Archive for May, 2012

Little Tikes EasyStore Large SlideI had been thinking about getting a Little Tikes Slide for my child for some time now. He loves to climb and enjoys learning. He loves going to the park and the slide is one of his favorite things to go on. Unfortunately, sometimes the bigger kids take over and don’t give him an opportunity to go down the slide.

Little Tikes EasyStore Large Slide

 

Why a Little Tikes Slide

I liked getting out to the park too but dealing with the other kids was getting to be too much. I had seen slides outside of various daycare businesses in the area and thought why couldn’t we get a slide too? I started doing research and discovered that the brand Little Tikes was one of the most popular and they had a wide variety to choose from.

I knew that my child would love having his own slide. He liked to talk about how fun it was to go down the slide each time. I loved watching him go down the slide too. His face would light up and he would have a big smile on his face every time. Sure it didn’t last long, but the climb and waiting for this turn was worth it. I wanted him to have those experiences more often and in the comfort and safe environment of his own home.

Little Tikes Endless Adventures Rock Climber and SlideWhile looking at each Little Tikes Slide that was available, I thought about my child’s current height and mobility and where he was soon to be moving onto. I decided that he needed a little bigger one because I didn’t want him to grow out of it before he could really enjoy the slide. There were a number of slides that I could choose from and making that final decision was kind of difficult. In the end, I knew that whichever one I chose, I knew he would love it.

Little Tikes Endless Adventures Rock Climber and Slide

 

Presenting the Little Tikes Slide

After reviewing the options that I had, I finally made my decision. I was excited about getting it home and that my son would love it as much as I was excited. I chose one that had more than a slide so it was a little too big to be in the house, which I was a little disappointed in. I was thinking that it would be great to have inside during the colder weather.

Well, I quickly got over that once it was getting put together in the backyard. The level of anticipation was getting the best of me as the slide was finally completed. The time came and the slide was presented to my son. When my son saw that he had a very own slide of his own, he was absolutely thrilled. If I would have known that he was going to be that excited, I would have invested in one much sooner than I did.

Little Tikes Hide & Slide ClimberNow he doesn’t ask to go to the park anymore, although we still do sometimes. But he loves his slide. He doesn’t have to wait for anyone except for when his friends come over and play but he doesn’t care and neither do the other kids. Sometimes his friends’ parents have a hard time leaving because they don’t want to stop playing on the slide.

I am really glad that I finally made the decision to buy my son a slide. He has had many adventures and I know that he will have many more on his Little Tikes Slide.

Little Tikes Hide & Slide Climber

 

 

Check Out The Best Deals On Little Tikes Slides Here!

 

Little Tikes Adjustable Mountain ClimberLittle Tikes Climb and Slide CastleLittle Tikes Swing Along Castle

Little Tikes Climb and Slide CastleAre you debating about getting a toddler slide? When your infant turns into a toddler, you want to give them everything possible to learn and expand their skills and coordination. There are a number of educational toys that can do this, but what about that slide?

To you, a slide may not be very fun or educational. On the contrary, a toddler slide offers more than just smiles and giggles. Once the baby begins moving on their own, they want to learn about everything. This is why we must “baby proof” our homes. However, this is the time that we also need to let them go where they want and do what they want (within reason) so that can experience the world around them.

Obviously you can’t try out a toddler slide yourself, but you can learn about them and determine from your research which ones are the best and why. You will find that there are a lot slides on the market today. Why? Because kids love them!

 

Why Choose a Toddler Slide?

Step2 Play Up Fun Fold Jr. SlideHave you checked out your daycare? Have you checked out the toddler area at your local park? What do they have in common? They all have a slide. The concept of a slide is so basic; you go up and then you go down.

Let’s expand on that. The child must walk up the steps; then they must be coordinated to be able to sit down at the top. Once at the top, they need to understand that they need to let go and “push off” to get to the bottom. And the cycle continues.  What activities must the child go through to go through the process?

 

Why a Toddler Slide Is a Benefit to the Child?

They must be coordinated enough to move their hand, fingers and feet. They learn to climb, to sit, to “push off” and to use their feet to stop themselves at the bottom. Can you imagine the possible anxiety that they may experience the first time up the step? And how do they feel at the top while looking down at the ground so far below? And what about how they might feel as they are going down the slide? Most importantly, how do they feel when they get to the bottom? Yes; that is exactly why.

The ability for the child to go up and then down by themselves is a huge accomplishment for the child. The child has a positive feeling inside of them. They have a sense of accomplishment and of positive self-esteem that they did it. This encourages them to do it again and again and again. After a while, they begin to use their imagination and experiment.

Little Tikes Endless Adventures Climb and Slide CastleThey experiment with their cars; with their stuffed animals or whatever else they have handy. They place the toy and the top and “push” the toy down. They watch the toy go down and land somewhere on the floor. Do they do this so that the toy can have fun too? Are they associating the toy going down with them going down the slide?

The child is getting exercise, they are improving on their coordination skills, they are using their imaginations, they are feeling different emotions and they are having fun. Most slides can be used indoors or out so fun and play can be a year round experience. Get the toddler slide; it is an investment in your child’s future.

 

 

Check Out The Best Deals On Toddler Slides Here!

 

Step2 Panda ClimberNaturally Playful Koala ClimberStep2 Naturally Playful Woodland Climber

Step2 Naturally Playful Big Folding SlideGetting a toddler slide for your little one is a good investment. However, there are a number of different kinds of slides available and some have a feature(s) that you may prefer over others. Some slides are of a better quality and of course you need to consider price too.

