Sunday, December 23, 2018

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How to Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival

Posted: 23 Dec 2018 04:00 PM PST

If you're expecting a baby, setting up the nursery is a fun way to help you prepare your home for your new arrival. To get your nursery ready, you'll need to clean the room thoroughly, set up your furniture, then decorate and organize the room. Whether you opt for a classic, cozy feel or you'd prefer an on-trend theme for the nursery, with a little planning, you can create a safe, welcoming space for your family's new addition!

EditSteps

EditPreparing the Room

  1. Clear out the room you're turning into the nursery. It's best to get a fresh start when you're preparing a room for a baby, so take out as many items from the room as you can, even if you plan on putting them back in the nursery eventually. This will allow you to thoroughly clean the room before you set up the furniture.[1]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 1 Version 3.jpg
    • If there is any large furniture that you are using in the nursery, it's fine to leave it in the room when you clean it out.
  2. Clean all of the surfaces in the room, including the walls and floor. Babies are especially susceptible to allergens like dust, mold, and pet hair, so you should get the room as clean as possible. Use a sponge and soapy water to clean the walls, sweep and mop hard floors, and shampoo the carpet if you have one.[2]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • Do not use harsh chemicals to clean the nursery. Stick to plain soap and water, homemade cleaners like baking soda or vinegar, or green cleaners made with non-toxic ingredients.
    • If the carpet has a lot of ground-in dirt, consider replacing it if you can. The expense will be well worth your baby's health.
  3. Install a dimmer switch if the lights are bright. If the only light in your room is one bright overhead light, consider replacing the light switch with a dimmer switch instead. Turn off the power to the light switch at the fuse box, then unscrew the switch plate and disconnect the wires from the existing switch. After that, reattach the wires to your new dimmer switch and screw the new switch plate into place.[3]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • You will need to replace your light bulbs with bulbs that function with a dimmer.
    • A lamp with a soft light bulb or stick-on LED lights are also good options for creating a soft glow in your nursery.
  4. Oil the door hinges so they don't creak. Using a common household lubricant like WD-40, apply a little oil to each hinge on the nursery door to keep it from creaking. When you finally get the baby to sleep and the door swings silently shut behind you, you'll be glad you took the time to do this.[4]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • You can get these lubricants from any home improvement store, as well as most supermarkets.
  5. Install safety features like a smoke and carbon monoxide detector. While it might not be as much fun as decorating the nursery, it's very important that you make sure your most vital safety features are in place. Choose a combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector for the nursery, anchor all heavy furniture to the walls, and protect electrical outlets with plastic covers.[5]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • If you prefer, it's fine to have separate carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
  6. Paint the nursery if you want. Once you know the theme for your nursery, you can paint the walls if you choose. Be sure to choose a non-toxic paint that won't flake, so your child won't be able to peel the paint off the wall and eat it when they become a curious toddler.[6]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • If you've already installed the furniture, move it to the center of the room and cover it with drop cloths or old sheets so it doesn't get stained with paint.

