With our list and handy tips, you'll have everything you need for your little one's arrival and beyond. Let's make this journey simpler and more joyful so you can focus on welcoming your bundle of joy with peace of mind.
Let's get started!
As you set up the nursery for your little one, you may easily become overwhelmed by the myriad of options. Here's a simple guide to what's truly essential for your baby's health, safety, and comfort:
Remember, these basics are non-negotiable for your baby's well-being. Fancy extras can be tempting, but they're not urgent. Start with these must-haves to ensure the best start for your baby.
Also, prioritise quality over quantity. Think of it as an investment in your baby's future. Cheap alternatives might save money initially but can cost more in the long run with replacements.
Once you've got the newborn baby essentials, then you can consider luxury items to make your baby's entrance into the world even more special.
Alright, let's buckle up and delve into the thrill of the parent-to-be rollercoaster.
As promised, we're going to share some top tips from our own experiences that will help you understand a little more what you're doing as a new parent, relieve stress, and help you really embrace and enjoy this journey of a lifetime!
Navigating the baby section, it's all too easy to go gaga over everything. Single. Thing. But trust me, managing your budget will be a lifesaver!
Not all baby items are made equal. How do you decide what to prioritise? Put simply, buy what you need, not what you want.
And here's a friendly tip: Embrace sustainability.
Remember, every decision counts. Let's make 2024 the year of smart, sustainable parenting!
For your little one, choosing the right newborn clothes is so important.
Baby skin is super delicate, so soft, breathable fabrics like organic cotton are just perfect. They're gentle, don’t irritate the skin, and are super cosy. Plus, easy-to-wear clothes make diaper changes a breeze.
And hey, have you seen the Sebra Organic Cotton Muslins? They're not just adorable in pink and blue, but they’re also wonderfully soft. Perfect for swaddling your baby to give them that cosy, womb-like feeling.
Basically any kind of organic baby clothes are great as newborn baby clothes, and will serve you and your baby’s well being for months to come.
Feeding your baby is important and can be challenging, but it's also a wonderful and fulfilling experience. Having the right tools makes a big difference. For newborns, good quality baby bottles are important. You want something durable, easy to clean, and safe.
We recommend starting with the Hegen PCTO 240ml Feeding Bottle 3M+ and Hegen PCTO™ Express Store Feed Starter Kit PPSU for seamless feeding sessions.
These are not only sturdy and simple to maintain; they are designed with your baby's safety in mind. With these bottles, feeding and switching from breast to bottle is easy and stress-free. You'll have more special moments with your baby.
For those precious nighttime hours, it's all about ensuring your newborn sleeps soundly and safely. Comfy sleepsuits are a game-changer, and Jollein's Baby Sleeping Bag with Removable Sleeves is a dream come true.
Good sleep is crucial for your little one's growth and brain development. It's not just about getting rest in a comfy baby; it's about helping them process their day and learn.
According to NHS studies, quality sleep aids in their overall development. So, choosing the right sleeping bag, like Jollein's, not only promises cosy nights but also supports their journey of growth and learning.
Sebra's Handmade Baby Mobile is another addition that aids in your baby's visual development and lulls them into that all-important deep sleep.
Life doesn't stop when you have a new baby, and the chances are you'll be heading out in the world soon after birth.
For sprightly parents always on the go, the Micralite Twofold Stroller or the highly-portable Ickle Bubba Aries Max Auto-fold Pram & Stroller are must-haves.
Both keep your baby comfortable and safe, providing a reliable stroller for years to come, ensuring a comfortable and secure ride. A good investment may be expensive at first. However, if you only purchase one item for several years, it will be worth the money you spent.
Bathing your baby requires the proper toiletries to help protect their sensitive skin while providing an important, thorough clean.
Sebra's Organic Baby Washcloths and Purflo's Muslin Cloths are ideal for this, and it really depends on your personal preference.
You may also want to consider investing in Mushie Baby Oil 145ml for post-bath massages, promoting better sleep.
Oh, and don't forget the NAIF Baby Diaper Cream to keep diaper rashes at bay and your baby's skin smooth.
So you've checked off all the 'essentials' on your list.
That's amazing; you're all set for parenthood. However, now comes the fun bit, especially since there's a world of delightful extras waiting for your exploration. These are the things well worth considering, given their utility and fun quotient alike.
Here are some examples:
Educational learning games play a pivotal role in early childhood development. They're not just about keeping your little one occupied; they offer a world of benefits.
These games improve thinking, memory, focus, language, and social skills by encouraging play. They work well when they involve your child in a fun, interactive way, making learning enjoyable and memorable.
When selecting educational games, it's important to consider age appropriateness and the skills they aim to develop. Look for games that are not only engaging but also grow with your child, adapting to their evolving learning needs.
And speaking of engaging educational games, our top recommendation is the Wee Gallery Jungle Alphabet Cards. While they might not be the first thing you think of as 'essential,' they're a compact, easy-to-use early-learning program.
Great for keeping your child engaged, these cards make learning the alphabet enjoyable and interactive. They're a fantastic way to introduce education through play, keeping your child engaged and learning, whether at home or on the go.
Games that stimulate and engage are crucial in your newborn's development. They're not only for fun; they improve senses, promote growth, and give comfort and security.
The MiniDream Luxury Musical Baby Playmat - Safari Play Gym is a fantastic example. This product is a great combination of usefulness and adorableness. It provides a fun play area for your baby. The play area keeps your baby interested and promotes their well-being and safety.
Also, don't miss out on the joyful Sebra Activity Toy Range. These toys are soft, cuddly, and have sounds, textures, and scents. They help babies explore and learn about their surroundings.
And with their adorable Zebra, Giraffe, and Sleepy Crocodile versions, they're as cute as they are educational. These toys offer so much more than meets the eye, blending comfort, learning, and play in the most delightful way.
Of course, it's really up to you and the kind of experiences you want your baby to get involved in. Just remember, this is 2024, so whatever you're after, you can be sure there's something beautiful and bespoke out there that's perfect for you!
Every coo, every first smile, every little yawn—these are memories to cherish! But let's not forget—behind these sweet moments lie meticulous planning and smart preparation. Collecting 'Newborn Baby Essentials' is not just a task; it's a journey you take with your little one.
And guess what? Small Smart is your trusted companion through this journey.
With our carefully curated selection, rest assured you're investing not only in products but peace of mind. So, gear up, dear parents-to-be—the journey's just begun!
Here's to welcoming life, welcoming love, and diving into parenthood armed with Small Smart's baby essentials.
Furthermore, this comprehensive guide presents the perfect STEM toys for primary schoolers and enjoyable options for preschoolers. So, dive into our guide now and find the ideal educational toy to enrich your child's development.
The Wee Gallery wooden tray puzzle set is an ideal toy for toddlers as it promotes fine motor functions and hand-eye coordination. This toy is a great educational toy for 2-year-olds with its rounded animal shapes and offers plenty of problem-solving fun for little ones.
This educational matching game will delight young children and be a firm favourite for 2024. The matching element of the Janod Magneti Book promotes problem-solving skills that are key for cognitive development. The book is also perfect for taking out and about thanks to its compact design.
Engage your child in this nature toys that encourages connecting with the outside world and play weather game. The Tender Leaf educational weather watch is a great toy for future meteorologists, who can enjoy learning about the weather and the moon's phases with this interactive toy and.
These educational flash cards are perfect for children at school who are learning to read and discovering English literacy rules. The Tricky Words Flashcards teach children aged 4 to 6 how to pronounce ‘tricky’ words that need to be memorised, in a fun and engaging way. Furthermore, the compact design also makes the flashcards ideal for taking out and about.
Learning to tell the time can be a challenging task. However, this colourful Bear toy clock from Tender Leaf is the ideal learning aid. Children can enjoy playing with the tactile shapes as they get to grips with time telling. It can be one of the best education toys for kids to teach time from at a very early stage. Moreover, this delightful clock stands out as one of the best educational toys for kids, providing an early and fun introduction to time-telling.
Building blocks are a classic educational toy as they promote fine motor functions and problem-solving skills. These brightly coloured blocks are a great educational toy for toddlers yet will also appeal to older children, making this a long-lasting toy that offers open-ended play.
Let your little ones explore their creative side with this Sensory Drawing kit from Micador. The no-drip finger paints, chalks and textured papers will appeal to children of various ages, allowing them to creatively have fun. Additionally, art supplies are a great educational tool as they help children develop their fine motor skills and express their emotions.
These textured counters are an ideal educational toy for toddlers and preschoolers that will engage them in sensory play. This interactive match boarding toy has 12 counters each with a different tactile surface to explore. It will encourage children to count, match and sort while making connections to textures and colours.
Encourage your child to get outdoors with this interactive portable handheld microscope that is perfect for exploring nature. Its portable size makes it ideal for popping in your pocket for a walk in the woods, where your little one can examine insects and plants, developing their connection with the natural world.
Coding toys are set to be popular toys in 2024 and this Code & Go Robot is a great educational toy for older children. This award-winning Robot Mouse toy is the ideal way to introduce STEM toys and the concept of coding to children.
The best way to engage children in learning is through the act of play. The National Institute of Health emphasises that playing is vital to the development of cognitive, motor, and psychosocial, emotional, and linguistic skills. Therefore by investing in interesting educational toys, you will be able to naturally support your child’s development.
The above list offers a great selection of toys that nurture children’s creativity and cognitive skills. For example, puzzles help children learn to recognise patterns and deduce solutions whereas sensory toys help children to manage their emotions and reactions through play.
With the aid of this informative list of educational toys, you will be able to find something that engages your child’s interests. Additionally, these toys encourage learning, fostering their development through play in a natural and enjoyable manner.
Children’s only profession: Playing with toys - NCBI
How games and puzzles help a child's development - Kumon
The Power Of Sensory Play In Childhood Development - Forbes
Educational Toys Collection - Small Smart UK
]]>As the world outside transforms into a snowy wonderland, it's the perfect time to play imaginative games and screen-free activities with your little ones. We understand the allure of digital entertainment, especially when the temperature drops, but there's something special about spending quality time engaged in hands-on activities that ignite joy and curiosity with the family.
Here are are our top six indoor Christmas activities and family games for some serious family fun time this holiday season.
Recreate the beautiful holiday scene from The Holiday! Remember how Sophie, Olivia, Amanda, and Graham crawl into their cozy pink tee-pee? You can do that too! Use blankets, cushions, or plush toys, and invite mum and dad for fun indoor Christmas activities. It encourages storytelling, role-playing, and cozy reading sessions within the walls of these cute makeshift rooms. Plus, its one of those memorable indoor activities at home your little ones will always remember!
If you have to ask us what's the best indoor Christmas activity, we would say BAKE BAKE BAKE! Making sweet somethings and sharing them with each other is the best way to spend time with your little ones! Have them create snowflake-shaped cookies or gingerbread houses. It can be challenging but its worth all the memories! Let your little ones organise a bake sale too, if they like.
Not all kiddos want to bake or decorate fascinating teepees, some of them want to be "Bob the Builder"! Give your little ones a handy workbench or a toolbox!Engage your little ones in fun indoor activities for Christmas with these adorable wooden workbenches! Watch as boys and girls learn to hammer, drill, and tackle DIY projects, fostering problem-solving skills for a confident future.
Bundle up in warm layers and venture outside for calm and fun-filled winter walks. It's a great way to explore your snowy neighbourhood and all the Christmas decorations. Don't forget to play a few fun games with your little ones though. A simple colour or letter scavenger hunt will be a great idea to keep your little ones thinking. Additionally, you can ask them to spot a Magpies or Squirrels on the way!
Create lasting memories with indoor treasure hunts. For indoor hunts, hide those small wooden animal toys (stacking toys) and ask your little ones to hunt for them! It's a great way to get your children to be active during the holidays (giggles guaranteed 🙃!).
Ever heard of dominoes, marble runs, and Tinderbox? Your enthusiastic kids will love it when you set up a domino rally or build a complicated marble run with them! But wait... have you heard of Tinderblox? Oh, this tiny family game will get the whole family gripped! Try and get your family to assemble a 3D campfire without knocking it down. Sounds like fun, right?
Well, these are our favourite indoor and outdoor Christmas activities. What are yours? Try these indoor activities out with your little ones and enjoy the holiday season!
Oh, and don't miss our Christmas sale - amazing toy deals with free shipping! Happy shopping, happy playing and happy holidays!
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From toddlers to preschoolers, we've curated a selection of toys that not only promote curiosity and creativity, but aligns with a child's interests and passions, nurturing their aspirations for the future.
Get ready for fun-tastic Christmas Gift that includes ideal Christmas ideas for kids!
Timeless and beneficial, puzzles enhance problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and patience. Choose puzzles with varying difficulty levels to challenge and engage children of all ages. For instance, in the Oceans Logic Puzzle Game, kids connect nine squares to form a square while learning about sea creatures simultaneously. Isn't this a great Christmas gift for boys and girls?
Encourage cognitive development and spatial awareness with building blocks. Options like wooden building block sets offer endless possibilities, allowing kids to construct their own worlds and stories. Whether it's a towering castle or a futuristic spaceship, these building blocks lay the foundation for problem-solving and critical thinking. Plus, it can be a great Christmas gift for kids that can keep their minds occupied all through the holiday season.
Nurture the dream of becoming a doctor with realistic medical kits. These wooden toy sets include stethoscopes, pretend syringes, and doctor's accessories such thermometers, needles, ointments, etc., allowing aspiring young doctors to explore the world of healthcare through imaginative play.
For the budding chefs, consider cooking play kitchens that mimic a real chef. These play sets often include utensils, pots, pans, and play food, fostering creativity and teaching basic cooking skills while encouraging imaginative culinary adventures. Can be a perfect Christmas gift idea for to cook up a miniature holiday meal!
Introduce the joy of music with age-appropriate musical instruments. From mini keyboards and guitars to percussion sets, these toys not only entertain but also nurture an appreciation for rhythm and melody. Plus, it can begin to have a significant impact on your child's development. Wondering how your kids can play simple christmas carols or their favourite songs this holiday season? Get them musical wooden toys for Christmas!
Encourage the entrepreneurial spirit at a young age with pretend play cash registers and store sets. These engaging wooden toys not only make for a delightful Christmas gift but also serve as educational tools, teaching basic math skills, money management, and fostering social interaction as kids enthusiastically take on roles like shopkeepers and customers.
Outdoor bikes are catalysts for children's growth, fostering physical development by enhancing motor skills and coordination. Navigating outdoor spaces on bikes also stimulates cognitive growth, promoting decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, riding bikes with peers nurtures social development, encouraging teamwork and interpersonal skills essential for a well-rounded childhood.
Whether aspiring to be a doctor, chef, musician, or entrepreneur, find the perfect toy to inspire and captivate young minds. Gift the joy of learning through play with our Christmas guide! Don't forget to check out Smallsmart's Christmas Sale for the best christmas gifts and toy ideas for boys and girls!
May your child's learning journey be filled with laughter and discovery in every field imaginable. Happy shopping and happy holidays!
]]>Starting November 10th, our Early Black Friday deals offer the perfect opportunity to find top-quality engaging toys and accessories. These items not only ignite their creativity but also ensure joyful playtime sessions. Watch as your children enhance their fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, communication, logical reasoning, creativity, and concentration through play!
