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Senior citizens fear moving into a nursing home and the loss of their independence far more than death.

A recent study commissioned by Clarity and the EAR Foundation found that 89 percent of American seniors want to age-in-place, that is, continue to live in their homes as long as possible, and are willing to use adaptive technology that will allow them to maintain their independence.

The study found that their children—Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964, now faced with the responsibility of dealing with the housing care and other needs of their aging parents—share the same concerns and are willing to support their parents’ efforts. This means, of course that many of the more than 76 million Boomers have assumed the caregiving role for their aging parents. Most are unprepared for the cost, emotional toll, and health issues they face as caregivers.

Seniors rated loss of independence (26 percent) and moving from their home into a nursing home (13 percent) as their greatest fears. Death was listed as a fear by only three percent of the respondents questioned for the research study. “These findings tell us that, above all else, older Americans value their ability to live independently,” notes Peter Bell, president of the National Aging in Place Council.

Adult Day Care is a particularly attractive solution that can provide comfort to aging seniors, as well as their Baby Boomer caregivers. It’s true that these caregivers may be somewhat reluctant to use adult day care services because these services are unfamiliar to them, or because the elder is hesitant to try something new. The benefits of adult day care are these:

• Participants benefit from socializing with others and receiving the kinds of care services they need.

• Equally important, the caregiver benefits by getting a break from caregiving duties while knowing that their loved one is in good hands.

The fact is, of course, is that because life expectancy is continuing to rise, many, if not all of us may need assistance as we age. Help of all kinds is becoming increasingly available, and an especially valuable option is adult day care. It’s specifically designed for older adults who can no longer manage independently, or who are isolated and lonely.

What is an adult day care center? Adult day care is a planned program of activities designed to promote aging seniors’ well-being by means of social and health-related services. Adult day care centers typically operate during weekday daytime hours, offering a safe, supportive, cheerful environment. Nutritious meals that can accommodate special diets are typically included, along with an afternoon snack.

The centers can be public or private, non-profit or for-profit. The intent of an adult day center is primarily two-fold:

• To provide the elderly an opportunity to get out of the house during the day, and to receive mental and social stimulation; and

• To give the elder’s caregiver with a much-need break, which can be used to attend to other responsibilities or to rest and relax.

The National Adult Day Services Association (NASDA) estimates that there are approximately 4,000 adult day care centers operating nationwide. The proliferation of centers over the past two decades corresponds to what NASDA believes is the “mushrooming demand for home and community based services” to meet the needs of a rapidly-escalating elder population.

Good candidates for adult day care are seniors who:

• Can benefit from the friendship and functional assistance a day care center offers,

• May be physically or cognitively challenged but do not require 24-hour supervision,

• Are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Adult day dare center participants need to be mobile, with the possible assistance of a cane, walker or wheelchair; in most cases, they must also be continent.

Adult day care is different than “adult day health care.” The latter usually requires a physician-performed health assessment as a precondition to admission into the program. Adult day health centers, which typically use the term “Adult Day Health Care” (ADHC) in their names, often provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy. ADHCs are usually staffed with a registered nurse, as well as other health professionals. There is a third type of day care that provides social and health services specifically for seniors with Alzheimer’s or a related type of dementia.

Services provided by adult day care centers. The mission of these centers is to maintain and build upon seniors’ skills, knowledge, and their particular abilities and strengths. Typical activities are these:

• Arts and crafts;

• Musical entertainment;

• Mental stimulation games;

• Stretching or other gentle exercise;

• Discussion groups;

• Holiday and birthday celebrations; and

• Local outings.

Some centers offer programs that include children and animals. Indeed, recent research has found that the availability of animals in these environments provide the following benefits:

• Improved sense of purpose and fulfillment.

• Reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation.

• Lowered blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

• Increased survival among heart-attack victims who own dogs.

• Improved blood circulation.

• Slowed loss of bone tissue.

One Australian study revealed that pet owners typically visit the doctor fewer times and use less medication; recover more quickly from surgery and illness; and deal better with stressful situations. Pets also have been found to relax us, entertain us and open up opportunities for socializing.

