Replacement Slides And Safety Rules

There is nothing as entertaining for children including their parents than flying down a slide. Regardless of their ages, sliding is one of their favorite activities when playing on a swing set. You will find an assortment of models and sizes available either for replacement or additions to existing structures. They are available in different sizes, colors and easily install if you need a replacement. Children love outdoor activities that include playing on swing sets and this piece of writing will be the focal point on slides along with a few reminders about safe play.

If you have an existing wooden swing set and need a replacement they are readily available. The most important thing you will need to know is the height of the play deck that it attached to. Most are 4 feet, 5 feet, 6’ or 7’ in height from the ground up. Knowing this measurement in advance will prevent you buying one that is to short or too long. Look for features like wide handrails and manufactured with fade resistant polyethylene. Most manufacturers offer a warranty against cracking or breaking and some even have a lifetime guarantee. Make sure you never install over a hard surface such as concrete, gravel, or asphalt so that you do not cause injury to a fall. Level ground is important and away from things like a fence, tree, garage, wires, etc. Ground cover and protective surfacing should be at least 6 feet out and around the play area. Without a doubt you should consider a plastic made slide as metal often becomes extremely hot to the touch. These guidelines will be outlined in the instruction manual so please read and make sure you adhere to the advice of the manufacturer.

Here are some common rules to educate your kids:

  • Always so down with their feet first and never go down head first.
  • By no means push or roughhouse while climbing up the ladder or sliding down.
  • Explain why using the equipment properly is so important to their safety.
  • Never stand on the slide.
  • Never climb up the slide or hang from the side guardrails.
  • If the slide is wet do use it because the surface area will be slippery.
  • Cool to the touch is the rule, and if it feels hot it is not safe to play on.
  • Do not wear clothing that has a drawstring such as a hoodie or sweatshirt or other loose items such as scarf’s or necklaces. Avoid this type of clothing to prevent strangulation hazards.

You will be amazed of the collections of styles that are for sale today. They range in size, design and color. New polyethylene allows for better construction making them last longer. You’ll find styles like wave, scoop, and straight designs as well as turbo, radical styles. You’ll also find the sidewinder models and the one the kids most often want is the tube slide. If the intended use is as a replacement or added to new construction you will locate them easily by completing an online search.

 

 

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A Girls Sleepover Party And Fun Things To Do

A girl’s sleepover party is such a fun way to bring friends together for birthdays. Teenage girls love to hang out with their friends and sleepovers are one fantastic way to create a special occasion for them. Whether they are turning 14 or sweet 16 you can create a magical event for them. One great idea is a spa theme for the birthday party event. Girls can stay up late doing manicures and pedicures along with makeovers. Watching movies and listening to music until the early morning hours is to be expected. A spa birthday celebration is easy to plan.

Listed below is a partial shopping list.

Nail polish
Face masks
Lipstick
Gift bags and invitations
Fun things to plan:

Have the girls bring their sleeping bags.
Invite everyone to arrive in their favorite PJ’s along with slippers and a robe.
Have them bring their favorite movies and cd’s.
Start with the facials and let the girls relax as they are pampered. The spa stations should be set up with all of the components needed at each spot.

For example, the nail station should be equipped with fun nail polish colors, stickers, file, and cotton balls. Let each girl have a turn as being the manicurist. This is easy because after their nails are dried they go into the rotation. It will fun for the girls to each receive manicures and pedicures.

You can create the makeup station with all sorts of things including mirrors, make up, lip sticks, and blush along with makeup remover pads just in case they want to start over.

Equip the hair station with combs, brushes, ribbons, barrettes, clips and bows. Teach them to braid, French twists, weaves and complete updos for the total spa experience. Don’t forget the hairspray and the spritz. Girls love this VIP treatment as they feel special!

After spa treatments are completed it time for movies and dancing. This is lots of fun and should burn off some energy. Have each girl name off the titles they brought and then they can decide which one to watch first or which music to rock out to!

Remember, you will need to play a menu. We didn’t mention food or birthday cake because there so many different things and choices for your teenager to choose from.

Make sure they have plenty of room to spread out their girls sleeping bags so they are comfy as they settle in to watch movies and tell stories.

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Toy Boxes For Kids With Safety Hinges

The toy boxes and chests on the market today are large enough to store many different types of playthings. From building blocks, trains, books, games, dress up clothes, and miniature cars; toy chests make storage easy on kids. Most manufacturers have lots of models, styles and plenty of colors with personalization options too. Education is important when shopping for the perfect one and these suggestions outlined below may help make your buying decision easier.

