Sunday, May 31, 2009

Build a Wooden Tree Swing

Studies done at the Human-Environment Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois found that children with access to green outdoor spaces play more creatively, score higher on tests of self discipline and that green views and green activities relieve the symptoms of attention deficit disorder.

Kids Furniture for Small Rooms

People who live in an apartment or in small living quarters are often challenged to find a place for the Kids furniture, toys, and clothing. These space saving tips will help free up space and make the infant's nursery more livable. However, always keep in mind the baby's safety when purchasing furniture and play equipment for the room.

Portable cribs. Standard cribs take up approximately 30" x 54" of floor space. Portable cribs generally run 26" X 40". The difference in tight quarters can certainly help save space in the nursery.

Playards, also known as pack and plays, are another smaller-sized sleeping option. Approximate size range of playards is from 23" X 32" to 30" X 41". Parents might find a playard that makes a perfect fit in a smaller room.

Cribs with drawer space. Parents will appreciate cribs that have built in under-the-bed storage drawers. Sheets, clothing, and other items can be nicely tucked away in what might have been dead space.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Outdoor Play Equipment

While a tyre swing (a tyre tied to a branch by rope) may have been great for you as a child, today's safety standards mean that homemade playground equipment like this is not recommended. This is because you don't know what the branch is able to take weight-wise, and children could fall or be hit by the branch. The good news is that there are plenty of types of pre-made play equipment that will keep your kids happy for hours.

What type of play equipment you get will largely be dictated by how much space you have available in your front or back yard. If you have some room to play with, things such as forts, cubby houses, monkey bars, and swings are absolutely perfect. For even more fun for the kiddies, add in some slides, rope ladders, or bridges to connect different play structures. These types of play equipment can be made to suit your needs or even custom made but be aware that it will still have to meet Australian standards.

If you've got a smaller area, you can still install some great play equipment. There are cubby houses that can fit into areas as little as 2 metres square. For really small spaces such as courtyards, a sandpit is ideal.

Asking a play equipment professional can pay off hugely as they will be able to look at your front or back yard and recommend pieces of equipment to suit.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Easy Swing Set Installation

Playing is very important for children. It would help them to become physically strong and psychologically fit. Swing sets offer children the pleasure and benefits of playing.

A swing set is tantamount to childhood. It is an important fact that in their earlier times children are to enjoy their games. A swing set is a jungle gym that triggers your child's imagination. It exercises them and helps them express their analytical powers.

  • Be sure you have the original assembly instructions, product manual, and warrantees.
  • Be sure that it is appropriate for your child/children's age/s.
  • Inspect the used swing set as closely as you can to make sure that all of its parts work correctly and safely.
  • Check the cleanliness of the used swing set. It is not a perfect guarantee, but chances are if its cleanliness was maintained then it was also maintained in other aspects.
  • Inspect all the nuts and bolts for their tightness and security.
  • Clean and disinfect it carefully.
  • Create a secure zone by scattering shock taking loose fill materials extending a minimum of 6 feet from the whole structure and twice the height of the moving parts.
  • Look for the better quality. See if it is insect and decay resistant; if timber is planed twice; has rounded edges to protect little hands; and if bolts are inserted securely for additional safety.
  • Prior to installation, inspect your potential site for any large rocks, large roots, tree stumps, or any debris that may be present in the area.
  • Anchor it to the ground securely.
  • Swing sets and play sets should be installed on level with ground as possible.
  • Plus, check if mulching or boxing is out of the area. It is recommended to do this after the swing set and play set is mounted. Some dealers have developed materials like mulching that includes triple shredded wood and are insect and decay resistant.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Plan Your Outdoor Living Space

What to do with outdoor spaces

  • Swimming pool - This is one area that requires lots of attention for safety reasons. Pool fences and gates are usually installed around the area to keep young children from drowning accidents. For obvious reasons, flooring material should be slip-proof.
  • Meditation space - More and more people resort to outdoor meditation in order to be at one with nature. Privacy is important to this space, so you may consider lattice screens and hedges as "walls" for your meditation area. A "ceiling" in the form of a covered pergola may also be added to make this area usable in different weather conditions.
  • Play area - Your children will appreciate outdoor space for play equipment, cubby houses and ball games. A grassed area is always best for this.

