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Travel-Friendly Toys for Kids: Making Journeys a Breeze
Traveling with kids can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to be. With the right travel toys, you can keep your little ones entertained and happy on the go. Here are some of our top picks for the best travel toys for kids.
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6 Most Meaningful and Memorable Christmas Gifts for Newborns!
Christmas is a time for giving, and what better way to start your child's life than by giving them the best gifts money can buy? 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! Top Christmas Gift Ideas for Newborns 1. Welcome Little Baby Gift Box 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! 2. Sophie la Girafe Birth Gift Set 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! 3. A Beautiful Newborn Playmat 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 4. WWF Plush Soft Toy 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. 5. Picca Loulou Whale in Gift Box 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 6. Lulujo Baby Milestone Blanket and Card Set 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!
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Top Baby Play Mats for Hardwood Floors - Expert Tips Inside
Looking to enhance your baby's playtime experience on hardwood floors? Explore our exquisite range of premium baby play mats designed for safety, style, and durability. Create a secure and inviting play area for your little one to thrive.
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10 Best Toys for Baby Play Mat to Encourage Learning
Looking for the best toys for your baby's play mat? Here are 10 toys that will help your baby's development in all areas, from fine motor skills to cognitive development.
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10 Expert Tips for Flying with a Baby for a Hassle-Free Journey
Are you planning an aeroplane trip with your baby soon? Are you worried about what the other passengers will think and how you will cope? Both domestic flights and international flights can be challenging with a baby but they don't have to be a complete nightmare. A screaming baby is no fun for anyone but with some forward planning, you can help your baby travel happily. We've put together the top 10 tips for flying with a baby to help you have a smooth trip. You'll probably be surprised how many of these tips apply before you get anywhere near a plane! Top 10 tips for flying with a baby #1 Book a direct flight 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! #2 Check if you need a ticket 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. #3 Arrange a suitable restraint 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. #4 Book a suitable seat 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. #5 Check the weight of your case 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. #6 Wear comfortable layers 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! #7 Use a baby carrier and blanket 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. #8 Make a list of essentials 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! #9 Bring entertainment 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. #10 Arrive at the airport early 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! FAQs What's the NHS advice for flying with a baby? 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. What's the best time to fly with a baby? 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! Sources Travel advice - NHS Flying with children - FAA
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The Best Children's Kitchen Play Set Options With Guide
Explore the world of play kitchens - from space-saving options to interactive designs—and find the perfect play kitchen for your child's creativity. Discover the benefits, and shop now for imaginative playtime!
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When to Move Baby From Pram to Pushchair
Our expert guidance provides a clear timetable and explains the differences between various baby transport options. Discover why the lie-flat position is crucial for your baby's health and find out when they can safely use a pushchair.
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How to Clean a Pushchair: 8 Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Pushchairs can get very dirty, especially if you have a baby who is prone to spills and messes. It's important to clean your pushchair regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould. This guide will show you how to deep clean your pushchair in 8 easy steps.
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10 Tips for Children Who Are Scared of the Dark
Learn expert tips to ease your child's fear of the dark. From night lights to bedtime routines, discover effective strategies for peaceful nights.
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