The first decision you will need to make is deciding if you are willing to assemble at home or if you want to purchase one already built. Many furniture stores, boutiques, and big box stores stock this product that is already assembled. Most will even sell the floor display model to there customers.

If you are handy, then you may want to consider purchasing a ready to assemble model. These are usually pre-cut, almost always sanded, painted and waiting to be assembled by the consumer. The directions are included with all of the parts, nuts and bolts you will need. The online shopping stores have 100’s of different styles to choose from and the best selection.

Another option is to purchase a set of plans or blueprints. If you have building experience or you are handy or a carpenter you should consider a do it yourself project. Search for plans, cutting and sanding the lumber and then staining the finished item.

The second thing to consider is the finish on the toy box. There are many finishes that are available on the wood, such as cherry, honey, white or natural. Think about the furniture in your child’s room. Do you want to mix and match the finishes or look at different contrasts that will compliment your color palette? There are hand-painted styles that feature whimsical designs or cutouts. The themes available today are vast, including farm animals, sports themes (like soccer or baseball toy chests), wild animals (such as elephants, lions, tigers and zebras, plus much more! Finishes must be lead free.

Think about whether you prefer a traditional styling or something unique. Are you looking for one that doubles as a bench for extra seating? Several include the option for a padded fabric seat cover. One feature to consider is mobility, does it have casters. This makes it easier to move around the room. Pay attention to the size, as it will vary by designer and style plus you will want to make sure it will fit in the space available. Measure carefully so there are no surprises when you set up your new toy box.

And lastly take a look at the construction and safety features. Safety hinge on lid protects young fingers from getting pinched and cut-outs on the side or front will also help prevent finger pinching. Surfaces should be smooth to prevent splinters and all finishes including paint and stains should be lead-free. Make sure the style is built strong and sturdy, worthy of being passed down from generation to generation.
 

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Inflatable Bounce House – Tips For Safety

Inflatable toys are one unbelievable method to generate fun outdoors for kid’s parties. Used for get-together’s or birthday party or just because, bouncers are a kid favorite activity enjoyed by all. It doesn’t matter if you rent one or buy one; your party will surely be a hit. Let’s face it kid’s need toys that continue to keep them busy and this one will not only accomplish this; it will provide plenty of exercise too. Have one inflated in the backyard and the children will come running to play. They pull the kids in like a magnet with super powers. There sold in stores across the country both online shops plus in brick and mortar stores so you can easily find one. If your desire is to rent, watch the mail for flyers and coupons or watch for ads in the paper. Ask friends and family for referrals. Installation is easy with connecting a few hoses, turning the power on and making sure everything is securely fastened in a matter of minutes.

When using this toy the safety rules must be followed which means limiting access to just a few children at a time. The kids won’t like have to wait for their turn but the rules are made to keep them safe. Grownups are the “enforcers” of the guidelines so before you allow your jumpers inside make sure they know what the boundaries are. That old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is true for bounce house safety and keeping them out of harm’s way.

There must be a grownup who can supervise playing at all times. You must be a referee and stop them from doing something dangerous like sneaking in more than is allowed. Do not let them get out of hand and stop stunts as soon as you realize what they are up to. Creative play should not be encouraged inside a moonwalk.

Next, the “enforcer” must enforce the number of kids playing inside. If the guidelines allow only 2 to 3 at one time then stick to it and do not consent to anymore inside. One extra person inside could burst the seams and the extra weight is not good for the stability of the toy. They will need to be patient and wait for their turn. If your inflatable has a slide it is meant for a single user and not 2 or 3 at a time. No adults allowed.

If there are storms brewing or inclement weather conditions avoid use. Rain, wind, severe, rough, or stormy are all conditions that head warnings. Wind is very dangerous and so it lightning! Watch the temperature for the reason that the inside can heat up quickly and you need to keep the kids hydrated or stop using altogether.

Set up and putting away is meant to be accomplished by a grown-up so keep children away until it is ready to play on or has been deflated. For obvious reasons do not allow cats, dogs or other pets inside.

These are just a few tips for playing it safe so if you use a rental company find out what there rules are and if you purchase one read the owner’s manual. This way everyone has a great time when playing on inflatable bounce houses or inflatable water parks.