EditFurnishing the Nursery

  1. Assemble the furniture in the nursery in case it won't fit in the door. There's nothing worse than spending hours putting together furniture only to find out it won't quite go through the door. Save yourself time, effort, and stress by putting the furniture together inside of the nursery, especially big pieces like the crib.[7]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 7 Version 2.jpg
  2. Put together the crib according to the manufacturer's instructions. Creating a safe environment for your baby to sleep in is one of the most important things you can do when you're setting up the nursery. Read through the instruction manual when you're installing the crib, and make sure it's secure before your baby comes home. If you don't feel confident in your construction skills, hire a professional to assemble the crib for you.[8]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • Don't use a crib that's more than 10 years old, and never use a crib that's broken or modified in any way.
    • Look for a crib with a firm mattress, and be sure there are no more than 2 fingers width of space between the edges of the mattress and the side of the crib.
    • For safety purposes, the slats on your crib should be no more than apart.
  3. Set up the crib several months before the baby is due. You don't have to have the final details in place, but if your baby arrives early, you'll want to have at least the crib ready, as well as the changing table if you choose to have one. [9]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • Premature babies often have to stay at the hospital for a while, but you'll likely be spending a lot of time visiting. Getting the furniture set up as early as possible will be one less thing you have to worry about if that does happen.
  4. Include a comfortable chair so you can easily soothe the baby. When the baby wakes up in the middle of the night, or you need to get up for a middle-of-the-night feeding, you'll be grateful for a place to sit while you're tending to your infant. Just be sure it's somewhere that you'll be comfortable, since you'll probably be spending a lot of time there for the first few months.[10]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • Gliders and rockers are both popular options, but oversized recliners and plush chairs can also work.
    • If you're designing your nursery on a budget, check second-hand shops or ask family and friends if they have any hand-me-down chairs. Just be sure to clean them well!
  5. Put a changing table and dresser in the nursery for your convenience. You can either choose a dresser with a surface big enough for a changing pad, or you can opt for separate pieces. Either way, you'll want a place to organize all of those baby clothes, and the changing table will save your back through several years of diaper changes.[11]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 11 Version 2.jpg
    • Some people opt not to have a changing table, and others prefer to use a closet organizer to store baby clothes. Whether you have these or not is up to you.
  6. Check to make sure all furniture meets federal safety specifications. If a product has been found to be unsafe or defective in some way, it may be included in a recall. Check all of the furniture you're using in the nursery to make sure it isn't included on any of these lists, especially if you're using hand-me-downs.[12]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 12 Version 2.jpg

EditDecorating the Room

  1. Pick a theme for decorating the nursery. The theme you choose is completely up to you. It can be as simple as choosing a color, or as specific as decorating based on your favorite movie. If you don't want to, you don't have to have a theme at all! However, coming up with some sort of guideline can help you narrow down your options while you're gathering items for the nursery.[13]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 13.jpg
    • Popular themes include baby animals, chevrons, the ocean, and birds. However, feel free to come up with your own!
  2. Choose the wall art to match your theme. Although your newborn won't notice the art on the wall, they will appreciate having something fun to look at as they get a little older. Look for monograms, framed pictures, or even vintage toys that you can display on the wall.[14]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 14.jpg
    • Framed pages from your favorite illustrated storybooks make a charming display for a nursery.
    • Vinyl wall decals are a great way to create big visual impact without damaging your walls.
  3. Hang curtains that match the decor to block out some of the light. When your baby is sleeping during the day, you'll want a nice dim environment to help them nap. Choose a curtain which blocks out some of the light from outside, but avoid black-out curtains, as it's important to teach your baby the difference between night and day as early as possible.[15]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 15.jpg
    • Blinds are not recommended for a nursery, as their cords create a serious strangling hazard for small children.
  4. Cover the crib in a mattress pad and a crib sheet. It might be tempting to make the crib a soft, plush space that you would love to nap in, but to prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), your crib should be simple, with no blankets, toys, or pillows until your baby is at least 1 year old.[16]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 16.jpg
    • You'll need at least 2 sets of sheets in case your baby has a diaper leak or spits up during the night.
  5. Hang a baby mobile if you want one. Some babies are soothed by the motion of a revolving baby monitor, although others are stimulated by the motion and find it hard to sleep while the mobile is on. You won't know whether or not a particular mobile is a good fit for your baby until after they arrive, so it's a good idea to hang onto the receipt.[17]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 17.jpg
    • If you do choose to have a mobile, just pick one that you think is cute. If it doesn't work, you can always exchange it for another one.