This curated list of will help you pick the best toys for your tiny tots & your adventurous children.
Playtime for babies isn't just about fun—it's essential for growth and development. Soft and comfortable playmats and baby gyms develop important sensory and cognitive skills. It's perfect to practice tummy time and introduce new patterns and colours to your baby. The Minidream Wooden Play Gym with Toys & Done by Deer Sea Friends Playmat promises hours of exploration. They facilitate hand-eye coordination as your little one tries to grab the soft toys dangling from the arches. As babies are always learning new things, these play mats help them focus and learn important things about their surroundings.
Fun Fact: As your little one engages with the activity cube, they can simultaneously reach for the hanging toys on the wooden gym.
Fun Fact: It comes with a starfish mirror for your baby to explore their reflection.
Complement the playmats and wooden gyms with the flexible Done by Deer Activity Spiral. It can be attached to strollers, pushchairs, etc., ensuring it keeps your baby active while they are on the go. The soft touch, the sound from the rattles and the squeaky toys can thrill your babies senses. Plus, the teether can comfort their itchy gums.
These thoughtfully crafted products are sure to be cherished companions in their early adventures. Additionaly, they can be great gifts for young parents too!
Imaginative play is a cornerstone of childhood development, and there's no better way to facilitate it than wooden toys. Our Modern Play Kitchen, complete with a fridge, microwave, and a stove in a sleek white design, is bound to ignite culinary adventures in your little ones.
For those seeking enchantment, the Kensington Wooden Doll House offers a world of storytelling possibilities. These wooden wonders aren't just toys; they're gateways amazing pretend play sessions.
Train Set Adventures: Where Learning Meets Fun
All aboard for educational excitement! The Hooga Kids Wooden Train Track Set & Play Table seamlessly blends playtime with learning. As your little conductor navigates the tracks, they'll be honing spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and imaginative thinking. This 80-piece toy set is a testament to how playtime can be a powerful tool for educational development, communication and social interactions amongst children.
Encourage empathy and compassion through imaginative role play. The Liewood Lennart Doctor Play Set, comprising six carefully crafted pieces, invites children to step into the shoes of a caring doctors and healthcare providers. This set not only fosters a sense of responsibility and empathy but also instills a positive attitude towards health and well-being.
Staying hydrated has never been this chic! The Liewood Falk Thermal Kids Water Bottle, with its 350ml capacity and stylish design, ensures that your little one stays refreshed throughout their play time sessions. Crafted with quality and sustainability in mind, this bottle is a testament to the seamless fusion of function and fashion.
Veja is not just a footwear brand; it's a movement towards eco-conscious fashion. The Veja V-10 Laces Kids Trainer in White Cobalt Pekin combines trendsetting design with an eco-friendly ethos. Crafted from sustainable materials, these unisex trainers for kids can provide ultimate comfort while they play outdoors for long hours. These sneakers are perfect for any sporting activity or can be a ideal for just a stroll in the park too!
This Black Friday treat your children safe wooden toys that spark their imagination and keep them happy with accessories when they play outdoors. The early bird gets the best deals, so don't miss out on getting upto 50% off on the wide selection toys from Smallsmarts. Happy shopping!
]]>We've compiled a list of the seven best outdoor toys and garden games for kids that are guaranteed to keep them entertained and engaged.
Let's dive in!
Who doesn't love a good outdoor kitchen playtime?
Mud kitchens are all the rage, and it's easy to see why! They provide hours of imaginative play and hands-on learning. Check out this luxurious wooden mud kitchen from Small Smart, complete with a sink and hob for your little chefs. It is also designed to accommodate 2-3 children to play and learn together. Which provides a fun and educational experience that promotes the development of children's essential social and communication skills.
Fun Fact: Mud kitchens help develop fine motor skills and sensory awareness!
Outdoor toys are toys we all know and love and they never fail to make us smile and have fun.
From giant bubble wands to wooden tree swings, outdoor garden toys can make your backyard the ultimate play space. Swings like this are a truly beautiful way to get your kids outside for a fun activity that’s incredibly traditional. It can provide hours of light-hearted fun, without having to rely on anything too technical or modern!
Top Tip: Rotate your garden toys regularly to keep things fresh and exciting! Try talking to your friends who are also parents and you can trade toys to save on buying new ones!Create lasting memories with fun garden games like lawn darts or a family-friendly game of rounders.
Small Smart offers a range of timeless garden games that are perfect for kids and grown-ups alike. Even garden toys, like these garden flower stacking rings, are great ways to encourage outdoor play.
Fun Fact: Garden games help develop teamwork and social skills, both for kids and parents alike!
Add a splash of colour to your garden with some fun games designed specifically for kids. Take Croquet, as an example.
This beautiful wooden kit is an easy and impeccably modern introduction to the game that’s also perfect for all ages and promotes hand-eye coordination. It will keep the whole family entertained for hours.
Top Tip: Choose games that can be adapted for different age groups so everyone can join in!
While we've covered the fun kind of outdoor games. Now what about some other kinds of toys that allow your children to really engage with being outside while creating their own type of fun?
Encourage physical activities and creativity with outdoor play equipment, like climbing frames or trampolines. Your little ones will love this gorgeous teepee tent – a fantastic stylish addition to any garden when the weather is great!
There are few better ways to engage your children when it comes to playing outside, with setting up tents and play stations like this. It creates a safe shelter that allows for all kids of imaginative play, whether you’re playing princesses in the castle or camping out as a soldier’s base
Fun Fact: Outdoor play helps improve balance, coordination, and overall fitness!Returning to nature with gardening, bug hunting, or bird watching. Why not try these walking nature cards to encourage your kids to find and learn about local wildlife?
In addition, you can get the adventures started by using a trail kit that helps connect your children to the beautiful outside world and everything it offers. The more opportunities your children have to remember their great times outdoors, the more engaged and excited they’ll be to do it all again next time!
Top Tip: Create a nature journal to record your outdoor discoveries! That way, you can keep a log of everything you've found to remember all the best bits!
Last but not least, invest in some high-quality child outdoor play equipment. Whether you're playing in a pool or simply laying out on the beach and using some of those all-important tools to build, dig, and play, this kind of play is perfect for encouraging sensory play and exploration. Take Liewood's Dante beach set with you for the perfect day at the beach! It comes with a bucket, a shovel, and 4 beach moulds in fun animal shapes.
Fun Fact: Sand and water play help develop problem-solving skills and creativity!
There you have it – our top seven outdoor toys and garden games for kids in the UK!
With these fabulous options, your little ones will be begging to spend more time outside, enjoying the fresh air and exploring the great outdoors.
So, head on over to Small Smart to discover their fantastic range of bespoke, luxury toys that are perfect for outdoor play.
Remember, outdoor play provides a fun and engaging environment for your children and contributes to their physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
So, go ahead and turn your garden into a wonderland of adventure and learning for your little ones.
Happy playing! 🌞🍃🌼
You want to create a beautiful space that provides a safe and comfortable environment for your baby. It's all about having a balanced lifestyle between safety, play, and love - a space your little one will grow up in.
This doesn't have to be as tricky as you think. Take a look at these five simple ways to create a stylish and safe nursery for your little one.
Colours play a crucial role in setting the mood and tone of a room, and there's a certain psychology that can be very interesting to learn.
For example, red represents passion and excitement and can appear rather intense. Perhaps it may be too much for your child's room.
However, green evokes feelings of peace, nature, and freshness, and orange is all about warmth and kindness.
When it comes to your baby's nursery, opt for calming and soothing colours that promote restful sleep.
Light pastels like soft blues, greens, nude and pink colours are excellent choices as they create a relaxing atmosphere. Avoid bright and vibrant colours that may overstimulate your baby and interfere with their sleep.
Investing in high-quality furniture for your baby's nursery is a crucial step in creating a stylish and safe space. This ties into your lifestyle and how you want your little one to be raised.
Taking pride and care in the main foundations of your child's surroundings can help to encourage a truly nurturing and peaceful connection to you, your baby, and the space. We're not saying you need to go all out and fill the room with all sorts of crazy things and just take up space.
We are saying that it can be a very enriching experience to find a few things that you really value and will bring a lot of joy to your life.
A sturdy crib, comfortable rocking chair, and practical changing bag are essential pieces of furniture that every nursery needs, and they can all help to nurture your connection to your child.
Done by Deer Changing Table Mat Dreamy Dots - Powder Pink
It's also a good idea to look for furniture that is made from non-toxic and eco-friendly materials to ensure that your baby is safe from harmful chemicals.
Because we're talking about your little one, we must mention safety. It's an obvious one but an important one you don't want to overlook. Your baby will spend a significant amount of time sleeping in their crib, so creating a safe sleeping environment is essential.
Make sure your baby's crib meets safety standards and is free from any loose parts, sharp edges, or broken pieces. The mattress and sheets should also fit snugly in the crib and is firm enough to support your baby's developing body properly.
You may want to take extra care as well when it comes to using soft play mats and cushions to help create soft and comfortable areas for play and rest.
Soft lighting is an essential aspect of creating a calming and soothing environment for your baby. Harsh overhead lights can be unsettling, so opt for soft and warm lighting instead.
A dimmer switch is an excellent investment as it allows you to adjust the light level to suit your baby's needs. You can also add a cute lamp or nightlight to create a cozy ambiance. Fairy lights and night lights also work really well!
A cluttered and disorganised nursery can be overwhelming and stressful for both you and your baby. Remember, as your baby grows, so does their ability to become stimulated by their environment.
Keep the room organised by investing in practical storage solutions such as shelves, drawers, and baskets. Keep frequently used items within reach and store less frequently used items in designated areas to prevent clutter.
Done by Deer Storage Basket Double sided
Setting up a stylish and safe nursery for your little one doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.
By choosing the right colours, investing in high-quality furniture, creating a safe sleeping environment, using soft lighting, and keeping the room organised, you can create a beautiful and comfortable space for your baby.
Remember, the most important thing is to ensure that your baby is safe and comfortable in their new environment, giving them everything they need to grow into their best and most beautiful selves.
Check out the Small Smart store today to help you build and furnish the nursery of your dreams.
Especially when it's a bank holiday weekend, half term, or the seemingly endless six-week summer.
Fret not!
We've got you covered with seven exciting activities that both you and your children will love. These activities are not only fun but also educational, making them a great way to keep your kids entertained and engaged.
So get ready for some quality family time, and let's dive in!
Turn your kitchen into a mini-laboratory and conduct some fun science experiments with your kids.
The possibilities are endless, from making homemade slime to creating a tornado in a bottle.
The best part?
Your kids will be learning about science without even realising it.
To get started, check out some science experiment ideas online, gather the necessary materials, and let the fun begin!
Take your kids on an adventure to explore the great outdoors. Create a scavenger hunt list with items like "a yellow leaf," "a feather," and "a pretty rock." This activity is fun and helps your kids develop observation skills and learn about nature.
We also love the idea of mindfulness cards. This means writing down cards for each when you're playing outside or going for a walk, and you have to look to find something. This 'something' could be things like;
We recommend starting with three per person!
Milestone Cards Baby's First Outdoor Moments
Cooking and baking with your kids is a fun activity and a great way to teach them valuable life skills. Let your kids help with simple tasks like measuring ingredients or mixing batter. This activity also provides an opportunity to bond and create some yummy treats together.
And if your kids are a bit young for the kitchen, get them a toy kitchen set to cook alongside you, getting them familiar with the activity for when they’re older!
Liewood Antonio Play Cooking Set - Blue Multi Mix
Get creative with your kids by having a craft time session.
From making paper airplanes to painting pottery, there are countless crafts you can do together. This activity helps your kids develop their creativity and problem-solving skills and also provides an opportunity for quality family time.
Gardening is a great way to get your kids outside and teach them about the environment. Let them help plant seeds, water the plants, and watch as they grow.
This activity teaches kids about the environment and gives them a sense of responsibility and pride in their accomplishments.
Hooga Wooden Mud Kitchen with Sandpit
Get your kids active and entertained by setting up an obstacle course in your backyard or living room. You can use household items like pillows, chairs, and blankets to create obstacles.
This activity helps your kids develop their physical abilities and coordination while having fun.
Encourage your kids to tap into their creativity by having a storytelling session. You can take turns telling stories, act them out, or make it into a game where you add to the story each round. This activity helps your kids develop their storytelling skills, creativity and provides an opportunity for quality family time.
As you can see, plenty of activities out there make for a great blend of fun and education and provide an opportunity for quality family time.
So, next time you can't think of a fun activity your kids, why not try out one of these activities and watch as the boredom melts away.
Hooga Kids Teepee Play Tent Canvas Play House - White
Have fun, and don't forget to check out the Small Smart store for a great range of products, toys, and kid-friendly accessories to help your kids feel at home.
But don't despair – with a little creativity, it's possible to keep the toys under control and make the space actually usable again. Risk stepping on LEGO bricks no longer, with these five simple yet smart toy storage ideas!
Your child's playroom could be the envy of them all - not just because of the brilliant decor, but also because it oozes organisation.
Keep all those beloved characters, building blocks and other toys in one place with a toy box or storage ottoman. Personally, we love small baskets that you can stack up, like Done by Deer storage baskets that pride themselves on some of the most beautiful designs for any playroom.
Wall-mounted shelves or baskets are a great way to get creative with your storage. By adding new angles, you can showcase special collections or simply display artwork or dishes that bring you joy.
You can even use them to create extra storage space while adding texture and style to any room in your home.
Done by Deer has a great selection of shelf designs that look great and maximise storage. And if you want to add a beautiful aesthetic touch, shelf boxes can really bring a shelf to life.
Plus, they're easy to install and give an alternative to regular bookshelves or cupboards – let's be honest - they scream creativity! So get ready to jump on the wall-mount bandwagon, because it's time to think outside the box and make some interior design magic.
No matter what toy storage ideas you go for, the truth is you will always be using a container of some kind actually to store everything.
Games, crafts, toys, puzzles, and teddies. All of these need a space to call home, whether on a shelf, in drawers, a cabinet, or under the bed.
So why not make your life a little more fun and store your small toys and games in pretty containers?
Not only is it practical and convenient, but it's also a great way to brighten up your space while ensuring everything stays organised and easy to find. Plus, with so many styles and designs available on our website.
3 Sprouts is another great brand for storage, as they have containers with some cutest animal designs and tons of variety in size and function!
Check out more fantastic designs here!
If you thought your living room was too cramped, wait until toys start taking over and driving you up the wall!
On that note, most rooms in our homes are pretty much wasted space. It's just blank and empty, holding up the floor, but why not take advantage of this untapped space and use it for some creative storage areas?
Take the Liewood Dirch Storage Box, for example, or the Jollein Felt Bear Wall Organizer.
Both are fantastic yet super easy ways to enjoy off-the-ground storage that not only looks good but helps keep everything in its home, safe and sound while it's not in use.
The perfect way for those cuddly toys to watch over your kids while they play, and you won't accidentally stomp on any dinosaurs when walking through your living room.
Tired of always coming up empty-handed when you're hunting for something around the house? Maybe you just aren't looking in the right places.