 

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Gorilla Playsets – Selecting A Location And Ground Cover

A Gorilla Playsets swing set for your kids is one major purchase that will keep them entertained in the backyard for hours. It will last for years and years and will hold up to the rough playing that children often encounter. Naturally, the play structure will compliment your outside decor, landscaping and draw kids into the yard. It is like a magnetic force that makes them want to stay outdoors and play. Your landscaping will be improved when this great looking set is built in your garden. This popular line of wooden swing sets by Gorilla Playsets offers the children the opportunity to play at home in a park like setting that is similar to a playground. Wow, that’s incredibly fun for everyone. The collections are unique with play options that other manufacturers don’t provide as standard equipment.

Before you purchase a wood playground there are a couple of key points that you need to understand. This is a big choice for the family so you want to make the right selection. Simply deciding to purchase is easy enough but you do need to make sure you do a few things ahead of time. Location, dimensions and what type of ground cover you will use underneath the play structure. Make sure your budget includes ground cover.

First, measure out the building spot and stake out the location. Why is this important you might ask? The answer is size of the structure and space requirements needed to construct it. Imagine purchasing one and get it home only to realize you don’t have enough room to build it. That would be total frustration, not to mention how disappointed the children would be.
Now that the location has been decided on you will need to prepare the building site. Removing debris, overhead wires, tree, or any other obstacle that poses a hazard is important to the safety of those who play on. Make sure the land is level so you can prevent rocking of the swing set. Creating and maintaining the play set on a level site is very important. Also, you will need to check the site every single year for setting areas. For this reason, as your kids play on the swing set it will slowly start to settle. Meaning it is digging its way into the ground (soil). You will need to make sure that it settles evenly. Making sure the swing set is level and true once each year is a condition of the warranty guidelines.
Last but not least, protective surfacing needs to go beneath and around the whole playset. Research suggests, 60% of all playground injuries are caused by falls to the ground. This protection issue that is incredibly imperative so make you to purchase ground cover. Look into the different products that are suggested and keep in mind that rubber mulch is one of the best products on the market today.

rubber mulch ground cover

Ground cover for underneath a swing set

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Redecorate A Playroom

Do you have a playroom that needs re-decorating? Have you been putting off a much needed makeover? If the answer is yes, creating a special place for your children is easy. Mom, Dad and the children can work together to turn an ordinary room into a spectacular playroom. There are so many design blogs out there that feature awesome children’s playroom renovations. It is super easy to transform a spare bedroom, basement space or spare corner into your child’s dream land!

Kids Playroom Furniture

Play room ideas

A child’s playroom is simple, designed spot, a play area space furnished with toys. Don’t let the toys take over the house! In reality it is actually more than just a playroom to play in, it is also for keeping toys in one area of the home. Even if you have a play room kids tend to play in the kitchen, family room and their bedrooms. Just beware you most likely will find toys around house but it would be nice to have one room where most of their playthings are kept.
With that said; storage plays a major role in the design process when it comes to keeping it neat, clean and organized. Playrooms are all about storage solutions. Using bookcases, toy boxes, shelving along with children’s furniture that is kid sized such as a table, children’s desks, kids book case shelves, toddler beds will quickly change any room.
Allow kids playroom area to have character, color or a fun theme such as red and blue with trains or pink and purple for a princess. Painting the space is easy enough and by adding art work, graphics, or borders you can really create something wonderful. Add a rug, curtains, lighting and quickly match any décor. It also is nice to let your kids have a say in what the room will look like and help pick out the color scheme and details. The more involved they are, the more they will want to stay and play in there as opposed to all over the house.
Excuse the mess! Absolutely, let the kids make a big huge mess and have fun with their toys. Why, you might ask? Toys are educational so when it’s time for clean up there are learning valuable skills such as organization and responsibility. By putting their cherished belongings away they learn how to take care of them.
Lastly, a few thought on safety and making it a priority. Remember that old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? It is so true. This saying means that it’s better to try to avoid problems with children’s furniture in the first place, rather than trying to fix them once they happen. Making sure that bookcases are secured to the wall so they won’t fall over is a must. Tables should have rounded corners or rubber guards attached. Outlets should have a cap cover and cords should not be accessible. Don’t store playthings on shelves that are too high for a child to reach. This will discourage them from climbing. Keeping things low is good. If you have tile or wood floors buy rugs or carpeting that has non-slip pads.

