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As you and your family and friends bounce away on your new trampoline, you may notice that the mat, or bed, in the center of your trampoline is getting quite a workout, too. As you continue to use your trampoline, the mat will become worn and unsafe. After all, although it is reinforced and stitched to make it as strong as possible, a trampoline mat is simply a piece of fabric. Stitches will break and threads will become more fragile. As you notice signs of wear, you should begin researching replacement trampoline mats. One of the best places to look for a new mat is the internet. There are several excellent sites that provide information on purchasing a replacement mat.

TrampolinePartsandSupply.com is one excellent resource for people looking for replacement mats in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Here, you can find replacement mats for many trampoline brands and models, including JumpKing and Hedstrom. Looking at the available selection is as simple as visiting the site and selecting the ‘mats’ link on the home page. This link leads to a replacement mats page with photos and descriptions of each mat available. If you aren’t sure which mat is right for your trampoline, you can find information on the page about the proper mat and spring size for your frame. The site’s useful information, wide range of mat sizes and styles and competitive pricing makes it one of the best choices for people looking for replacement trampoline mats.

As you look at replacement beds for your trampoline, you may notice that some of them have a “target” stitched in the center. Having this mark in the middle of your mat is a wonderful safety option, because it helps guide jumpers to the middle of the trampoline as they bounce. Bouncing near the edges can be a bit more dangerous, but many people forget to check to see how close they are to the edge as they jump. Seeing the “target” will remind them to head for the middle of the trampoline.

Another thing to look for as you look at the available options is the mat’s warranty. Sometimes, the cheapest mat is not the best deal, especially if it only has a three month warranty. Check to be sure the mat you are considering has a warranty of several years before you make your final decision. A five year warranty is ideal. Remember, a mat that falls apart when you are jumping can cause serious injury, so you don’t want to look for the cheapest mat you can find.

Of course, ideally, you want to be able to use your original mat or any replacements for as long as possible. While some wear and tear is unavoidable, you can prolong the life of your mat with a few smart precautions. If you aren’t going to be using the trampoline, cover the mat with a tarp or a tent to protect it from damage caused by sun, rain and drastic temperature changes. You may want to consider storing it in a shed or garage during the winter months to provide further protection. Also, make sure anyone using the mat is wearing appropriate shoes. Spiked athletic shoes can really cause some damage.

Finally, if you notice any holes in your current trampoline mat or see any tears in the stitching on the mat’s edges, especially near the safety clips, please be sure to replace it immediately. If one of the holes enlarges as someone is jumping on the trampoline, he or she could become seriously injured.

Whatever your mode of travel, there will be special challenges if you take the kids along. The key to sanity is some careful planning – and a calm, unruffled approach.

Where Should we Stay?

If you are planning at stay at a bed and breakfast, do some research. Many bed and breakfasts are not suitable for children. However, you may be able to find a ‘farmstay’ – a bed and breakfast on a farm that allows your kids to interact with the animals. This can be an unequalled family experience – especially for city dwellers.

Staying in a hotel? Do they provide extra cots and/or cribs for children? Do they have a restaurant with a kids’ menu? Is there a playroom or playground on the premises? Are there children’s activities nearby?

What Should I Pack?

Use common sense. Every family is different. Check the following list and pack what is appropriate for your household:

Small first aid kit
Liquid anti-nausea medication
Liquid Tylenol
Individual-sized tissues
Moistened hand-wipes in individual packs
Paper towels
Photos of the kids and important details regarding medications
Telephone numbers of doctors (at home and at your destination)
Copies of passports, birth certificates, custody documentation
Decks of cards, favorite toys, children’s books
Coloring books, crayons, mechanical pencils, paper
Crossword puzzle books, erasable pens, highlighters
Windbreakers, slickers, umbrellas
Sunglasses, hats, sunscreen
Plastic bags from grocery store checkout (for storage and cleanup)

(Check with your airline first to see if liquid or gel-based items are allowed in carry-on luggage.)

Diaper Disposal

There are scented disposal bags available – or you might want to pack some small zip-lock bags. Plastic grocery bags or newspaper bags can also be used. The solid matter should be disposed of down the toilet. Next, roll the diaper up with the soiled area facing inwards so that you have a compact bundle with the plastic on the outside. Place the diaper in the zip-lock bag, seal most of the way, then press out as much air as possible while you complete the seal. Discard in a bathroom garbage container or outside garbage bin.

If you are outdoors and there are no outhouse or bathroom facilities nearby, you should carry the entire diaper contents with you, disposing of appropriately when you find a garbage bin or bathroom. DO NOT leave diapers or diaper contents behind. Besides polluting the environment, some animals are attracted to human waste. Protect the environment even more by making sure that you purchase biodegradable diapers (or switch to cloth).

If you must carry soiled diapers along with you for any length of time, you might want to consider packing a few deodorant disks or a baking-soda based scented deodorizer.

Snacks

If your children are finicky eaters, chances are you will encounter problems with airline and restaurant meals. Pack a few nutritious snacks. Snacks may include fresh fruit, granola bars, individual-size cereal boxes, cheese and crackers, raisins, unsalted peanuts – or snack-size containers of applesauce, puddings, and fruit cocktail.

Boredom

Boredom is always going to be a problem. Even a half-hour trip seems like a long time to a young child. The easiest and most accessible boredom solution is YOU. Use the time to interact with your kids. Ask them questions. Get them to tell you stories if they are old enough. You can keep young children entertained by telling them stories – complete with sound effects of animal noises, whistles, and whatever else you can invent.

Play guessing games like ‘I Spy’ with older kids, or get them involved in some children’s cards games. Although games like ‘Go Fish’ can be played with a regular deck of cards, there are many games with special, brightly-colored decks made just for children. Do an internet search for ‘card games for kids’ and you’ll find plenty of resources.

Inactivity

Sitting still for long periods of time is not a natural activity for children. If you’re on a plane, train, or bus, get up and take a walk down the aisle once every hour. When travelling by car, find an appropriate pullout and play frisbee or go for a short walk.

Relax – Lighten Up – Unwind

Treat every family trip as an opportunity to connect with your children. Relax, enjoy their unique personalities, and enjoy yourself!

©Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author’s note below (with active links) are included.

• ISBN13: 9780735623477
• Condition: USED – VERY GOOD
• Notes:

Product Description
Learn the 14 ways in which you can help make the Internet a safer place for you and your family. You teach your children to look both ways before crossing the street. You tell them not to talk to strangers. But do you really know how to teach them to safely use the Internet? In this book, Linda Criddle, a leading child safety expert, offers a practical education about what is safe, what is not, and how taking a few precautions can help your children avoid putting th… More >>

Look Both Ways: Help Protect Your Family on the Internet