With labelled bins and baskets, no object is ever lost again! Let's face it: keeping things organised can be tedious, but clearly labelled containers make finding any item (no matter how small) painless.
Don't waste your energy rummaging through a sprawling mess - simply find the bin or basket with the appropriate label, and voila - instantly smoother sailing. Label everything and watch your home become effortlessly manageable!
Whether you're storing trinkets in Fabelab Rope Basket, gorgeous lion storage bins, or even ornate basket bags, labelling everything maintains organisation and helps reduce the number of times you're asked where your kid's favourite toys are!
It's a win-win!
With these toy storage ideas, you can now easily organise your kid's toys and keep their playroom clutter-free! If you're looking to create a fun and unique space for your children, check out our website for various stylish and easy-to-clean collection of toy storage ideas products!
Whilst you may be travelling and visiting new sights, your child can become restless. One little toy which will take up no space is the stroller cards. Available in various themes, the cards effortlessly connect to your stroller or bag, whilst making them almost impossible to loose/rip off. Featuring 5 illustrated cards, held together with a ring, your child can begin to learn and understand common features within the world.
Explore the different 'Wee Gallery Stroller Cards'
This Trixie toy which is compact, fun and assists with your child’s development, this toy allows your child to explore their imagination anywhere they go. Designed to hold away and feature a handle to carry, this will be the first thing your child packs for trips away. Featuring a little world with animal puppets and accessories, your child can spend some alone time in their imagination. It’s a great soft toy for travelling as all its features are cleverly kept together.
Check out the Trixie Puppet World M - RaceYour child will find their musical bone through the accordion toy. Designed for little minds and little hands, this toy features easy-to-grab handles, allowing your child to fully experience the accordion feature. This is a small toy, that can fit it into your travel bag as it compresses down. The accordion has stimulating colours, sounds and textures, it’s a toy bound to keep your child entertained wherever you travel to.
Take a look at the Hape Beaded Raindrops
A toy to stimulate your child’s senses, this sensory toy will assist with your child’s development and can also be used as a soothing toy with it's added gentle rain sounds. Not only will the sounds keep your child entertained but the two-toned beads will interest the little one. Another bonus is that it doesn’t make loud sounds which is great for long car journeys.
And there you have it! Our list of travel friendly toys for your little one. We hope our top picks will make your journeys and exciting new adventures that little bit easier for you and your child.
Well, actually - we might have just found an even better way!
How about choosing a personal and unique gift that will be remembered long after the Christmas wrapping paper has been binned?
If you're stuck for ideas, don't worry - we've got you covered! This guide will discuss some of the most meaningful and memorable Christmas gifts for newborns. So whether you're buying for your own little one or someone else's bundle of joy, read on!
There's no better way to welcome a newborn baby into the world than a gift box that has it all. Sophie la Girafe has just the gift box for you.
With gift boxes designed for both boys and girls, you'll find some beautiful little products that are amazing for newborn babies and looking after them in the gentlest possible way and also help the parents out big time!
Each kit has products like Tiny Humans Baby Shampoo, 0-3 months baby socks, and specially designed Baby photo cards for capturing all those beautiful moments you'll want to treasure forever.
Check out the Welcome Baby Gift Box here!
While talking about gift sets, here's another bespoke gift box; the Awakening Book and Gift Set from Sophie la Girafe. This brand is known for its stunning aesthetic, and it's sure to melt the hearts of parents and newborns alike.
With each set, you'll find a giraffe-inspired baby toy and teether, the Awakening Book that's designed to look great and provide four sensory activities for the baby, and a lovely Handle Rattle with a giraffe ball that spins and twirls.
Everything you need to capture the imagination and to give a beautiful gift for newborns this Christmas!
Check out the Sophie la Girafe Birth Gift Set here!
You can never understate how beloved a playmat will be. It's one of a child's most used possessions that are so often overlooked. Fortunately, you don't need to settle for a plain mat with no personality.
Instead, discover these beautiful playmat designs inspired by nature, some calming characters, or just aesthetic design. Here are some to explore;
MiniDream Leaf Baby Activity Playmat: White | Mustard | Turquoise | Blue
Shop the Done by Deer Activity Playmat
For the more eco-inspired parents, why not help do your bit to save the animals and give the newborn a toy they're going to absolutely love? The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the world's most well-known charities. By purchasing their soft toys, you get to enjoy the beautiful plushies and help the charity with its continued efforts.
Support WWF with their white alpaca toy here.
The Picca LouLou Collection is one of the most popular luxury baby brands in the world, and a fantastic example of their quality comes from the Whale Gift Box. Packaged in a beautiful, dream-styled box containing the cutest whale toy that sports an inviting smile and a lovely pom pom hat.
Discover the Picca LouLou collection yourself here! They even have an adorable lion collection if this is more your style!
Picca Loulou Whale in Gift Box
Finishing off our list of the best Christmas gifts for newborns, we have something special for your little one.
While there are all the tried and tested ways to record and remember a newborn's first year, the most interesting and unique is surely the Lulujo milestone blanket. With a stunning yet calming mountain background, this blanket is soft enough for everyday use, especially during those colder months.
However, this blanket really shines as the design creates the perfect, wild-styled frame for any beautiful moments the parents want to capture over the first year or so. It's a beautiful take on traditional blankets and one that's sure to leave a lasting impression this year.
Shop Lulujo Baby Milestone Blanket and Card Set here!
As you can see, there are so many different gift ideas, yet all of them offer a gorgeous aesthetic that both newborns and parents will love this Christmas.
Check out the Small Start store today for all the gift ideas and products you could ever need, whatever the occasion.
You're sure to find something to be treasured this holiday season!
]]>Baby play mats are the perfect solution. They are a bit like a rug in that you place them on hardwood floors anywhere in your house. As your little one learns to crawl, shuffle and walk they provide a soft surface for them to land on. However, they are much easier to clean than a carpet. Baby play mats are very popular for nurseries but you can use them in any room in your house.
Some play mats come with attached toys (such as a baby activity gym) but others are made of pull-apart floor tiles. These are available as thin or thick foam mats. We have a selection here that are ideal for hardwood floors but there is nothing stopping you from using them on a carpet if you want to.
There are plenty of floor mats to choose from but as well as the design and colours there are some important features that you should look out for.
The whole point of a foam play mat is that it provides a cushioned surface. It needs to be soft for tummy time for young babies. Even babies who are still tiny love short supervised periods on their front having tummy time. As they get older, they need a safe play area that is baby friendly where they can roll, sit and crawl. Once they are up and standing on their feet, mats provide a great non slip surface for those early steps. So, they must be thick enough to prevent your baby from hurting themselves when they fall over.
Play mats are a considerable investment and, to make them a more affordable option, it's a good idea to get one that will adapt as your child grows older. To begin with, you can use foam mats as places to put a baby activity gym. As your child gets older, they become an activity mat and play space. Even older kids use them as a play area.
Reversible designs are useful, as it stops you from getting tired of them. Play mats made from foam floor tiles can be moved around. It is useful if you can fold up foam mats that are one piece when you are not using them. Play and go mats are the perfect option for travelling.
Floor mats for babies and young children must be easy to clean. There are some fabric options that are machine washable but these are more suited to baby care. The best baby mats for older children are waterproof and are wipe clean using a damp cloth. A baby's play environment can get very messy so these features are essential.
The best baby floor mats provide a non-toxic environment for baby play and rest and so you should have a good look at the material they are made from. Look out for non-toxic materials that are sustainable. Also, look out for sloped edges and soft angles. There are lots of different types of foam so it is wise to do some research before you buy.
This is a matter of personal taste. You may prefer a simple design in muted colours or a bold layout. Some have an educational theme but others are all about pure fun. If you buy one to suit your decor, don't forget that decors change quite often!
If you want your play mat to last, it is best if toys don't leave permanent indents in the foam. The foam tiles should also not be that easy to pull apart so that kids cannot lift them off and put them in their mouths.
This is what you need to create a safe activity area in living rooms with hardwood floors for a young baby. The MiniDream Organic Play Mat features a super soft and luxurious zone. It is made from non toxic organic materials but can be washed in a washing machine. It comes with a small storage bag.
For babies who love to play with cars and vehicles, you can't go wrong with the Play & Go Roadmap Thunderbolt Storage Bag. It's made from poly cotton that has been produced under world-class environmental stewardship standards. The design is loads of fun for car races and gathers all the toys up into a neat bag when the game is over.
This is a play space and play mat all in one. The play mat provides a colouring challenge for older children in the form of pictures of historic buildings so it is also very educational. The Play & Go Colour My Bag by Omy measures 140cm in diameter and is made from 70% cotton and 30% polyester. Because the design is printed on both sides it keeps kids amused for hours and comes with three markers to create a perfect travelling activity. When they are done, you can roll it up into a handy travel bag.
Ideal for hardwood floors, the Toddlekind Playmat Kids Floor Mat Earth protects from bumps and falls without compromising on elegant design. They can be purchased as multiple sets and can be joined together. They come with 6 tiles and 12 edge pieces giving limitless layout possibilities. The tiles are made from non-toxic EVA foam that exceeds safety requirements in Europe and the US for your peace of mind. They can also be wiped clean.
If style and gorgeous design are important for you, why not create a beautiful play mat using separate tiles. The Toddlekind Playmat Kids Floor Mat Nordic tiles are available in five subtle colours. They will cover that hard floor surface and feel padded under your baby's feet.
They have a cement effect background, accentuated with sharp white lines and are so attractive that many parents use them as a rug replacement. For your peace of mind, they are made from EVA foam which is not toxic and exceeds European and US safety requirements.
The best material for a cushioned floor mat is non-toxic EVA foam. This provides a soft surface under your baby's feet as they play. It helps to prevent injuries if they fall over. The tiles can be fitted together to make any shape and are often sold in packs. The eco friendly material is made without the use of harsh chemicals and is therefore less damaging to the environment.
The manufacturer will provide full instructions on how the play mat should be cleaned. Most can be wiped down with a cloth using plain, warm water. Some can be wiped with a dilute solution of a mild detergent like dish washing up liquid. You should not use harsh chemicals on a foam mat as it could damage the surface.
What is tummy time and how does it help baby development? - BBC
]]>Which baby toys should you choose for your baby to play with that will also help with their development and learning? You have a huge choice so we've selected the top 10 toys that will encourage learning and are also a lot of fun!
Baby play mats and baby gyms are the main sources of entertainment for babies during the first few months of their life. They are just the thing for helping with many areas of your baby's development.
Baby play mats are a safe, practical and comfortable surface for you to place under baby gyms. Some play gyms are available with their own soft play mat - just like the gorgeous MiniDream Baby Playmat Baby Gym. You can also get a stylish wooden arch with fascinating hanging toys and they are used with a separate playmat.
The hanging toys teach your baby about cause and effect. They hit the toy by accident at first and discover that it moves, this is caused a primary circular reaction. It is a vital stage in your baby's cognitive development.
Babies can see things most clearly when they are 8-12 inches from their face and play gyms are designed so that the toys hang at exactly this level. Focusing on the toys helps with their visual perception.
Many of the toys on play gyms are detachable and safe for your baby to grasp. As your little one starts to reach out and grasp toys hanging from the baby gym, they learn how to hold onto objects and develop the fine motor skills in their little hands.
From birth, this is controlled by a reflex action. As your baby lies on play mats they relax and start swinging their arms around. They will accidentally brush their hand against the toy hanging from the activity gym and instinctively grab it. They can look a little surprised when it comes away in their hand and they end up holding it!
By the age of five months or so, your baby will be making the decision to grab the toys from the activity gym themselves. Play mats are the ideal location for you to create this amazing learning environment for your baby.
You can encourage your baby to start exploring the world around them by giving them the opportunity to lie on their side. You will probably need to support them to begin with but eventually, they will have the strength to support themselves.
All you need now is some suitable toys to keep them entertained. This Activity Floor Mirror ticks all the boxes. It has colours, textures and sounds. But the best thing is that it stands up on playmats and displays a mirror towards your baby. Babies adore looking at themselves in mirrors because they just love human faces - even their own! It also helps them learn how to identify faces and facial expressions. These are vital skills that they will need as they grow up and become toddlers.
Perhaps the most significant developmental benefit of baby playmats is that they allow your baby some tummy time. As the name suggests, tummy time is simply allowing your baby to lay on their front. Tummy time is only safe when your baby is awake and supervised.
Tummy time on suitable playmats encourages a young child to lift their head and this strengthens the muscles in the neck, upper back and arms. It also supports the development of gross motor skills such as rolling and crawling. Babies learn how to use the muscles in the arch of their hand and start to explore their environment from a different perspective. This will eventually lead to crawling.
However, not all babies will tolerate being placed face down on a playmat and will soon let you know about it. You can help this by using a firm tummy time pillow or ball to start off with. You will need to support your baby in the face-down position as they get used to it.
As your baby grows all of their senses will develop. Their sight, hearing, fine motor skills and awareness need loads of stimulation for them to develop at the right pace.
Baby playmats are an ideal place for this sensory learning to take place whether your baby is lying down or can sit up. However, you need the right baby toys to stimulate their interest.
A simple rattle is a great place to start and is suitable for a newborn. This Hape Sea Animals Rattle Set is a perfect example. It is totally safe and eco friendly, fun for little hands to touch and makes a cool noise.
When your baby is ready to move onto something a little more sophisticated, the Sophie la Giraffe Musical Light Up Baby Book stimulates sight, sound and touch.
All babies are different and develop at different rates. However, the newborn stage where they stay in exactly the same position that you placed them is very short-lived.
Your baby will probably be able to roll from their stomach onto their back by four months of age. By six months, they can roll from their back onto their stomach. This is a very big developmental milestone for your little one and playmats are the perfect location for them to practice their new skills.
Experts believe that babies are more likely to roll over if they spend plenty of time playing on the floor. By being on a play mat, they have more incentive to move. You can give them even more incentive by putting toys near to them but just out of their reach. Toys with contrasting bright colours and rattling sounds are useful for attracting your baby's attention. These Jelly Soft Toys are perfect because they are also soft and will not hurt your little one if they get hold of them.
From just a few weeks of age, a young child can distinguish between different sounds. As they get older, listening to music helps them to learn how to pick up subtle changes in sounds which helps with their speech recognition. Baby playmats are a perfect place to hang out with your baby and throw some tunes together!
Settle your baby on the playmat in a comfortable position between your legs and help them to discover the noises that simple musical instruments can make. The Hape Deluxe Musical Magic Touch Piano is a perfect place to start. By establishing a life-long love of music, you are giving your child a tool to help with numeracy and literacy and to help with their mental health as they get older.
Settling down with your baby on a playmat in a warm room to enjoy a good book together is one of the most special parts of parenting. Even though a book may not be classed as a toy, it can still be a lot of fun. The value of instilling a love of stories and reading in your child cannot be over-stated. As well as the obvious advantages for their literacy, it also helps with many other areas of reasoning and cognition.
There are countless types of books that include sensory experiences. There are books that crinkle, books that have buttons that you can press to make noises and even books that you can take apart and put back together.
