by jeffk

Question by Kirsten: How and when can we best transition our baby from an Amby Baby Hammock to a crib?
We have an almost 5 month old who has slept in an Amby Baby Hammock since the day he was born. He sleeps very well. We tried two nights in the crib a couple of weeks ago, and it just didn't go so well. The Amby keeps him all snuggly and moves with a rocking motion when he moves... and the crib is just a crib, of course (although it has a very nice mattress). Any suggestions from experienced Amby users?

Best answer:

Answer by Moira A
Never used a hammock, but when I needed my babies to stop sleeping with me, I just put them down in their own beds and when they got up in the night, brought them back in with me. Naps were in the crib too. Then as they got bigger, I would return them to their crib after taking them into my bed to nurse. Eventually they stayed there all night. If you don't make a big deal of it, it will help them adjust faster.

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Technorati Tags: Amby, Baby, Best, crib, from, hammock, transition

by Muffet

What Type Of Hammock Is Best For Your Home

Article by Dennis Estelle

While most home owners love the idea of relaxing in their backyard on a hammock, the job of selecting the correct hammock can be challenging. Hammocks come in many different sizes and construction types, each of which are suited for different uses. For example, hammocks could be made of cotton, polyester or canvas. While the cotton hammock is usually suited best for indoor use and occasional outdoor use, the polyester hammock will stand up to almost any weather conditions with no problem. The cotton rope hammock is generally the most popular although the rope does not wear well over time if exposed to harsh weather. Personally speaking, I've always found the polyester hammocks can be uncomfortable on hot summer days. While the rope hammocks permit good air flow over your entire body.

The shopper also wants to consider the space available for the new hammock. If planning for use on a porch, you could consider the new style hammock chairs or swings. Although the hammock chairs are not as comfortable as traditional rope hammocks, they offer the ease of hanging from a single rope and take up much less space. All true hammock chairs and swings are made to be hung from an overhead support. In most cases a porch roof beam or overhang should be perfect. But as popularity of these types of hammocks have grown, some manufacturers have created stand-alone hanging systems which enable you to move your hammock chair or swing onto a patio. Swings and chairs are also more stable and might be a good option for use by children or the elderly.

If your deck is large enough, you might consider using a full size hammock installed in a hammock stand. Hammock stands might be made of wood or steel. The wood hammock stands offer stylish look and contributes to the overall appearance of your hammock. The drawback as you might expect is generally the wood hammock stand is more expensive then steel. It is usually easy to find a package deal which includes a hammock and stand. This of course makes the selection process a bit easier.

Technorati Tags: Best, hammock, Home, type

Question by rob: What is the best way to hang a hammock from a loft frame?
I have a very sturdy wood loft bed frame that can hold up to 1000 pounds. I have a hammock I want to hang under the bed from the loft frame. What is the best way to go about doing that?

Best answer:

Answer by Duane
large scew in loops or hooks into the studs

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Technorati Tags: Best, Frame, from, hammock, Hang, loft

by 5lab

Best Beach Adventures

Diving in Indonesia

Photograph courtesy Misool Resort

Lure: Dive green and dive often

Location: Indonesia's Raja Ampat Islands

Tiny Batbitim—part of a mostly uninhabited karst archipelago northwest of West Papua—is home to great schools of giant tuna and mobula rays hunting shimmering clouds of anchovies. "We hung in mid-water watching this spectacular dance unfold," Misool Eco Resort owner Andrew Miners says of his first dive there. "I realized that not only had I stumbled upon a place of spectacular beauty, but, aside from a few intrepid divers, I had arrived before anyone else."

Miners decided this was the place for the land-based conservation project he’d been dreaming of. Working closely with elders from nearby villages, he leased Batbitim and established a 77-square-mile (199-square-kilometer) No-Take Zone where all fishing (including prevalent cyanide fishing, bombing, and shark finning) and harvesting of turtle eggs is prohibited. With the help of his wife, Marit, and local craftsmen, he designed 11 unobtrusive but stylish cottages using salvaged driftwood and native thatch, incorporating a dive resort into his mini-eco-paradise that’s committed to operating sustainably. Request one of the eight stilted structures hovering over the lagoon; they have built-in deck hammocks and are just a few kicks away from the house reef.

Vitals: Misool Eco Resort, 12 nights, doubles from ,110, including meals and ten dives; misoolecoresort.com

—Text by Meg Lukens Noonan, originally published in the February 2009 National Geographic Adventure magazine. Prices updated June 2010.