Besides recreational activities, some adult day care centers provide transportation to and from the center, social services including counseling and support groups for caregivers, and health support services such as blood pressure monitoring and vision screening.

Benefits of adult day care. The benefits of adult day care can be substantial and significant. Here are some examples.

• A safe, secure environment to spend the day;

• Enjoyable and educational activities;

• Improvement in mental and physical health;

• Enhanced level of independence;

• Socialization and peer support; and

• Nutritious meals and snacks.

When to opt for an adult day care center. According to ElderCare Online, you should seriously consider using adult day care when a senior:

• Can no longer structure his or her own daily activities;

• Is isolated and wants companionship;

• Can’t be safely left alone at home; or

• Lives with someone who works outside the home or who is frequently away from home for other reasons.

Finding the right adult day center for your family’s needs. The National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) recommends you start by asking yourself what specific services both elder adult and caregiver most need.

• Are social activities the primary need?

• Is there a need for assistance with walking, eating or medications?

• Is mental stimulation required? Exercise?

• As a caregiver, do you need support? Some free time? Help with transportation?

The answers to these questions will help you determine which of the three main types of adult day care centers (social, health-focused, and Alzheimer’s/dementia oriented) will best serve you.

There are numerous references and resources that can help locate adult day care centers in your area, including www.greatplacesinc.com. In addition, you can also try:

• Your family doctor

• Local social services or health department

• Mental health centers

• Local senior center

• Area Agency on Aging (Call 1-800-677-1116 for the AAA in your area)

• Yellow Pages listings under Adult Day Care, Aging Services, Senior Citizens’ Services, and similar categories.

When you phone the center(s) you’ve decided to consider, ask the following questions:

• Who owns or sponsors the agency?

• How long has it been operating?

• Is it licensed or certified? (If required in your state)

• What are the days and hours of operation?

• Is transportation to and from the center provided?

• Which conditions are accepted (e.g., memory loss, limited mobility, incontinence)?

• What are the staff’s credentials, and what is the ratio of staff to participants?

• What activities are offered? Are there a variety of individual and group programs?

• Are meals and snacks included? Are special diets accommodated?

Next, spend a day at the center that sounds best to you, so that you can get a “feel” for the people and environment. Be sure to bring a site checklist with you. You may wish to go back a few times to see whether your experience on different days confirms your initial impressions.

Costs and financial assistance for adult day care. The cost for an adult day care center ranges from $25 to $70 or more per day, depending on where you live and the services provided (e.g., meals, transportation, nursing supervision). Professional health care services will mean higher fees. Many facilities offer services on a sliding fee scale, meaning that what you pay is based on your income and ability to pay.

Although Medicare does not cover adult day care, Medicaid will pay most or all of the costs in licensed adult day health care settings and in Alzheimer’s focused centers for participants with very low income and few assets. Be sure to ask about financial assistance and possible scholarships.

Private medical insurance policies sometimes cover a portion of adult day care costs when licensed medical professionals are involved in the care. Long-term care insurance may also pay for adult day services, depending on the policy. Additionally, dependent-care tax credits may be available to you as caregiver.

Laurence Harmon is a principal of http://www.greatplacesinc.com, a web-based information source for Baby Boomers who are increasingly responsible for their aging parents’ needs–including housing, caregiving, legal and insurance issues, and many more.

The best things in life can be found in small coolers. Well, fresh fruit juices, canned beers, ice cream and ice pops are nothing but ordinary stuffs inside your good old fridge. At the comforts of your own kitchen, there is nothing marvelous about a cold bottle of fresh milk or beer.

For the sake of argument, imagine yourself thirsty after a hot and spicy lunch right in the middle of the Sahara desert under the African sun. How you wish for an ice cold beer or for a glassful of cold fruit juice. Perhaps, you would not think twice swigging a bottle of lukewarm beer. It goes without saying, there are places and occasions that brings out the best in something. In the case of fruit juices and beers, they are best served when chilled though not necessarily always in the desert.

If you think bringing your 7-cubic feet refrigerator to the Sahara just to keep your food and drink cool makes sense. No, it does not make any sense at all and it is not cool. And do not ever think about bringing the Sahara to where your fridge is.

