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5 Reasons Why Your Furry Friend Deserves the Best Crate on the Market
More than Just a Pet Crate It often starts as a practical choice … Your new pup soils a rug while you’re off at work. “Man’s best friend” chews through a pair of expensive shoes. Your anxious dog digs his way out of the backyard and ends up at the neighbors. Whatever the case may be, animals often end up in cages (or “crated”) in order to curb undesirable behavior and keep them calm. In short, we do it because we need to set boundaries with our pets. However, you’re also setting the kind of boundaries that they need as well. After all, dogs are driven by their instincts. Remember; even the cutest of terriers, poodles and other mini breeds are still descended from domesticated wolves. Wolves that historically like to sleep in caves, crevices, and other enclosed areas that provide the same basic comfort and security as a solid pet crate will. So, while the average human might see a crate as a restricting environment, your dog probably sees the opposite - a luxurious safe room all their own. However, you need the right crate to ensure your pet’s mental well-being. But what kind of crate is best? What features will ultimately help your animal to feel more at home … and help you make the most out of your investment? Today, we’re going to look at a few of the important benefits of a good dog crate for your animals, along with a few key features you should always be looking for to get the most out of your dollar. Reason #1: Security Makes Them Happy Dogs are always on high alert and constantly mindful of threats - it’s part of their survival instinct that never quite turned off. Even when they’re shuffling the sheets in your bed to get comfy before falling asleep. This stems from that same basic instinct that drives their wolf ancestors to sleep in caves. Ever noticed your dog turning in circles before going to sleep? That’s because of the natural instinct to tramp down a small circle of grass, or clear a small pad of dirt before tucking in for the night. Remember, they’re dogs and don’t understand your expensive home security system or the low crime statistics in your neighborhood. But what a dog can appreciate is a well-built crate or cage. Heavy-duty steel construction can be a serious upgrade from the plastic room dividers or baby gates that some pet owners use to section off an animal’s space. The more secure the enclosure, the more secure the animal will feel inside of it. Reason #2: Open-Door Policy While a good high-quality crate is one of the most secure environments for your animal, it can provide other benefits as well. Remember, this is essentially your animal’s “safe space,” and it’s the kind of place they might want to spend some quality time with their favorite toy. They should be free to come and go as they please, with flexible options depending on the size of your animal. Classic front-loading crates tend to have the one massive front entrance. This works well for larger breeds, but smaller breeds and puppies can be a little intimidated by such a wide-open space. More and more often, new cages are transitioning to a more flexible multiple-door situation that works well for any size of dog. Additionally, the size of the cage can affect the overall comfort of the animal. So, a smaller 36" L X 24" W X 29" H cage might be great for miniature breeds, while a 48" L X 33" W X 37" H cage is perfect for bigger pups. Remember that the size of the cage will determine the size of the opening. That might be the kind of feature you dog doesn’t pay any attention to at all. But it also might be something your animal hyper focuses on. It’s hard to know until you try. Reason #3: Keep Things Fun and Flexible If there’s one thing that both dogs and cats can agree on, it’s laying out in the sunshine for hours at a time. The sheer luxury of soaking in the outside world can really make your furry friend’s day. As the seasons change, so too do their favorite spots, so it’s important to have a cage that can keep up with the sights, sounds and smells of a crisp new day. Maybe they like to spend the Spring underneath an open window, or have their home moved over to the living room to catch a lovely Fall sunset. It certainly sounds romantic; until you try to drag a heavyweight cage from one room to the next. That’s why it’s best to think about mobility beforehand. Also, make sure to find a solution that has locking wheels, so it can be moved with ease but trusted to withstand the shifting of a heavyweight tenant. This is a universal must-have feature, because new sights and sounds keep things fresh, leading to less boredom and more security for your pup. Reason #4: Because Keeping It Clean Makes Everyone Happy We love our animals, which mean we don’t mind cleaning up after the occasional mess. But if there’s any way to avoid that and make things easier, and perhaps even more comfortable for our pets, then it’s a must-have. That’s why you’ll want to make sure you get a crate with a removable tray for waste. Ideally, you’ll want something that’s stain- and rust-resistant to ensure longer-lasting durability. These may seem like minor details at first, but if your pet falls in love with their cage they may relax in that space for long hours over the course of years. Which leads us to… Reason #5: Built to Last Few things are more reliable than our favorite pets ripping up their favorite toys. Whether you’re talking about chew toys, dog beds, or their crate, it’s important to buy products that’re built to last rather than skimping on quality to save a few dollars. Pay close attention to the details when you’re buying a new home for them. Especially when it comes to special coatings or finishes. A good tip for judging build quality is to see whether the crate is rated for indoor/outdoor use, or just indoor only. Much like heavy-duty patio furniture, indoor/outdoor cages are built to withstand the elements, and practically anything else your animal can throw at them. They may cost a little extra, but you won’t have to replace them nearly as often (if ever) even with frequent use. After all; this isn’t just about getting the best possible value. It’s also about avoiding that day where you have to scramble to replace your pet’s favorite spot overnight. Where to Buy a Pet Cage As you can see, it’s pretty important to drive a hard bargain when it comes to your favorite pet’s miniature “condo.” The benefits of a good pet cage are pretty impressive. But altogether it’s not too much to ask for the best dog cage in the market. Your pet deserves durable construction, with corrosion-resistant finishes, a practical way to handle pet waste and a flexible entry system. So where can you find something that meets all these criteria? Mix Wholesale, that’s where. It’s important to shop around and consider the reviews, but we promise you won’t find a better crate on the market.