This does not have to stop as your child gets older and you can even combine a good story with a cute toy. All children adore the Gruffalo and with the Tonies The Gruffalo - Audio Character you get an audio book to capture their imagination, some fun sing-along songs and a Gruffalo character with his "knobbly knees, and turned-out toes. And a poisonous wart at the end of his nose!"
Stacking toys are a classic activity for an older baby to play on mats. No nursery is complete without some stacking cups or blocks. There are many different designs to choose from but the principle is the same.
For a child, stacking blocks is all about problem solving and experimentation. It is fascinating to watch them as they try to figure out how to put one block or cup on top of another and in what order. This is really stretching their brain and helping to develop their cognitive skills. They are also learning to concentrate for longer periods and discovering that they are rewarded for the concentration with a huge tower - that they can then knock over and start all over again! Of course, knocking over a tower that you have built is also a lot of fun.
Toys that look like everyday objects that Mum or Dad use are always a huge hit with babies. They soon learn to mimic the adults and older children around them with amazing accuracy. Before you know it, they are putting a toy camera up to their eyes or a phone up to their ear.
These days you can get a toy version of just about every device and because they are ethically made from sustainable wood, they are a lot less damaging to the environment than the real thing. Your baby will love toy card machines, smartphones, cameras, and coffee machines. Your only problem will be deciding which to choose!
When do babies roll over? Age and how to help them. - Medical News Today
How well can newborn babies see?- Web MD
]]>Top of the tips for flying with a baby is to book a direct flight if you possibly can. The 'danger' points in long haul flights with a baby are concentrated around getting on and off the plane and around take off and landing. So, the fewer of these you have to do the better. Even if the adult fare is a little more expensive, for most families it is worth it.
If a direct route is not possible for your long flight, book one that gives you at least two or three hours at the airport. This gives you a chance to stock up on any provisions that you are missing, change a dirt nappy and let your older children stretch their legs. Some airports even have shower facilities if things have gone so badly on the flight that one of you needs a shower and a change of clothes!
Babies fly free internationally with many airlines so your little one may not need a paid seat. However, this may not be the case for all flights and a few airlines may insist that even a young baby has their own seat. The definition of 'a baby' is usually a child under two years of age but you should always check this.
If you can afford to book an extra seat for your baby, it is always a good idea. When your little one has their own seat, it frees up a lot of room and means that you do not have to have them on your lap for the entire flight.
If your baby is in a separate seat, most airlines will insist that you have an appropriate child restraint system for their own safety. Baby rules for travelling vary by country and airline. Some airlines provide restraints and some don't.
If you are travelling to the US, you will need to comply with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration. This may include providing an FAA approved car seat (more details are given here) which is usually treated as additional luggage so you do not have to pay extra to bring it onboard.
Obviously, a first class seat is the best option if your budget will stretch to that. You will have a lot more room and it makes a huge difference, especially on long haul flights.
Away from first class, try to bag one of the front row bulkhead seats. This gives you loads more foot room and some airlines provide baby bassinets for very small children. The bassinet is like a small cot and fits on the bulkhead wall in front of your seat. As your baby sleeps, you get your lap back! Bassinets have age and weight restrictions and cannot be used during take off, landing and periods of turbulence.
An aisle seat is best if you have a toddler who requires multiple trips to the toilet. However, if you are breastfeeding, you may prefer the privacy of a window seat. The middle seat is probably not the best choice as it gives you neither easy access nor privacy.
All of the extra baby gear that you need makes it much more likely that you will exceed the baggage allowance for your flight. Even if you pack light, it is worth checking before you leave your home. It's very embarrassing to have to take things out of your case and transfer them to a carry on bag in front of other passengers. It's even worse trying to do it when you are juggling a baby and several other bags at the same time!
Also, check what items need to be checked into the hold and which can be carried on. Some airlines allow you to carry on a stroller and car seat but others don't. You may also be able to gate check a stroller and car seat by leaving them with the flight attendant just before you board. You can even get gate check travel bags where you can put the things you won't need on the flight.
The best approach when flying with a baby is for both of you to wear layers. This allows you both to adapt to the changes in temperature that you inevitably meet when you are flying. Airports are usually quite warm, aircraft can be quite cool if the air conditioning is turned up. However, a lap infant can make you hot! If you are heading to a sunny destination, you will probably need to discard some layers when you get there.
If your baby vomits or has a leaky nappy, you will be glad to have some extra clothing to fall back on. Dealing with baggage reclaim when you are covered in baby sick is no fun!
A baby carrier is very useful when flying with a baby. Your little one will feel safe and secure because they are close to you. This leaves your hands free to deal with your older kids and all of the paperwork associated with air travel.
Many carrier slings are suitable from birth, are ergonomic and very easy to use. Don't forget a baby blanket! The gorgeous Jollein Muslin Blanket is lightweight but warm making it perfect for travel.
You will need a separate bag for baby gear and one with a wide opening will allow you to have a clear view of what is inside so that you can grab it quickly. The Done by Deer Roll-Top Storage Bag is ideal because it is just the right size, is waterproof and machine washable. It's also made from 100% recycled polyester. You are also going to need:
Formula or pumped breast milk. The Skip Hop Formula to Food Containers are just the right size for formula milk and snacks and are made from BPA-free and phthalate-free materials. Check with your airline about their rules on taking liquids on board.
Nappies, wipes, changing mat and plastic bags for soiled nappies. The That's Mine Changing Pad is so cool it looks just like a clutch bag!
Baby food and cutlery. The OXO Tot On the Go Feeding Spoon comes with its own travel case for hygiene.
Spare clothes. Flying with a baby can get very messy!
Medication. If your baby is on medication, you must bring this with you. You may also want to bring some baby paracetamol that is suitable for your child's age.
Air travel is notoriously unpredictable. So put together the quantities of the above things that you think you will need for your length of flight - then double it!
The key to successfully flying with a baby is to keep them happy. For young babies, this means making sure that they are comfortable, warm and fed. For older babies, however, it requires some form of entertainment! The Wee Gallery Sensory Clutch Puzzle Ball is a good choice for air travel. It is lightweight and has no bits that can fall off and roll under your seat. Babies explore it as if it was a puzzle and it has a strap to secure it making it perfect for travel.
The last thing you need when flying with a baby is to have to race through the airport lounge because you are late for your flight. It's far better to arrive early for check in and then spend your time at the airport preparing your baby for the flight.
Use the airport restroom to change their nappy just before you board. Many airlines operate a family line for boarding so that you can get on the plane first and settle your baby before the other passengers board.
Finally, ignore the dirty looks! Flying with a baby is not easy, especially on a long flight. Babies cry and this is understandable if a change of cabin pressure has made their ears hurt (you can help this by getting them to drink milk/water or suck a dummy on take off and landing) or if they are tired or hungry. Most of your fellow passengers will understand this, even the ones in the same row as you. If your baby cries and you are doing everything in your power to soothe them, there is nothing more that you can do. Flight attendants are often very helpful in these situations and may have some tricks to distract your baby long enough for them to forget what they were crying about!
Some parents are nervous about flying with a very young baby because of the changes in cabin pressure and the challenge to the baby's immune system of being in a confined space with a lot of people. Other parents are far more relaxed about it.
The NHS advice is that it is safe to travel with babies over two weeks of age. However, they also advise that most airlines may ask you for a birth certificate (internal flights) to prove your child's age. For international travel, your baby will need a passport. Some airlines require a doctor's letter confirming for very young babies confirming that it is safe for them to fly.
Flying with a baby at night is often the least stressful option. Hopefully, your child sleeps more at night and so they are more likely to fall asleep on the plane. Also, you will need less baby food because they do not eat at night and that means fewer wet or dirty nappy to change!
Travel advice - NHS
Flying with children - FAA
]]>Kitchen play sets provide excellent value for money for the price you pay for them and remain a favourite toy for years. From simple designs to sophisticated interactive accessories, they are one of the most versatile gifts any child could get.
Check out our summary of the top options to suit your family, home and lifestyle. Then, we answer every question you may have about play kitchens and why they are so popular.
Sometimes, space is at a premium and you need a play kitchen that will fit into a tight gap. The clever design of the Hooga Kids Wooden Play Kitchen provides hours of fun and opportunities for imaginative play but takes up very little room. It's suitable for children over three years of age.
At only 39cm wide, it will fit into most bedrooms and playrooms and is made from safe and sustainably sourced materials. There are so many features to delight little minds and keep little hands busy. Kids will love to move the hands on the clock and the knobs on the oven, use utensils in the pans and add a little salt and pepper to their tasty dish. There is even a rail to hang a tea towel.
Toddlers are at a golden age of imaginative play and playing at cooking is one of their favourite pastimes. The kid's wooden play kitchen by Signature is perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers from the age of three years. It stands at 83cm high so that children can access the features at the top of the kitchen - a clock with hands that they can move around and a microwave oven.
It's made from high-quality MDF wood finished in a warm grey or white colour and has a removable sink in stainless steel in case you want to add in a little water play. There's no harm in encouraging a love of washing up from an early age! There are plenty of interactive features to occupy busy little fingers including clicking knobs on the oven and taps that turn.
A weekend away does not mean that kitchen play has to stop! A portable play kitchen is an ideal play companion for holidays, stays with family or even camping breaks. It can also be moved easily into the garden to make the most of playing outside on a fine day.
The utensil rack detaches and fits neatly inside the 'oven' which doubles up as a storage space. Everything your child needs for play cooking is included. Kids will love the frying pan, fried egg, pizza and salt cellar. All in all it's a great choice for busy little fingers and kids that like to play at cooking no matter where they are!
There are so many interactive features on this play kitchen that it's hard to know where to start! There is plenty to appeal to older kids (and grown ups for that matter) which makes it great value for money and an investment that will last for years. The Signature Deluxe Kids Wooden Play Kitchen has a fridge and freezer featuring an ice maker, a microwave oven, a traditional oven and a sink with taps.
The double hob and oven knobs click and the ice maker has both sounds and lights. It comes with a set of 10 stainless steel utensils and a telephone so that you can phone your order through to the kitchen. There's plenty of space and activities - enough to keep two or more children occupied at the same time.
Children love to fiddle with things! From a young age, they delight in putting things in and taking things out of cupboards, stacking things and moving things around. With the Tender Leaf Play Kitchen, they will be spoilt for choice because it is bursting with kitchen accessories.
You'll find the usual range of accessories that you would expect to find in a play kitchen. There are plates, cooking utensils and a utensil holder. Then things start to get really exciting! Children and adults will love the rack of herbs and fish dish with garnish. It encourages children to explore more sophisticated dishes and can help to establish lifelong healthy eating habits. The soap dispenser teaches hygiene in fun way.
It's completed by charming little details like the hand-crafted wicker baskets, the chalkboard and the printed gingham fabric pot holder. The modern, Scandi design made from sustainable rubberwood and painted in non toxic contemporary colours would look great in any playroom or bedroom.
There is a wide range of play kitchens for you to choose from so to get you started we've compiled a handy guide. It will give you all the information you need before you place your first order.
Children's kitchen play sets encourage imaginative play and role play which both underpin how kids learn. At first, it may simply be about opening and closing doors and twisting knobs without there being any purpose. However, the simple act of moving the accessories around helps kids refine fine motor skills.
As your child grows older, they will enjoy role play where they can prepare a meal for you - they will copy what they have seen you do in the kitchen. Here are some ways in which they learn:
Imitation. Children learn a lot from imitation and, in a kitchen, they can be a parent preparing a meal for the family, a waiter or a head chef.
Vocabulary. There are so many words associated with cooking. Nouns like fruit, meat and fish; verbs like cook, stir, chop, fry and adjectives like delicious, hot and cold.
Healthy food choices. It's never too early to learn that fruit and vegetables are healthy and to practice the different ways in which they can be prepared.
Teamwork, sharing and co-operation. When more than one child is playing with the kitchen, they will need to take turns and listen to the opinions of others.
Organisation and planning. Making a pretend meal requires a child to follow a series of steps in a particular order.
Basic cooking and hygiene skills. Children learn that some foods must be cooked, others can be eaten raw and some foods are stored in the fridge. They also learn about different ways of cooking.
Problem-solving. If a utensil goes missing, the child will have to hunt through all the cupboards, fridge and oven to find it.
Creativity and imagination. Children can think up meals and choose the way in which they will prepare them.
Before you get carried away and place an order for a play kitchen, here's a checklist of what you should be looking for.
Size. Where will you put the kitchen and will it fit? Many kids like to play with kitchens until well into their primary school years so it could be in your home for a long time.
Sustainability. Is the kitchen made from natural and sustainable products with non-toxic paints? Many parents would prefer to avoid plastic.
Delivery. Will the kitchen be delivered by the shop and what is the price of delivery?
Assembly. Will the kitchen need to be assembled by you and, if so, how complicated is it?
Removable sink. Does it have a removable sink? This makes water play a lot easier.
What is in the kitchen? Is there a fridge, freezer, oven, microwave or sink?
What is included? Do you get play food to cook with, pots and pans or utensils as part of the package?
Durability. Is it strong enough to stand up to several years of play?
You have a choice of buying a play kitchen that is made from plastic or wood. Whilst there are some advantages to plastic kitchens (they are cheaper and lighter) wooden kitchens for children are becoming increasingly popular. Here's why:
Sustainability. Most wooden kitchens are made from sustainably sourced material and are therefore less damaging to the environment.
Style. Wooden kitchens look sleeker and more stylish and parents like the look of them in their home.
Realistic. Plastic kitchens tend to be in bright colours and look very unlike an actual adult kitchen. Wooden kitchens are more realistic.
Safety. The quality of wooden kitchens is usually better. They are very well made and do not have loose bits that can peel and fall off.
Durability. Plastic kitchens are cheaply made and things can snap and break. Wood is a durable material that lasts.
The description of most play kitchens stipulate that they are suitable for children over the age of three. This means that they are aimed at older toddlers, pre-schoolers and children of primary school age.
Buying a more sophisticated play kitchen is often a good plan. As your child grows older, they will develop different ways of playing with the kitchen that requires more complex cognitive skills and fine motor skills. Children up to the age of 10 years have happily enjoyed play kitchens especially if there is a younger sibling to join in.
Because these toys are so versatile, they work almost anywhere in the home. Many parents locate them in a playroom because this is where all the toys are kept and it is the area of the house where children spend the most time playing.
The living room or lounge is another option. Wooden play kitchens in particular look so chic that they fit in with stylish decor and do not look out of place.
Of course if you have room, the obvious place to locate the play kitchen is your own kitchen! This encourages your child to copy the food preparation techniques that you are using and they can join you in preparing a meal for the family.
Some kitchens are suitable for use outdoors but you need to check that the materials will stand up to the elements. Very few will withstand rain but if you have a play house in the garden this is another option.
Toy kitchens need things to go in them. It is tempting to use real food but the reality is that this is going to get very messy and could potentially be dangerous. Play food is a much better idea, especially for younger children. Start by checking what utensils and/or food is included in the price of the kitchen. Here are some other ideas.
Tea sets with a tea pot, cups, saucers, and perhaps a milk jug or a sugar bowl are always a great idea and are available in a range of designs. Toy electrical kitchen gadgets are adorable and there seems to be no limit to what is available. You may choose a toy electric kettle, a toaster, an electric mixer or even a coffee machine so that your little one can prepare your morning cappuccino.
