Development
Showing posts with label Development. Show all posts

How Natural Playgrounds Help Children’s Development

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Both boys have visited our local parks and playgrounds since they were very young. They both really enjoy being outdoors and whilst I wasn't one for swings or slides when I was younger I wanted to make sure the boys were comfortable using outdoor equipment from a early age. Playgrounds aren’t just about entertainment – they’re a key part of a child’s development. From confronting danger with climbing structures to social skills garnered by interaction in a play environment, playing outside helps children grow. I think the 'confronting danger' part for me was why I didn't like playgrounds as I never felt confident. Fortunately both boys love climbing and it's nice to see them taking risks because it is all part of development. 
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When Breastfeeding Just Doesn't Happen

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I usually don't get involved with conversations regarding breastfeeding as it's a personal choice whether you do it or don't. I would never like to judge anyone who didn't breastfeed because their reasons have nothing to do with me. I was somehow roped in to a conversation recently between two Mums talking about feeding their babies. One had breastfed and one had tried but couldn't. They both looked at me to share my feeding story however I felt slightly embarrassed and I'm not sure why.
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Playbrush Review

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Luckily Little J has always enjoyed brushing his teeth, it is part of his morning and bedtime routine and he likes trying to do it himself. There have been times when he really didn't want to brush his teeth especially when he was teething or if he is really tired. On days like this we would sing a song, count or anything we could think of that would distract him as we brushed. A few weeks ago we were sent a device called Playbrush which makes brushing fun.
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Our Firsts With Petits Filous

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Since having both boys I always seem to have my camera to hand to capture special memories of them both. Whether it's just a simple walk in the park, a holiday or special milestones in their lives. Little J loves looking at photographs of himself and hearing about what he was getting up to in the photograph. Petits Filous have launched My First Petits Filous and to celebrate I have added a few of Little J's special 'firsts' photographs.
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Little J's Bed Time

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When it comes to sleeping my two boys are completely the opposite, they couldn't be more different if they tried. When big J was younger he wouldn't sleep at all. He was awake all day and most of the night. We tried everything from getting in to bed with him to sleeping on his floor, anything to try and get a few hours sleep. He was permanently tired and so were we. Little J on the other hand is awake all day and sleeps all night and has done since he was a baby. He went in his own room in his cot and would quite happily fall asleep on his own and still does now. He goes to bed awake and within 10-15 minutes he is snoring.
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Toddler Tantrum In Public

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little boy crying
Although little J is a toddler this post isn't about him as he hasn't hit the terrible two's yet although I am waiting for the day that my little cheeky monkey turns into a little monster. No, this is a post about another child that I just so happened to see outside a supermarket recently.
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Cheeky Chompers Chewy Dribble Bib Review

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Disclosure - We were sent the products below for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our ow unless stated. This post contains affiliate links. 

Cheeky Chompers Neckerchew
My mum and dad were watching a repeat of Dragons Den a few months ago and told me about an idea they had seen, a bib with a teether attached. What a simple for great idea. Little J is now cutting his molars so we are once again full of drool but he is also wanting to bite anything he can get his hands on. Cheeky Chompers, the company seen on Dragons Den kindly sent us a neckerchew for little J to try.
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Why Does My Child Stare At The Washing Machine?

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This post contain Affiliate Links. 

Have you noticed that your little one is fascinated with the washing machine? When my son started staring at the machine I started to worry. As a parent you watch your children a lot and wonder if little behaviours are normal or if it's something to be concerned about. My son loves it and if I let him I think he would happily sit there for hours watching it while it spins and I often wondered why does my child stare at the washing machine?

little boy sitting on the floor by a washing machine


The first time I really noticed it was when he was having his dinner in his high chair. He completely  moved himself around in the chair so he had the washing machine in his view. If something was in the way he would stretch so he could see it. I didn't really think about it at first but when it continued to happen I did start to wonder, why? 

Now he is able to move across the floor he takes himself into the kitchen, crawls to the washing machine, sits up and stares. When I try to move him away he can become quite grumpy and even if I pick him up and put him in another room he manages to scramble his way back to the kitchen. Most of the time the washing machine doesn't even have to be on for him to enjoy looking at it.

Like most I instantly headed to google. Should I be worried? Is this typical? I did a lot of research and the answer is yes it is a typical thing for babies and toddlers to be interested in washing machines and other household appliances and is actually very common.  Google also likes to tell us that if your child likes things that spin such as the washing machine then this could be a sign of autism or aspergers.

There is such a wide spectrum for autism and whilst watching spinning items can be one of the signs please don't read in to it this too much unless you have other concerns about your child. I don't have any concerns about little J at all so staring at the washing machine wouldn't make me think he has Autism or Aspergers. I would be looking for other signs and behaviours.

When babies become unsettled one of the ways to try and soothe them is to play white noise. Maybe they find watching the machine and hearing it spin relaxing. They did as baby, why shouldn't they as a toddler too?

Most of the time we have no idea why children they do the things they do. They are curious, they are constantly learning and exploring and I think watching the machine is just little J's way of trying to work out what it actually is. Why does it spin? Why does it make a noise?

Why not use their love of the washing machine to your advantage. I know my son would sit there for as long as he could so enjoy the peace, have a cup of coffee. It's better than giving them an iPad for 15 minutes. 

If your child does enjoy watching the washing machine and you have other concerns about the behaviours, you can always speak to your health visitor or GP for more advice or guidance.

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Comments - I love reading your opinions and thoughts - Does your child stare at the washing machine? How do you feel about it.

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Michelle

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Funky Giraffe Playsuit and Bandana Bibs Review

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Disclosure - We were sent the products below for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our unless stated. This post contains affiliate links.

