Now that it is officially winter, we parents are facing a very real threat.  A very real danger.  What on earth do you do with your kids when it rains for the ENTIRE day?  Sure, you could cook, watch a DVD, read, do stickers or workbooks, but you’ve probably done those things to death.  Here are five new ideas that your kids are going to love!

1.  Puzzle Races

Once a puzzle has been mastered, it is not nearly as much fun.  But throw in a timer and trying to beat their “puzzle pb” (personal best) and you’re on a winner.  Try mixing the pieces from two puzzles together for an even more challenging race.

2.  Pretend to be Peppa Pig

(am I the only one who just read that in the tune of the song?) Jumping in muddy puddles!  It goes against the grain, but yes, you can still go outside when it’s raining.  As long as it’s not thundering and lightning or literally coming down in sheets of water, bundle the kids up in their boots, jackets, and maybe even an umbrella and let them jump and splash to their hearts content.  It doesn’t matter how wet and dirty they get because while they’re splashing, you’re going to duck inside and run a warm bath for afterwards.  You also get the added bonus of not getting splashed during this time!  If they’re absolutely filthy at the end of it, strip them off at the back door and have them do a nudie run to the bath.  To make this extra special, make a hot (well, warm, really) chocolate drink for afterwards.  How very grown up!

3.  Pretend to be Bob the Builder

(and now I know that I’m not the only one that read that in the tune of the song.  You’re welcome )  You will need toothpicks and mini marshmallows for this activity.  Or regular marshmallows cut up.  Show your kids how to stick the toothpick into the marshmallow in different angles and make a tower.  Not just a straight up and down tower, but a 3D monstrosity!  Don’t limit yourself just to towers, you could build animals, people, cooking utensils etc.  Really, the only limit here is your imagination….and perhaps the laws of physics.

4.  Eskimo!

As far as kids are concerned, Eskimo’s all live in igloos.  So let’s make an igloo!  If you’ve not got ice cubes in the freezer, you’ll need to get them for next rainy day.  Pop them all out of their ice cube homes and build an igloo, or an ice fortress.  Use a little bit of water to make them stick together.  If the idea of ice cubes doesn’t do it for you, try sugar cubes.  They’re smaller and they don’t melt but they also don’t really stick together too well.

5.  Zoo Keeper

I’m sure you have a bunch of stuffed toys in your house, right?  Make your kid Chief Zoo Keeper and charge them with being responsible for the animals.  They need to have their own “enclosure” (ie, one can have the bed, one can have the corner, one can have the chair etc), they need to be fed, watered, and played with.  They probably even need to have a parade.

I hope these ideas keep your kids happy on an otherwise fairly wretched day.  For more activities, please come and visit me at www.busykidsactivities.com.

Lisa ~ Busy Kids Activities

You can’t believe it (how time has flown!) but you’ve actually reached the point where you need to move your little one from their cot into a ‘big bed’. Brushing away tears of sentimentality and disbelief, you plot how you’re going to make the changeover as easy as possible, for both you and your child.

To help you on your way to a happy changeover, we have gathered the top ways to turn your transition attempt into big bed success. Read more →

Trying to figure out which baby products should be on your lust-worthy list? Not quite sure which products are simply hype and which are worth their weight in gold? We hope to help you sort out the funk from the junk so you can have the most unique baby products at your disposal.

Aden + Anais Easy Swaddle

Aden + anais are definitely one of the more elegant baby product brands on the market, and their new swaddle blanket is no different. Using easy snap-on technology combined with breathable 100% cotton, your baby will feel comfortable, secure and content in this easy swaddle. Comes in a range of styles and colours.

BabyButton Nappy Wallet

If you need a more convenient and organised way to manage your nappies, the Baby Button Nappy Wallet will soon be your hero. Designed to fit nappies, mobile phones, ID, cash, credit cards and baby wipes, they wallets are specifically targeted to Mums on the go. Best of all, they come in a range of flattering colours and patterns.

Babyletto Modo 3-in-1

Looking for a more sophisticated crib that doesn’t empty out your hip pockets? Then you might want to consider the Babyletto Modo 3-in-1 crib. Made from environmentally friendly and sustainable wood, this crib has a nontoxic finish and converts from a toddler bed, daybed and crib with a few easy moves.

Boppy Nursing Pillow

Specifically designed by a Lactation Consultant for breastfeeding mothers, this nursing pillow has two sides, one firm and one soft. It is also completely machine washable and is said to be one of the most comfortable nursing pillows on the market.

Angel Care Bath Support

Want to take the worry out of bath time? The Angelcare Bath Support offers a mildew free and hygienic option to help bathe babies that are up to six months old and 14 kilos. You can use this product directly in the bathtub and it has been ergonomically designed to be as comfortable and supportive as possible.

Hygeia Enjoye LBI Breast Pump

Endorsed by the La Leche League International (and including an annual membership to the La Leche League International in the product price!) the Enjoye LBI Breast Pump is an eco-friendly breast pump option suitable for multiple users. It has hospital-grade performance and works by mimicking the suckling patterns of your baby. It even has adjustable pressure and speed controls for maximum customisation.

BabyTouch Digital Video Monitor

Dubbed as the ‘most innovative baby video monitor on the market’, this baby monitor is pretty darn cool. The touch screen functionality allows you to zoom, scroll and scan the room and the monitor actually looks just like a smart phone. The camera is available with a wireless battery-powered dock and has two-way audio option so your little one can hear your voice through the camera.

BabyBjorn Rocking Harmony Cradle

While this isn’t the cheapest cradle available, it is definitely one of the more luxurious. The Rocking Harmony Cradle has been carefully designed by BabyBjorn to combine lightweight design for extra portability and a breathable mesh fabric for air circulation and easy supervision. It is said to “lull your baby with softly sprung movements.” It’s also very elegant and beautifully designed.

Born Free

Designed with ActiveFlow Venting Technology, which is clinically designed to reduce colic symptoms, the Born Free bottles are a safe and sensible choice for new Mums. They are BPA and PVC free and dishwasher safe so you get maximum safety with minimum hassle.

How about you – do you have any must-have baby products to add to this list? Or just some really funky products that you think new Mums should know about? If so, let us know by leaving a comment.

Babies can be confusing, and challenging little beings.  When babies are first born it can take a while to get to know them- their quirks, what they need, what they like and what works for the family.

Then it may seem that you just get everything sorted out, think,” Yay, we are finally on track and have everything sorted, and then things change again and the confusion and reworking starts again.

This is normal for babies in the first year particularly and especially so at nine months of age.  You see babies seem to make a big leap at around nine months of age and sometimes it can take a little bit of getting used to the new developments for your little one and you.

For many parents this can be quite a challenging time.  There are a number of quite significant changes that they go through at around this age.

So what happens at nine months?

Babies are often  much more mobile around the floor  and you may be surprised with how much your little one can reach when standing that  couldn’t not long ago. Their confidence in their own abilities continues to grow as they practice their newfound skills such as crawling, walking and  cruising furniture- all at individual pace of course.

Babies are often good with fine motor development at this stage with waving, clapping and pincer grip being more developed.  With better control, of course they want to practise these new skills too.

The most noticeable is the separation anxiety.  They have a little of this at around 5 and 7 months but at 9 months it is very noticeable.  They are very clingy to whoever looks after them the most and really just want to be with them.  It is normal and passes but may take up to about  month for it to pass.

Teeth are often a major player at this age also with the eruption of more incisors and first molars.  Of course teeth come at any time and is different for all however, at this age they are often adding some discomfort in to the mix.

Very often babies are transitioning to 2 sleeps at about this age also.  Some will continue on at 3 sleeps for quite some time and as usual go with what they need rather than what you would prefer. It can be a little tricky when it starts to change.