EditOrganizing the Baby's Things

  1. Avoid clutter in the room. In addition to looking messy, too much clutter can be a hazard when you're making your way through the nursery in the dark. There are a number of organizers you can use in the nursery to help you keep clutter to a minimum, including cubbies, shelves, and containers that sit in the top of the closet.[18]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 18.jpg
    • Try to group similar items together. For instance, all of your baby's bath items should be in one place, all of their shoes in another, and so on.
  2. Organize the diapers within arm's reach of the changing area. When you're changing a massive blowout, the last thing you'll want is to have to hunt for the powder. Keep the diapers, ointment, powder, and wipes where you can reach them easily and with one hand.[19]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 19.jpg
    • This is probably the most essential area to organize out of the whole nursery, since it's one you'll be using multiple times a day.
    • It's also a good idea to have a diaper pail set up near your changing table so you can dispose of dirty diapers easily.
  3. Set up a baby monitor and put the receiver where you spend the most time. A baby monitor will give you peace of mind when the baby is sleeping in the nursery. You'll easily be able to hear a cry or a whimper, allowing you to respond before the baby becomes extremely upset.[20]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 20.jpg
    • You can even find baby monitors with video feeds that will allow you to observe your baby sleeping in their crib.
    • If you live in a small house, you may not need a baby monitor at all. However, if you have a large house or you like to spend time outdoors, it's a good idea to have one.
    • Some baby monitors can be overheard by people nearby who are listening to a police scanner, so avoid disclosing sensitive information when you're standing near the monitor.
  4. Wash all of the baby clothes before putting them away. Clothing manufacturers often coat new clothes in chemicals designed to make them look crisp and new in stores, and while these might make your baby clothes look extra adorable in the closet, the chemicals can irritate a baby's delicate skin. Take off any tags that might be on the clothes and wash them before you put them in the closet or dresser.[21]
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 21.jpg
    • Use a detergent formulated for infants to ensure it's free of any scents or dyes that can also cause irritation.
  5. Find space for all of the rest of baby's essentials. If this is your first baby, you'll probably be amazed at all of the stuff they accumulate before they're even born! Use the dresser, closet organizer, shelves, and any other available space to organize the baby's bibs, burp cloths, lotion, towels, toys, books, and other items!
    Prepare a Baby Nursery for a Newborn Baby's Arrival Step 22.jpg
    • Other items that you'll probably need to place in the nursery include the diaper bag, a clothes hamper, a swing or bouncy seat, and a sound machine to help drown out unwanted noise.

EditVideo

EditTips

  • Keep the baby's room warm, especially in the early days, since newborns have a hard time regulating their body temperature.

EditWarnings

  • Frequently check online to make sure none of your baby's items have been included in a recall.
  • Periodically check the nursery for safety hazards like broken toys, cords, fragile or breakable objects, or anything else that could harm your baby.

EditRelated wikiHows

EditSources and Citations


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How to Fix Deep Scratches in Wood

Posted: 23 Dec 2018 08:00 AM PST

If your wood furniture has a deep scratch or an unsightly gouge, repair it by filling it in. Wax filler sticks are the most inexpensive option and work best on narrow scratches. Wax filler putty is a better option for covering and blending wider gouges. Another option to try is wax-based paint, which is a creative way to mask scratches in inconspicuous spots. After blending the filler material and sanding it down, you may even forget where the wood had a scratch.

EditSteps

EditUsing Wax Filler Sticks

  1. Rub a wax wood filler stick over the crack. These filler sticks are often sold in the shape of crayons, so essentially you get to color in the wood. Choose a color that most closely matches the wood's shade. Continue rubbing the stick back and forth until the entire crack is filled in.[1]
    Fix Deep Scratches in Wood Step 1.jpg
    • Some other options are stain markers and blending pencils. All of these products are often available at home improvement stores.[2]
  2. Blend the filler in by rubbing it with your finger. Move your finger around the edges of the crack, being careful not to remove too much of the filler inside the scratch. Smooth out the filler along the crack's edges. Get it as level with the surrounding wood as possible.[3]
    Fix Deep Scratches in Wood Step 2.jpg
    • Don't worry about spreading the filler material past the crack. It is easy to remove as long as it doesn't have time to dry. Instead, make sure the scratch looks well-hidden.
  3. Wipe away the excess filler with a dry rag. Using a clean cloth, scrub around the edges of the scratch. Remove any filler material that spilled over the scratch or elsewhere on the wood. Wipe along the wood's grain as much as possible to reduce the possibility of adding new scratches. Be careful not to disturb the material in the scratch.[4]
    Fix Deep Scratches in Wood Step 3.jpg
    • An easy way to level the filler material and get all the excess is with a solid edge, like a credit card. Hold the card vertically against the wood, then drag it across the scratch. Use a rag to pick up the filler.
    • If the filler begins to dry before you clean it all up, dampen a rag with mineral spirits. Make sure the rag isn't dripping, then scrub along the wood's grain over the excess wax.
  4. Let the filler material dry for 30 minutes. Make sure no one comes along and smudges it. Once the filler sets, it will feel hard to the touch. Check the scratch again and add more filler if needed to improve it.[5]
    Fix Deep Scratches in Wood Step 4.jpg