The dilemma in bringing food and drinks across different places while keeping them cool and fresh was solved when small coolers were invented. Since then, food and drink stays fresh, cool and at their best for longer periods during picnics, vacation and holidays whenever and wherever.

Portable ice chests and coolers are usually made from plastic. In between its interior and exterior shells is a hard type of foam to help lessen the effect of heat transfer. Disposable coolers, on the other hand, are made from styrene foam. Ice chests and coolers have molded-in handles and shoulder straps for easy handling.

Small coolers come in different colors and styles so designed to fit different occasions, places and even personalities. There are coolers for those who love adventure, music, and sports. Choose your coolest cooler from the list:

* Beach Bag Cooler - It keeps your foods and drinks cool for hours and can double as a day bag.

* Picnic Wine Cooler - It keeps your wine at the ideal temperature and can double as a champagne cooler.

* Music Coolers - This innovative cooler plays your favorite music while keeping your drinks cool.

* Golf Bag Cooler - The golf enthusiast’s wellspring of cold drinks.

* Collapsible Rolling Cooler - It can easily collapse for easy storage.

* Cooler Chair - You can sit on it in comfort and reach for your drink anytime.

* Lunch Box Cooler- It features complete lunch accessories you can bring anywhere.

* Backpack Cooler - This cooler is ideal for long trips or travel.

* Cooler with Grill - It features complete accessories for a barbecue.

* Fishing Cooler - It comes with a tackle box, perfect for the ardent fisherman.

Whatever you do in life, there is one portable ice chest designed just for you. Imagine what life would be like without small coolers. Under the sun, we all deserve something that is best served when chilled

For more tips and information about small coolers, check out http://www.summitcampinggear.com/personal.html.

In the toddler period, enormous changes take place in a child. Your baby is entering a whole new stage in his life where his sense of autonomy and independence increases. There is an intense desire to explore his environment and discover new ways to manipulate objects on his own.

At this point, it is important for a parent to support the child’s growing independence with sensitivity and patience. A major goal for a parent is to learn how to promote autonomy yet maintain a safe, healthful environment.

Toys play an essential part in a child’s development. It can help the child acquire new physical and mental skills. In giving your baby toddler toys to play with, safety precautions should always be kept in mind. A toddler is very curious with his surroundings so they are often at risks to accidents. It is best to have preventive measures before giving a toy to your precious child.

Generally, the most vital aspect of safety is to be very careful and focused in purchasing a toy. It is an excellent idea to read all the information on the box thoroughly before deciding to purchase the toy.

One thing to consider in making playtime safe is to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended age. This means buy age appropriate toys for your child. Do not buy toys that are advanced or behind your baby’s development. Children under the age of 3 years should never play with toys which consist of small elements that are removable. This may pose as a choking hazard for the child for the reason that they try to eat anything they get their hands on.

Another way to promote safety is to avoid buying toys with holes, rough, pointed edges and sharp sides. Your child may possibly hurt himself by sticking it to his eyes or pinching his fingers. Keep your baby away from long strings and ropes. The child may try to play with this and end up strangling himself.

Plastic wrappings can also pose a threat for your little tyke. It is important to remove the packaging first before offering it to your little one. He may try to put his head inside it which can suffocate him. A harmless toy is one which cannot injure your child if it happens to fall on him, so it does not have to be big and heavy.

Caution should also be done in checking the nature of materials the toy is made of. Carefully identify if it is made of non toxic materials and contains any amount of lead. This can be dangerous for your child and may turn out to be fatal. Toddlers always put objects in their mouth so there is a tendency that they may bite on a toy containing this harmful substance.

And lastly, good toys do not necessarily mean it being expensive. There are a million of toys in the market to choose from. You just have to shop wisely and find trustworthy toy makers that have high standards and are child friendly. The price should not be an issue as long as the toy can stimulate your child’s mind as well as guarantee his safety.

Toys facilitate child growth physically, mentally and emotionally. The benefits of toddler toys are immeasurable so it is essential to choose safe toys to be able to create an environment that is both fun and conducive for learning not only for the toddler but the whole family.

For more tips and information about Toddler Toys, check out http://www.thekidstoystore.com/toddler.html.