Another challenging  area can be milk and food.  With milk, they may drop another feed and really get into solids more.  Usually at around now finger foods become more interesting to them and they want to explore more of this making it extra messy and time consuming for you.

When you get all these issue at once, it can be quite a challenging few weeks.  However, once you manage to negotiate it and get into a new routine it falls into place again.  It won’t be long before your angel baby  is back again.

____________________________

Guest blog by Leisa Breed from Insync with Infants.
http://insyncwithinfants.com/

I have over 18 years of experience working with new parents who struggle with their baby not sleeping, leaving everyone exhausted and unhappy, and bring them to have a happy, restful baby with confident, happy parents. My background is midwife, child health nurse and lactation consultant. Insync With Infants was born out of a desire to help more families understand about baby sleep more clearly so they can work through hiccups and develop healthy habits that work for their family, understand why things may or may not be happening and develop a system that suits their needs. My clients often say they feel confident and empowered a from what they have learned.

Source: Freedigitalphotos ~ Image: D. Castillo Dominici

There’s nothing more terrifying than waking up the sound of your toddler screaming in fear. And while night terrors are disturbing, they are common during the toddler years. In fact, the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne (RCH) estimates that five children in every 100 will experience night terrors.

Read more →

But hang on a minute; its a bit of a strategic mission to spend the day with your family.  How on earth will I cope with a holiday for a week or two? you ask.

Let’s just take it one step at a time.

1. Consider a destination closer to home.

Unless you’re travelling for a specific purpose try choosing a destination closer to home.  Preferably decide on a plane or car trip that is no longer than a couple of hours.  Each child is different and you really won’t know how yours will react to long distance travel.

Most parents are concerned about how their baby’s behaviour is affecting those around them, so a shorter trip gives you less time to worry about your baby’s reaction to the journey.

The first holiday is really about getting your feet wet for future trips.

2. Do some research?

What attractions and activities do you want to see and do?  Will it be easy to push baby around in a pram or would a baby carrier be easier?  Do these attractions require baby to stay quiet?  Can you stop, feed and change when it suits – will there be baby change facilities nearby?

Look at your accommodation; do they have cribs and high chairs available?  Maybe you might like a babysitter for a night out on your own – do they offer this service?  Has your baby started on solids; then you will probably like to have at least a kitchenette available.

How are you going to get about? Public transport can be fairly easy to navigate with a pram.  Perhaps you might like to hire a car; you will need a car seat.  You could bring one from home or hire one from a baby hire company.

3. What should you pack?

Now this list can get pretty long, look what you take to visit the family for the day.

To start with you need: nappies, nappy rash cream, change mat, wipes, nappy disposal bags, and possibly a dummy.

You may need a few medical items like: teething relief, baby paracetamol, baby sunscreen, and baby insect repellent.

Then consider your baby’s age and eating habits.  If they are still on breast or bottle then you only need bottles and possibly formula – take a bottle brush and some detergent.  If you are travelling somewhere between 4-6 months maybe take some rice cereal if they decide they want to start solids.  If your baby has started solids take a selection of foods that your baby likes.  Some babies will eat whatever is put in front of them, others are fussy.  You know your baby best so make a judgement call.

Of course don’t forget the clothes.

Going on you first family holiday doesn’t need to be scary it just take a little planning and research.  Finally how your baby acts at home is highly likely how they will react when travelling.  So remember you baby’s schedule and remain flexible.  And have a great time!

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Hi my name is Sally-Ann Brown I write a “Toddlers on Tour”.  I am a wife and mother who has always had a passion for travel.

When I had my son in 2008 and joined a Mother’s Group I realised many mum’s needed tips and advice on travel with kids. “Toddlers on Tour” was formed.

My advice is based on my 20 years’ experience in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry, a Bachelor in Tourism and Marketing, plus researching many travel books, websites and blogs.

I hope that my advice helps you to have an enjoyable journey.