The choice of toy food accessories is also seemingly endless. Who can resist a basket containing a collection of wooden play fruit or vegetables, wooden play eggs or charcuterie. Or, how about a fresh fish crate or a crate of cheese and dairy products.
For special occasions, a wooden birthday cake complete with candles and a knife to separate the slices is nearly as irresistible as the real thing!
Hand Skills - NHS
]]>As a new parent, it is easy to get a little overwhelmed by the advice on prams and pushchairs. There are so many options to choose from. Your baby is growing and developing at a rapid rate and their transport needs are changing at the same time. This is one of the most important baby products that you will need to make for your little one both in terms of cost and how often you will use it. So, it is important to make the right decisions.
One of the issues that trouble a first time Mum and Dad the most is deciding when to move a baby from their pram to their pushchair. Here, we have summarised all the expert opinions to give you a clear timetable to work to. We've included some background information on how you can identify prams, pushchairs, strollers and all the other ways you could choose to transport your baby.
The terminology surrounding prams and pushchairs can be quite confusing. Here we have unpicked the characteristics of each type of baby transport: prams, pushchairs, strollers, buggies and travel systems.
Prams are a traditional way of transporting young babies. They are designed to meet the needs of newborn babies. Importantly, a baby can lie flat in a pram which is essential for their health and safety.
Your sleeping baby will lie in a parent facing position so that you can keep a close eye on them. Some prams allow you to lift the crib part off from the frame so that it acts as a temporary Moses basket. Prams often have a soft and comfortable lining and a canopy to protect a baby from the sun.
Also, some prams can be folded flat when not in use but they are still quite bulky and you may struggle to get a flat pram in some smaller cars. Some prams can be converted into a pushchair that is suitable for older babies.
Pushchairs are designed for older babies. Even though most pushchair frames will collapse, they are strong and sturdy. The Allis Plume Lightweight Pushchair is a perfect example with a strong aluminium frame that is easy to fold up with one hand. Babies typically face forward because it gives them a good view of the world. However, some pushchairs allow the seat unit to be moved around to face the parents or whoever is pushing the pushchair.
Some, but by no means all, pushchairs have fully reclining seats so that they can be used for a new baby in a lie-flat position. However, this is something that you will need to check carefully. Often, the pushchair description says that it reclines but that is not the same thing as providing a lie-flat position for a baby in the first few months of their life. Always check that they can be used from birth.
You can also use a double pushchair if you have more than two little ones.
Strollers are essentially a lightweight pushchair that is easy to carry around. They are all forward-facing and are designed for older babies who have good head control and no longer need a parent-facing design. Strollers are specially designed to collapse easily and fit into a car boot. It can be very useful to be able to fold up a stroller quickly if you are using public transport.
Whilst some strollers are very simple and lightweight, others are more sophisticated. Take the Baby Jogger City Elite 2 - Jet stroller, for example, it has a reclinable seat, forever air rubber tyres and an adjustable hand bar for the comfort of your baby and for your convenience.
A buggy is just a term that is used to describe both a pushchair and a stroller. A buggy will always be forward-facing. If you have two children you could use a double buggy. Double buggies can place children side by side or one in front of the other.
Some double buggies, like the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller also have reclinable seats so it is more comfortable for children to spend time in them. You may also want to choose one that has an easy-fold mechanism and a UV canopy for added protection.
Travel systems have been around for the last two decades or so. Rather than buying a separate pram or carrycot, pushchair and car seat (or infant carrier) you could buy the whole lot as an integrated travel system. A travel system has a car seat unit that you can take out of the car and slot onto a frame. This saves you having to wake up your little one by moving them from their car seat when they are sleeping.
Many travel systems can be used from birth. However, new parents do need to be careful with preterm and young babies because they should not be in a car seat for too long. It is better for them to be in a lie-flat position when they are sleeping.
Some pushchairs and strollers have the option of a separate carrycot that will also fit on the frame. The idea is that you can use the carrycot attachment to create a pram where your baby lies flat during the early months. Then you swap to the pushchair seat unit when your baby is older. This saves you from having to buy both a pram and a pushchair.
Many pushchairs also come with storage baskets and carry bags. All pushchairs and strollers have a weight limit which is the maximum weight that it is safe for them to carry.
Expert advice is that a baby should lie flat to sleep in the first few months of their life. The first reason for this is to do with head control, the second is connected with breathing and the third is all about the development of their bones and muscles.
Newborn babies do not have the ability to hold their head in one position. This is called head control. Babies start to lift their head slightly during tummy time on playmats. It can happen from the age of one month but in other babies, it starts later.
Then, between one and three months, a baby will start to lift their head up to a 45-degree angle if they are face down on the floor. Over the next three months, their strength and control improve and by six months of age, most babies will have full control of their head. Also, your baby will be able to sit up unaided by the age of nine months.
The NHS advice is:
"Pushchairs, also known as strollers and buggies, are only suitable for young babies if they have fully reclining seats so your baby can lie flat. Wait until your baby can sit by themselves before using another type of pushchair."
A lot of research has been carried out into the causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). As part of that research, it has been discovered that young babies who spend too long travelling in an upright position may develop breathing difficulties. The scrunched up position that they collapse into when they are not flat may not allow them to get enough oxygen.
There is no published guidance that says exactly how many hours 'too long' means. However, the Liberty Trust (a respected charity that offers advice on how to keep young babies safe) says:
"infant healthcare professionals, safety experts and most car manufacturers recommend that babies should not be in a car seat for longer than 2 hours at a time and they should be taken out frequently."
So, there is no fixed age at which a baby can use a pushchair that does not have a lie-flat seating option, it is more a matter of a child reaching a developmental milestone. All babies are different and they all develop and different rates. Also, young babies should not travel long distances in car seats.
A baby's bones are very vulnerable as they are growing at a rapid rate. When a baby is in a lie-flat position, their spine can develop in a natural way.
The concern is that when a baby is not in a lie-flat position, their hips do not turn into their natural externally rotated position with the femur (thigh bone) correctly positioned in the hip socket. The lie-flat position is thought to be best for the normal development of a baby's hips, legs and spine.
A five-point harness is essential for pushchair safety. There are five straps that are secured to the pushchair seat and that meet in a central locking system. It holds your baby securely in their seat and does not allow them to wriggle their way out.
Two straps are secured around the shoulders, two around the hips and one between the legs. Parents just need to make sure that it is fastened correctly.
Pushchairs that have a seat that reclines to a lie-flat position and a suitable harness are safe for newborn babies. Many pushchairs are described as 'reclining seat' but this is not the same thing. Always check if the description clearly states that it can be reclined to a flat position and if it is suitable for newborn babies.
Very young babies cannot sleep safely in a pushchair if it does not recline to a flat position. Not only could this be bad for a baby's neck because they cannot support their head, but it could also interfere with a baby's breathing. Your little one needs good head control and must be able to sit upright before they can be transferred from a pram to a regular pushchair.
Three months is a very exciting time in a baby's development. They start to recognise familiar people, grab their feet and turn when they hear your voice. They can also roll from side to side and can keep their head up when they are in a sitting position. However, they do not have a lot of strength in their neck muscles as yet and many will struggle to maintain a sitting position for very long.
At this age, it is still important that you are able to put them in a flat position to sleep for their comfort and safety. Therefore, they can only use a pushchair that has a lie-flat position.
Once your child can sit without support they can stop using a pram. After this age, they do not need to lie flat. You don't have to stop using a pram though and you may find it useful to lay them flat to sleep for a little longer.
The problem is that your little one will want to see what is going on in the world as they get older. They will struggle into a sitting position and a suitable harness is vital for your baby's safety. This may prompt you to stop using a pram. Also, most prams are parent-facing which means that they face towards the person who is pushing it. This is useful for a young baby because you can monitor them closely and tend to their needs. As your child gets older, they will prefer to face out into the world which they find very interesting! This is another reason why you may stop using a pram and transfer to a pushchair.
Babies don't start to gain head control and be able to support themselves in a semi-upright condition until they are at least three months old. If your baby cannot support their head properly and cannot maintain a sitting position, you should wait a bit longer. Most babies can do this by six months of age.
Research carried out by Bristol University has suggested that placing a baby at a 40-degree angle in a car seat instead of placing them flat causes their heart to beat faster and their lungs to breathe faster. They also had less oxygen in their bodies. Some of this effect may be caused by the vibration of the car but it is still important enough for the expert advice to be that young babies should be in the lie-flat position.
What you'll need for your baby - NHS
Car seats and SIDS - Lullaby Trust
When Will My Baby Hold Their Head Up on Their Own? - Healthline
]]>We know that busy parents do not have a lot of time to dedicate to keeping baby strollers clean. So, we have put together a simple guide based on 8 steps that will get your pushchair clean in minutes!
Here's a complete list of what you will need:
It is best to clean the pushchair outdoors or in a garage if you can. The floor surface where you are carrying out the cleaning is likely to get dirty and wet. If you have to do this job inside, avoid carpeted areas or any delicate areas of flooring.
Babies and toddlers love to have finger foods in pushchairs so there is always a collection of loose crumbs and dirt on the seat. The first step is to brush these off using a soft fabric brush which will also remove sand and small stones. Alternatively, use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum up the crumbs. Pay particular attention to all those nooks and crannies and seams where small crumbs collect.
The fabric parts of most pushchairs can be washed in a washing machine. However, always check the label to make sure that you are following the washing instructions. Most will need a cool wash on a gentle cycle.
Even if stroller liners cannot be machine washed, they will need to be removed from the baby stroller so that your cleaning job can be thorough. You may be able to hand wash them in a bowl of hot soapy water.
Once the fabrics have been machine or hand washed, make sure that they are completely dry before putting them back on the stroller. Drying them outside in the sun is the best option as the ultraviolet in sunlight is both a stain remover and a gentle disinfectant.
Many strollers and pushchairs do not have removable seat pads so these will need to be cleaned in situ. Mix some warm water and some gentle (baby-friendly) soap and dip a cloth into the soapy water.
Wipe down the whole surface of the seat and/or hood. To remove stubborn marks, you may need to scrub a bit harder but be careful that you do not damage the fabrics. Then, rinse off the soap residue with clean lukewarm water.
It is essential that the stroller is dried thoroughly to prevent mould from forming. You can speed up the process by wiping away any excess water with a soft towel. Then, leave it to air dry - preferably in the sun.
If you already have some mould stains on the stroller, you can try to clean them using a natural cleaning solution. Start by brushing at the stain with a firm scrubbing brush. Take care to do this in a well-ventilated area and away from your baby to avoid the inhalation of mould spores. Next, dab some lukewarm water onto the mould stain, apply some lemon juice to the fabric and then sprinkle with salt.
If there are larger areas of mould, you could try mixing three parts white vinegar with two parts water. Use a spray bottle to apply the solution to the fabric and for stubborn stains leave it there for a while. Wash it off with warm water.
It is best to remove plastic parts from the frame if you can because these can be cleaned separately.
The chassis or frame is best cleaned with a solution of washing up liquid and water. Use a cloth dipped in the solution to scrub the frame. For hard to reach places you could use a small brush such as a toothbrush. Stubborn marks on the frame can be tackled with a scourer but you need to be careful not to scratch the surface as this can cause rust.
The final step is to rinse the frame with clean water and let it dry before putting the pushchair back together. If you are in a hurry, dry the frame with a microfibre cloth.
You've probably already noticed that it is the pushchair storage areas and cup holders that get very sticky. If these are removable, the best option would be to remove them and soak them in a bowl of soapy water.
Otherwise, use a vacuum to remove loose crumbs. Then, use a cloth dipped in soapy water to thoroughly wipe them. Again, an old toothbrush is very useful to get into nooks and crannies. Rinse the plastic thoroughly and finish off with an anti-bacterial spray that is suitable for food preparation surfaces.
Sadly, stroller wheels pass through all sorts of disgusting things on the pavement and are then wheeled back into your home. It's important to give them a good clean every now and again.
Dip a scrubbing brush in some warm soapy water and give them a good brush. Stubborn marks can usually be removed with a bit of vigorous scrubbing.
One of the most important top tips for keeping your baby safe in a pram or stroller is to check regularly for signs of wear and tear. As pushchairs are used very often, both the chassis and the fabric parts can get worn. In extreme cases, a failure of the brakes or safety straps could put a life in danger.
So, it makes sense to take this opportunity to check everything over. Does anything look obviously worn or broken? If it does, find someone who can repair or replace the broken part.
If the pushchair is very dirty, it is best to dismantle it as much as possible before you start. It may even be necessary to hose it down in the garden using a hosepipe. Put as many parts as you can in the washing machine and let them dry in bright sunlight.
You can remove most dirt from pushchairs with warm soapy water. A solution of washing up liquid is fine. However, you will need to give stubborn marks and stains a good scrub. Mould stains can be removed from the fabric with lemon juice or a vinegar solution.
If you can get into the habit of cleaning a pram or baby stroller on a regular basis, you will have a much easier job. The longer you leave it, the harder work it will be. On the other hand, no one has the time to be doing this job every day so, it is a case of striking a balance. One useful approach is to clean up spillages as soon as possible to try to prevent staining and mould growth. Assuming that your baby uses the pushchair every day, give it a quick clean every week and a full clean once a month.
The exceptions to this are areas such as food trays which need a good wipe with warm soapy water every day. You may also want to use a mild disinfectant spray that is designed for use on food surfaces and rinse it well afterwards with clean water.
Food and dirt debris in a pram or pushchair is an ideal environment for both moulds and bacteria to grow. Regular washing and cleaning are needed to make sure that a pram or pushchair is a hygienic place for your baby to spend time.
It is also important to clean the metal chassis to prevent rust and keep all the moving parts working properly.
Baby and toddler meal ideas - NHS
Pushchairs and Buggies - Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
]]>Even though this is a normal part of growing up, living with a child that is afraid of the dark is not easy. There is no magic wand that you can wave to allay their fears. However, we've compiled the very best advice from experts to give you the top 10 parenting tips to help your child overcome their fear of the dark.
There are many moments in parenting where the best approach is to simply ignore something and wait for it to sort itself out. This is not one of them. To toddlers, the monsters are real and they are experiencing genuine fear. This is important for two reasons.
Firstly, the sudden development of a fear of the dark can indicate that something more serious is going on that you need to address. To a child, the world can be a stressful place. Childhood issues such as the adults in their life leaving (from bereavement or divorce) or anxiety associated with change (a house move or a new nursery) can trigger fear of the dark. It is important that you investigate the potential causes of your child's fears and seek help if needed.
Secondly, ignoring a fear of the dark is likely to make it worse. Ordering a child not be afraid or belittling them with phrases like "Only babies are scared of the dark" is even worse.
Parents need sleep and usually don't get enough of it! So, they will often do anything just to get their kids back to bed. A natural reaction would be to run into your child's room and put on the main light or grab them and take them into your own bed. It's a natural parenting reaction to want to do something quickly because you feel bad that your toddler is upset.
But if you stop and think, you will realise that this is not empowering your child to face their fear of the dark. Children learn how to deal with their fears when they are empowered and supported to do so. You can teach your child how to do this and it will help with all their future fears. It is best if they stay in their own dimly lit room but you should always reassure them that you are close by if they need you.
