Sugar & Snails: Ikea Family Magic

As much as I like to do my "trading" at local mom and pop establishments, sometimes you just can't resist a Home Furnishing Super Store like IKEA. I never appreciated their dorm room aesthetics and disposable functionality until giving birth to a child. As you all know, things drastically change after your create a child so any family friendly perks from restaurants, stores and establishments is like a gift from the parenting gods. Here is a list of my four favorite family feats that Ikea perform:

FAMILY PARKING - Right next to the handicapped section is a close to the entrance area of parking just for those with little ones in tow. I always hate navigating a busy parking lot with a stoller, and this makes it safer and quicker.
BREAKFAST- It ain't the Ritz but when your starving and need a wee fit of fuel to go test out the Linnarps, Leksvik and Lunnas than the $0.99 breakfast that includes eggs, potatoes and bacon sure can hit the spot.
DINING ROOM - At our last visit. While we wolfed down the special of Swedish pancakes with Cranberry sauce, our toddler ran wild in the kid zone which features a bunch of those wooden bead games, tiny table and chairs and a TV showing the Jungle Book. Plus they have kids plates, kids cutlery, bottle warmers, bibs and about a thousand high chairs. Why can't every restaurant be like that?
RANDOM FUN ZONES - Throughout the store are set ups of kid table and chairs with various toys there for their amusement while mommy and daddy argue over what stain of wood they want for their Hensvik shelving unit.
THE KID SECTION - Our kid would be happy if we just deserted her there for a day or two. She loves to explore the different room set ups, tying out each and every bed, playing in the tents, and of course going down the slide a dozen or fifty times.
BABY SITTING - And if your kid is old enough, they can hang out in the childrens only childcare center! Slides, play structures, coloring and a giant clog are all there to keep them busy while you get your shopping on.

Here are a few of our favorite kiddie things they currently have in stock: