Motor skills help connect the child to new experiences. Thus, the basic movements of the body parts act as a base for several other developmental milestones in children, for example, cognition, communication, self-esteem, sensory intelligence, emotional expression, and postural control.
Incorporating motor skill activities into your child’s playtime is much easier than expected. Simply observe whatever interests your child the most at the time and try to make it an activity including some form of motor skill.
]]>Every parent wants the best for their child by providing the best surroundings and opportunities for growth. This article focuses on motor skills and the activities that may help your child develop better motor skills.
Motor skills refer to the child’s ability to physically become more robust and active and move their muscles and bones to touch or feel things in their surroundings. A child’s motor skill development falls into two categories; Fine and Gross.
Fine motor skill means small movement of hands, wrists, fingers, feet, lips, tongue, hand-eye coordination, etc.
As the name suggests, fine motor skills may be relatively small with a lower impact, but they are big on stimulating the core areas of the brain. In addition, they allow the child to be independent and experience the feeling of “I did it on my own.”
As a result, children are more mentally active while executing fine motor skills and create a more substantial cognitive impact by connecting their brains and body.
Therefore, fine motor skills help children to build confidence, patience, and independence. In addition, the brain orchestrates a deeper link with fine motor movements and engraves learnings that the child uses throughout their lives.
These skills help at home and in the classroom and enable the child to pick up numerous adaptive activities like holding a pencil, brushing teeth, washing hands, tapping on a screen, holding a spoon, etc.
Gross motor skills mean the movement of larger muscles and body parts that helps babies to hold up their head, roll over, sit up, crawl, and for older kids to walk, run, jump, skip, etc.
The brain loves new movements and novelty. Hence when the child moves the larger parts of their bodies, the brain makes some critical connections. It is not just about your child running or learning to crawl, but it is also about the collective process of the brain understanding the process of movement and postural awareness.
So by encouraging children to discover how their body works and performs they will develop gross motor skills.
Having said that, the level of motor skill development varies from age to age and child to child. Generally, the motor skills start from the inner body, like the head, neck, arms, and legs, and then slowly move towards the outer body, like hands, feet, fingers, and toes.
We all know that learning motor skills is necessary, but they play more of an essential role in enabling the child’s overall growth than we are usually aware.
When a child learns to explore their surroundings through movement, touch and feel things, or play around, they can become socially and emotionally active. This means that not only are they able to categorize and understand their feelings like happiness, frustration, sadness, etc., but they are also able to interact with others during their playtime.
Below you will find a list of fine and gross motor activities that can help your child to develop stronger and more precise motor skills.
Motor skills help connect the child to new experiences. Thus, the basic movements of the body parts act as a base for several other developmental milestones in children, for example, cognition, communication, self-esteem, sensory intelligence, emotional expression, and postural control.
Incorporating motor skill activities into your child’s playtime is much easier than expected. Simply observe whatever interests your child the most at the time and try to make it an activity including some form of motor skill.
]]>Now that I am a mother, I want to make memories with my child. I want my children to look back one day at their childhood with fondness, but how exactly does memory work, especially with a baby?
Well, memory is an interesting thing. I’m a nerd for the neurological science behind how the brain creates memories. Did you know that before 18 months of age, your child only forms something called implicit memory? Hang with me here, ‘cause this is really cool….
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While his handprint is frozen in time upon the card, I wonder what is frozen in time upon his brain, or more specifically, his memory? What do babies remember? I can’t recall lying in my crib or being spoon fed mashed peas. I really can’t say I remember anything from when I was an infant.
Now that I am a mother, I want to make memories with my child. I want my children to look back one day at their childhood with fondness, but how exactly does memory work, especially with a baby?
Well, memory is an interesting thing. I’m a nerd for the neurological science behind how the brain creates memories. Did you know that before 18 months of age, your child only forms something called implicit memory? Hang with me here, because this is really cool….
Implicit memories are recorded automatically without your awareness. Implicit memory doesn’t require conscious awareness or the act of you paying attention. When you recall an implicit memory, you do not have the sensation that you are remembering something. It is like an imprint on your brain that shapes how you perceive your world in the present.
After around 18 months of age or a little after, you can begin to form explicit memories. These are memories created when you are actively paying attention to the moment. Explicit memories are recorded in your mind like a playback of the event. When accessing your explicit memory, you experience the sensation of recalling things like the first time you rode a bike, got an award at school, or lost a tooth.
So during that first year or so of life, how do I actually make memories with my child? Well, my son won’t remember the time I looked away for a moment and he rolled off the bed (mom of the year here). He won’t remember how I picked him up quickly, looked him in the eye, and offered all the comfort I could give. He won’t have an explicit memory of those events. However, his implicit memory will hold on to all of it. Somewhere in his brain he will know a moment of panic (falling off the bed), but more importantly, he will know the comfort and care that followed.
He won’t remember the time we made prints of his feet, framed them, and gave them to grandma. However, his implicit memory will attach to the joy, comfort, and security that being with his loving family provided.
He also won’t remember when I felt I was at the end of my rope and had nothing left to give, but still looked deep into his eyes and said “I may be tired, but I do love you.” The stamp of “I am loved” got locked into his little brain over and over and over again as I met his basic, yet frequent needs (your want more milk, really?), and also looked into eyes time and time again with an awareness of his emotional needs too.
So whether you have a newborn, a toddler, or an older child, memories are always being formed. They just look a little different when you are a baby. Now that my son is nearly 3, we can look back at his newborn footprints and I can say “Look how very small your feet were!” He can’t recall this experience, but the imprint of that special moment is forever there in his mind.
]]>Life takes a sharp turn after having a baby. And rightfully so. Taking care of your baby and finding your way on the map is definitely a big task. It’s no secret that while some journeys will be easy, others will be difficult. But there are things that you can do to make traveling with a baby a lot less stressful.
This blog is about helping you prepare for your much-awaited trip. Plus, it also gives an idea of what to expect if this is the first time you travel with your baby.
All aspects of parenthood are demanding, and traveling is no exception. However, you can make it happen with enough planning, following some traveling tips, and holding your sanity together during the journey.
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This blog is about helping you prepare for your much-awaited trip. Plus, it also gives an idea of what to expect if this is the first time you travel with your baby.
Well, delete the perfect picture you saw on social media where the parents and kids look put together, and their journey feels like a dream. In reality, traveling with kids can be tricky and messy.
So, to answer your question, traveling with a baby can be a mix of emotions. You may feel stressed, anxious, or at the brink of losing your sanity, but know that it is doable, and we will show you how you can do it with minimum strain.
All aspects of parenthood are demanding, and traveling is no exception. However, you can make it happen with enough planning, following some traveling tips, and holding your sanity together during the journey.
It takes a minimum of fifteen minutes to plan and pack when you are just heading out for groceries with your baby. So, a lengthy trip with a baby definitely requires thorough planning and military precision packing.
The best thing is to list what you will need for your baby and the destination. Then, once you have penned and planned the basics, rip the list to shreds. Because, hey, parenting is all about tapping into unchartered waters.
It is not easy to calm the temptation to pack everything from the closet to the things in your kitchen. But wait! Overpacking can be a huge responsibility, especially when traveling with a baby.
Think about the things your baby and you can do without. Remember, the more things you have to take care of, the tougher it will be during the trip. So plan wisely and pack smartly.
If there are things that you simply cannot do without, or you are traveling for a more extended period, try exploring the option of shipping ahead through Amazon or luggage shipping sites so that when you reach your destination, you have all the essential things waiting for you.
Bonus: you don’t want to be in a new place with brands you may have never used so ship things like baby formula, diapers, wipes, etc., to prevent any added stress.
Babies can be very fussy during travel. Plus, babies can be sensitive to travel movements and noise, making them uncomfortable. That’s why syncing the travel time with the baby’s nap schedule becomes so important.
It will not only make your overall traveling experience much smoother but will also be less stressful for the baby. In addition, it works exceptionally well with flights or short trips.
You never know what might happen when traveling with kids. Do yourself a favor and carry a first aid kit so that you are not wandering on the street looking for a pharmacy only to discover that they need a prescription.
Pack medicine for flu, fever, cold, bug bites, headaches, or your prescription, and get your supplies ready days before the travel date.
If you are traveling by car, then leave a little early. And if you are catching a flight, arrive a little early at the airport. Having that cushion time is always great when traveling with a baby.
But be mindful not to overdo it, as having too much excess time can also make you and the baby irritable. And we don’t want that!
You can calm your baby and make your trip better by strategically feeling your baby. For example, if you are traveling via flight, feed your baby during the takeoff and landing, preventing the airplane ear.
If you are traveling by car, feed your baby before the pit stops so that you can use that time to eat or freshen up yourself rather than being tied to the baby.
Baby carriers and travel strollers are lifesavers. They come in handy, leaving you with free hands and ensuring the baby stays unhindered.
So, depending on your preference, get a baby carrier to wear the baby close to you or a travel-friendly stroller to make this journey less stressful.
Yes, I know that 70 percent of your luggage is baby stuff, but you also need a quick-access baby bag so that you won’t have to dig down into your other bags to find where you put the baby wipes.
Prepare a medium-sized baby bag to carry with you and pack things like extra diapers, wipes, outfit changes, baby toys, milk bottles, a small pack of formula, and all the other things that you might need on hand.
Traveling with a baby is all about being flexible and having presence of mind. So, think of the absolute worst that could happen on the trip and try to cater to it by planning ahead.
Booking a bassinet or a front seat on a plane ride, getting a car seat for the baby, or simply choosing a hotel that allows you to mimic a home environment are great ways to make your traveling time with the baby more pleasant.
Traveling with a baby can be restrictive and often expensive. Still, by following the traveling tips and becoming a travel-savvy parent, you can become more efficient and make wonderful memories with your baby!
]]>I did it. Year one down, many more to go. No one told me that this year would be both the shortest and longest year of my life.
In fact, no one told me a lot of things. However rest assured, because I'll fill you in on a few realities about the first year of motherhood. Bottom line - it's hard and beautiful and I want you to know that you are NOT alone. Your first year will look different than mine, but fellow momma, this is not the time to compare our experiences with judgement on me or you. Okay ... judge me if you like, but be kind to yourself. This is your time to connect with me as I share a few honest reflections on the first year of motherhood.
Our son turned 1 and I feel like this birthday celebration is just as much for us parents as it is for our child because we survived our first year. Personally, the first year of motherhood was a whirlwind, and one overarching reality that covered that first year was this:
You will feel a lot of emotions, ranging from amazement to terror, and that is pretty much par for the course I'd say. Don't fight it. Accept it.
For a year I have done many things again and again and again. Nurse. Rock. Feed. Play. Diapers. Bathe. Stare at my son in disbelief; disbelief that he is mine and I LOVE him so much and disbelief that he just pooped on the bathmat. At times motherhood is pure joy. At times I have felt like I'm losing it. At times I've felt confident in my mothering. Other times I've doubted myself. I've felt great peace and other times great anxiety.
Some days my hubby and I work amazingly as a team in this whole parenting gig and other days we have head-butted hard. One moment I can feel so very present with my son and the experiences we share, and then the next moment I feel distracted with my to-do list or other stressors. During the first year of motherhood, you will likely experience a whole continuum of emotions. Surviving the first year of motherhood requires a lot. Period. And if you need help from family or a friend, or even professionally, ask for it, because we aren't meant to figure this out alone.
Now that we've established that you will likely feel the whole color wheel of emotions, let's explore a few more reflections, observations, and well, confessions related to the first year of motherhood.
Mothering is more consuming than a full-time job and it requires that a lot of decisions be made:
During the first year of motherhood, you realize you are being schooled in what feels like a college course you didn't know you signed up for:
To survive the first year of motherhood, it helps to let the little things go and embrace a sense of humor around it all.
During the first year of motherhood, you will feel vulnerable in ways that scare you and in ways that uplift you.
The shortest and longest year of my life to date was the first year of motherhood. When you make it to your little one's first birthday, you realize that you are not the same person you once were and haven't been for a long time. You are different. You are more weathered and probably tired, but tougher. You are also softer and probably squishier. You are a mom and you did it. Year one down. Many more to go.
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Here is a glimpse into what has been awakened within the incredible spectrum that is me as a mother. I bet you will relate.
As we welcome our little ones into the world, welcome yourself too, for what you are and for what you are becoming. You will likely face the extremes of so many emotions and experiences during parenthood. I hope you embrace it just as you have your child when they smile and coo and when they scream and cry.
For a great way to preserve the memories of your baby and this season of life try our imprint or clay impression kits!
]]>As a parent, you want what’s best for your children and you want to protect them. Even at home you have to be a little overprotective sometimes. There are so many obstacles and areas in your house that your child can get into. When it comes to the kitchen, there can be several safety concerns. As a mom, you want to do all you can to make sure your little one is safe. You can start by making sure that your kitchen is a kid-friendly space.
Setting limits in your kitchen can definitely help protect your child in the kitchen. This can be done by section this area off. A baby gate is a fantastic device to protect your child from dangers like the stove. There are also child safety locks that you can purchase for a variety of different appliances. An oven lock will prevent your child from being able to pull down the oven handle. A lot of dishwashers come with a function built into their design that allows you to electronically lock the unit when it’s running
Dangerous items should be positioned up high so your child cannot reach them. You should know what to look for in kitchen cabinets. They should be mounted high up on the wall so children cannot gain access to ingredients or utensils. In addition to installing safer cabinets, you can purchase child safety locks that can be installed discreetly on the inside of each one. When your child is older, these can be removed without causing any damage. Some cabinets might not be an issue. You can keep pots and pans down low, but put food, spices, and sharp objects higher up.
Countertops and cabinets in a kitchen tend to have very sharp corners. If you’re redesigning your current kitchen layout, you can think of ways that reduce the amount of dangerous points. Choose countertops that have rounded edges. You can also purchase corner guards that provide a soft buffer in the event that your child hits the corner while they’re moving around.
A safe kitchen is very important when you’re a mom, but you also want to make sure that you’re getting all the features you want in a cooking space. Think about what you need in the way of safety right now, but try to choose design features that will look nice even when your child is much older.
Want to cherish your baby’s precious hand and footprints forever? Check out our imprint kits and frames to create these lasting memories.
]]>As you know, it takes a lot of patience and love to be a parent and raise kids. It takes an extremely special type of person to do this for lots of kids at once. To be able to run a daycare that educates kids, the teachers need a special education. They need to know how to teach at the level that a child can understand. They need to be experienced in dealing with troublemakers and have the training to respond appropriately. Most counties and states have laws regarding the licensing of daycares. Be sure to check that your daycare is up to date and following all regulations.
As mentioned above, daycare’s need to follow regulations. Teacher-Child ratio is regulated in most places. Signs in the classroom indicating the appropriate child-to-teacher ratio are an excellent indicator that the center you’re looking at is in compliance with regulations. You want to find a daycare that has plenty of children in your child’s age group for your child to play with, but also enough adults to provide adequate supervision. A better teacher-child ratio will make sure that your child is given the attention that they need. When the kids break into groups for learning activities, small groups will allow for more individualized teaching. Your child will form a better connection with their teacher and thrive in the daycare environment.
Perhaps the most important indicator of a good daycare, is how the teachers interact with the children. When you drop your child off, do you see the teachers smiling? Are the kids excited to see them? If so, you can be confident things are going well. If however, the kids tend to be nervous and apprehensive, there is a good chance that there are problems. Talk to your child, ask about how discipline works there. This will give you a lot of insight into what is happening when you are not around.
If you need to put your child into daycare, you shouldn’t have to be worried. Daycare can be a wonderful place for your children to play with others and learn important life skills. Daycare can prepare your children for future school environments. Just follow the advice mentioned above and you can be assured that your child will be alright.
Here’s another article you might like: What to Know About Leaving Your Child With a Babysitter
]]>Becoming a parent is one of the most exciting experiences you’ll ever have. Rocking your baby to sleep, feeding them and playing with them can feel like something out of a fairy tale. However, you still lead a life filled with other responsibilities, and having a baby doesn’t change that. It’s only natural to need some time away, and a babysitter helps make that possible. Nevertheless, it can be nerve-wracking leaving your child with someone else. Here’s what you need to know about leaving your child with a babysitter.
Whenever you’d like to go out, get some shopping done or run a few errands, your first inclination is probably to call someone you trust. This can be a close friend or relative. However, there might be a time where no one you’re close to is available. So, you’ll have to hire a babysitter. Even doing the research can put you on edge. After all, you're considering entrusting your child’s well-being to a complete stranger. Obviously, you'll want the babysitter to take care of your child just as you would. To find someone who will do this, you’ll need to vet the babysitter you’re about to hire. Perform a background check to see what prior experience they have, if they have any court claims against them and if they have an arrest record. You should also ask for references.
Once you’ve found a babysitter you feel is trustworthy, it’s crucial to have them to do things your way. You can accomplish this by leaving a plan for them. Inform them of your child’s medical history such as allergies and any medication they require. Let them know what your child is allowed to eat and when they are supposed to be in bed. If your child is still a toddler, it would help if you left comprehensive instructions for potty training as well. There are several things that should go into a potty-training plan to help the babysitter or caregiver. A detailed description of the child's usual routine should be included.
Even if they make a good impression, you can never know for sure about the person you’re leaving your child with. Installing a surveillance system will allow you to keep an eye on your child from afar and monitor the babysitter as well. It’s okay to let the sitter know you’re watching them, but don’t reveal where the cameras are located. Put them in places they wouldn’t expect.
Even when you aren't home with them, your child’s safety and well-being will always be your first priority. Check into the background of the person you engage, and remember to leave detailed instructions. These tips can ensure that the babysitter you hire will give your youngster the proper care and love they deserve. The security camera is your insurance policy.
If you’d like to remember these special times while your baby is young, try our baby milestone blanket!
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Dogs make great companions for small children. When purchasing a dog for your child, he or she will be provided with a source of love that is unconditional. Your child will also learn the traits of cooperation and responsibility from helping to care for the new addition to your family. When deciding on a dog breed, you should carefully consider the age of your child and the lifestyle your family currently enjoys. The individual characteristics of each breed is also an important consideration.
Any conversation regarding the best dog breeds for families with children will include Golden Retrievers. The breed takes its name from the dense coat of gold it sports and is known for its outgoing personality. Golden Retrievers are trustworthy dogs that never miss out on a chance to please members of their family. Golden Retrievers are powerful and energetic dogs that need plenty of recreation. This dog is better suited to a family that has the time to spend with it outdoors.
Boston Terriers make lively companions for children and the great manners they possess are the reason they are nicknamed "The American Gentleman." These dogs are solidly built, well-balanced, and usually weigh about 25 pounds or a little less. Boston Terriers are even-tempered, which makes them great around small children. Your family's new addition will be a natural comedian that is always game for a brisk walk when you choose a Boston Terrier as a pet.
Pugs have a wonderful and interesting history that includes time spent as companions for Chinese emperors and a stint as Holland's royal House of Orange's official mascot. The popularity of the Pug is as high now than at any other time in its history and the dog is a favorite of dog lovers across the globe. Pugs are small, muscular dogs that possess large heads. Perhaps the favorite feature of the Pug is the wrinkled brow that allows the animal to show human emotions like curiosity, happiness, and surprise on its face. Pugs adapt to most environments and are equally at home in the city or country. They are also great companions for dog lovers of any age.
The Beagle is a loyal companion and a skilled hunter that sports a great personality. These dogs were originally bred to be pack hunters so they are most comfortable when they have someone around with whom they can share the day. The first of the two Beagle types stands between 13 and 15 inches tall. The second type stands less than 13 inches when measured at the shoulder. They can also come in an assortment of colors that include red, lemon, white, and tricolor. Beagles are happy companions and have earned the position as America's favorite hound dog. Beagles make excellent family dogs and are great playmates for small children.
The Bichon Frise is known for having one of the greatest personalities of any dog breed available. They usually stand about a foot tall and sport a plush, white coat that is irresistible to the touch. The Bichon Frise is a well-mannered dog that is adaptable to most situations. You will have a great companion for both children and any other dogs in the house if you choose to bring a Bichon Frise home.
Bulldogs are kind and gentle animals that possess more than enough courage to make good protectors of your child. The Bulldog is built thick and low to the ground with a "sour mug" face that at times seems a bad match for their docile nature. The powerfully built Bulldog can weigh up to 50 pounds. This can be adorably uncomfortable since a favorite Bulldog activity is curling up in the lap of its owner. Bulldogs have an easygoing way about themselves but are quite energetic. They love power walks and need regular exercise to stay fit and happy. The short snout of the Bulldog can sometimes affect its breathing and hot, summer days for the dog are often best spent in an air-conditioned room.
Collies are among the most recognizable dogs anywhere you go in the world. Part of this popularity is due to the fact the Collie has been a pop culture star seen regularly on television for many decades. The Collie is a rather large dog that stands from 22 to 26 inches when measured at the shoulder. The fondness Collies have for children is well-known by anyone who has ever spent a substantial amount of time around the breed. Collies are swift and athletic. They also enjoy exercise and companionship.
Poodles are great companions that are available in three sizes. A standard poodle will stand a little more than 15 inches tall while miniature poodles will measure in under the 15-inch mark. The third type of poodle is the toy poodle which is shorter than ten inches. The bodies of the three poodle varieties are similarly proportioned and have the same build. Many people mistakenly believe the poodle to be a weak dog because of its small stature. This is not true. Poodles are naturally blessed with strength and athleticism and are always eager to please their families. All three poodle varieties are great with children and display a high level of intelligence.
Irish Setters are known for their grace, high-spirit, and impressive red coat. Setters are sweet-tempered family dogs that are great with children. Irish Setter lovers will tell you their favorite dog breed is the most beautiful on earth. The Setter stands about 24 inches tall and is endowed with a brilliant chestnut or mahogany coat. The personality of Irish Setters has made them a favorite with humans for two centuries.
A family dog is a family addition your children will cherish throughout their childhoods. There are many dog breeds available that make great pets. The trick is matching the best dog breed to the personality and lifestyle of your family. The nine dog breeds above are all excellent selections for families with small children.
Have a small child whose birth you want to celebrate? Click here to browse our adorable momentos!
]]>You can model good financial habits for your kids by preparing for what's to come. Of course, if you often find yourself struggling just to make ends meet, focusing on long-term goals may be difficult. However, proper financial planning means looking well into the years ahead to make sure that you and your child will be taken care of. Here are some of the things to consider when planning for your child's future and your own.
College is getting more expensive every year. Whereas tuition at a public university fifty years ago cost just a few dollars, universities now charge thousands per semester for the same education. In fact, student loans are now the top source of debt, recently passing credit card debt to claim that dubious title. Trillions in debt are collectively owed by students who have graduated into a poor job market. According to Money for the Mamas, entering adult life already saddled by debt is a difficult situation in which to succeed. To either eliminate or reduce the debt they will owe after graduation, help your child by preparing a college fund years before they attend.
If something happens to you, your child should be financially protected. Consider how much it would cost to properly feed, clothe, and educate your youngster, especially if you weren't around. You don’t want to rely on the government to take care of your child. A well-selected insurance plan can ensure that your child will be well cared for. According to Murfreesboro Insurance Solutions, life insurance premiums are much cheaper if you buy a policy while you’re young.
One day your children will have families and financial responsibilities of their own, and that will be enough of a load for them to carry. Don't add to their burden by failing to plan for your own financial future. Develop a financial plan so you'll be self-sufficient when the time comes for you to retire. When you are selecting a career, look for companies that offer pension plans or 401(k) plans with matching funds so that you can begin to build your retirement nest egg to cover the expenses of those golden years. Your children will thank you later.
Plan for your child's future today to help make a brighter tomorrow. Chances are that they'll take the torch of financial responsibility from you and pass it on to their own children someday.
The birth of a child is a priceless memory. Commemorate the occasion with our customizable baby momentos!
]]>It is normal for infants to not sleep through the night. However, it is also understandable for parents to want their babies to sleep well so that they can catch some rest themselves. Here are three ways that you can make your baby more comfortable when they sleep in an effort to help them rest more soundly.
Babies do not like being cold. While you want to be careful to not overheat your child, it is important to keep them warm and cozy. One of the best ways to keep your baby warm and secure is to swaddle them in a blanket. Polyester blankets have many benefits for babies and children. They are also machine-washable, providing optimal ease of care. You also need to ensure that the room temperature is set to a comfortable level. A baby that is too cold or too hot will not be able to remain sleeping soundly. The ideal temperature for an infant is between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
In order for your baby to sleep more soundly, you will want to minimize noise while they are resting. If you cannot provide a quiet place for them to rest, you may also consider the use of a white noise machine. These machines block loud interruptions and maintain a consistent noise level so that the baby is not disturbed. You can use a phone app for this, or you can purchase a dedicated white noise machine. Maintaining a silent sleeping environment for your baby is especially challenging if you have other children living in your home. Using white noise can be a big help in that case.
Babies have small tummies, necessitating that they eat frequently when they are first getting their start in life. You can help to mitigate nighttime sleep interruptions by making sure that your baby goes to sleep with a full belly. If you want to fill their tank before you go to bed, you can try a dream feeding. This means that you simply give your baby a little milk late at night before you go to bed without fully awakening them.
Everyone in the house will sleep better if the baby is resting snug in their bed. By employing these three tips, you can help your new bundle of joy to get the rest that they need in total comfort.
If you’re looking for a way to preserve memories of your baby, try our imprint or clay impression kits!
]]>Most parents end up discovering that their child has a food allergy by noticing some form of a reaction. A reaction can be minor, and there are times when a food allergy will present a life-threatening reaction. A rash is a common symptom. Other symptoms include congestion, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, stomach upset and trouble breathing. It’s important to note that consumption of the allergen may not produce a reaction every single time. A child can tolerate peanuts the first time they consume them. The next time, they could be anaphylactic.
Anaphylaxis occurs for a very severe allergy. This will result in a child having trouble breathing. They may also vomit, have trouble staying focused or awake or become dizzy. If you know that your child has an allergy, you may want to ask your child’s allergist for an epinephrine auto-injector. It’s a good idea to always carry more than one EpiPen with you. A child may need more than one dose of the EpiPen before feeling better. Always follow up an injection with a trip to the doctor or ER.
Moving forward, you now have the information necessary to help prevent future reactions. Reading every nutritional label on every product you purchase is a great place to start. When you eat at someone else’s home or in a restaurant, do your research ahead of time. You can offer to bring a safe dish to pass. You can speak with the chef to find out if a safe meal can be prepared for your child. Don’t be afraid to turn down an invitation or find another location if you aren’t comfortable with your child’s safety.
Managing a food allergy is something that can be effectively done. It takes a little bit of time to learn everything that you need to know in order to make safe decisions about your child’s care. As they get older, you can teach them to advocate for themselves as well.
Do you wish to commemorate the birth of your child? Click here to browse our collection of adorable momentos!
]]>A spotless home will go a long way in helping to keep your child safe as they become mobile. It’s important to remove all potential fall hazards in order to keep your child safe. Keeping clutter off of the floor will help to mitigate the dangers of tripping and falling for your emerging walker. You also need to take care to keep floors clean so that beginning walkers do not slip and fall on wet or slippery spots.
Baby gates are some of the most useful tools that you have in your arsenal to protect your child as they learn to walk. It is imperative that you use baby gates at the top and bottom of any staircase. You can also use baby gates to block off potentially dangerous parts of the home that you do not want your child exploring. Today's modern baby gates are easier than ever to use, making them a convenient way to keep your child contained in the safe parts of the home.
When it comes to small children on the move, bathrooms pose a host of risks. For this reason, it is important that you give the bathroom extra attention when baby proofing. Keep in mind that toddlers can drown in just a small amount of water, making it important that you prohibit access to the toilet. In addition, you also need to secure all of your medications and toiletry items that may be harmful when ingested or touched. Toilet seat covers and cabinet locks will go a long way to protect your child from the dangers in any bathroom.
Although it may be overwhelming to think about all that needs to be done to prepare for a mobile baby, it is vital that you take the necessary precautionary measures. You will feel more peace of mind once you have taken these steps.
To remember the special moments as your child grows up, try preserving their handprints or footprints in our baby hand and footprint clay kit!
]]>Pools present special risks, so if you have a pool, make sure it is fenced off and inaccessible to your child. Once your little one is able to walk, you will be surprised just how fast they can get into something they shouldn’t. Having doorknobs that are childproof is definitely a great idea; however, there should still be additional reinforcements in place. If you have stairs, you should consider adding a gate, while child safety attachments can prevent your child from opening cabinets and drawers.
Even when children begin to walk, they still spend a lot of time on the floor where, unbeknownst to you, there are many hidden dangers. Because most electrical outlets are at a child's eye level, curiosity will make them want to explore it. Using rubber covers over your outlets is one of the best ways to ensure your child's safety. In order to make sure you don't miss any outlets or any other dangerous objects, crawl around your home so that you have a similar view as your child's and see what you find.
Having a child requires you to make lots of big purchases in a short amount of time. The last thing you want to have to do is refurnish your entire home as well. Instead of shopping for all new furniture, you can childproof what you already have by adding protectors on the corners. Your little one will often want to hold onto furniture, like your coffee tables or other items with sharp corners, as they are learning to walk. Having the corners protected can ensure that your baby doesn't hit her head whenever she falls down after a walking attempt.