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Elliptical Machines vs. Indoor Cycling Bikes
Which Machine Wins the Cardio Exercise Stamp of Approval? “Lazy Exercise” is the best kind of exercise. This isn’t driving across town for spin class. This is walking out to the garage, putting on your favorite album, and burning a few calories before going into the office. This is a midnight session after an aggravating day at work, or a weekend session after a too-indulgent brunch with friends. Nothing makes your house a home quite your own personal home gym. Often in the garage or a spare bedroom and often one of the only places the kids will actually leave you alone. This is a space where you can burn some serious calories - provided you’ve got the right equipment. But when it comes to cardio, the crowd seems divided... Do you go for elliptical machine benefits like “total body” engagement and immersion, or do you go with indoor cycling exercise benefits like practical training and comfortable calorie burn? What elliptical machine is good for daily exercise? Can an elliptical machine help you lose weight? Let’s look at a few of the most common questions when it comes to these two popular platforms and try to decide which one belongs in your home gym. We’ll start with the benefits first: Indoor Cycling Bike Benefits: This platform is great for “anytime” training. Whether you’re watching a movie or catching up on a favorite book, you can easily train on an indoor cycle and get an outstanding, accelerated calorie burn. Additionally, this type of equipment provides practical training for long bike rides. Elliptical Machine Benefits: Constant. Rapid. Engagement. Or for lack of a better term - fun, that's what elliptical machines are good for. Especially when you have the feedback of a smart device. They’re a great cardiovascular trainer that keeps you on your feet and burns calories fast. Using an elliptical machine to lose weight can be engaging and entertaining. Additionally, they are effective space-savers in a home gym. Can an elliptical machine help you lose weight? Due to the high level of cardiovascular stimulation provided by an elliptical machine, users will rapidly burn calories with minimal risk of overexertion (when following an established exercise regiment). That means in roughly half the time it takes you to ‘walk off’ the calories from a big meal, you can burn them off on an elliptical while simultaneously toning muscle which in turn increases your base metabolic rate. So the answer is yes. With regular use, an elliptical machine will most definitely help you lose weight. The real question is how to best use it to achieve your weight loss goals. For that, regular, frequent use if the key. Half-hour sessions as often as is convenient, pushing your body to the edge of comfort. Each of these sessions can burn a substantial amount of calories, meaning that if your diet remains consistent then you’ll start to notice a difference in no time at all. Are elliptical machine calorie counters accurate? Yes and no. Basically, any intense cardiovascular exercise is going to leave you with an elevated heart rate that rapidly burns calories for hours to come. This is the difference between “active calories” (burned during exercise) and total calories burned, due to the effect of exercise. Smart devices don’t always display calorie burn data the same way, but they do provide a rough guideline to inform your daily exercise output. While an onboard elliptical machine device will provide a rough picture of calories burned, it’s best to average your burn across multiple smart devices if possible. Can an elliptical machine tone your stomach? Yes and no. The key to toning your stomach is regular abdominal exercise. Regular core workouts are necessary to define the muscles commonly referred to as a “six-pack.” But as the saying goes, “no one can see a six-pack hiding behind a keg.” Thus, regular cardiovascular exercise is necessary to maintain desired levels of calorie burn and body composition. So, while elliptical exercise won’t directly result in a six-pack, it will help you show it off more easily. What are the differences between an elliptical machine and an indoor upright stationary cycling bike? With an elliptical machine, your body engages with four points of motion and contact at the hands and feet. In terms of an indoor upright stationary cycling bike, your feet will be doing all the work. That means the bike provides greater overall stability, while the elliptical provides an improved degree of engagement. In terms of the "cons", an elliptical machine doesn’t exactly train your body for any specific activity (except maybe cross country skiing). Basically, while you’re burning calories, you’re not training for everyday activates. When it comes to the bike "cons", many people get uncomfortable when sitting still for a full hour-long workout session. This can be easily remedied by getting a bike with the right seat and wearing the proper attire while cycling. For those concerned with mobility, cycling is an exercise that requires slightly less mobility when compared