If you are an avid camper, chances are, you are very much attached to your sleeping bag. If you have found “the one” here are some useful tips in maintaining it so you can be sure that you will be enjoying a lot of camping trips together.

An important aspect of maintaining your gear is of course, to keep it clean. Keeping it clean does not necessarily correspond to how well or often it’s washed, but on how it’s kept from being dirty in the first place so that it will not require too much washing (which can also contribute to wear and tear).

It is always best to pair your bag with a tent with waterproof flooring so that the dirt and moisture from the ground will not come in direct contact with it. If for some reason you will not be sleeping inside a tent or if your tent does not have waterproof flooring, a useful tip would be to cut a big garbage bag. Spread open, this garbage bag will work well in providing dirt protection to your bag’s underside.

However, it’s important to note that dirt does not only come from the outside, it can also come from you. Before cozying up inside your bag, make sure that much of your body is covered by clothes to avoid oil from your body coming into much contact with the interior. Bag liners can be purchased so that you do not come into direct contact with the interior of your bag (it is also easily removable and easier to wash).

After having used the bag overnight, make it a practice to fluff it, air it out and let it sit in the sun. Doing this ensures that any dirt is shaken off, all moisture is dried out and what’s more, the heating in the sun diminishes unpleasant smells as well (really!).

Avoid washing your sleeping bag more than necessary. If after use it is still relatively clean, fold it neatly and stow away in a well-ventilated area. If you would prefer to wrap it up before storage, use a cloth bag and not plastic or synthetics that will not allow it to “breathe”. Having the bag inside any plastic container may cause it to get mildew or molds, and may likewise leave it smelling unpleasant (unless you like the wet-dog smell!)

If it requires washing, make sure to check the washing instructions first. Some bags may require professional cleaning, but for most, the usual water and detergent will do. Use mild detergent to avoid damaging the insulating fibers in your bag in the long run, and avoid using bleach unless absolutely necessary. Rinse it thoroughly to avoid any soap residue and make sure that it is completely dry before storing.

The key to the longevity of your camping gear is proper usage and maintenance. Maximize your investment in a quality sleeping bag by taking care of it before, during and after use - and you can rest assured that you will be using it for many camping trips to come.

For more tips and information about sleeping bag, check out http://www.summitcampinggear.com/co40hi2slbag.html.

When you go and observe a children’s classroom, there will always be one or two active child that participates in the room discussions. They seem to be always ready with their answers; be it math, science or grammar. While the rest, they are meek and silent as if they are just waiting for the class to end. The teachers with their best efforts will try to encourage everyone’s participation but they can only achieve so much. Is your child one of the active ones or are they among the silent crowd?

While parents want the best for their children, not many parents know how to provide for it or know how to do it. This makes educational toys to be the perfect go-between with your kids and their bright future.

Parents have always wanted the best for their children. They dreamt of them being great pilots, high tech engineers, famous inventors, devoted doctors, brilliant lawyers and so on. Yet early on their schooling days, parents begin to sulk because they realize that their dreams for their kids are starting to crumble. The children being kids don’t have focus on knowing what they want for their future. All they want is to play, play and play. Forcing them to study with just scare them off of school. And it may be too late for them to realize that they have lost their chance for a brighter future.

Educational toys are meant to be fun, but it is also designed with the child’s future in mind. It is made for the kids to learn without full knowledge that these toys are teaching them. Learning is a side effect of using educational toys. It makes problem solving fun, making math exciting, making science a start of discovering the world, making music an expression of self being. With educational toys being fun, kids would ask for more and more and parents will be happy to provide them.

Puzzles and board games for example, are educational toys that come in different variations which makes them challenging and fun. A scrabble board game broadens your child’s vocabulary. Picture puzzles on the other hand excite their imaginations as they find ways to complete the puzzle. The closer they are to completion, the higher will be their eagerness and focus to complete it. Other board games like monopoly teach kids to do their basic math and learn how to spend wisely on money at hand. Charade would help kids express themselves better as they learn how to act out what they want to convey enough for their teammates to identify.

Normally, kids will play with whatever they have at hand, it will be your responsibility as parents to provide the right toys for your kids and have the gain of learning from these toys. The sooner that you get your kids to start playing educational toys, the sooner we give them the head start for their studies. The closer you are to fulfilling your dreams for them. Of course, later on, they can have and fulfill their own dreams. The good thing is that you have prepared them for it.