EditApplying Wax Filler Putty

  1. Spread a pre-colored latex wood filler in the scratch. For deep scratches and gouges, choose a filler that is the same color as the wood you wish to repair. Pick up some of the filler with a putty knife, then spread it by brushing the knife along the inside part of the scratch. Continue adding more filler material until the scratch is filled. Hold the knife horizontally and move it across the crack to level out the filler.[6]
    Fix Deep Scratches in Wood Step 5.jpg
    • To avoid scratching the wood, use a plastic knife instead of a metal one.
    • Latex wood filler is similar to traditional wood putty, but it holds shape in deep scratches more efficiently. Get some online or at a home improvement store.
    • Another option is to use a similarly-colored wood stain. Dip a rag or paint brush into the stain, then spread it along the inside of the scratch. Continue adding more until the scratch is filled. Scrape off and sand down the excess as usual.
  2. Scrape off the excess filler with a putty knife. Remove as much of the excess filler as you can before it dries. To do this, hold the putty knife at a 45-degree angle. While pressing it lightly against the wood, drag it across the scratch. Do this in a few different directions to smooth out the scratched area.[7]
    Fix Deep Scratches in Wood Step 6.jpg
    • If you don't have a plastic putty knife available, try using a solid, blunt edge like a credit card. Hold it vertically and drag the edge across the scratch.
  3. Dry the filler for at least 30 minutes. Make sure no one touches the filler during this time. Once it dries, it will feel hard to the touch.[8]
    Fix Deep Scratches in Wood Step 7.jpg
  4. Rub the filler with 180-grit sandpaper to blend it into the wood. Press the sandpaper very lightly against the crack. Be very careful to avoid scratching the wood further. Rub the sandpaper back and forth along the wood's grain, enough to rough up the filled-in area and make it look more natural.[9]
    Fix Deep Scratches in Wood Step 8.jpg
    • Use sandpaper rated 180-grit or higher for finishing. Using anything lower is likely to lead to more deep scratches for you to fix.
  5. Wipe off the excess filler with a damp cloth. Moisten the cloth in lukewarm water, but make sure it isn't soaked. Squeeze out excess moisture before using it on the wood. Then, lightly rub it against the wood. Remove any filler around the borders of the scratch to help blend the spot in.
    Fix Deep Scratches in Wood Step 9.jpg
    • Remember to clean up any areas with spilled filler as well.[10]
  6. Finish the wood with polyurethane or another sealant. Choose the same sealant used on the surrounding wood, if possible. Dip a rag into the sealant, then spread it over the scratch in an even layer. Let it dry for 2 hours, then add a second coating of sealant as needed.[11]
    Fix Deep Scratches in Wood Step 10.jpg
    • If you don't know what kind of sealant is on the wood, use varnish. Thin it out with 10% to 20% turpentine before adding it to the scratched area.[12]