to an elliptical. However, both machines will work to enhance the user’s overall mobility throughout the course of an exercise routine. What is important to consider before buying an elliptical machine or an indoor cycling bike? When it comes to weight loss and cardiovascular fitness, the answer comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer to sit and read the news on their tablet while peddling, while others like the immersive “full-body” engagement of an elliptical machine. Both are outstanding in terms of overall calorie burning potential, and are bound to deliver the kind of results you're looking for. It’s just a matter of which form of exercise you’ll enjoy the most. Once you’ve decided on your preference, you’ll want to consider a few things. What are your fitness goals and how often do you plan to use the machine? Those are generally a good guide to how much you want to spend on a new piece of exercise equipment. Considering the average gym membership can cost over $500 per year, it’s okay to splurge a little when it comes to getting a quality fitness machine in your home. What’s the best elliptical machine for home use? Elliptical machines can greatly vary in price, and it can be hard for new users to tell whether there’s any value to those more expensive models beyond the brand name they sport. Fortunately, as with many other technologies, prices are coming down, while value options are only getting better. So whether you’re just getting started, are building a home gym, or you’re just looking to add a little something extra to your daily routine, we recommend getting started with the best-value you can find. Some of the best budget choices out there feature advanced space-saving designs, fitness trackers, an 11” foot stride, and a 21” arm extension. These types of elliptical machines are a great starting point for daily use. Where is the best place to buy an elliptical machineor an indoor cycling bike? It’s easy to become overwhelmed with choices when shopping for the right fitness equipment. Don’t try to save a buck by buying secondhand exercise equipment as it can potentially be faulty and you could get seriously injured. Also, pay attention to reviews for both the product and seller and be mindful of the terms of your purchase as well as the warranty. When all is said and done the main goal is that you're happy with your purchase.
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Airbrush Buyer’s Guide
Airbrush Buyer’s Guide Mystified by the variety of airbrushes available? Don’t know a single-action from a double-action? Don’t panic -- whether you’re shopping for your very first airbrush, buying a gift, or just curious about how airbrushes work, this guide can help. Airbrush Basics Types of Airbrushes There are two main types of airbrushes: single-action and double-action. “Action” in this context refers to the finger lever used to control the flow of air and paint from the paintbrush. Single-Action Airbrushes: This is the simpler, easier-to-use type of airbrush. A single-action airbrush’s lever is limited to a single up-and-down movement of the finger lever or trigger-style level. Thus, the spray of paint and air is determined entirely by the settings of the airbrush and cannot be changed. Single-action airbrushes are frequently used by beginners and hobbyists. They lack the versatility and subtlety of the double-action airbrush. However, single-action models are less expensive. If you’re a novice airbrusher, or covering large areas at a time, a single-action airbrush may be right for you. Double-Action Airbrushes: As you might guess from the name, double-action airbrushes have two different modes of action. Depressing the finger lever controls the flow of air. Pulling the trigger back releases paint. The further back you pull the trigger, the more paint you release. Technically: pulling the trigger moves the airbrush needle further back into the airbrush, which allows a wider opening at the paint nozzle. Double-action airbrushes offer greater versatility than their single-action counterparts. They are accordingly more difficult to use and master. If you’re an experienced airbrush artist, or working on projects that require a variety of application techniques, a double-action airbrush is probably right for you. Airbrush Feed Variations In addition to single- and double-action, airbrushes are categorized by the manner in which paint is fed into the airbrush. Gravity-feed airbrushes use paint cup attachments mounted to the top or side of the airbrush, which rely on gravity to draw the paint into the airbrush. They are less bulky than siphon-feed models and may be easier to use, depending on the application. Their main drawback is the requirement to empty and clean out the airbrush in order to change colors. Siphon-feed airbrushes use paint bottles mounted underneath the airbrush body. Although the paint bottle contributes significantly to bulk, the ability to rapidly change paint bottles makes the siphon-feed airbrush the tool of choice for artists who wish to rapidly or frequently change colors. Caring for Your Airbrush Airbrushes