3 children's bibs with a rocket, car and plane on,
Recently I stumbled upon a website called Funky Giraffe Bibs. I was searching for dribble bibs for little J who is teething at the moment and a good quality dribble bib is hard to find so I thought I would look online.

There is a HUGE selection of bibs to choose from Bandana Bibs, Cotton Bibs, XL Bibs and XXL Bibs. After browsing through the amazing selection I noticed they also stocked other baby items. I fell in love with the playsuits available they are so cute.

Little J was sent a gorgeous funky giraffe playsuit and a selection of bibs to try. We received a red rocket bib, an aeroplane bib and my favourite the racing car. The colours are lovely, really bold.

The back of a dribble bib,
I turned the bibs over and they had a layer of fleece on the back to help soak up the dribble which will protect your child's clothes and chest from getting wet.

A blue and yellow romper suit with a giraffe on
When I saw the playsuit it was gorgeous. The soft feel and bold colours made it even better than I expected.

A baby boy sitting up clapping his hands
I couldn't wait to try it on little J and when I did I have to admit he looked adorable in it :)

A baby boy sitting in a baby walker looking to the right,
Little J was having a drool day as usual so I put the dribble bib on straight away. While he was playing I noticed the bib was getting wet as the yellow had changed colour in parts.

A wet drool bib with a car on,
So it was time for a change of bib but after taking it off I noticed I didn't really need too. His playsuit underneath was dry.

The fleece backing had protected him. I was really impressed and little J was happy.

Why choose a Funky Giraffe Bandana Bib?

Our Funky Giraffe Bandana bibs (also know as dribble bibs) are the perfect accessory for the fashion savvy baby and toddler. Fronts are made from 100% cotton using all natural fibres they feel soft to the touch while adding a unique panache to any outfit, with a fleece backing to keep dribble from soaking through.

We have a range of styles to suit all tastes and each one has been designed in house with you in mind, listening to our customer’s feedback and wishes we have brought more bandanna bibs to our store so you and your baby can benefit from the Funky Giraffe quality.

Each bib has double poppers so you can adjust the fit to suit your little one, this ensures baby hardly notices the bib is there and so keeps it on for longer

Funky Giraffe offer free UK shipping and amazing discounts. The more you buy the move you save. 

To check out the lovely products available visit www.funkygiraffebibs.co.uk


Michelle
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Nom Nom Kids Reusable Pouch Review

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Disclosure - We were sent the products below for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are our own. 

Little J loves his fruit and yoghurts but when you're out and about it can be a pain if he doesn't finish one and wants the rest later. I usually throw half pots away because they cant be stored in my changing bag. This means more expense because I end up buying another later on. When little J was given the chance to try out Nom Nom Kids reusable pouches I was excited and eager to try them out.

When they arrived I knew instantly little J would love them. They are so colourful with animals design. They looked just the right size too for little hands :)

 
I decided to fill little J's with yoghurt and I am glad to say its really easy. There is a zip lock seal along the side which I opened and spooned in the yoghurt. I closed the zip seal and gave it to little J. You can either give it to your child to use direct or you could squeeze into a bowl or on a spoon.

He instantly put it to his mouth and began to suck. The yoghurt flowed easily and there was no mess at all.

 When it got towards the end of the yoghurt I did help him squeeze some towards the top. Once he had finished I washed it out, it looked brand new again.

On the back is a place for you to write your child's name, date, what's inside and also tick boxes which would be perfect if in nursery or school.

The pouches have been to the park with us this week and have been squashed and squeezed but bounce back to like new.

Each Nom Nom Kids Resuable Pouch is...
Easy to fill and clean
Dishwasher Safe
Freezer Safe
BPA, phthalate and PVC free
To heat just stand in hot water

You can purchase Nom Nom Kids reusable pouches by visiting Amazon

Pouches are currently priced at £2.95 each or 3 for £6.95

Michelle
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Crawlerz Romper Review

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Disclosure -  I was sent this product for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

crawlerz romper suit
Even though little J is 11 months old he hasn't really made much attempt in trying to crawl. We have tried everything to encourage him but it seems as soon as he starts to get onto his knees he slips back down to the lying position. I visited the Crawlerz Website and I really loved the idea so when I was given the chance to review a Crawlerz romper suit I jumped at the chance.

crawlerz romper suit
As soon as little J's Crawlerz Romper arrived I was really impressed with the quality and I instantly thought this is going to keep little J warm while he's rolling around on our wooden floor. The paw prints are so cute too.

baby crawling
When I put the Crawlerz Romper on little J it was a lovely fit and he looked so cute in it. He rolled over to his usual lying on the tummy position and lifted to his knees. The Anti Slip grip definitely helped with little J's ability to stay up on his knees for slightly longer than usual. I was really shocked just how much grip it gave him.

baby playing
Although the Crawlerz romper is designed to help with development it is also just a lovely playsuit.
 Little J seemed to like his new suit and the confidence it gave him. He definitely was more mobile.

baby crawling
A few days later I tried it on him again and I could honestly see the difference in his confidence compared to his other suits.

Information on Crawlerz

Crawlerz is a brand new concept in Baby Clothing and are designed to actively encourage your child to crawl. Our Patent Pending Anti-Slip Grip will give your child the added help needed to promote their development. 

Available in a Range of Funky Styles for ages 3-6, 6- 9 and 9-12 months.

Why Crawlerz

Designed to actively encourage your child to crawl.
Incorporated Anti-Slip Safety Grip
Safe & Fun all in one.
Comprehensive Range
Designed to aid your Child's Development

I would definitely recommend Crawlerz to any parent especially if your little one is struggling to get around. You can buy a Crawlerz Romper by visiting Amazon.

They come in a choice of colours blue, pink and are currently priced at £7.99 each.



Michelle
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