Diving Shipwrecks in Bermuda

Photograph by Emory Kristof, National Geographic

Lure: Scout the world's best shipwrecks

Location: Bermuda

The reefs that encircle this genteel, prosperous British territory some 600 miles (966 kilometers) off the coast of North Carolina have trashed hundreds of vessels, including the Sea Venture, which in 1609 tossed the island’s first European settlers ashore. Today that translates to some of the most spectacular and accessible wreck diving in the world.

As if the nearly 400 identified sunken ships weren’t enough, the Bermuda government deliberately scuttled two more in the last two years—a 70-foot (21-meter) passenger ferry and a 75-foot (23-meter) tugboat—just for your diving pleasure. Most of the boats, or what’s left of them, are resting no more than 50 feet (15 meters) deep on vibrant coral beds. "There’s not a single wreck that’s sitting in a desolate sand hole," says Marie Wilson, dive instructor with Blue Water Divers & Watersports, the island’s only year-round operation.

In late winter and early spring, you’ll find mild air and water temperatures, the best undersea visibility of the year, and far fewer people at the dive sites. Book a dive/stay package at the shell-pink 74-room Pompano Beach Club on the southwest coast.

Vitals: Blue Water Divers & Watersports, from 0 for a two-tank dive; divebermuda.com. Pompano Beach Club dive/stay package, five nights, ,476; pompano.bm.

—Text by Meg Lukens Noonan, originally published in the February 2009 National Geographic Adventure magazine. Prices updated June 2010.

Surfing in Micronesia

Photograph by Jody MacDonald

Lure: Catch the greatest wave on Earth

Location: Pohnpei, Caroline Islands, Micronesia

When the big winter swell starts breaking on Palikir Pass (pictured here), a channel in the surrounding barrier reef of mountainous, jungly Pohnpei in Micronesia's Caroline Islands, it is one hell of a wave. Aussie pro surfer Dylan Longbottom has called the hollow, glassy barrel, which is accessible only by boat, "by far the best right in the world." Though they can indeed get huge, most days the waves run a manageable two to six feet (0.5 to two meters). And even if the water goes flat, there’s still plenty to do. Kiteboard the cross-shore winds at Sokhes Pass, dive the reefs of the outer atolls, or hike to one of Pohnpei’s shampoo ad-worthy waterfalls that tumble out of the high country—where rainfall averages 400 inches (1,016 centimeters) annually—into cool, swimmable pools. "It’s like Tahiti 50 years ago," says Allois Malfitani, co-owner of the Pohnpei Surf Club, a nine-room riverfront lodge that caters to wave riders. "From the water, you can hardly see any sign of human presence." People have, in fact, been on this island halfway between Manila and Honolulu for ages. Take a jaunt to the haunting Nanmatol ruins, a seventh-century stone city on Pohnpei’s east side that is best explored by sea kayak. For further anthropological, um, studies, stop by the Rusty Anchor, a harborfront bar hidden in the shell of an unfinished hotel and frequented by an Altmanesque cast of ex-pats and locals. Don’t miss an open-air sakau market, where you can sample the mildly narcotic, mellowing goop made from the roots of pepper plants that—if rather unpalatable—is an island staple.

Vitals: Pohnpei Surf Club, doubles from 5, including room, tours, gear, and boat trips to the waves; pohnpeisurfclub.com

—Text by Meg Lukens Noonan, originally published in the February 2009 National Geographic Adventure magazine. Prices updated June 2010.

Boating and Kayaking in Pine Island Sound

Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic

Lure: Let your base camp be your guide

Location: Pine Island Sound, Florida

This is the way to do southwest Florida—from a crewed, floating B&B loaded with kayaks, limes, rum, and five of your closest paddling buddies to split the cost. The Mirage, a shallow-draft 70-foot (21-meter) outrigger catamaran, cruises through the barrier islands of Pine Island Sound, dropping your gang off at a new location each morning along the just expanded Great Calusa Blueway, a 190-mile (306-kilometer) marked canoe and kayak route. A loose itinerary leaves room for spontaneity and takes into account the skill level and ambition of the group.

Poke around the grassy fringes of Sanibel’s J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where manatees roll in the dark green water; paddle through the chop with a posse of dolphins to the empty beaches of Cayo Costa State Park; or cut through a channel to play in the Gulf of Mexico on the islands’  western shores. And if you simply want to drift, that’s cool too.