One of the reasons that children develop a fear of the dark is that they are often alone in it. They are on their own in bed with fewer distractions and their fears can overwhelm them. If you spend fun time in a dark room with your child, they will learn to feel secure in lower light.
There must be no elements to the games that could make your child feel afraid and no mention of monsters! You could set up a treasure hunt in your child's bedroom for glow-in-the-dark objects or dim the lights and make patterns with torches on the wall.
Dealing with a kid's fear of the dark can be very frustrating for a parent especially when it lingers in older children and you feel it will never end. Getting annoyed, however, is not helpful at all and will only make things worse.
Instead, reassure your child that their fear of the dark is normal. Try to see things through your child's eyes. As a parent, you know that there are no monsters in the closet so explain this calmly and support your child. If you feel that your child's fear is impacting family life and you are struggling to cope, seek some support from a medical professional.
It often helps both parents and kids to set up a schedule of how often you will check on them when they go to bed. This can be every five minutes or every 20 minutes. Most children fall asleep once you have checked on them a few times.
However, it is essential that you keep your end of the bargain. Most kids will be waiting for at least 15 minutes before they fall asleep. As things improve over a period of a few weeks, you will only have to check on them every half an hour or even more. This is a more gentle way of saying good night and does not bring the day to such an abrupt end.
A relaxing bedtime routine can help your child approach night time in a calm and positive way. Start with a relaxing warm bath with a natural relaxing bath foam that will help your child feel soothed and ready for bed. Wrap them in a warm towel and put on their nightclothes.
Now you can start a special one-to-one time as you share some bedtime stories. Don't rush these but be firm about drawing them to an end when you need to. You could make a diluted solution of lavender oil in a spray bottle and spray it on your child's bedclothes but not directly on the pillow.
When we say companion, we do not mean a sibling. Using older siblings to help with a fear of the dark can backfire dramatically. Scary stories from older siblings could be what made your toddler afraid of the dark in the first place. Also, it is not helpful for your toddler to become reliant on an older child.
Instead, give your toddler a special toy to keep them company at night. A stuffed animal can go a long way towards easing their anxiety. Find nice collection of soft toys from our store. Other children have a special blanket - they feel comforted and reassured when they snuggle up to it.
The problem with main light switches is that it is either very bright or completely dark. Parents can help their child to feel less afraid of the dark by putting a night light into their room.
A night light should not be any brighter than seven watts and a blue or yellow light is most calming. This Rockit Zed Sleep Soother and Night Light fits the bill perfectly. It does not introduce harmful chemicals into your child's bedroom as it's made from BPA- and phthalate-free PVC and it emits a gentle blue light.
What you don't do can be just as important as what you do! There are lots of things that can make a fear of the dark worse and should be avoided. Top of the list is scary TV shows. These will just fire up active imaginations and your child will dwell on what they have seen once they are alone in bed. YouTube videos and other social media content can be just as scary so always monitor closely what your child is watching on household devices.
Scary books are also not a good idea as they can trigger thoughts of bad guys and monsters. Games that get children very excited should also be avoided as it can be hard to calm them down again.
When toddlers are in bed at night and they cannot hear their family, their imagination will take over. Obviously, there should be no loud noises and it should not sound as if you are having too much fun!
However, some gentle background noise is very soothing. You could leave a radio or speaker splaying some soothing music in another bedroom. All music subscription apps will have soothing music playlists that you could use.
It can be easy to fall into the habit of playing on your child's fears of the dark as a method of control. This will make the situation worse. Never say things like "If you are good the monsters won't get you". You are confirming that monsters exist!
It is also possible to get too involved with their fears. If you agree to check if there is a monster under the bed, you are confirming that monsters exist AND could be living under the beds in your house! Be very careful how you handle this. Instead, state clearly that there is nothing under the bed and invite your child to see this for themselves while you stand by.
How much sleep do children need? - NHS
Fear of the dark - Web MD
]]>Play mats provide a portable, safe and stimulating environment for a young child that is much less hazardous than the floor. With the latest non toxic and eco friendly activity mats, you can even provide an organic and hypoallergenic environment for your little baby. Our guide sets out everything you need to know to get the most out of your baby play mat.
Play mats are essentially flat foam or padded fabric surfaces where it is safe for a baby to play. Activity mats are available in a range of designs. Some can be washed in a washing machine and others can be wiped clean. Many parents couple the mat with an activity gym for their baby. This is a wooden or plastic arch structure with toys suspended from it. You could also purchase a baby play gym that combines the dangling toys with the play mat.
A baby play gym is not just about having fun. Here are the main benefits that they bring.
Floors are never going to be the cleanest place in the house. Babies are very vulnerable to household germs because their immune system has not yet developed. A play mat provides an area that you can keep free from dust, germs and dirt. They also provide a soft and supportive surface for your baby to practice moving around.
If you are planning on visiting a friend's house or even the park, taking your baby with you is no problem because you can take the mat as well. It's a portable play area that's easy to fold up and lightweight enough to carry around.
Done by Deer Activity Baby Gym Playmat
A play mat can help with developing hand eye coordination by encouraging your baby to reach, grab and point. This helps to train the brain to use visual information from the eyes to guide the actions of the hands. The process starts at about one or two months as a baby realises that their hands are part of their body.
Grasping is one of the fine motor skills and one of the important development milestones that babies reach. At between three and five months, the dangling toys in a play gym encourage babies to try to reach out and grasp them.
The best way to help with cognitive development is to keep your baby busy. A play mat is perfect for this because it has plenty of lights, colours, textures and sounds for your baby to interact with.
When you first place a baby on their tummy on the mat, they start to use their neck and shoulder muscles which makes them stronger. Your baby needs muscle strength to enable them to roll over and eventually crawl and sit up. A mat encourages movement and this strengthens the muscles.
Because these are some of the most versatile baby products you can get, they provide different benefits at different ages. You can start using play gyms as soon as your little baby is happy to lie flat without being held.
Are you running out of ideas for baby play time on the mat? We've got some great ideas for parents to try with their little ones.
Tummy time simply involves placing your baby on their tummy on the mat. Do this for short periods to start with (just a minute or so) because not all babies like it at first. Put some toys within easy reach or try singing or interacting with your baby.
Play gyms have dangling toys that often make sounds and have different colours and shapes. Encourage your baby to interact with the toys by moving them around yourself. Sing and talk to your baby and try taking off one of the toys and putting it in their hand.
Once your baby learns to roll, there are loads of movement games that you can try that are a fun way to encourage movement. Move toys from one side to another. Put them close to your baby, then move them away and back again. Give your baby a round of applause when they roll over.
Give your baby some time on their side and on their back too because once they start to move, they could find themselves in any of these positions and this can come as quite a surprise!
How far can newborn babies see? - The Speech Lab - BBC
Baby moves - NHS
]]>A fear of the dark is more common than you may think. It is also a perfectly natural sensation and most children experience it at some point. So, let's take a peek inside children's active imaginations and discover why this fear arises.
Babies are not scared of the dark. A child's fears of darkness are most likely to start between the ages of two and six years. Although, it can also appear in older children. This is typically the toddler through to the pre-school phase. It can come as a bit of a shock to new parents. You are used to settling your baby down for the night with no problems. Suddenly, you need to leave the light on in your child's bedroom and check that there are no scary creatures under the bed!
This is a crucial time in your child's development. They will probably be moving to their own bed in their own bedroom and may find it hard to fall asleep. It is also an age where their imagination runs wild. They can imagine all sorts of scary monsters but are not yet able to distinguish fantasy from reality. To toddlers, those monsters are very real indeed!
Very common! Most children will have a fear of the dark at some stage. It is so common that it is considered a normal part of growing up. However, the feelings of anxiety that it causes are very real and it should not be dismissed or belittled. You should find ways to help your child cope with their fears, such as a fun nightlight. Your child may only be afraid of the dark for a few weeks or it may last for months. There may be other fears mixed up with it at some stages.
Obviously, it is distressing to see a child that is afraid. However, it is important to realise that our fears are our mechanism for keeping ourselves safe. Being afraid will teach you to avoid things that can do you harm. It is an evolutionary response.
Children learn to not swim in dangerous waters because they fear being drowned. They learn not to go near an open fire because they fear getting burned. The world can be a dangerous place and humans have learned to avoid dangerous things. This avoidance is called fear and is perfectly normal. Some research has suggested that some fears are passed down through generations. So, for example, if your ancestors had a bad experience with a snake, this may be encoded in your DNA.
Being afraid of the dark does not make sense because the absence of light cannot hurt your child. The problem is that they cannot see what is lurking in a dark room. This makes them feel vulnerable and a child's imagination goes wild. This is why something as simple as a nightlight or light up teddy can make the problem go away.
To make matters worse, there are fewer distractions to stop them from dwelling on the imaginary monsters that are about to emerge from their closet. Creating a pleasant distraction with a lovely unicorn projector can be very effective.
If a child feels negative about their room or about their bed, it can contribute to their fears. Perhaps there is a dark corner in your child's room or a stuffed animal that looks just like a monster in dim light.
These objects can trigger your child's imagination and increase their fear at night. Even though the feared object is completely harmless, the fear is very real to a child and should be taken seriously.
Kids are more likely to have a negative association with the dark and bedtime if they do not have a pleasant and calming routine. There is nothing about bedtime for them to look forward to and the day ends in a negative way.
Some children develop a fear of the dark because they have been looking at a book or watched a film when something bad happened in the dark. Unfortunately, it is common for writers and film-makers to set a scary or threatening scene in the dark or in a dimly lit setting. This is great for dramatic effect but is not so great for a child.
Once children are exposed to social media and TV in particular, their imaginations can be fed with negative images that they find very scary. These images 'come to life' when they are alone in the dark. The obvious solution is to control very carefully the images that your child is consuming. They should not have unsupervised access to electronic devices. Watch out for what their older siblings are watching too because younger brothers and sisters have a habit of sneaking a peek!
One of the overlooked parenting tips for helping a child that is afraid of the dark is to think about your child's diet. Research is showing that there is a link between what a child eats during the day and how scared they feel at night.
Some foods that are high in sugar cause a spike in blood glucose levels. This has been linked to poor quality sleep. Children who are awake for longer at night, have more time to develop anxiety. If children go to sleep quickly and stay asleep, they have less time to be scared.
Research has shown that there are several risk factors that make a child more likely to be anxious at night. If one (or both) of their parents are anxious, this can get transmitted to the child. The parent does not have to be anxious about the dark, it could be a different anxiety. Some parents are so anxious about life in general that they become overprotective. This is another risk factor for anxiety in kids.
Finally, anyone who has experienced a traumatic event is more likely to develop a phobia. This could be a road traffic accident, an accident at home or any kind of event that resulted in an injury.
Most children will grow out of their fears by the time they are seven or eight years of age. However, there is a medical condition called nyctophobia which is an extreme fear of the darkness. Whilst a fear of the dark is perfectly normal in children it should fade away as your child learns to tell the difference between their imaginary fears and what is real.
In a small proportion of children (and adults) the fear can develop into a phobia. A fear is classified as a phobia if it is irrational and excessive and is starting to impact a child's life. This is when you should visit your doctor to get some advice and support to overcome the problem.
A normal fear of the dark will make children feel anxious but there will not be any severe physical symptoms. Nyctophobia, on the other hand, can cause quite serious physical and psychological symptoms. These include chest tightness, struggling to breathe, increased heart rate, feeling light headed and feeling hot and sweaty. There is also an overwhelming feeling of loss of control and panic with a feeling that you have to escape.
Most kids will be scared of the dark at some point in their life. It typically starts when they are toddlers and their imaginations can taunt them with what could be hiding under their bed! The fears should resolve as they start school and learn to distinguish what is real and what is imagined. It can be triggered or made worse by negative feelings about bedtime, scary images on TV and social media, an unhealthy diet and parental anxiety.
If you are concerned that your child's anxiety about the dark is more severe than normal or is going on for a longer period of time, speak to your doctor about what can be done to help.
Healthy Bedtime Snacks To Eat Before Sleep - Sleep Foundation
What Is Nyctophobia and How Is It Treated? - HealthLine
]]>So, where do you buy a foam play mat? We've got 5 top tips to get you started.
Search for companies that have a good track record in supplying high-quality baby products. It takes just a few minutes to conduct an online search. Use your browser to find the 'Baby Play Mat' page on the web site where you will find the brand values and what they consider important. Personal recommendations from trusted friends and family members are also very useful.
Having kids is an expensive business so shop around for the best deals! You may find that a reduced item offers the best value for money. Think about the accessories and features that are important to you. There is no point in paying for what you don't actually need.
Every home and every infant is different so it helps if the web site has plenty of choice. You need to be able to choose the size, shape and design that suits you. It's a good sign if the company supplies plenty of information about their products and plenty of photographs.
Are you aiming for an eco friendly home with products made from non toxic materials? Children can be very sensitive to harsh chemicals and many parents choose organic products that are also hypoallergenic. Look out for mats made from natural and safe materials that are also durable and easy to clean.
Yes, foam play mats have been used for generations for babies. They are a safe and durable surface for babies of all ages to play on. However, as with all baby products, you should keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear. Also, make sure that the product that you buy complies with safety regulations.
There has been some concern about foam puzzle mats made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), and the use of formamide in their manufacture. However, mats made from non-toxic EVA foam are safe and pass European and US safety standards.
There are foam play mats available to suit all budgets. You do not have to spend a huge amount of money to get a colourful and durable play mat for your home. On the other hand, if you want to spend a little more, you will have plenty of choice of high quality mats with a huge range of designs and features.
Babies are very vulnerable and can be harmed by materials that would be safe for adults. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase a ready-made play mat from a reputable company. That way, you can be sure that it has passed the appropriate safety standards.
Tips for green parenting - NCT
Baby Must-Haves (and Don't-Needs) for Your Registry - Parents
]]>Role play, or dramatic play as it is sometimes called, is so much fun and at the same time it delivers a great learning experience. You can avoid the inherent dangers of a real kitchen by creating a play food preparation station in the play area or even in the garden.
It's even better if you invest in an awesome play kitchen with utensils, sounds and lights. This stunning grey and white Deluxe Kids Wooden Toy Kitchen features all of the design concepts and style of an ultra-modern kitchen in a real home.
Kitchen role play is so flexible that it can be adapted for different ages and can become more sophisticated as your little one grows. Here are some great ideas to get you started.
Putting away grocery shopping may be a task that parents dread but for children, it is simply fascinating! Why not take it in turns to play the role of the delivery driver or pretend that you are travelling to the shop or market (in another room perhaps) to pick it up.
Once the food arrives in the play kitchen the real fun starts. Younger children will simply enjoy taking the play food out of the box and putting it anywhere in the kitchen. This helps with their fine motor skills as they pick up the food and open the play cupboards. Older children can learn to make choices about which foods will be stored where and this gives them a sense of independence. They could even start to learn which foods are stored in freezers, refrigerators and cupboards.
