McDonald's play land hygiene?

Question

I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me on an issue that i have been curious for some time.

On occasion I bring my children to McDonald's for a little fun time. I always insist that they wear socks in while playing there. Even if I forget to bring socks for them, we can always buy them at the counter for a nominal fee. However, during summer months especially, I notice parents sending their children into the play land barefoot.

My question is this: For whose "safety" is it that the children wear socks? Is it because the barefoot children's' feet are carrying bacteria, and germs which they then expose to the other children, or is it a question of them being exposed to germs and bacteria while playing barefoot? My inquiring mind would like your input.

Answer 1

It's a quite arbitrary thing, and really doesn't make sense if you think about it. On these playgrounds, the kids are *all over* the equipment! They touch the playthings, the balls, the floor, with their hands, their feet, their knees, they sit down, lay down, fall down, roll around... the little bit of covering a sock provides really isn't going to protect them from anything. I suppose it's mostly the thought that counts, as the previous answerers show, a lot of people do think it will give some protection & thus the restaurant makes it look like they're doing a lot about hygiene while it's really just a gesture.

Also, a few germs aren't going to hurt your kids. Our skin is made to keep pathogens out, so unless they have any injuries they won't pick anything up through their feet. It's even good for them to play on playgrounds, it'll help build their immune system. Being too clean will hurt them in the long run, causing asthma and other immune system problems. See sources.

Last of all, there are NO laws requiring footwear of any kind in restaurants. This is a common myth, but as a full-time barefooter myself (never sick -while I used to be sickly from early fall until late spring for many years before I went barefoot!) I know this is not true. Many restaurants claim 'shoes required by order of the Health Department' but while they can set their own dress code, the part about the Health Department is FALSE. Again see source.  

Answer 2

There are germs everywhere. But i dont think that should limit ur kids from where they play. There are germs everywhere. We are talking about kids who pick there nose and cough with out covering i think theres better stuff to worry about ..

Answer 3

Let me tell you the workers certainly don't climb in there to clean it so I would always make your children wear sock!! May I suggest some socks with the grips on the bottoms that get left in your car for mcdonalds trips? Lol. Good luck xoxo

Answer 4

if a child as a foot fungus they can get it from walking around.  also i once let my daughter go play up there and when i went after her i noticed that some kid had puked.  we never went back

Answer 5

when i think about how dirty those places must be, it makes you wonder what the point of wearing socks really is. no matter what they touch with any part of their body is going to be dirty.

i think its for germs and to help prevent any injury, like if your child gets a cut on his foot or something. its just an extra barrier. i'm sure no one would want to come clean blood off of the playground. and from what the other answerer said it doesnt seem like they want to clean any sort of bodily fluid! yuck!

i would keep away from it no matter what.

Answer 6

Your the parent, a smart one and cautious one at that, your not the others kids parents so don't worry about how their parents take care of them. Have your child wear socks, tell them don't put their mouth on anything in the play land or put anything that they find in their mouth. Make sure they don't eat and play, either have them eat first and go  play or have them play then wash or santize their hands and eat. But either way they should at least sanitize their hands or wash them after playing or eating. Tell them not to share hats, or hair ties either.  

Answer 7

Yeah, make them where socks, you don't know whats on those other kids feet.

=]

Answer 8

Well I mean it when I say this, I'm very proud of you that you take your child's safety seriously, I think it's good you're making them play in the play land with socks, I think that since they're playing in a place with many kids who may or may not have lots of germs but the environment makes it even worse, so I suggest you still continue having your children wear socks, just to ensure that they are safe from germs.  

Answer 9

You should have your kids wear socks! Also just a suggestion have them wash their hands right after going before touching anything! That is what my mom did when I was little!

Answer 10

uh i guess being safe is what matters so

id wear socks!

Answer 11

I think people are over-reacting to all of that. I mean come on. They are kids. We worry about them playing in the playland bafefoot but then they come home and take off their shoes and run around inside and outside and play barefoot. We let them go in the pool with other children-who are barefoot. Think of the water with those feet in it and you know its getting in your kids mouth-yet we dont worry about that. But we certainly must have socks on at McDonalds playland!

Also actually you know why they have that rule dont you? Its not for your kids protection. Its because it is inside of a restaurant and you cant be barefoot in a restaurant. Legally they have to.