"Sometimes we just let the kayaks float along the edges of the flats and watch the roseate spoonbills fish," says Elke Thuerling, co-owner of Kayak Voyagers. After dinner, take a moonlight swim, then stretch out on the deck and count the stars.

Vitals: Kayak Voyagers, five nights, doubles from 0, December–March 2011; kayakv.com

—Text by Meg Lukens Noonan, originally published in the February 2009 National Geographic Adventure magazine. Prices updated June 2010.

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Technorati Tags: Adventures, beach, Best

by daftgirly

Hammocks - Best Way To Relax

Article by Terro White

There is nothing that can supersede the ultimate bliss of swaying in your favorite hammock in your garden on an idle summer afternoon. Imagine the warm breeze taking away your stress as you rest yourself with a drink in hand. Or you might be taking a short nap there as your hammock sways from one side to another. No worries to perplex your mind, just a few hours of immense relaxation.

So, if you would also like to experience this pleasure and tranquility, it is time that you bring a hammock to your home. There is a wide array of hammock choices that are made available. Explore various hammock styles and select the one for yourself today!

Different hammocks styles

An overview of hammock style is given below:

1. Brazilian hammock - Made from soft yet thick cotton cloth, this hammock is both comfortable and resilient. You can also find a plethora of colors in this style. However, one drawback of this style is that when left outside in the summer season, its colors may fade away soon.

2. Camping hammocks - These are also called portable hammocks and are especially designed for people who love camping. They are light weight and you can easily fold them and carry them anywhere you want. Netting in this hammock style provides protection against insects and they are still very comfortable. Generally, they are made from parachute nylon, which is quite durable.

3. Rope hammocks - These hammocks are spread open permanently with the help of spacer bars made of wood. In case, you are one of the people who usually leave their hammocks outside during warm summer months then it is advisable for you to meticulously look into the hardware construction that strengthens these bars. It would be great to look for superior finish of waxed wooden bars that are triple-varnished and have nickel-plated fasteners.

4. Mayan hammocks - A multi-colored dyed string is woven in the pattern of a diamond to make Mayan hammocks. Skilled artisans weave them in different color combinations and each of them is an epitome of great artistry. It may be an extra-thick string, extra-large size or a usual Mayan hammock; it feels that you are lying on any soft sponge. This unmatched comfort of Mayan hammock is accountable to its flexible cotton string.

4 W's to purchase hammocks

Hence, it is entirely a personal choice as to which hammock style you like the best. As far as purchasing the hammocks are concerned, there are 4 W's that must be taken into consideration:

1. Who all will be using it? - Some hammocks have the capacity to hold even three adults at a time. Also, there are hammocks that are easy to get into for pets ad kids.

2. Where will you use it? - It can be used either inside or outside? Take the measurement of the place where you intend to use it.

3. What material is the best? - You can select from the variety of strings, ropes and clothing.

4. When will you use it? - If you plan to use it outside only during the warm summer season, purchase a hammock that is more weather resistant and whose colors do not fade away.

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Technorati Tags: Best, Hammocks, relax

by Clarity J

Question by GusB: What is best and cheapest way to "hammock camping" during the winter?
Does any hammock experts have a cheap neat trick to make any ordinary hammock winter proof? if so, which type hammock and what are the material.
thank you

Best answer:

Answer by Casey B
hammock camping sucks in the winter because it's diificult to put your hammock up when you don't know if it's gonna snow or not.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Technorati Tags: Best, Camping, cheapest, during, hammock, winter

Question by Leo: what is the best hammock for a sensitive back?
i want to buy a hammock but my back is sensitive lower back. think i should get a mayan, brazillian or all cotton hammock or do you think a different one would be better?

Best answer:

Answer by 42
with a bad back you don't want to be lying in a hammock for too long anyway...it's not a very good physical position to be in

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Technorati Tags: back, Best, hammock, sensitive

by Rev. Xanatos Satanicos Bombasticos (ClintJCL)

Mayan Hammocks Are the Best Way to Spend Some Quality Time With the People You Love

If you are looking for a hammock that allows you and your family to spend some quality family time together, than Mayan hammocks are the best hammocks for you. Mayan hammocks are not only known as the world's most comfortable hammocks but they are also the world's most beautiful hammocks.

Mayan hammocks are woven together to make them mold to your body shape which makes them very comfortable to sleep, lie or just hang out in. They come in various sizes from single, double to king size. Of course to spend quality time together as a family you want to get a king sized Mayan hammock that spans eight to ten feet wide. Even if you have a large family of 5 or 6 everyone will be able to comfortably fit in these hammocks, they are known to accommodate up to ten people at once. Isn't that fantastic?