EditUsing Wax Paints

  1. Sand the edges of the scratch flat with 180-grit sandpaper. Press the sandpaper lightly against the table and move it back and forth along the grain. Avoid sanding the areas outside of the scratch. When you're done, test the edges by touching them. Make sure they feel smooth and look level with the rest of the table.[13]
    Fix Deep Scratches in Wood Step 11.jpg
    • Use only sandpaper rated 180-grit or higher. Coarse sandpaper is very abrasive and may significantly scratch up the wood.
  2. Clean the wood with a microfiber cloth and warm water. Dampen the cloth and squeeze out excess moisture to make sure it doesn't drip all over the wood. Wipe the cloth along the wood's grain, removing dirt, sawdust, and other debris. Dry it off with another clean cloth as needed.[14]
    Fix Deep Scratches in Wood Step 12.jpg
    • For extra cleaning power, mix of liquid dish detergent into some water. Any non-abrasive dish detergent works well here.
  3. Fill the bottom of the scratch with a lacquer brush pen. Choose a pen color similar to the wood. Then, use the pen to add a little bit of color to the bottom of the scratch. The lacquer brush pen, along with similar products, forms a base color for the paint. It also ensures the paint doesn't dry out prematurely.[15]
    Fix Deep Scratches in Wood Step 13.jpg
    • The lacquer products sold in pen form are easiest to use since you use them like regular markers. Some others are sold in a liquid form in canisters. Use a paint brush to coat the bottom of the scratch.
    • Some alternative products are sold as color edging pens or color touch-up markers. They're all used the same way, so focus on matching the wood's color.
  4. Mix wax paint together to match the base shade of the wood. Wax paint comes in a variety of colors, and you usually need both light and dark shades of brown to match the wood perfectly. Set out a palette, then open the paints starting with the lightest color available. Drip a little of each paint onto the palette and blend them together with a palette knife.
    Fix Deep Scratches in Wood Step 14.jpg
    • If your wood consists of a few different shades, match the paint to the lightest one.
    • Wax paint is often sold in stick form, which melts when held over heat like a candle or lighter flame. The paint itself is often available at craft stores in addition to some home improvement stores and online.
    • For an alternative to wax paint, try oil-based or acrylic paint.
  5. Spread the paint in the scratch with a palette knife. Use the knife to scoop up the paint and move it to the scratch. Add more of the mixed paint until the entire crack is filled. The paint may flow over the edge of the crack, but it isn't a problem.[16]
    Fix Deep Scratches in Wood Step 15.jpg
    • Check the paint as you work to make sure it matches the table. Adjust it with lighter and darker shades of paint as needed to perfect it.
  6. Smooth the painted area with 180-grit sandpaper. Start sanding before the paint has a chance to dry, since it will be much easier to remove. Rub the sandpaper around the edges of the scratch, moving along the wood's grain. Press lightly to avoid scratching the table further. Carefully blend the scratch's edges and remove any paint outside of the scratch.[17]
    Fix Deep Scratches in Wood Step 16.jpg
  7. Adjust the paint coating with more coloring until it blends into the wood. Check the paint one last time and add more color as needed to finish it. Most of the time, you will need to add a little bit more of a dark shade of paint to achieve the right color. Sand the area smooth again as needed.[18]
    Fix Deep Scratches in Wood Step 17.jpg
    • Also, use the paint to match any marks in the wood. Many pieces aren't a consistent color. For example, add a little dark brown or black to complete darker streaks a lot of wood has.
  8. Protect the area with a lacquer spray or another sealant. Lacquer sealant comes in a canister, similar to spray paint. Hold the nozzle about above the wood. Starting on 1 end of the scratch, spray over it at a slow, steady pace. You do not need to wait for the paint to dry before doing this. The lacquer coating will be clear, but it will protect the painted area from damage.[19]
    Fix Deep Scratches in Wood Step 18.jpg
    • For other types of sealant, including polyurethane, wait a day for the paint to dry. Then, use a rag to spread a thin, even layer of sealant over the entire scratch. Let it rest for 2 hours before adding another coat.

EditTips

  • Check the wood carefully before you begin treating it. Sometimes the scratch may look deeper than it is. If the wood has a sealant on it, the scratch may not even reach the wood.
  • To remove wax buildup on the table, dampen a rag with mineral spirits or a little bit of vinegar. Make sure the rag isn't dripping, then use it to clean out the scratch. Any leftover wax may prevent the filler material from curing correctly.
  • Always apply a sealant or lacquer after fixing a scratch. It protects both wood and filler material from damage.

EditThings You'll Need

EditUsing Wax Filler Sticks

  • Wax filler stick
  • Rag

EditApplying Wax Filler Putty

  • Latex wood filler
  • Putty knife
  • 180-grit sandpaper
  • Cloth
  • Water
  • Polyurethane or alternative sealant

EditUsing Wax Paints

  • Wax paints
  • Palette
  • Palette knife
  • Pre-color damage substrate
  • 180-grit sandpaper
  • Lacquer spray or alternative sealant

EditSources and Citations


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How to Play Dodgeball

Posted: 23 Dec 2018 12:00 AM PST

Dodgeball is a fun, fast-paced game that is popular among kids and adults! You just need players, a ball, and a court to play on, so it is easy to get a game going. Try playing dodgeball following the standard rules if you want to play on a rectangular court. Or, play dodgeball on a circular court for a fun variation on the game. For a chaotic twist, try playing survivor dodgeball with a large group of people and see who will be the last player standing!