are delicate tools that require some TLC. We strongly recommend the following preventative maintenance for your airbrush: Clean after every use. (If you don’t, you may wind up with clogging, irregular sprays, or spattering.) Use distilled water to clean after water-based paint. For acrylic paints, or other paints based on solvents, use turpentine or another solvent to flush out any remaining paint. Note: cleaning your airbrush is the single most critical maintenance task. If you don’t do this, don’t bother with the other stuff. Avoid cleaners that contain ammonia. Ammonia is a great solvent, but corrodes brass and causes chrome plating to peel. Don’t soak the entire airbrush. You can soak individual parts, but if you soak the entire airbrush you’ll not only remove the lube that helps keep the airbrush functioning, you’re also exposing your o-rings to solvents that will eat away at them. In addition, some have discovered to their dismay that paint sometimes precipitates out of the solvent into odd nooks and crannies of the airbrush. Avoid unpleasant surprises -- don’t soak your airbrush.
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Does Tattoo Numbing Cream Work?
All it takes is a quick Google search to find people looking for pain-free tattoos. While it's hard to understand for most artists, there are people out there that don't think the discomfort of being tattooed is a good thing. It would be great if you could just buy any product, throw a sign up in the shop window that said, "Pain Free Tattoos Here!" and go, but what makes a good numbing cream and do they work at all? Why Don't Tattoo Artists Use Numbing Cream? A lot of tattoo artists refuse to use numbing creams or sprays during their sessions. There's a few reasons, but most of them boil down to two: 1. They consider the pain of a tattoo part of the tradition and a rite of passage. 2. They've used numbing cream before and it didn't work. There's a huge part of the tattooed community that considers the pain part of the process of getting their ink. People this group tend to look at any irritation or pain they feel as just another part of their tattoo that makes it more meaningful. If you're in this category it's worth understanding that you will eventually get a client that has an ultra-low pain tolerance. It will happen. For these clients, the pain isn't tolerable - but that doesn't make their tattoo any less important to them. If you're in the second group, it's entirely possible that the numbing cream you used wasn't great - but that doesn't mean that all numbing creams and sprays are ineffective. Keep reading to get an overview of how numbing cream works and how you can make it work for you. How Does Numbing Cream Work? How numbing cream works depends on which active ingredient is in the mix. Most tattoo numbing ingredients fall into three categories: Nerve Deadeners Chemicals like lidocaine temporarily deaden the nerves in the skin to prevent those nerves from registering pain. Nerve deadeners are great, but they rarely sink below the surface of the skin, which means they aren't going to be 100% effective for tattoos. Nerve deadening mixtures include Zone 1 cream, which is 5% lidocaine. In order to get the most out of these, they'll need to be combined with a nerve blocker or vasoconstrictor. Nerve Blockers Nerve blockers include tetracaine. These chemicals mean your nerves still register some level of pain, but they don't send the, "OW!" signal to the brain. Tetracaine and it's fellow nerve-blocker, benzocaine, are both pH-neutral, like most nerve blockers. Because they don't prevent the nerves from registering pain on their own, nerve blockers are usually combined with nerve deadeners to prevent involuntary flinching. Pro Plus cream (Dermal Source) is an example of a lidocaine/tetracaine (nerve deadener/nerve blocker) mix; creams like these are most commonly used for numbing during permanent eyeliner application. Vasoconstrictors Vasoconstrictors are the most powerful numbing agent you'll be able to use. Vasoconstrictors include epinephrine, and they work by causing blood vessels to constrict which reduces bleeding. These chemicals also slow down absorption, which means that, when mixed with other numbing agents, they allow them to last longer. Epinephrine mixes are also great for use during tattoo sessions because they cut down on bleeding and swelling. Because they act quickly, reduce bleeding and can be safely used during the session, mixed numbing sprays like Vasocaine (lidocaine and epinephrine) and Blue Gel (lidocaine, tetracaine, and epinephrine) are some of the most effective on the market. How To Use Tattoo Numbing Cream When it comes to using numbing cream in your shop it can take a little bit of trial-and-error to get the process completely right. Here are the best steps you can follow to keep your sessions pain-free: 1. Pick the right set-up; not every numbing cream is right for every tattoo. If a client comes in with a random numbing cream off the shelf they're going to need to reschedule; the right numbing cream makes a huge difference in how long it lasts and if it can be applied during their session. If they bring in a cream without epinephrine, it's going to wear off halfway through their tattoo and they're going to get a very unpleasant surprise. Check our selection-chart (to the right) and make sure you're working with the right tools. 