So invest in education toys for your kids now before they get left behind by their peers.

For more tips and information about educational toys, check out http://www.thekidstoystore.com/science-kits.html.

Assisted living facilities are a good option for seniors who need ongoing help with personal care and typical daily activities, yet who wish to retain their independence to the maximum extent. Here’s more:

As Baby Boomers enter their retirement years, it’s inevitable that some might start to need assistance with day-to-day activities. But they’re understandably reluctant to forfeit their independence. If they have been accustomed to managing a business–or a family–they could have a difficult time acknowledging that they occasionally forget to take their medications, or even need help getting bathed and dressed. Because they don’t need daily medical care at this point, assisted living might be a good housing option.

What is an assisted living facility? Assisted living facilities provide care for seniors who need some help with activities of daily living yet wish to remain as independent as possible. They essentially serve as a middle ground between independent living and nursing homes.

Assisted living facilities aim to foster as much autonomy as the resident is capable of. Most of them offer 24-hour supervision and an array of support services, with more privacy, space, and dignity than many nursing homes—at a lower cost.

There are approximately 33,000 of these facilities operating in the U.S. today. The number of residents living in a facility can range from several to 300, with the most common size being between 25 and 120 individuals.

An assisted living facility helps seniors with personal care, such as:

• Bathing

• Dressing

• Toileting

• Eating

• Grooming

• Getting around

Daily contact with supervisory staff is the defining characteristic of an assisted living facility. Medical care is limited, but it is often possible to contract for some medical needs.

Here are the key characteristics of assisted living facilities:

Activities of daily living (dressing, personal care): Comprehensive assistance provided.

Community activities (social events, outings, golf, etc.): Some activities offered.

Community services (laundry, cleaning, etc.): Many / most services provided.

Health dervices (medications, nursing care): Some services provided; not skilled nursing, however.

Environment (personal freedom):Residents are somewhat independent.

Overall health (physical, emotional): Residents have average health problems.

A recent Prudential Insurance report found that the average daily cost for an assisted living facility is now more than $100, or $3,241/month.

Although the report examined both assisted living and nursing home costs, it found the largest increase in cost of care in assisted living, spiking about 13 percent since 2006.

By the year 2030, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to reach more than 71 million, or almost 20 percent of the entire U.S. population.

As the population ages, of course, the need for care is projected to grow correspondingly. Not surprisingly, recent studies continue to show increases in the cost of long-term care throughout the country.

The Prudential findings are similar to those from this year’s Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey, which can be found at www.communityed.com/blog/administrative-concerns/do-you-measure-up_05-12-2008.

The Genworth survey found that the national average monthly rate for assisted living housing is $3,008/month.

You can find more information about these studies and their findings at

www.communityed.com/blog/administrative-concerns/prudential-cost-of-care-report-assisted-living-rates-continue-climb_08-19-2008 and

Laurence Harmon is a principal of http://www.greatplacesinc.com, the leading provider of essential information for Baby Boomers, the generation that is becoming increasingly involved in their aging parents’ care.

It’s not very hard to keep a kid entertained with something to play with. In this electronic age every toy seems to require batteries or software in order to work. However, kid’s toys don’t have to be sophisticated in order to be fun. Toys that require thinking and the imagination are the best toys that help aide the child in mental development.

Sudoku for kids and connect four both require critical thinking in order to win. This is precisely what parents should be looking for. Games that rely on chance won’t do much to benefit a child. A game of chess or checkers on the other hand can be very beneficial. I will be discussing a few kinds of toys and games that aide in stimulating children to learn more.

Puzzles

When trying to find inexpensive, fun and educational games, puzzles rank pretty high on the list. This game helps build up hand eye coordination for children and adults alike. The end result of this is a nice fully complete puzzle that you put together yourself. It’s a testament of what the human mind can develop in a short amount of time. Children will enjoy the independence that comes along with constructing a puzzle. This is very important early on in life and puzzles actually strengthen the process.