Children love slides and because of this fact, there are a number of brands today that offer a variety of slides to choose from. Your child’s eye may pick one right away because of the color or the size, but you need to choose one on different factors. Factors to keep in mind are: safety, quality, the length of use, features, the size and the price.

 

Factors in Choosing a Toddler Slide

Safety – Sure most of the slides are made of plastic but look again. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Are the steps close enough together that their legs can easily get from one step to the next? Keep their age and currently limitations in mind.
  • Are the steps enclosed or open to keep their feet safe as the move of up the steps?
  • Are the bracing for the slide possibly in the child’s way as they walk or run around the slide?
  • Is the size of the slide small enough for the child’s current size but is it big enough for the child grow with, at least for awhile? A slide meant for an 18 month will be too small for a 3 year old.

 

Little Tikes Endless Adventures Jr Play SlideQuality – This is a big feature when choosing a toddler slide. The slide needs to be able to handle the child(ren) weight and sturdy enough to handle hours of fun.

  • Brand names typically are of a much higher quality for a baby slide than off brands.
  • If the slide is a type of plastic, how thick is it? Does it give when you push on it or is it extremely rigid? When weight is placed on the steps, do the steps give way?
  • How is the slide meant to be put together? Do the pieces interlock or do you have to get out tools and put it together?
  • Check out the warranty; a 30-day warranty isn’t going to cut it.

 

Little Tikes EasyStore Large SlideFeatures – This is where options come into play when choosing a toddler slide. Options such as colors, textures and expandability are helpful as these may possibly offer advanced play.

  • Typically there are one or two color options available; it’s not like choosing furniture for the house.
  • The slide itself should be smooth; the steps should have an indention or something to help keep the feet on the steps.
  • Are the areas where the hands can hold onto to climb small enough for little finger to grasp but big enough to ensure proper support?
  • Some slides now come with other types of climbing areas or perhaps a toddler swing. The slides today are nothing like they were 10 years ago.

 

You should be able to find a quality slide starting around $50 to $60 dollars but expect to pay a little more. You might spend more to get that extra to make the fun last longer. Most slides are designed for certain age groups, which is helpful in choosing the right baby slide. Have fun and let your little one help in choosing the best toddler slide.

 

Check Out The Best Deals On Toddler Slides Here!

 

American Plastic Toy Folding SlideLittle Tikes Endless Adventures Swing Along CastleLittle Tikes Fold Away Climber

Little Tikes Endless Adventures Rock Climber and SlideGiving your little one a toddler slide is giving them a world of fun. There are some safety concerns that should be considered before the children begin their play. As long as the precautionary steps have been taken, there shouldn’t be very many tears.

It’s not what we want, but accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. When we take the proper measures to prevent as many possible issues that we can, there is a much smaller chance that something could happen. Play time is everything to little kids. This is when they get to learn and experience the basics of life.

Little Tikes Endless Adventures Rock Climber and Slide

 

Extend Toddler Slide Fun with Safety

Wrapping your child up in bubble wrap is an extreme measure and certainly not necessary. What is necessary is that you take the time to look over the slide and the area where the slide is located to ensure that there isn’t an accident waiting to happen.

Step2 Naturally Playful Lookout TreehouseSupervision – This is a must; you can’t be everywhere at the same time but you can and should watch the children play on and around the slide. Make sure that the baby slide is being used for its intended purpose.

Space – Is the slide in an area that has more than enough room to move (run) around the slide where others can play and not interfere with the slide being used. Is the area at the base of the slide and the base of the steps clear of any debris so no tripping or falling can occur?

Step2 Naturally Playful Lookout Treehouse

 

What about Safety of the Toddler Slide Itself?

Sound structure – By this term I mean that the slide is in full working order. The toddler slide is stable, it doesn’t have any broken pieces and the slide itself is smooth. It works like it was new.

Cleanliness – You don’t have to disinfect the slide every time the child uses it; but it should be clean. The surface should also be dry otherwise it could be slippery. If used inside, give the slide a good wipe down when you do your weekly cleaning or when necessary. If used outside, dirt on the slide could create marks in the plastic and you want to avoid that as the etchings will affect how the slide works.

Little Tikes Climb & Slide CastleFollow instructions – The manufacturers who provide the best slides (i.e. Little Tikes, Step 2) know through extensive research and years of customer feedback what it takes to make a quality slide and for the slide to be safe. It may seem silly to you to read the manual that comes with the baby slide, but it should give you a few pointers to give you a heads up to ensure that your child is safe.

Size – There are several different sizes of baby slides available. Each slide is geared for a different age range. For example, if your child is just starting out, then choose a simple slide and one that is not very high up off the ground. On the other hand, if your child is capable of riding a tricycle, they will require a larger slide that is taller and the slide itself is wider for the bottom to fit comfortably in.

Little Tikes Climb & Slide Castle

 

Slides are a lot of fun. The thrill of going down each time gets the heart pumping and gets those little feet moving to run and climb the steps again just to do it all over. Please ensure that safety is always addressed when a toddler slide is being used.

 

Check Out The Best Deals On Toddler Slides Here!

 

Step2 Fun Fold Jr. Slide(New Colors)Step2 Play Up Double Slide ClimberLittle Tikes School Bus Activity Gym