Sally-Ann @ http://www.toddlersontour.com.au

It feels like years have past by in the blink of an eye. Nappies have changed into pull-ups, eating solid foods and before you know it, it’s time for your cherished toddler to begin school. But how can you make sure that they’re properly prepared for the transition?

Is your toddler school ready?

Starting school is an important step in your toddler’s life. It’s also a new and exciting time for the whole family. But, let’s be honest, it’s also a little terrifying. After all, there are many different things to consider … all of which leave you wondering: is my toddler ready for school? 

Here are some basic questions you can ask to determine whether your toddler is ready for school:

• Does my toddler listen well?
• Can my toddler follow instructions?
• Is my toddler curious?
• Can they use the toilet by themselves?
• How does my toddler compare to others their own age?
• Can they dress themselves?
• Are they comfortable around their peers?
• Can they share?
• Does my toddler like books?

These questions will help you gauge whether or not you believe your toddler is ready for school. And while their early education will predominantly focus on using play as a means of learning, it is still worthwhile making sure that they will comfortable and confident in the classroom.

Although early education focuses on learning through play, still ensure your child has the skills to feel confident in the classroom.

Easy guide to making the shift to school

Once you’re assured that your child is ready for school, you can begin to prepare them for the transition. This might mean focusing on the areas they’re not doing as well in, or the questions that you couldn’t answer with positively. Or it might even involve preparing them mentally for spending the day with adults and other children. 

Every child is unique and will need their own tailored preparation, but to help you get started here are some of our easy tips:

• Start their education before they hit the classroom. There are plenty of opportunities in day-to-day life to turn fun and playtime into a learning experience too. You can explain how water freezes into ice when you add ice cubes to their drink, or you can give them an arts and crafts lesson with feathers, paint and pencils. Get them into the mindset of learning wherever they are, no matter what they’re doing.
• Introduce them to books. Reading and writing will form the foundation of their learning throughout their education so it’s worthwhile getting them interested and involved in reading as early on as possible. Initially, you can use textile books that your toddler can touch, poke and prod. Then you can move up to more ‘grown up’ books when your little one is ready.
• Get them into a routine. One of the hardest parts of transitioning to school is adjusting to a new routine and new habits. To make this transition as smooth as possible, begin introducing a new routine, piece by piece, well before they start school. You can begin having set times to wake up and nap, and set times for eating. This way, by the time your toddler starts school, it will feel less unusual or strange for them.
• Start asking them to fulfill simple instructions. This will help them become familiar with requests and learning situations for when they are in school.
• Socialise your child. A crucial component of a successful school transition is making sure that your toddler is well socialised. This will help immensely in the daily interactions your toddler has with their peers, as they will know how to communicate, share, listen and play.

And lastly, have faith that your toddler will be okay in their new environment. Often it’s just as hard (if not harder!) for the parents to adjust to the new daily routine. Having your little one around less can be heartbreaking for many Mums. But as long as you have faith in your toddler, trust your instincts and understand that it’s okay to feel emotional at the transition, everything will work out fine. For more parenting advice and tips make sure you check our blog regularly. And if you have any questions you want answered, make sure you send us over an email. We’d love to hear from you. 

If only there was a button you could press that automatically, and quickly, connected to your toddler’s brain, forcing them to listen to you. It would be part of a simple remote control that had the power to connect with your toddler when your words couldn’t. Because, let’s face it – in the fast-paced world of toddlerhood, listening skills are a much desired, but rarely accessible, skill set.

Read more →

If you’re not quite sure what exactly you should be putting into your nappy bag (everything but the kitchen sink?), then don’t stress. Read on for our easy guide to the must-have components of any good nappy bag. Read more →

The addition of a new baby to the family is both an exciting and exhilerating experience. After months of preparation, the latest member of your family is ready to bring home.

But potentially not every member of the family will be thrilled at this new development. Introducing a new baby to your toddler can be a confronting and difficult situation if not managed correctly.

Luckily, there are some strategies you can utilise, both before your baby’s arrival and after, to ensure happy baby and toddler relations. Read more →