Tips for the Shopping Parent

As a parent I find there are so many options for so many different items for your kids! You need a sippy cup? What size? What color? Lock top? Leak proof? Easy Grip? Handles? Thin enough to fit in a highchair cup holder? What about your carseat cup holder? Or the stroller cup holder? One you can put in your purse, or diaper bag, or backpack? BPA free? Dishwasher safe? You get the idea…

Something so easy suddenly becomes a tough decision making process! And it’s mainly for marketing purposes. I get it. There are a couple tricks to help make that process a little easier…

Read more

Top 10 Gift Finds for Ages 2-8 on Amazon

santababy1 Does anyone else find it hard to navigate online sales and find a true deal? There are so many different deal sites, so many different advertisements that by the time I’m done shopping my head hurts.

To save others from possible headaches I decided to share some things I stumbled across from shopping for my own kids on Amazon. These are primarily gifts for anyone with children ages 2-8 years. Some of these have limited sales prices, some are dropped prices for the whole month and some are just a good find any time of year!

Take a look, click on a photo to find out more. I hope there’s something you like too.

Happy Shopping! Read more

baby sleeping

Why Choose Organic Cotton for Children

baby sleepingThese days you hear “organic” almost everywhere. It seems to infer that all else is bad if you don’t buy “organic”, which is not necessarily the case. There are gradient levels of importance, others being being more important such as food and beauty or bath products. But one that is less observed is bedding – you spend an average of 6-8 hours a day laying between your blankets and your face against your pillow, your children spend even more time than that!

Everything in your child’s room should be as safe as possible, including their bedding. Organic bedding can provide a healthier sleep for your child and here’s why:

1. Organic cottons do not use harmful toxins. This cotton is grown organically without the use of pesticides or herbicides and it is processed without bleach and dyes. Several studies reveal that toxic substances found in synthetic material can cause neurological, reproductive and developmental problems in children. It is especially important to use organic cotton on your pillow or pillow case as this is the closest material to your child’s respiratory system.

Read more

71XjIx-Fl3L._SL1500_

Guidelines in Choosing the Best Pillow for Your Small Child

hypoallergenic pillowThere are several things to take into consideration when choosing the best pillow for your child. The following can help you in your pillow hunt.

FIRMNESS VS SOFTNESS

First and foremost only get a pillow when your child is ready for one. If they’re wadding up a blanket under their head or falling asleep on their stuffed animals it may be time. The typical age is about 2 years. You want a balance between comfort and support. Most chiropractors say to hold off as long as you can, or ensure you get a pillow that is flat enough to avoid kinks in the neck when sleeping.

You want a balance between comfort and support. To know you have it right press down on the pillow. If it does not regain its shape when you press it down it is too soft. A pillow that is too soft poses a risk of suffocation. On the other hand, a pillow that does not move at all when you press down or is too thick will not be comfortable, not to mention may give neck or back problems to your child as they get older.

A relatively thin pillow is ideal for a small head.

Read more

Babies Good Sleep

3 Helpful Tips to Get Your Babies a Good Sleep

Babies Good SleepThe first few weeks of your new baby’s life are exciting and exhausting. It helps when they sleep and stay calm. Although it’s natural for babies to get fussy, gassy and maintain irregular nap times, there are things you can do to help put them at ease and sleep more for longer.

1. Feed and Burp your baby

If there’s one thing that will wake a baby every time, whether breastfed or formula fed, it’s a hungry tummy. Fully fed babies, sleep soundly.

Nurse or bottle feed at least 20 minutes before the desired bed time. To minimize the chances of your baby becoming gassy, prop him up while you are feeding him. Ensure their belly is below their head in the feeding position. If your baby is 4 months or older you can add a very small amount of barley or rice milk to your breastmilk to fill their belly up even more and thus sleep for a longer period. Formula fed babies tend to sleep longer for this reason naturally.

Avoid extra gas and air bubbles by making sure to give them a gentle but firm burp after their feeding.

Read more

From Crib to Bed: Making the Transition Easier

kid in bedMost parents move their child from crib to bed between ages 18 months and three years old. However, there is no standard rule regarding the right time to put your child in a bed.

When to move from crib to bed?

Switching your child from crib to bed must be done properly. Many parents move their child to a bed when they have outgrown the crib. However, the arrival of another child is the most common reason for making the move. If you are having another child, then make the switch at least two months before your due date. This allows your child to get familiar and comfortable in his new bed. Another option is to switch your toddler from crib to bed when your new baby is at least three months old. Prior to this time, your new baby may sleep in a Moses basket or co-sleeper. This allows the older child to get used to seeing the baby, making the transition faster and easier for him into his own bed.

Read more

Choosing Hypoallergenic Bedding Materials for Kids

sleeping childIs your child restless during the night? Does he keep waking up? Is he sneezing for no reason? These problems may be caused by allergies. Yes, your child may be allergic to his own bed. It is important to identify the allergies, so that you can choose hypoallergenic items your child can use and address the discomfort. The following are simple tips when choosing hypoallergenic bedding for your child.

1. Identify the Allergies

There are many reasons for the discomfort of your child. Dust mites and their droppings can cause allergic flare-ups. Mold can also cause respiratory allergies. Skin irritation can be from either natural or synthetic fibers. It may take some trial and error or check with your child’s doctor to find the source of allergies.

2. Protect Their Bedding from External Allergens

Dander, mold, dust mites and other allergens can grow or build up on bedding over time. To prevent these allergens from reaching your bedding, it is best to cover your pillow or mattress with hypoallergenic slipcovers. Also look for fabric with high thread counts because they have a tighter weave and make a better barrier against allergens.

Read more