These hammocks are specifically made to be lied in cross-ways so many people at once can lie in it and have a comfortable and enjoyable time together. The support structure of the Mayan hammock not only minimizes your back pain, it is actually therapeutic for your back making it comfortable and enjoyable to everybody.

The most important thing when making a Mayan hammock is the width of the hammock itself. All of these hammocks are very wide which makes it possible to spend time during the summer and spring in them with your entire family. Hanging out in a Mayan hammock will provide an unlimited amount of time so you can spend up close and personal with your family as much as you wish.

These hammocks also are great for taking along with you while on camping with your family, or with your friends. All you need to do is find two trees (or other comfy hanging posts) to hang your hammock on and you have made the most comfortable outdoor addition to any camp site ever possible. It is much easier and much more convenient to hang your king size Mayan hammock than having to haul along a chair for everyone in your family, or for every one of your friends.

Do you know Why Mayan hammocks are the most comfortable hammocks in the world?

It is said that Mayan hammock are the most comfortable hammocks in the world because they are made with great love. Most of the weavers learn their craft very early as children and throughout their entire life they've been developing their superior weaving skills to become the unique craftsmen of the most comfortable hammocks in the world - Mayan.

The Mayan hammocks not only will provide comfort, support and great fun for your family, but they are also beautifully handcrafted and normally brightly colored, which makes them even more attractive and desired as home addition to your backyard or porch. Any Mayan hammock will be sure to bring you tons of compliments on the quality craftsmanship and beautifully bright colors they are made with. They are truly pieces of art that can bring any family closer together.

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Technorati Tags: Best, Hammocks, Love, Mayan, People, quality, Some, Spend, Time

Quality Branded or Cheaper No-name - Which Hammock is the Best Bargain?

Is a high quality name brand hammock worth the price difference compared to a cheaper low quality no-name hammock? There are a number of factors to consider when making your purchase in order to obtain the best value for dollars spent.

First, evaluate the quality of the hammock stand. Is it made from steel or other durable material that will not bend, break or bow? Are the joints securely welded and safely constructed? Will the stand easily tip over? What amount of weight can the stand support? Quality hammocks can often support up to 600 pounds of weight, while cheaper counterparts support less than 250 pounds.

Second, consider the hammock bedding. For rope hammocks, quality branded hammocks feature uniform construction of rope materials in natural materials such as cotton or high-grade polyester that will resist pulling out of shape after time, in addition to not deteriorating due to humidity, sunlight or water. In contrast, low-quality hammocks use rope of inferior quality and uneven construction that can sag after time in addition to being easily affected by mildew and weather elements.

For fabric hammocks, a reputable hammock manufacturer will use high-grade designer material to create the hammock bed, often giving the option of quilted polyester-filled fabric to create a more comfortable experience for the hammock user. Cheaper hammocks use lesser quality materials that can rip, stain or tear, are not color-fast, and have a coarse feeling that does not comfortably hug the hammock user's body.

High quality hammocks offer the option of amenities such as pillows, but for cheaper brands, buyers will have to spend extra time and money searching for something to match the hammock's bedding material and color.

Safety is another key consideration when comparing the purchase of a high quality branded hammock to something more cheaply constructed. Low-quality hammocks are subject to unexpected collapse, use flammable materials in their construction and feature shoddy workmanship that leaves sharp or ragged edges exposed. Problems often surface before one season's use is even over.

A hammock is an investment in pleasure and relaxation for years to come. Although the price-tag on that no-name low quality hammock may look inviting, it's a much wiser investment to spend more on a well-constructed high quality branded hammock to ensure years of satisfaction.

Popular brands you should consider

There are several popular hammock brands in the United States. Hammock stamped with Hatteras or Pawleys Island mark completely worth its price. If you want to get something of great quality, you should invest more. Other popular brands are Hammaka and Outback Chair Co. Hammaka has some good air chairs, hanging chairs and several comfortable quilted hammock models. They also offer wooden hammock and chair stand. One of my favorite products is the Hitch chair stands with two air chairs. This is simply perfect for fishing and camping as you can join the stands with your track.

As the Outback Chair company name suggest, they are specialized in hammock chairs. Their Basket Weave Lounger is designed to provide comfortableness, it is harsh whether proved. So, next time when you go shopping hammocks invest few bucks more, and get something that will make you happy every time you rest on it.

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Technorati Tags: Bargain, Best, Branded, Cheaper, hammock, Noname, quality