2. Wash the client's skin with green soap or a numbing wash (like Super Juice 3). You'll want to remove dead skin and oil before you apply your numbing solution. Green soap will work just fine, but numbing washes (like SJ3) increase the numbing effect of other topicals by keeping the skin pH neutral. Green soap as a small amount of alcohol in it, which can make skin more acidic and slow down or stop some creams and sprays. 3. Apply the pre-deadener... and wait. Ideally, a client can do steps 2 and 3 at home, because after you've applied your pre-deadener you'll need to wait 5-30 minutes for the area to numb. The amount of time depends on the numbing cream you're using and the area it's applied to: thicker skin takes longer to numb than thin skin. 4. Wash off your pre-deadener and start the tattoo. Once the area is numb, you'll wash off the pre-deadener and start the tattoo. It doesn't need to be on the skin in order to keep working, and some numbing creams that are safe topically can cause irritation to broken skin. 5. Apply an approved spray every 15-20 minutes during the session. Preferably a vasoconstrictor, your broken-skin approved spray will keep the client numb throughout the session. If you're using a spray you can transfer it to a small spray bottle with a nozzle to make it easier to bag.
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Whole Body Vibration & Mood
There is plenty of scientific evidence out there proving the benefits associated with whole body vibration (WBV). Whole body vibration can help alleviate back pain, speed up the recovery of muscle and joint injuries, and even enhance weight loss. But did you know that there is scientific evidence which suggests WBV could also improve your mood? There are several published studies showing that WBV training can increase the levels of feel-good neurotransmitters in your brain. At the same time, such therapies can also reduce the amount of cortisol (your body’s main stress hormone) in the blood. For these reasons, and many more, wellness centers across the country are getting extra mileage out of their WBV machines thanks to these mood-enhancing benefits. The Science of Serotonin, Dopamine, and Whole Body Vibration A serotonin molecule. When levels of serotonin and dopamine are too low in the human brain, they create imbalance. This can cause a number of different mood problems and disorders. Sleeplessness, irritability, poor appetite, and lethargy are all common symptoms associated with having low serotonin and dopamine levels. When you compound these problems with cortisol – your body’s stress hormone – these problems can become much worse. Weight gain (even if you’re eating less), water retention, and slowed reaction times can be frustrating or, worse, dangerous. Serotonin is one of the key “happy” neurotransmitters. Low serotonin levels are most often associated with clinical conditions like depression and anxiety. Your body naturally releases serotonin when you eat foods high in B vitamins, spend time in the sun and when you consume sugar (probably not the healthiest way to meet all of your serotonin needs!). A dopamine molecule. Dopamine is very similar to serotonin in the sense that it makes you feel good, but it’s actually more related to adrenaline. Dopamine makes you feel pleasant, energized and allows you to focus. Your body naturally releases dopamine when you do anything that makes you happy, from kissing a loved one to eating a piece of chocolate. Low dopamine levels can cause inattention, very low energy and nasty mood swings. Thankfully, we know now that WBV can be used to combat low serotonin and dopamine levels. European scientists have shown that exposure to whole body vibration in rats produced a statistically significant boost in both serotonin and dopamine levels. Because rat brains respond in similar ways to human brains when exposed to stress, such findings are hopeful for helping people with mood disorders. It should also be noted that in the dopamine study, the rats in the control group who were exposed to stress had higher levels of cortisol in their amigdalya (the fear center of the brain). The WBV rats, on the other hand, had lower levels of cortisol and higher levels of dopamine, indicating that their stress levels were lower. Putting Whole Body Vibration to Therapeutic Use As we head into winter and the holidays, stress can creep up on you without warning. Combine that stress with the holiday junk food and you have a recipe for disaster! Just 10 minutes of WBV training during the day can help keep your mood high and your cortisol low. As we head into winter and the holidays, stress can creep up on you without warning. Combine that stress with the holiday junk food and you have a recipe for disaster! Just 10 minutes of WBV training during the day can help keep your mood high and your cortisol low.