Building models

Model kits are readily available in most of the world’s toys stores. However, due to computer and video games, these types of toys are no longer as popular as they once were. In any event, kid’s can build their own cars, planes and boats from scratch using these kits.

Many of these kits are priced below $20.00 and generally don’t require adult supervision. All that’s needed is the kit and the child’s imagination in order to produce a lifelike model that will last for years. Advanced electric models have hit the market for older children approaching their teens. These models are not only for display but are meant to be played with after they are built. Walking robots, moving cars and trains can all be built.

Cards

Flash card games that incorporate math, language and/or science into the play are a good investment. Not only will your child be kept busy but they will also be learning at the same time. These card games are regularly used to teach students in school due to their effectiveness. The cost is very little or nothing at all if you make them. This would be a good afternoon activity for a child to do instead of watching television. First they could take some sheets of paper and write the questions and answers on them, then the cards can been used to test them.

Whether it is a puzzle, flash cards or models, there are plenty of educational games available for kid’s. Don’t fall into the technology trap by buying games for children that require starring at a screen. Instead, remember that no matter how much technology we develop, children can always be taught using simple old fashion toys.

Now more than ever, kids are losing their attention spans by spending countless hours in front of the television or by being on the computer. In most cases this only provides a temporary distraction that offers the child very little. Why not consider an educational toy for your child the next time you are out shopping?

Igloo Kids has a great selection of kids clothes and kids books for children of all ages.

Kids toys seem to evolve with each generation, especially with the introduction of modern technology. This factor can influence the way that you choose your kids toys. If you want to avoid wasting your money on toys that your kids will ignore, do not automatically buy the toy that you liked the best when you were a kid.

If you do, chances are good that this replay of your childhood days may end in frustration or you may end up playing with the toy to show your kid how you used to have fun with the toy, which could turn into a lame situation quickly, depending on the toy. You will need either an ultra fantastic toy or a traditional favorite toy to pull this off successfully. Examples of such traditional toys include the ball, doll and miniature replica toys including vehicles and household items. The entertainment ante has been raised in the toys arena since the introduction of electronics.

Especially for children who regularly watch TV, there may be a greater desire for new fashioned toys instead of the traditional toys. Electronic toys, handheld games, video game systems and other interactive toys attract the attention of many children. It is not always the best thing to cater to such wants.

Before deciding on the best toy for any child, it is important to think about different factors. These factors will allow you to zero in on the type of toy that will best suit your child. To make a good choice in a kids toy, you will need to consider the child’s age, interests, skill level and their favorite things including color.

When you have considered the factors that will influence a child’s level of interest in the toy, you are ready to choose a toy that will have the greatest benefit for your child. The toys that are the best for your kids are toys that promote physical activity, are educational or have both qualities. You can then choose a toy that is played with one player, many players or teams.

If you want to add more physical activity to your child’s life through toys, you can do so. This is a healthier alternative to relying on sedentary forms of children’s entertainment. There are card games, board games, video games and activity games that will increase a child’s movement instead of hindering it.

Many kids toys are educational. The most fun educational kids toys are related to science, reading, math, art, music and crafts. These toys offer a hands on way of learning that is fun for different age groups. Educational toys can enhance a child’s hand and eye coordination while engaging the mind.

These types of toys can complement, enrich and expand on concepts being taught in the child’s school curriculum. Despite being educational, these toys can be truly enjoyable and engaging when the toy is appropriate for the child.

With some forethought, you can choose a great kids toy that will satisfy your desire for a toy that has real benefits for your child. A kids toy is best enjoyed when it is chosen because it appeals to a child personally in some way. Your kids toy has extra value when it is educational or promotes a physically active lifestyle.

Igloo Kids has a great selection of kids clothes and kids books for children of all ages.

Ring slings are made with cloth and rings that are made with aluminum or nylon. One end of cloth is sewn to the rings; the sling is put on from one shoulder to the hip on the opposite side of the body. The ring-less end is pulled through the rings, thus creating a pouch or envelope that the baby lies in and enjoys being close to his mother or father. The sling can be kept in the ready to use position for ease of use. When the tail is threaded through the rings, the sling is easy to put on again.

