Kids love tossing an inflatable beach ball around the pool. An inflatable plastic chair for toddlers comes in handy when traveling. How about taking along an inflatable tube or raft on your next vacation? There are all kinds of inflatable products that make our lives a little easier and more enjoyable. These items can be decompressed and stored in relatively small areas to keep them out of the way when they aren't needed. But there's more to caring for your inflatable equipment than letting the air out and stuffing it into a box for the garage.

First, teach everyone in the household to use the equipment responsibly. Most of these items are not built to take extreme or harsh treatment. Don't let kids jump on them, poke with sharp objects, or otherwise mistreat inflatable furniture, toys, or sports items. These things should be handled with respect and used according to their intended purpose. If you see someone, even the dog, mishandling an inflatable piece of equipment, take the item away and let Fido know he's made a boo-boo.

Second, keep your inflatables clean and in good working order. Often made of plastic, canvas, or vinyl, they can be easily wiped up and kept dry to reduce the risk of disintegration or rot. Don't leave them laying outside in the elements. Don't let them become twisted, distorted, or otherwise ill-used in even accidental ways. When in use, keep them in their proper environments"beach balls in the pool, toddler chairs in the playroom, etc.

Third, don't use them in ways for which they were not intended. For example, an inflatable toddler chair cannot become a car seat, no matter how many seat belts or straps you apply. A beach ball will not last long as a dog's toy, so get your pet its own hard surface ball. Inflatable boats are meant for the water, not necessarily for snow and definitely not for mud.

Fourth, store your inflatables carefully and properly. After letting the air out, gently fold them to a smaller size and place them in the original package. If this won't work, get a suitable container in which they will fit. You may want to label the container with the contents so you can find the item easily when you next look for it.

Finally, keep a repair kit on hand and out of the reach of children or pets. Depending on the type of inflatable product you have, a patch may be available for temporary or permanent repair of tears, holes, or other damage. Read the kit's directions carefully and follow them correctly for best results.

Your inflatable items can last a long time and add a lot of fun and help to your life. Treat them well and they will return the favor.