EditSteps

EditPlaying Dodgeball on a Court

  1. Gather 3 or more people per team. You will need to have at least 3 people on each side of the court to play a traditional game of dodgeball. However, you may have as many players per side as you like.[1]
    Play Dodgeball Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • Make sure that all of the players are wearing rubber-soled shoes, such as sneakers, so that they do not slip on the court.
  2. Arrange 1 or more balls at the center of the court. There should be at least 1 ball available for players to throw, but the game will be even faster paced if you use multiple balls. Place the ball or balls on the center line.[2]
    Play Dodgeball Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • If you are only using 1 ball, place it at the midpoint of the center line.
    • If you are using 2 or more balls, spread them evenly along the center line.
  3. Set a timer for 10 minutes. This is the maximum amount of time that a match can go on, so set a timer before you play the first game. Each game may only last for a minute or 2, but you may play multiple games to decide the overall winner of the match.[3]
    Play Dodgeball Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • Another option is to decide the winner based on the number of games won, such as the first team to win 3 games, or the team that wins the most out of 7 games.
  4. Rush to the balls in the center of the court when play begins. When you are ready to start the game, blow a whistle or shout "go!" and then allow the players to run towards the balls. Any player may grab a ball, but teams may want to choose their fastest player to rush for the ball if you are only playing with 1 ball.[4]
    Play Dodgeball Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • After the first player gets a ball in their hands, they should wait for 5 seconds before throwing it at someone. This is to ensure that the other players have an adequate chance to get to a ball as well.
  5. Try to dodge balls that the other team throws at you. As the players rush for balls and aim them at the other team, try to dodge the opposing team's balls. Move around the court to avoid getting hit. You may move to any part of the court to avoid getting hit as long as you stay inside your side of the court.[5]
    Play Dodgeball Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • If you successfully dodge a ball, then you can pick it up and throw it at the other team.
    • If the ball hits you, then you are out and must leave the court.
    • If you catch a ball that someone throws at you, then the person who threw the ball is out. However, you must catch the ball before it hits you.
  6. Throw balls at the other players to get them out. Once you pick up a ball, you have to throw it within 5 seconds. Make sure not to throw the balls too hard or you may hurt someone! Also, only throw balls below the level of the other players' shoulders to avoid hitting them in the head. If a ball hits someone in the head, then it does not count.[6]
    Play Dodgeball Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • If you wait longer than 5 seconds to throw a ball, then you lose your chance to throw it. Roll the ball gently over to your opponents.
    • Avoid crossing the center line in the court as you approach it to throw a ball. You will be out if you cross the line.
    • Never throw the ball at another player's head or at a player who is on the ground!
  7. Win by tagging out all of the opposing team's players. The object of the game is to be the team with players left on the court. If your team tags out all of the opposing team's players first, then your team wins![7]
    Play Dodgeball Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • Even if you only have one player left on the court and other team has no players left, your team wins the game.
    • If desired, you may switch sides after each game. This is to ensure that no team has an unfair advantage.
    • After 10 minutes of play, the team with the most games won is the winner of the match.