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Complete Bounce House Buying and Review Guide
Complete Bounce House Buying and Review Guide Bounce houses have become all the rage at children's parties and events, and it's not hard to see why: kids love them for the entertainment they provide. Standard bouncers are lots of fun for the kids to bounce around in for hours, but some of the more elaborate bounce houses include features like obstacle courses, slides, and basketball hoops. All that activity keeps the kids busy for hours and tires them out - which is great news for parents! But with all of these options, how do you know which bounce house to choose? Should you rely solely on bounce house reviews? Do you rent every time you need a bouncer, or do you buy a bounce house so you always have it? Will buying save you any money over renting in the long run? What's most economical? How do you separate the quality from the poorly-made - especially when you can't see the bouncer in person? We'll help you answer all of these questions and more! Common Names for Bounce Houses Bounce houses go by several different names, all of which generally mean the same thing. Keep an eye out for the following terms: bounce house, bouncer, moonwalk, moon bounce, spacewalk, bouncy castle, bounce around, jumper, jump house, inflatable, inflatable bouncer, inflatable jumper, and inflatable moonwalk. Bouncy castle typically refers to a bounce house in the shape of a castle. Inflatable slides and inflatable water slides typically don't include a jump area for safety reasons. You might also find that commercial bounce houses are simply referred to as commercial inflatables and residential bounce houses are called home inflatables. Commercial vs. Residential: What's the Difference? If you're buying a bounce house for your home, you might be wondering if a commercial inflatable is a better investment. After all, you could rent it out on the weekends when you aren't using it and make some extra money. The bounce house could pay for itself! But what is the difference between residential and commercial bouncers? Could you just rent out a residential bouncer..? The short answer is no. Never rent out a bounce house that was designed for home use! While residential bounce houses are built out of high-quality materials, they can't hold as much weight as a commercial inflatable, and that means they are more easily overloaded. Not to mention that renting out a residential bouncer will always void your warranty, and it might violate local safety regulations. To be safe, you should only rent out high-quality commercial bounce houses. Commercial bouncers are typically larger, and are designed to handle more frequent use. Commercial bounce houses must comply with strict regulations in order to be insured for business use. This typically means they must meet ASTM manufacturing guidelines (such as ASTM F2374, "Standard Practice for Design, Manufacture, Operation and Maintenance of Inflatable Amusement Devices"), as well as meeting general safety regulations, including CPSIA. This means that these bounce houses have been tested and meet certain quality guidelines based on national standards. However, it's important to be aware of any additional local regulations; certain states and even particular counties require additional certification in order for you to rent out your bouncer. If you are a business owner, you'll want to ensure the bouncer you are purchasing complies with your local laws and codes. Interested in a more detailed review of the differences between commercial inflatables and residential bounce houses? Check out our article, "The Difference Between Commercial And Residential Bouncers"! [September 2014 Update] As of 2014, the ASTM has released an additional Safety Standard for home inflatables called F2729 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Constant Air Inflatable Play Devices for Home Use. These voluntary standards include additional testing for home-use inflatables. Rent vs. Buy: How Do You Decide? So now that you're familiar with the differences between commercial and residential inflatables, you're probably wondering whether it's a better idea to buy or rent your bouncer. On the one hand, you can get more use out of a bouncer if you've purchased it, which would allow you to save money. But how much will you really use it? What will happen when the kids outgrow it? If you know for sure that you're only going to use a bounce house once, than it makes more sense to rent. (Yes, a bounce house manufacturing company is telling you it makes more sense to rent in this case. Honesty is always the best policy!) If you think you'll only use the bounce house for special events, though, you'll probably want to think again. Bouncers are a great way to keep the kids entertained on weekends, and an even better way to tire them out. What's more, they're great for having other parents and their children over for play dates; and it definitely beats sitting the kids down in front of the TV. If you're worried about the kids outgrowing the bouncer in a few years, there are a few options: You can buy a larger bouncer now that the kids will have room to grow into; some home bounce houses can hold up to 750-pounds. This gives you more time for the children to grow into it. You could invest in a small commercial bouncer. While these bounce houses are typically more expensive, they're built to hold up through the years and stand up to frequent inflations. With this, you even have the option of starting a small business to rent out your bounce house and letting it pay for itself. "But what about these great rental specials?!" The reality is that most rental specials still aren't cheap by any means. They're also