Buying food in recyclable crates without plastic packaging teaches children from a young age about the importance of purchasing in an environmentally responsible way. The Le Toy Van Honeybee market wooden crates are a perfect example and can be purchased containing vegetables, fish, baked goods, eggs or dairy products.
You can set the foundations for a lifetime of healthy eating if you encourage your child to enjoy and value the process of preparing food. Again, this opens up the opportunity for you to take on different roles. Although, you can forget about the role of Head Chef because you have no hope of being awarded that job!
Food preparation covers so many skills but is also a highly creative process. Here are some ideas:
Dramatic play is taken to another level when others are involved. If you don't have any family members or pets who are willing to co-operate with this activity, stuffed toys are an excellent standby. They stay where you put them and are always complimentary about what they have been served!
The pretend meal that your little one decides to create can be as complex or as simple as their abilities allow. It could be a grand affair that requires formal dress, a BBQ, a picnic or a birthday party. It could be an open house or an invitation-only event!
A play restaurant attached to a play kitchen presents a wonderful opportunity for children to recreate what they have seen in real restaurants and cafes. The role play in this scenario centres on giving orders and fulfilling them. Older children can even meet and greet, show guests to their tables, hand out the menu (which they can prepare earlier using pictures or words) and they can write orders on a pad.
Kids can then quickly transform into the Chef (perhaps with a change of clothes) to prepare the delicious meal. If parents want to get involved, they can pretend to be customers, sit at a table and, of course, pretend to eat the delicious food that the talented cook has created for them.
If toy cars or bikes are allowed in the house, they can be used to collect a takeaway meal from the kitchen. Drive-throughs, where the food is handed to you in your 'car', are always very popular!
Creating a food shop display and then selling the food to customers is another useful extension to kitchen role play. Your little one can learn a lot about money by creating price tags and setting out the food on a little table.
This could be a pizza shop, a cake shop, a vegetable shop or anything else that your kid decides. This game is particularly good for practising numeracy skills.
There is plenty of research that shows that role play or dramatic play is very good for children's development. Imaginative play is now identified as a vital part of normal child development. Amongst the benefits of dramatic play are language usage, organisation, cognition, self-regulation, flexibility and creativity.
It is now encouraged in the classroom environment and, above all, is great fun for kids of many ages. Creative play together with sensory play lay the foundations of the skills needed for literacy and numeracy later in life. Kitchen role play supports social skills and vocabulary, gives older children an opportunity to use literacy and numeracy skills and improves the concept of time and time-telling. It also helps them make sense of the world and gives them the satisfaction of completing a task. It could even be used to help a fussy eater engage with a wider range of food.
Having selected your kitchen-based scenario to act out, start by appointing roles. Who is going to be the chef, who is the customer, who is the server? Start acting out the scene but let your child be in control of what happens. If they get stuck, make a couple of suggestions but always talk to your kids about what they are doing and perhaps ask a few questions.
When the game is over, provide positive feedback to older children. Tell them what a great job they did and ask what they would like to play in the kitchen next.
Many families would love to avoid plastic or other materials that are not sustainable or contain artificial chemicals. Reusable wooden toys are one option such as the Tender Leaf Fruit Basket Wooden Play Food made from sustainable rubberwood. You can use real food but this can get a bit messy if it is not cleared away properly. Although uncooked rice and uncooked pasta may be okay for kids that are old enough to understand that they cannot eat them.
You could also make your own salt dough from plain flour, table salt and water following this easy recipe.
Have fun!
The need for pretend play in child development - Scientific American
How to make salt dough - BBC
]]>Choosing super cute baby clothes or receiving them as gifts is pure joy. Organizing baby clothes, however, is not so great! It can be hard to work out the best way to organize baby clothes so that they stay in great condition and you can find them quickly when you need them.
Busy parents haven't got the time for complicated organisation systems! So, to keep things simple, we've distilled the best baby clothes organization ideas into 14 top tips.
These genius ideas will help you keep your baby's nursery neat and organised. Not only will it look so much better, but it will also make your life a lot easier! We've compiled these tips with busy parents in mind so there's nothing too complicated or time-consuming.
There are two basic ways to store clothes in your baby's nursery - folded in dresser drawers and storage boxes or hanging up in a wardrobe or closet. Assess how much hanging space you have and how much room there is in the drawers. Then, divide all the clothes into two piles so that you know that they will fit into each space.
In general, you would hang up cute outfits that you save for special occasions, matching outfits, warm coats, dresses and jackets on a rail. Whereas bodysuits, socks, pants, pyjamas and t-shirts would be folded in drawers.
If you store clothing for your baby in groups of the same type of item, it will be much easier to see exactly what you have got. For example, store all the leggings together. Also, it will be quicker for you to locate them and grab them when you are in a hurry. Older babies love to crawl away when you are trying to get them dressed so you have no time to hunt through several drawers!
So, look at your two piles of clothes and put all the long sleeve onesies together, all the hats together, all the socks together and so on.
Babies grow at an amazing rate so at any one time you will have a range of sizes of clothes. At one end of the scale are the outfits that they are about to grow out of but you are trying to squeeze a few more wears out of them! At the other end are outfits that are still a bit too big but will be a perfect fit in a matter of weeks.
This is why it's a good idea to organise according to clothing sizes so that you can easily access all the outfits that are just right for that day.
If you organize baby clothes so that all the same types of clothes are together, your closet or dresser drawers will look much neater. You will also be able to grab onesies, socks, party outfits or shoes quickly and without having to sort through a lot of other clothes.
Some items will take up one drawer - for example, your newborn baby will have a lot of onesies so you'll need a whole drawer for these. Other clothes will have to share a drawer. Try to use the top drawer for things that you use the most as it is usually easiest to access. Hang matching outfits onto your hanging rail in size or colour order. Alternatively, organize the outfits into those that you'll need in warm or cool weather.
Baby clothing is quite small! So it tends to take up very little space and therefore moves around inside drawers. Drawer dividers are worth their weight in gold to stop everything from getting into a big muddle. You can even make your own dividers to organize baby clothes using plain cardboard or using old cardboard boxes.
Baby socks, baby tights and tiny shoes will be so much easier to find if drawers are organised with dividers.
Tired parents will always forget where things are in their baby's dresser so don't be afraid to label things, especially in those crazy early days. You could make colourful labels and stick them to the closet door or on the front of drawers.
A top tip is to upcycle an older set of drawers by painting it with chalkboard paint and simply writing what is inside with white or brightly coloured chalk. The more artistic you are, the better! It's so easy to wipe this off and change it around when you need to organize baby clothes differently as they grow.
Hand me downs are a fantastic way of recycling clothes to protect the environment and save you a lot of money. You may have been given a lot of new clothes at your baby shower but, soon after that, your friends and family will be arriving with clothes that their own children have grown out of but that have hardly been worn!
The logistical problem is that you end up with a collection of baby clothes in a range of sizes and for a variety of seasons. Some of them may not be suitable for your little one for six months or even more! These need to be sorted into sizes and stored in labelled containers such as plastic bins that can be stored under a bed or cot.
The great thing about baby clothes is that they are not very long. This means that you can add an additional rail below a regular clothes rail in a closet or wardrobe and get double the storage space.
Closet rails, and everything you need to fix them, are available in a variety of lengths and are not that hard to fit with a few basic tools.
Storage baskets are one of the most attractive ways to organize baby clothes. As well as being used to organize baby clothes, they can also be used for storing nappies, hair accessories, and toys.
These adorable storage baskets from 3 Sprouts are available in a cute owl, rhino or elephant design that would fit into any nursery decor and will never go out of style.
It will soon become obvious that you need a lot more at the changing station than a changing mat and nappies. Changing table storage needs to include both a laundry basket for dirty clothes and a supply of clean clothes. Most babies go through a stage where it feels like every nappy change involves a complete change of outfit!
So, by storing a few spare clothes at the changing station you will save yourself a lot of time and effort!
Bibs can be tricky to store and often end up getting thrown into kitchen drawers where they get creased and smelly. They also get slung over the back of high chairs which looks untidy. There is no reason why organizing baby clothes needs to be confined to the nursery. Clothing organization can also be a kitchen activity.
Cup hooks are a perfect accessory in a family kitchen and you only need one hook to store several bibs. They will be easy to find and, because the air circulates around them, they are much less likely to develop mould stains.
You may already have a shoe organizer in your home. Perhaps you used it when you were able to dress up to go out? These can be re-purposed to make storage space for baby clothes that will hang on the back of a door and take up very little space.
Many small items of baby clothes will fold up and fit neatly into the shoe organizer as well as baby shoes, hair accessories, pants and hats.
If you have limited space or need to be flexible about where you store your baby's clothes, a rolling cart could be the ideal storage method for you. They can in a huge range of designs and shapes.
You can wheel it around to where you change your baby and everything you need will always be close by.
Planning ahead is essential if your baby attends a creche or nursery or if you simply know that you have a hectic week ahead. Our top tip is to put together complete outfits for each day of the week. Perhaps hang them in a designated part of the closet in date order.
Marie Kondo is a Japanese organization guru with a New York Times best-selling book, a hit Netflix show and a huge following of dedicated fans. She is an enthusiastic supporter of removing clutter and living in a minimalist way. She has a series of detailed videos on how to fold clothes so that they take up little space and are easy to find. You can check out her methods on how to fold and organize baby's clothes here.
Of course, it is entirely up to you if you want to buy loads of baby clothes but you don't actually need to. Think about how quickly you can get them washed, dried and ready to wear again. Also, factor in that babies can need up to four or five outfit changes a day. That should give you a rough idea of the number of outfits that you need.
Try to make sure that the first clothes that you buy for your baby have plenty of growth room because newborns grow very quickly. You may find that your baby's first set of outfits only lasts a few weeks!
This is a great way to organize your baby's clothes so that you can grab something that will fit them. However, don't rely on labels alone because different brands have different fits. Use your own judgment instead. Ultimately, there are many ways to organize baby clothes and it is up to you to choose the one that suits your family best.
Your little baby's clothes need a good sort out every three months. You will notice that baby clothes are sold in standard sizes that span three months and these are: newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months, 9-12 months and so on until they reach around two years of age. So, it makes sense to have a good sort out as you transition from one size to another. If you organize baby clothes in line with the above tips, this will be a quick and easy job.
Pack away any clothes that are too small for your baby if they may be needed for a future younger sibling. If this is not the case, offer them to friends, family or neighbours. If you would rather donate them to a good cause, there will certainly be a local charity or baby bank that will be very grateful to receive them.
How to neatly fold baby clothes like Marie Kondo | The KonMari way! - Mother and Baby Magazine
The rise of Britain’s baby banks: where to find your local baby bank and what to donate - Good to Know
]]>But we all know that sooner or later (probably sooner) they are going to get pretty mucky and you'll need to find out how to clean foam play mats fast!
It is important to clean play mats correctly so that they look their best and moulds and bacteria do not get a chance to multiply. We've found a tried and tested method for cleaning a foam mat that's quick and easy and avoids using harsh chemicals that could irritate your baby's delicate skin. It's broken down into 10 easy steps for busy parents to follow so that you can get that foam mat back in action in under an hour!
Foam play mats will come with care instructions provided by the manufacturer. They are usually provided as a leaflet but if you have lost this, the information will be available on their website.
Foam mats can be made from different types of materials so finding out what you can and cannot clean your baby play mat with is an important first step and one that many parents overlook.
Your chosen cleaning solution must be effective at removing the type of material that ends up on baby foam mats. This is generally food and drink but a few leaking nappies, dribbles and runny noses are usually thrown into the mix as well. Foam mats used by toddlers can get covered in glue and paint after craft sessions.
Just as importantly, your cleaning solution must be safe for your baby. So, it is best to avoid harsh and toxic cleaning materials and instead opt for a safe and natural product. You could use the same cleaning solution that you use for toys. A simple dish soap solution is a popular option. Alternatively, you could make your own natural detergent water solution using baking soda or a vinegar solution.
Store your baking soda or vinegar solution in a spray bottle and always patch test the play mat to make sure that it will not be stained or damaged. Some people like to add essential oils to the solution but this is a matter of personal taste.
Collect everything you need to clean the foam play mat in one place so that you don't waste time running around collecting cleaning materials once you have started. Many parents clean baby play mats whilst their baby is having a nap so you need to work in a time-efficient way. You will need:
Remove dust and crumbs from the entire mat. Crumbs and dirt are the easiest material to be removed but you need to be thorough. A vacuum is ideal but a dust pan and brush will also do an excellent job. Anything that sticks to the mat will need to be removed by the later steps so don't worry about it right now.
The vacuum hose attachment may be best for this as the spinning brushes could damage the surface of the foam playmat. This is an ideal opportunity for you to closely inspect the whole play area for signs of wear and tear and anything that is loose that could present a danger to your baby.
Bear in mind that some foam play mats can absorb water if it is left on them for too long. Therefore, you need to work quite quickly. Spray the soap solution onto the play mat and start scrubbing with the dish brush. You may need to add some hot water for areas that are very dirty or sticky. Once the mat has had a good scrub you should see a difference straight away.
Now it's time to rinse off the soapy water and dirt from the foam mat. Some foam play mats are waterproof and you can use a lot of water to rinse them. Other foam play mats will absorb some water so you need to be more careful. Using a fresh damp cloth, wipe over the entire surface of the mat. Keep rinsing out your cloth in the bowl of fresh water. Also, change the rinsing water frequently.
You can clean foam play mats that are waterproof in a bath tub or even in a shower. You still need a soap solution and a brush to scrub off stains. However, it is a lot easier to rinse off the soap using warm or hot water from the tap. You could even use the showerhead in the bath if you have one.
The advantage of this method is that you will not get any cleaning solution or water on the floor surface in your home.
The method for how to clean foam play mats needs to be adjusted slightly if the mat is made up of interlocking foam tiles. The problem here is that soap and water can seep through the gaps and special consideration is needed for the floor surface below.
It's a good idea to move foam play mats like this to another area, such as the garden or garage, to clean them. If sticky substances have worked their way between the tiles, it's a good idea to take all the sections apart so that you can clean them thoroughly.
Use a small towel or a dry cloth to wipe off the water used to rinse the mat. Try to wipe off as much as possible so that the surface of the mat is dry. A damp surface provides an ideal environment for germs to grow and can lead to mould spots.
If the mat still feels damp, leave it in a warm area to completely dry before allowing your baby to use it again. An area close to a radiator is perfect but do not let the mat lean against the radiator in case it damages the foam. Also, keep foam mats away from open flames as this could present a fire hazard.
Now you have a lovely clean mat that is ready for your baby to use. What usually happens is your little one immediately spills a drink on it. Don't panic! You can spot clean your mat in between thorough cleans. Just wipe up the spillage immediately using a natural cleaning wipe or a soft damp cloth.
Foam mats don't damage the bedroom, kitchen or living room floor beneath and can be moved around with ease whenever you need to. They assemble without any special equipment and protect your baby and their toys from the germs on the regular floor covering.
Because they are soft and have no hard edges, your baby can roll around and move without sustaining injuries. This is very useful once they have started crawling and are into everything. When mats are placed under highchairs they collect the snack crumbs and spillages and protect the floor surface.