EditUsing a Circular Dodgeball Court

  1. Draw a large chalk circle with evenly spaced X marks around it. You can draw a large circle or semi-circle on a slab of concrete, or use an extra-large jump rope to form a semi-circle on the edge of a basketball court. Then, use chalk or tape to create an X mark for each player who will be on the outside of the court.[8]
    Play Dodgeball Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • If you are playing on a court that already has circles on it, you may also choose one to be the circular court.
    • The circle should be at least across.
  2. Start with half your players inside the court and the other half outside. The fewer players you have inside of the court, the harder it will be for them to dodge the balls. To keep the game fair, you may want to start with half of your players inside the circle and the other half outside of the circle. Have each of the players outside the circle stand on an X mark.[9]
    Play Dodgeball Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • For example, if you have a total of 8 players, then position 4 of them inside of the circle and the other half outside of the circle.
    • These players may wear flags or special jerseys to differentiate them from the players outside of the court.
  3. Throw balls at the players in the circle if you are standing on an X. Make sure that you do not throw the ball too hard or you may hurt a fellow player! You cannot move from your X when you throw the ball and you can only retrieve a ball if you can reach it without leaving your X. The players inside of the circle can move anywhere within the circle to dodge the balls that you throw.[10]
    Play Dodgeball Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • If you are outside of the circle, aim your throws below the other players' shoulders to avoid hitting someone in the head. In some settings, you may only be allowed to throw the ball underhand.[11]
    • Do not throw the ball at a player who is down or at a player's head!
  4. Dodge the balls if you are inside the circle. You have to leave the center of the circle if you get hit. The object of the game is to avoid getting hit. If you get hit by a ball, you are out and must leave the circle. Sit or stand on the sidelines until the game is over.[12]
    Play Dodgeball Step 11 Version 2.jpg
    • The game is over after 2 minutes and the team with the most players left on the court wins.
    • Switch sides after each game.

EditTrying Survivor Dodgeball

  1. Place a few balls in the center of a gym or court. The object of survivor dodgeball is to be the last person standing. Start with a few balls in the center of the court that anyone can run and grab. You can play with as many or as few balls as you want, but this game is more fun with at least a few balls so that they are easier to get.[13]
    Play Dodgeball Step 12 Version 2.jpg
    • Try starting for 1 ball for every 2 to 3 players, such as 4 balls for 8 to 12 players.
  2. Stand on the outskirts of the court. There are not teams in survivor dodgeball, so everyone can decide where they want to stand at the beginning of the game. The players may spread out, or try to position themselves somewhere that they might have an advantage.[14]
    Play Dodgeball Step 13 Version 2.jpg
    • For example, if you want to be 1 of the first players to get to the balls, then you might try to stand as close to the balls as possible.
    • Although there are no teams, you may form an alliance with another player early in the game and work together to get other players out. However, you will eventually have to face off with this person if you are the last players standing.[15]
  3. Run towards the center of the court to get a ball when the game starts. When it is time for the game to begin, shout "go!" or blow a whistle. All of the players can run to the center of the court and try to get a ball when they hear this signal.[16]
    Play Dodgeball Step 14 Version 2.jpg
    • If you are not very fast, then you might want to stay near the outskirts and save your energy for evading balls.
  4. Throw the ball at other players to get them out. Make sure not to aim at another player's head! Aim the balls below the waist.[17] Also, never throw the ball at other players when they're down and don't throw the ball too hard! When you get a ball in your hands, throw it at another player right away to try to get them out.[18]
    Play Dodgeball Step 15 Version 3.jpg
    • Remember, there are no teams in survivor dodgeball, so you may throw the ball at anyone on the court.
    • If the ball hits the person, then they are out.
    • If they dodge the ball, then they can pick it up and try to throw it back at you, so be ready to run!
  5. Keep playing until only 1 player remains. As players get hit by balls, they will have to leave the court and sit or stand on the sidelines. The last person standing is the winner of survivor dodgeball, so keep playing until there is just 1 person left on the court.[19]
    Play Dodgeball Step 16.jpg
    • To keep everyone in the game to the end, you can have players who have been tagged out wear a special jersey or flag. These players can continue to pick up balls and throw them at players who are still in, but these players will not be able to win the game.

EditTips

  • Look into dodgeball leagues in your city. This is a fun way to meet people and exercise![20]

EditWarnings

  • Dodgeball can be a bit mean-spirited! Make sure that you do not throw the ball at any of your fellow players' heads or try to hit them when they are down. Don't throw the ball too hard either!
  • Dodgeballs are softer than other types of sports balls, so it should not be painful when they hit your body. However, it is still dangerous to throw a dodgeball at someone's head, so always aim your throws low, below the shoulders or even below the waist.

EditSources and Citations

EditQuick Summary


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