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Invited To A Sleep Over

If you are a mom or dad and your kids are invited to slumber party’s or want to plan one at your house, read on. Understanding how important a sleeping bag is to a child will help ease there time away from home. This item is a must have for any girl or boy, ages 7 to 16. It is a special item especially for girls and they will tell you, “it is a necessity”! Why do girls say this? For starters, they want the coolest, hippest bag in town. Soft and cozy which means comfort away from home. Secondly, when the cloth is soft and luxurious it’s perfect for snuggling inside on a cold night.

Girls Slumber Bag

Girls Hot Pink Sleeping Bag

Mom and dad, you can make a big statement and purchase your children a custom made personalized slumber bag that will last for years. Looking for ones that are high quality and washable is easy with the help of Best Price Toys. The interior lining is often made in flannel, fleece, or minky dot fabrics and these are perfect for that soft and cozy feeling that girls love. These are great for indoor sleepovers and slumber parties. Washable products are a must because chances are it will get dirty. It is nice when they can be tossed into the washer and comes out looking brand new. That’s the type of quality you receive from the brands of Kids Comfortz, Hoohobbers and Cricketzzz. Hoohobbers is a premier maker of textiles and their value is exceptional. If you want a one of a kind item then you should consider having a custom bag made by this brand. Fashion-appeal is exactly what their products say and if you want a fun, unique product you have to research this famous maker. There are other companies like Cricketzzz that create a luxurious slumber bag in the USA with attention to details in every product produced and sold. Products from these well-known makers start around $150.00 and up.

If you are looking for an inexpensive bag that is a good quality take a look at the brands like Wildkin and Bazoongi Kids. There snuggle bags are mass-produced and on hand in plenty of store across the country. Both brands present fun prints from sports themes to horses and of course lots of pink colors. Wildkin and Bazoongi Kids are normally priced around $56.00 and up with free shipping. You can easily find them priced from $50.00 to $175.00 depending upon the options and fabric selections. Big designs, patterns and fabrics are easy to view online because of the selection.

Finally, designers are creating products that appeal to teenage girls and boys without looking childish. Practicality and durability ought to be the first priority but fashion has taken over. There are so numerous styles that are dazzling and fashionable as a result, teenagers do not have to settle. With the right sleeping bag in hand they will be geared up for any sleepover!

 

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Playing Outside Ought To Be Fun And Safe

Kids love to play outside and almost all of them want to visit the local playground and use the equipment offered in the park. Safety is always a top priority when visiting a public place with playscape equipment. Children need constant supervision and the play equipment should be in excellent working condition. Parents and caregivers need to complete a visual inspection and if it looks unsafe or you have questions, then avoid it completely. This is one reason why it is fantastic if you can create a play area in your own backyard. Knowing that it is safe, durable and supervision is there helps ease a parents concerns. Not only is it easy to create a back yard play area but it is also affordable.

Outfitting the space is easy if you include products such as swing sets, sandboxes, see-saws, play tents or houses, trampolines, inflatable bouncers and ride on toys for the children to play with. Keeping kids busy with outdoor activities is good for them because while they are having a good time they are exercising and learn skills for life. Here are a few guidelines when it comes to selecting big outdoor toys for the kids.
First, determine what toys you currently have and which toys you would like to purchase for the play area in the backyard. Sometimes, there are forgotten items that are stored away that can be used for outside play year round. Think outside of the box and look for items that you can re-use or perhaps things that have been stored away from older siblings. Picnic tables, wagons, kites, and ride on toys are the obvious choices.

Secondly, look around your backyard, if you have a big tree and an old tire you can make a tire swing for the play area. If you have extra room in the garden area you can build your own sandbox with a cover. Play sand is easy to find in the stores and a lid keeps the animals away. Do you have a deck that is build up at least 5 feet with room below? If so, you might be able to take advantage of the room below the deck for a play area. Possible having a play tent or a playhouse underneath the deck might be great fun.

Next, think about games that the kids can play on the lawn such as volley ball, badminton, hopper balls, hula hoops and jump ropes.

Lastly, you need to consider purchasing a playset if you do not already have one. This one piece of equipment offers tremendous play options and educational value for children. Whether it’s made form wood or metal children love to swing and climb. The skills learned from playing on swing set are fantastic. They learn patience, taking turns, communication skills, plus their creative energy will be geared up as they engage is all sorts of adventures inside the forts and towers.

The best part of creating a back yard play-scape is that the fun will last from day to day. Plus, you can supervise the kids in your own outdoor space.

