfortable than solid wood seats. Little bodies need some cushioning to keep them comfortable.

• Try to find a set that has a safety or accident lip around the edge. This will catch spills while eating as well as preventing elbows from scooting game or puzzle pieces off and into the floor.

• Don’t get stools. The seats should have a back that is curved to “fit” the child’s shape and give them support while they play or eat.

• If you find a set that only comes with two seats, check to see if you can get two additional ones when you purchase it. You can always keep them in storage without taking up much space and then take them out when you have more company that needs to sit at the special dining area!

• Check the bottoms of the legs of each piece to be sure they are covered to prevent scratching your floor. Wood is smoother than metal but you still need protection for your wood or tile.

It may be necessary to go online to find the right dinette set with as many of these features as possible. Even with the extra cost of shipping, this will provide you with the most versatile style.