How you plan your outdoor area will depend on your lifestyle, family makeup and maintenance abilities. The options are endless!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Garden Swing Set

A garden swing set can be the perfect addition to practically any lawn decor enabling gardeners to feel good about the setting they have spent so much time creating. These sets come in a variety of materials and styles, so there is sure to be one that's suitable for all tastes, environmental settings, and, of course, budgets. Wooden swing sets seem to be the material of choice due to them being such a natural fit with their surroundings.

Depending on the type of mechanism used, they can either swing or glide. The swing type hangs from sturdy chains that are attached to an overhead pole. This beam can either be part of a frame that comes with the swing set or part of a much larger apparatus, like on the porch of a home just beneath the eve. The glider has no such requirement. Instead, it rests on joints beneath the seat, sometimes using ball-bearings that make the motion much smoother.

No matter what type of garden swing set you finally decide upon, it will certainly provide comfort and enjoyment for years on end.

Choosing the Right Cubby House for your Kids

There are three basic styles of cubby houses:

  1. The fort - these are open plan cubby houses, and often make sure of accessories such as slides, nets, and sandpits.
  2. Traditional - these are the cubby houses that look like a miniature house. They come with windows, doors, and even verandas, depending on the model.
  3. Play centres - these are semi-enclosed. Think one full wall and one half-height wall. They also come with great accessories such as sandpits, slides, nets, and other things to make play even more fun.

When you choose a cubby for your kids, take their age and development level into consideration. Of course, make sure you have enough room in your yard for the cubby that you are thinking about.

Monday, May 18, 2009

What's Available in Cubby Houses

Cubby houses come in sizes from 1.5m square up to 3mx2.7m. You can locate them on the ground or you can elevate them. The highest elevated cubby houses are around 1.5m off the ground. As the name suggests, cubby houses are like little mini houses. Most cubby houses have windows, doors, and sloping roofs. Depending on the model you choose, some have verandas (complete with safety rails), steps or ladders. If you want to, you can put slides off the side of the cubby house or nets that kids can climb up and down on. As far as furniture goes, this is as easy as going to the two dollar shop and buying kid size plastic furniture!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Cubby Houses - Kids Will Love

A cubby house is a great way to give your kids plenty of fun out in the backyard and they've come so much further than a few bits of wood nailed into a tree. Find out more about the new cubby houses.

There is much more to a cubby house than the old tree houses that many of us grew up with. In many areas of Australia, you are not allowed to do things to trees anymore, and a tree house often isn't the safest option as when the tree grows, it can cause the cubby house to break apart.

Types of Cubby Houses

Nowadays, you can buy cubby houses that have been specifically manufactured for kids' enjoyment and safety. Different models are available so you can choose the right one for your backyard. No matter what model you choose, most come in prefabricated panels (walls, floor, and roof), which are then put together, or as kits that you can put together yourself. If you choose the DIY option, detailed instructions and everything you need to put it together is included. Standard models which are mass manufactured are available, or you can go for a custom made model if you have something specific in mind.

What's Available in Cubby Houses

Cubby houses come in sizes from 1.5m square up to 3mx2.7m. You can locate them on the ground or you can elevate them. The highest elevated cubby houses are around 1.5m off the ground. As the name suggests, cubby houses are like little mini houses. Most cubby houses have windows, doors, and sloping roofs. Depending on the model you choose, some have verandas (complete with safety rails), steps or ladders. If you want to, you can put slides off the side of the cubby house or nets that kids can climb up and down on. As far as furniture goes, this is as easy as going to the two dollar shop and buying kid size plastic furniture!

Friday, May 8, 2009

For First Daughters, a First-Rate Swing Set


First families often add a personal touch to the White House to make it feel more like home. The Obamas, like the Kennedys four decades earlier, have put in a swing set.

Last week, first daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, received an unexpected treat when they returned home from school: a custom-designed set of swings and much more on the South Lawn.

Swing set safety is top priority, it is very important to pull out the owner's manual and review with the children the rules. Children need to understand the rules so everyone can play safe. When shopping for a swing set or play structures make sure all components & accessories are engineered & manufactured to meet or exceed current safety guidelines for residential playground equipment.

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