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Swing Set Fun With Kids – Keep Boredom Away

Your children are bored, nothing to do, tired and uninterested in their toys. If you hear this comment from them day and night; what do you do? You think to yourself, are the kids ever happy? Entertaining children can become tiresome for parents who put in a full day at work and home. Let’s face it, your time is divided between work, kids, chores, cooking and everything that needs to happen in your daily routine. Children don’t care if you have to do the laundry, cook dinner, or run errands. They just want to play and have fun.

For many parents and caregivers a swing set in the backyard can eliminate boredom and be a life-saver. Playsets offer a variety of play activities and challenges for all sorts of age groups. As soon as you enter the swing set marketplace you will be amazed by the great variety of models offered. Similar to shopping for a house, the models and styles are endless. They range from basic A-frame styles to elaborate playground structures.

Simply put there are an enormous amount to varieties, play options, sizes and price tags. The no frill styles will cost less and the bigger the playset the more money you will spend. Swingset space will be important so measure before you purchase.

Today’s manufacturers are committed to producing high quality sets and strictly adhere to the guidelines set forth to conform or exceeds current safety standards. They are committed and want to make them safe for children. Most of them go to great lengths when designing, building and making sure they are not dangerous for the kids to play on. They examine the structures from top to bottom. Then, there are the extra features that make the playscape exciting. Some have bridges, playhouses, monkey bar climber, musical toys, steering wheels, rope and rock climbing walls. Built-in picnic tables or separate beams for tires or adult swings are available including the popular baby sitter swings. These are for your children’s entertainment.

Depending upon your climate conditions children tend to play on these structures almost every day. What that means is plenty of fresh air, exercise and interaction with siblings or friends. Creative play is what playgrounds are all about. Stimulate your child’s imagination and keeping boredom at bay by letting them play with these big toys.

The cost of a residential play sets ranges from apr. $500 to $10,000 or more, depending on the brand, lumber choice, style and features. With internet access you can research online for reviews, promotions and recalls to help you decide on which brand you like the best. You can shop online, read the reviews, opinions of other consumers, Manufacturers and there ratings will help you make this important decision for your family. Always remember, that safety of the children is of greatest importance!

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Shopping for a Kid’s Backpack for School

I think you will agree; children need to have a backpack for school. Before you pay for a new knapsack, there a few things to consider so you don’t make the wrong choice. First, don’t let your little one or older children talk you into the buying based on appearance. Of course, there are really cute fabrics and styles available that are high quality. Is there a little boy who wouldn’t love a batman backpack or a pink sleeping beauty bag for a little girl? Parents should not feel pressured to purchase based on looks alone. Here is a list of a few features for your consideration. Backpacks with wheels are the one of the best choices for children.

Wildkin Backpack

Paul Frank Backpack

It should have inside compartments that can store notebooks, paper, and school items. The interior should be spacious which allows for easy storing. One big compartment works for most. Pockets help keep the contents organized for a child. Having a place for pens, markers, etc. makes it easier for them. Outside pockets are great for water bottles or head phones.
Once the knapsack is packed it quickly becomes heavy. That’s why you need padded straps that are adjustable and the wider the better. This will help with the distribution of the weight load the child is carrying. Straps ought to be ergonomically planned for comfort.
Strong zippers are required and sometimes it is hard to see this feature. Check seems to be sure they are reinforced at the handle, strap and zipper.
Rolling backpacks make it easy. Eliminate the weight from your back and are they are easy to roll. Most offer heavy-duty frames with a telescoping handle and stable rubber wheels. On the other hand, if you have a teenager, they most likely will not want a rolling backpack because? Go ahead and finish that sentence on your own.
Food for thought; because we care about safety, on the market today, many stores offer personalization options for this product. Research may suggest this is an alarming trend because a child’s name is shown for all to see. A stranger might call out your child’s name out and then they might think they know the person when they don’t. While this is a personal choice do you want their name any place where it’s visible to strangers?
Try this scenario, if someone says, “Hi, Mike, how are you? I’m so-and-so, a buddy of your dad’s and he asked if I would you up today from school,” kids are more likely to believe and trust this individual because they knew their name.
If school requirements insist on a name tag there are a few suggestions that might work for you.
1. Name on the inside so it is not visible.
2. Label the side that goes against their back so it is not visible.
3. Name on the inside of the strap or underneath the handle, again so it is not visible.
Quality and durability along with features and benefits ought to be the criteria used in the selection process. All the same, if you need nice bag for your child we recommend the Wildkin brand for preschool toddlers and young children.

Rolling Backpack

Wildkin Green Dots

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