The first thing home decorators need to consider is pile length and backing. While a long pile and deep padding is perfect for a living room or den, the children's rug should have a lower pile, and simple backing. Experts recommend a pile 1/3 of an inch or less.

The lower pile allows the child to play on the rug as if they were playing on the floor. The pile does not interfere with zooming trucks and building fantasy worlds for dolls.

The lower pile protects the child's health. It allows parents to put a rug on cold surfaces, keeping the child away from drafts while playing.

Vacuum cleaners can dig deeper into the carpet, and ?pull? on the pile. The carpet should also be small enough that it can be lifted easily, so that parents can vacuum under it monthly.

Fiber content is another major concern. Children's rugs should have synthetic fibers, nylon or polypropylene so they resist stains and are washable. Some fibers emit noxious fumes that contaminate the child's play area.

It is also necessary to check the stain treatment and glues used on a child's rug. Some stain treatments are toxic. Most glue is toxic. The best child's rug should have no backing. This lets the rug breath, reducing invisible mold and bacteria growth that is attributed to several breathing problems, including asthma, in children.

Never put ease of care and cleaning above a child's health. Noxious glues that are used in manufacturing companies with little or no regulations can cause serious lung problems in a child.

Kids rooms can come alive with colorful rugs. There are many designs and patterns available, especially when buying online. One of the newest products are ?black light? rugs that glow in the dark. These offer a decorative contrast to the rest of the room while lighting the floor, revealing any lurking monsters.

The only rule for color is to choose large shapes and primary colors for younger children. Infants should have rugs with ?eye? patterns on them. Research shows that infants respond to eye shapes. They are comforted by the illusion that another human is in the room.

Parents today have a definite advantage over parents ten years ago. Today's decorators can enjoy kids rugs made by specialty manufacturers who specialize in healthy, stimulating, and inspirational rugs.

There is no need to pick up a cheap rug at a local department store. Now, parents can purchase the same quality of rugs used in daycare centers and schools. These rugs are easy to clean, have age appropriate designs for children, and lack noxious stain repellant treatments or glue.

The cost of a specialty children's rug are prohibitive, but the price is tamed when buying from a reputable online store. These stores are linked with distributors allowing them to offer the best selection and recent releases at affordable prices.