The best way to get your home as childproof as possible is to think like your baby. Get on their level and take a trip around your home. Explore every nook and crevice. You would be surprised how many items you come across that your child could put in their mouths or otherwise create danger.
Kids grow up fast. We're here to make sure you never forget. Shop our adorable keepsakes here.
]]>What should you look for in a vehicle as it relates to safety? Here is the definitive guide to help you choose the safest car for your family.
When it comes to safety, common sense indicates that bigger is better, and the data agrees. Larger vehicles are usually built to be more durable, and they have greater inertia. Their weight tends to afford passengers some additional protection. The two most common types of large consumer vehicles in the US are minivans and SUVs. Minivans come with a lot of great benefits over SUVs. They are less likely to roll over, one of the deadliest forms of car accidents in which a vehicle flips from top to bottom. They also have the added bonus of typically carrying more passengers. This is a huge advantage if you have a large family or often carpool to soccer games.
Car safety has made huge advances in the last few decades. Following the installment of seatbelts in all cars in the '70s, each year companies have competed to make their vehicles safer than the competition. The annual improvements in safety may be hard to keep track of, but consumer advocacy groups like AAA do a good job of informing buyers in simple terms about the latest safety features in new models and how they stack up against those of other car manufacturers.
Every manufacturer that sells cars in the US is required to submit their vehicles to crash tests. These are designed to measure how a car holds up in the event of a collision. Those who conduct the research test crashes at different speeds to measure a car’s resilience in both low-speed and high-speed collisions. The results are then published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Buying a car is typically the second-largest investment that the average family makes next to purchasing a home. Make the most of your selection by choosing a vehicle that best protects your family.
Here’s another article you might find interesting: What Do Babies Remember?
]]>If you haven't already done so, you should digitize as many photos and videos as you can. This way, you can store them in the cloud and view them as often as you'd like, without the clutter and potential damage that hard copies can suffer. You can print a few physical photos for display (see "Frame It," below), but the majority of your snapshots can be stored digitally. If space is a major issue, you can use the same technique for early artwork, but a photo might be a poor substitution for the real thing.
To preserve baby clothes, artwork, and favorite toys, invest in some sturdy plastic storage containers. Make sure the boxes are well-sealed and labeled before you consign them to the storage space. If you're planning on re-using the toys or clothing (for example, if you plan on having another child a few years down the road), keep those boxes in an accessible spot. Also, if your storage space is particularly damp or humid, you might want to invest in a special archival box to preserve paper goods.
Many families choose to immortalize their baby's first footprints by displaying them in a frame. Other two-dimensional items are candidates for this treatment as well, photos from the first introductions with close friends and family members, cards from well-wishers, even favorite outfits. You can hang the results in the nursery, or put them on full display in the family room. If it looks a little bland, you can use a shadow board to make it pop.
While this option obviously won't work for everything, many flat items can be easily preserved in your baby book or scrapbook. A lock of hair, a flower from the arrangement given to you by someone special after the delivery, a birth announcement—all of these are candidates for the baby book. Just make sure they're well wrapped (or laminated, in the case of paper goods) before you tuck the book away for safekeeping.
Remember, you might think that you're doing this for yourself, but your children will also appreciate your efforts when they get a little older. Think of yourself as a loving custodian of not only their childhoods but their memories.
Looking for the most adorable baby mementos? Click >here to browse our selection of baby blankets and imprint kits!
]]>Happy Marking!
]]>Tip #1: The ink film has one side that has a red sticker indicating the side that should go against the blank card. Try not to touch this side as some of the material could come off on your finger. No big deal if it does as it washes easily. Place one of the cards (or a card of your own choice!) against the side with the sticker and press the side without the sticker on your baby's foot or hand.
Tip #2: Brace the card and ink film when pressing it against baby. Try placing something firm behind the ink film and card (like a book or a coaster) to help brace the pad when pressing it.
Tip #3: Babys are wiggly! Try waiting 'till your little one falls asleep before pressing their hand or foot on the pad. You want baby to be very still so that they don't smear the print. Be sure that every part of the surface of your baby's hand or foot contacts the film.
Happy Marking!
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