temporary - meaning the next time you want to rent, it's probably going to cost you even more. So unless you are certain this is a one-time thing, you might want to consider buying your bouncer instead. Here's an example: A rental company offers a rate of $100 for a basic bounce house for one day. You find a similar (albeit slightly smaller) bounce house for sale at $500. It would take you five uses to get your money's worth. If that rental company offered a promotion of $85 for the bounce house (which is lower than any rate we've ever seen), it would take six uses before you got your money's worth and seven to save money—assuming you got the special rate every time you rented. Two birthday parties and a few play dates later, the moonwalk has paid for itself. So put some thought into the decision and bust out the calculator, especially if price is holding you back. It helps to realize that a bounce house is not just something for the special events; it's also a great way to turn an afternoon into its own special event and make memories with your little ones. Added bonus? When those birthday parties, picnics and play dates come up, all of your entertainment will be taken care of and ready to go! Picking A Quality Bounce House You should be able to see a brand's quality right on the bounce house's specifications. If a manufacturer is not forthcoming with information regarding lead law compliance, specific materials used, or other information, it's a good idea to look elsewhere. When you manufacture quality bounce houses, there's nothing to hide! There should be zero ambiguity when describing their products; if a manufacturer doesn't list the materials, full size or warranty, stay away from that seller! Don't buy unless you know exactly what you're getting, how long it's covered under warranty, and what's included. Trust your instincts: If you're searching for a bounce house company and one of them is giving you a shady vibe, look elsewhere. You'll also want to check their bounce house reviews to get a better idea of what to expect from a particular model of bounce house; there's nowhere better to find an opinion than from people that have already bought and used the same inflatable. If there aren't any reviews for a particular model, check and see if there are reviews for similar bouncers that are available. Most brands have similar quality and ease-of-use across all of their similar-style inflatables. Choosing Your Bounce House Armed with information about commercial and residential bounce houses and prepared to pick a quality bounce house manufacturer, you're ready to start shopping for your own bounce house. There are still three things you'll want to consider: Bounce House Size When it comes to picking your own bouncer, the first thing you'll want to consider is the size you need. Bounce houses have very specific capacity and weight requirements, so you'll want to know how many kids you're planning on. You don't need to call up all of their parents and ask their weight, but you'll want to make a good guesstimate before moving on. Once you know what your weight requirements will be, you'll want to figure out how much room you have available to you for a bounce house. You'll need space surrounding the bouncer (at the minimum, 5 feet in every direction) to avoid collision accidents, so you'll want to measure your space accurately. Once you've figure out what space and weight you need, you're ready to move on choosing a bounce house. Bouncer Theme If you have particularly young children, you'll want to pick a neutral-themed bouncer that they can grow with and you can re-purpose as often as possible. For example, a colorful castle bounce house can be used for every kid in the family and can be decorated for just about every occasion. A giant slide or obstacle course can be re-used over and over again without eliciting groans for being "something just for little kids." For example, if you want to have a Spiderman theme at your child's next birthday party, you'll probably want a Spiderman bouncer to go with it. But your bouncer doesn't need to match to plates and napkins to be perfect - kids want to be Spiderman, not jump inside of him! With the money you save from owning your own bouncer, you could buy some face paint or mini masks and let the little ones be Spiderman (or Spiderwoman!) without getting stuck with a theme your children will outgrow. Special Features Finally, you'll want to consider what special features a bouncer offers. For example, superhero-loving children will probably enjoy an obstacle course-style bounce house with tunnels and climbing walls where they can imagine chasing the bad guys. Younger children might be happier with a large bounce area, while older children like the excitement of a full-size slide. A bounce house with a basketball hoop can provide entertainment for kids of all ages long after they are done "just bouncing," and keep them entertained for hours. You'll want to make sure the features you pick are appropriate for the group you are expecting. If you're planning on adults being in the mix (or older teens) you'll want to look into commercial inflatables, which have features like giant inflatable slide races. These are a hit with kids over the age of 7, but generally aren't as good for children 6 and under who might be intimidated by their height. An inflatable water slide is always a hit, but it misses out on some of the jumping features. Once you've decided which features are most important to you, you're finally ready to pick the perfect bounce house! You'll get years of joy and hundreds of memories from your new bounce house and you'll have the security of knowing you made the best choice for you.
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