Some very small foam play mats may fit in a washing machine but most will not. Foam material is rarely suitable for machine washing as it could damage both the mat and your washing machine. Only was a baby play mat in a washing machine if the instructions specifically say that you should do so.
Most dilute detergent solutions and soapy solutions are suitable for cleaning foam mats. Always check the mat's manufacturer's care instructions first. Neat bleach and harsh chemicals are not suitable as they are not safe for your baby or for the mat. Most germs and bacteria can be effectively cleaned using hot, soapy water. Some disinfectants and anti-bacterial surface sprays are suitable for non-porous foam but always patch test and rinse thoroughly afterwards.
Foam puzzle mats usually have interlocking sections and food and drink can seep between the sections. Cleaning solutions and water can also seep through and damage the floor below.
Your cleaning job will be more thorough if you take the pieces apart and clean them in a bath or shower. Make sure that you dry the pieces thoroughly before putting them back together as bacteria and mould can grow in the gaps if they are not completely dry.
This depends on what the play mat is used for, how many children you have and how old your children are. So, a play mat that is used by older babies and toddlers as a place to have drinks and snacks is going to get sticky very quickly and will probably need cleaning once a week at least. On the other hand, a mat that is simply used for a younger baby to lie under a baby gym will only need cleaning every few weeks. In between the regular cleaning, you should spot clean the mat after every use to keep it hygienic and looking great.
How to prevent germs from spreading - NHS
How to make a vinegar cleaning solution - Wikihow
]]>Reusable water bottles for kids are a great investment because they discourage the use of single-use plastic bottles that end up in landfills and contribute to the climate crisis. Getting kids more interested in eco-friendly products from a young age will mean they grow up more conscious of their lifestyle choices and how these can impact the environment. With these reusable water bottles, not only do you get a thoughtful product, but also one that will last a long time and withstand plenty of use.
Here at Small Smart, we know that kids can be messy. Many water bottles out there have intricate designs or fancy straw systems, but when it actually comes down to it they often spill when dropped or bumped. Therefore our collection of durable and long-lasting kids water bottles with straws are designed to be leakproof making them the perfect bottles for little ones who are always on the go!
It's recommended that children drink water every single day as it helps to keep their bodies hydrated and functioning properly which can greatly encourage both mental and physical development. If your child is active, they will likely need more water than if they are inactive. And hot weather or strenuous activities can also increase the need for additional fluids. If your child doesn't like drinking water, Small Smart’s collection of water bottles with straws are a great way to get your child drinking more liquids. The sleek designs and fun patterns mean your little one will be more excited to carry their bottle with them wherever they go and if this doesn’t persuade them (we doubt it) try adding some flavor to their water with slices of their favourite fruit or cucumbers!
There are a few different ways to effectively clean your kids water bottle and attached straw to ensure maximum hygiene. It is recommended that you wash the water bottle every day that it is used with soap and warm water. This is especially important if you include fruit slices or flavour drops in your water as the bottle can become sticky and unhygienic. Rinse out with clear water, and drain thoroughly. To prevent bacteria growing, allow the water bottle to dry thoroughly overnight before reusing or putting it away into the cupboard.
At least once a week, follow the washing and rinsing with a sanitising step. Sanitise with a dilute cleaning solution appropriate for kitchenware will ensure that no dirt or bacteria is in the water bottle or stuck in the straw. Again, allow the bottle to thoroughly air-dry after washing. As a bonus tip, use a soft bottle brush to really ensure that you get all parts of the bottle during the cleaning process or if suitable, put the bottle with straw into the dishwasher. If the bottle is dishwasher safe and you choose this method of cleaning, make sure that you place the bottle on the top rack and that you do not put it in with any other dishes that have sharp edges, as this could damage the bottle or straw.
]]>The 'Lulujo Bamboo Hat and Swaddle Blanket' would make for a great first blanket for your baby girl or baby boy, with its unisex design. A baby blanket is also a perfect present, when gift wrapped it can be a great gift for a baby shower or a Christmas present for an expecting parent.
A baby blanket is also a perfect way for your baby to associate it with sleep time as it brings a sense of familiarity, warmth and comfort. Which further helps your baby to feel more content, snug and secure when they are tired and ready for a nap.
The older your child gets they will get more of a sense of security and independence, which might come from something like a blanket or favourite teddy bear. Sentimental things like this give your little one comfort in something else other than a parent which is great for your child's development and social skills. The Done by Deer Comfort Blanket Raffi would be perfect for your little one as they could take it anywhere with them on the go, on car journeys, weekends away or when you're running errands. During the winter months, having a nice snug blanket is also a great way to stay warm and cosy.
Done by Deer Comfort Blanket Raffi
Baby blankets play a big part in children's sensory stimulation and can also be important in your child's development. Depending on the blanket, they can provide visual stimulation, enjoyment and keep your baby interested whilst developing their sense through sight and touch. Baby blankets can come in different materials and have different textures, which can provide visual stimulation whilst they're still young.
When swaddling your baby, it is important that you use thin breathable materials which are not too heavily layered. Make sure that you don’t wrap the swaddle too tight. Tight swaddling can stop your baby's hips and knees moving freely and is not recommended. Swaddling your baby too tightly might cause hip dysplasia, which is where the hip does not form correctly.
It is important when swaddling your baby, not to cover your little one's head and to always ensure your baby is sleeping on their back. When swaddling your baby it should only be done when they’re still a newborn, as once they start being able to roll over they should be transitioned off swaddling.
As a new mum we know how difficult it can be for your little one to settle down and get into a comfortable sleeping routine. Swaddling your baby can help them feel at ease and calm. Research shows how important baby blankets are for your child's growth and development.
The Jollein Waffle Blanket makes a lovely addition to any room or can be used on the go to keep your little one cosy and warm. The waffle print with the knitted inside allows the blanket to breathe and naturally insulate, keeping them warm during the winter yet allowing air and decreasing moisture in the summer.
The blanket is extremely durable and is capable of regular washes at 60c making a great home comfort that will last and grow up with them.
However, when shopping for the right nappy bag for you, it can be more difficult than it sounds. There are so many different designs and sizes available right now with some better made than others. It can be difficult to tell from one bag from another.
So looking at different features and facets of nappy bags you need to consider before you make a purchase.
As well as being spacious and the right size for you, you need to look at how it uses that space and whether it is right for you. That is why you need to look at how these bags would divide this space up.
Do you think the nappy bag you’re looking at has the right pockets and compartments for you?
This is especially important to consider if you’re planning to take creams, bottles and baby food. If a bottle spills or bursts, well-placed pockets and compartments can prevent disasters such as ruining spare clothes and toys.
Skip Hop Bento Meal-to-Go Changing Bag - Black
You need to imagine yourself carrying the bag. Would it be slung over your shoulder and out of your way? Can you hang it from your pram? Can it be use easily when you are at the airport or on the train?
When choosing a nappy bag, you should consider how you would carry it about. If you’re used to carrying a sizeable bag over your shoulder or on your elbow, then that would be the ideal bag for you. If not, maybe a backpack nappy bag would be a better fit for you?
You must pick a bag you are comfortable carrying. Allis LUX changing backpack has a strap on the back will fit on top of your suitcase, and with a large pocket for your passport and flight tickets that is easy to get when you are at the airport with your baby.
Babies make a mess and your nappy bag needs to be prepared for that. As well as having space for wipes and tissues, it needs to be easy to wipe down and wash.
When out and about, being able to bring your changing mat wherever you go can be a lifesaver. One of the annoying things you will find as a parent is that not all restaurants and shopping centres offer adequate changing facilities. Also, when you’re out and about, you have to make the most of any given situation. So having a nappy bag which has enough space for a changing mat is an important thing to keep in mind.
Even with places that do have changing tables or changing mats, it is still better to bring your own.
Allis Plus Changing Bag Backpack
A simple feature to have but many parents overlook, your perfect nappy bag should have adjustable straps. Naturally, this is important to make sure you can carry it easily and without straining yourself.
It also allows nappy bags to easily hook off pram handles. While some are designed to naturally slip over, some are not but adjustable straps are an easy fix.
Lassig Changing Bag Messenger Diaper - Triangle Purple]]>When your baby can roll over and sit up independently, the next step is crawling. Crawling is important to build upper limb stability and core strength. Encourage crawling with plenty of supervised 'tummy time', where your baby lies on their tummy to play with toys in front of them. It's best to introduce tummy time in short bursts initially, then build up to around 20-30 minutes a day. Toys such as 'Skip Hop Explore & More Follow Bee Crawl Toy' can provide stimulation and interest, and once the toy is mobilised, your child will be eager to follow it! Remember to give them plenty of positive reinforcement when they catch up to it.
Skip Hop Explore & More Follow Bee Crawl Toy
Confident crawlers will love a baby jumper, such as 'Skip Hop Explore and More Jumpscape' for the chance to be upright and exercise their legs. Very occasionally, some babies will skip the crawling stage, but most babies will crawl. If your baby doesn't crawl and instead tries to walk first, make sure they still get plenty of tummy time.
'Skip Hop Explore and More Jumpscape'
All that tummy time and crawling will give your baby good upper body strength, key for 'cruising'. They can pull themselves up into a standing position using objects to support them and shuffle holding on to these supports. Try placing their favourite toy on a chair or sofa arm at this stage, to encourage them to pull themselves up in order to play with it. Give plenty of encouragement once they achieve the upright position. Supervision is important to make sure they are only using safe objects for support. An ideal way to encourage this is through lots of praise, or providing a stimulating, standing-height toy such as Skip Hop Explore and More Babys View 3 Stage Activity Centre
Skip Hop Explore and More Babys View 3 Stage Activity Centre
This will encourage baby to spend more time in their upright position. Floor toys and tummy time are still important for development, but remember to shift the focus off the floor occasionally to encourage walking over crawling.
This can take a while- many babies cruise for a long time before starting to take independent steps. At this stage, some parents prefer to introduce soft, comfortable shoes, to help baby get used to wearing them. This can help stop them from removing their shoes when they're out and about! 'Bobux Soft Sole Baby Shoes'. Hand holding and lots of praise will encourage the transition from cruising to walking. Hold onto baby's hands and walk with them, just a few steps at a time. Kneeling on the floor in front of baby means they can see your face, and feel safe and reassured.
Once they can do this, have baby walk to you! Once they start to turn away from their supporting object and try independently, stand a very short distance away from them and encourage them to come toward you. Don't move away- this will only frustrate your little one. Instead let them reach you, and then give lots of smiles and a cuddle, so they're motivated to try again. If they fall down, help them to stand back up and encourage them to try again. Standing back up is preferable to baby crawling toward you.
Above all, you'll notice that the age ranges for each stage overlap, because each child learns to walk at their own pace. Some children stay in the crawling or cruising stages for a long time, but they will all get there in the end. After that, the hard part is stopping them!
]]>Colic is something most babies will experience and can be a big challenge for parents. Especially if you’re first time mums and dads. In this SmartSmall article, we will look at how Anti-Colic bottles work, how they can prevent your baby from becoming colic-y and improve the wellbeing of your child. But first…
All babies cry. Everyone knows that.
However, colic is different. If your little one is crying for more than 3 hours a day and you can’t understand why they may have colic. While most parents can normally deduce if your child needs their nappy changed or are hungry, colic is when your baby cries a lot more but there is no apparent reason why.
It is a condition that can make your baby uncomfortable and it can be difficult to provide them with relief.
Here are some common symptoms of colic, besides excessive crying without a clear reason:
While there is no exact cause for colic, many believe it is caused by trapped wind consumed during a feeding. This air builds up in their stomach, causing discomfort.
This is why colic can be a huge challenge, especially for first-time parents. While a messy nappy or being hungry are issues mum and dad can work out quite quickly, it can be difficult to work out the exact cause of your child’s colic.
Anti-Colic Bottles are designed to allow air to enter the bottle as your baby feeds. This reduces the amount of air they swallow while allowing an even flow during feedings.
When using a traditional bottle, air can slip through your baby’s lips and the bottles’ nipple. This can build up in the stomach. This may be a cause for colic and cause your child discomfort.
This is done by designing anti-colic teats. These are made to both mimic a natural breast as well as reducing air being swallowed. This can be done in a number of ways. One is by adding an additional hole in the nipple, which allows air to pass into the bottle without disrupting a feeding. There is a wide range of anti-colic bottles and accessories available for parents to help prevent colic.
Twistshake Anti-Colic Baby Bottle
Twistshake is a leading baby brand that specialises on creating innovative baby bottles and accessories that are designed to prevent colic. Their range of Anti-Colic Bottles is built with their unique Anti-Colic teats and a mixing net, which prevents undissolved formula lumps from clogging the teat during feeding and allowing your child swallowing air. Twistshake’s Anti-Colic Teats are designed to resemble a mother’s nipple. It’s Anti-Colic Vault reduces air being swallowed during feeding while delivering an even flow.
Their anti-colic products have been cleverly designed to be handy and easy to clean after feeding your little one. That and their colic prevention design, it is why Twistshake is popular with mums and dads.
We understand how colic can be distressing for both the parents and the baby. That is why we team up with brands such as Twistshake to provide you with the very best products. Check out Twistshake and our other anti-colic products today.
]]>A question most parents will ask, especially first-time ones, is when is it right to start potty training my child?
While most parents believe the right time to start potty training is between 2 and 2 and a half years old, this may not be the case for yours.
As your child grows, they will naturally build up control over their bladder and bowels. By 1 year old, most babies will have stopped doing poos at night and, by 3 years old, most children should remain dry with the occasional odd accident.
Staying dry throughout the evening can be difficult, especially when they’re young. This may take some time and you can expect some accidents.
Even if your child is not quite ready, it is good to prepare and get them ready.
Besides having a potty on standby to start training, these can be a way which you can introduce the potty to your child. Being a new addition to any room, they would be naturally quite curious. This creates an opportunity to start a conversation about its purpose and going to the toilet.
It is important to talk to your child about these things, that they understand wee and poo. Talk to them about nappy changes during them, explaining what you are doing and why you are doing this.
A useful tip is to change their nappies in the bathroom at home and incorporate the facilities with the change. Having your infant flush the toilet and wash their hands afterwards can help
You will need a good potty. As this would be something your child will be using for some time, it is important to consider that this is a product that they’ll be using for awhile. Long after they’ve mastered using the potty themselves, it would be sometime before they’re big enough to use the toilet without some extra help.
A handy potty training product families should have is a travel potty. With a simple hinge mechanism, it is easily attached to both toilets and potties. Whether you’re out or at home, you do not need to interrupt your child’s potty training.
Potette Plus 2in1 Potty Training
The key to potty training is routine and patience.
Much like using nappies, your child and its body will have routine when it comes to eating, digestions and going to the ‘toilet’.
Set up a regular routine of your child sitting on the potty after meals. Most young children would need to go to the bathroom after eating and digesting. Some gentle encouragement may be needed to build their confidence and praise on a ‘job’ well done would also be welcomed.
Naturally, there will be accidents and slip-ups throughout your child’s potty training. It is important not to get angry or upset as this can discourage them from trying again. Simply clean up any mess and carry on.
The right clothes can help this. Having trousers that are simple to take off on their own can make going to the potty easier and can prevent accidents. Over time, your child will become more confident and more independent with occasional accidents.
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