The weight of the baby places tension on the fabric that causes it to form the pocket for the baby to lie in along with the pull on the rings. Cotton and fleece are the norm for the fabrics of ring slings found at most retailers, but online sources carry slings made of other materials; these are usually smaller companies. Some of the other materials used to make the slings are: silks, twills, linens, hemp, and rayon. If a fabric has good tensile strength and diagonal give it is a candidate for making the carriers. To adjust baby ring slings to fit an individual’s body, the wearer holds the baby and with the other hand pulls the fabric tighter or loosens it.

The slings need to be made with layers of stitching so if there is a break in one thread the other stitches still hold the sling together. The rings used are either made specifically for slings or have been designed for holding livestock or for marine rigging, this is good since some have had weak rings that broke and had to be recalled.

Ring slings come padded and unpadded at the shoulder and the edges called rails. The bottom of the sling or tail may be open ended or closed according to how the manufacturer designed it. If the shoulder padding seems bulky an unpadded model may be preferred to one with padding. Some manufacturers sow a curved seat into the sling. Slings are similar to the rebozo of Mexico. The way the rings are attached to the fabric is called shoulder style. The names of some of the basic styles are gathered, pleated, hot dog or centerfold, and pouch-style.

Ring slings are so popular because of their versatility. They can be worn in different positions according to the age of the baby and what the baby can handle. If the baby is already controlling his head he can sit in the forward looking at the world position. The stomach-to-stomach hold is a great one for infants and until he is a little older. Initially, this style of sling may be uncomfortable after some time as the weight of baby is pulling all on one shoulder. But its versatility and the ease of breastfeeding make it one that should be in a mother’s arsenal of baby carriers.

Ring slings are useful from birth to toddler age; they are good for babies that like to be picked up a lot. It is an easy carrier to use and can be used by parents of differing sized without much difficulty.

Learn more about ring slings and find out why a ring sling may be the best choice for your child.

David Cummings is General Manager of Bustling Baby, a business devoted to providing baby mobility, comfort, and convenience to active families.

The first mei tai carriers were just left over scraps of material that Chinese women used to strap their babies to their bodies so they could do their chores in the house and field and have their babies with them. The pronunciation is may tie.

The traditional carriers were cloth cut in a square shape that had four ties that were not padded. These were tied together to make a pouch for the baby and the ends were tucked. During the 1960’s a copy of this kind of carriers that varied some from the original became popular in Australia. In 2003 a design with padding was introduced into the United States and it caught on. It had had a lengthier body and top straps and the way it was tied differed from the original, and more resembled the wraps which are common today.

These days the mei tai carriers are done in various designs, though all of them use the innovations introduced in 2003. This carrier can be used to position the baby in the front or on the parent’s back. Mei tai carriers are now popular around the world. The baby is seated in the square of material and infants to toddlers can be carried on the front or back in this way. The carriers are made in various colors, but a lot of them have black straps and outlines that match with what you are wearing that day.

It only takes minimal practice to get the hang of tying the straps and securing your baby in a position that is comfortable and safe with the child secure against your body. If you want to wear it front style tie it on as if it were an apron. Pick up your baby and holding him in front pull the mei tai carrier up and place it over each shoulder. After the straps are over your shoulders make an X of them in the back and bring their ends back to the front by way of your underarms and tie.

Mei tai carriers can be worn on the back. This configuration is a little harder to do, but not bad once you learn how. First, lay the carrier on your couch. The straps should be spread out. Put your baby on the carrier and fold it around him placing it over his legs until the bottom strap is lying on his stomach. Next sit on the couch in front of the baby and wrap his legs making them go around your waist. Then tie the bottom straps securely around your waist. The two large or top straps are then pulled up and over your shoulders – while you do this the carrier and the baby are lifted up to your back. As you pull them stand up lifting the baby and pull the straps across your chest. Cross your back with them another time and bring them to the front again, crossing them, and tie them in a tight knot.

Mei tai carriers are historical and new and you can use one to carry your baby with ease. It just takes a little practice, but soon you will be enjoying your mei tai carrier.

Learn more about mei tai carriers and find out why a mei tai carrier may be the best choice for your child.

David Cummings is General Manager of Bustling Baby, a business devoted to providing baby mobility, comfort, and convenience to active families.