Why Does My Child Stare At The Washing Machine?

No comments
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.

If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways.

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

Growing my social media is something I work hard on. If you would like to follow us - Like us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram

If you have found this post or our blog useful you can say thanks by - Buying Us A Virtual Coffee

If you think a friend of family member would like this post - Tap the share button below.


Michelle

Read More

New York Times Square II Jigsaw

No comments
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.

Wentworth wooden puzzles - New York Times Square II jigsaw
I've had some spare time recently which is a surprise considering it's the Easter Holidays. I have been taking time out and completing a jigsaw that I was sent from a company called jigsaws. There was a wide range of puzzles to choose from and I chose New York Times Square II. because I love New York, I got married there and our hotel is on the puzzle. I was sent the 250 piece jigsaw and I thought it would be easy but I was wrong.
Read More

Nakd Selection Box Review

No comments
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. 

Nakd selection box including mixed bars
I have seen Nakd bars in the supermarket when looking at the 'free from' ranges and I always think if they don't have something included like gluten or dairy then they probably won't taste nice. I was so wrong because after trying Nakd bars over the last week I can honestly say that they are actually really tasty.
Read More

Alternative Easter Gifts From Great Gizmos

No comments
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. 

plan toys coast guard
I'm not a big fan of Easter Eggs, in fact this year we have said that we don't really want or need any from friends and family so instead we are happy to give to a charity or maybe just a little toy for big and little J. Great Gizmos recently sent us some lovely gifts that are an ideal alternative to Easter eggs.

Read More

Skibz Bib Review

No comments
skibz bib packaging
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. 

toddler playing on a see saw in the park
Little J is now cutting his 6th tooth and is dribbling more than ever. Skibz gave us the chance for little J to try out their dribble bibs.

Skibz Khaki Camouflage

They are so cute and look like a fashion accessory rather than a bib. Little J wore his on a recent visit to the park and another mummy actually commented how cute it was :) I told her this was a Skibz bib and she hadn't heard of them before but will definitely be checking them out now.

Little J's clothes, vest and chest were all dry after wearing his Skibz bib in the park. So pleased as we usually have to change him at least twice before the journey home but no need with his Skibz on

close up of a Skibz bib drool bib
Each Skibz has a double layer backing to protect your little ones clothes and chest from drool. The logo is on the front of the bib.

I love bandana bibs because they fit lovely around the neck and Skibz have an adjustable popper fastening at the back that ensures it a perfect fit.

Little J has definitely given his Skibz a good workout but every time I wash it, it looks brand new. 

There are so many designs to choose from you will certainly find a Skibz to match any outfit.

To find out more visit Skibz

Michelle
Read More

Love2Read Photo Book Review

No comments
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.

Love 2 Read has ceased trading however you can read here more about personalised gifts 
Mr brother personalised book
Last Christmas I got a lovely surprise from John, big J and little J, they bought me a gorgeous photobook. I wasn't expecting it and it is so lovely but there is one problem little J loves it so much that I never get to look at it long enough before it's snatched from my hands.
Read More

March 2014 Degustabox Review

No comments
Disclosure - We were sent the products below for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our unless stated.

open degustabox
Last week we got a lovely delivery from Degustabox. Big J was quick to tell me that 'degusta' means
'tasting' and so we had been sent a tasting box.
Read More

Keepsake Box by Freya Design

No comments
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. 

My special things keepsake box
I was looking for something special for little J's 1st birthday so I was browsing the internet for ideas. I was hoping to find something special that he could keep. I was reading reviews online about websites and their products and I found Freya Design. When it arrived my dad was here, and when I opened it we were both blown away. It is amazing.
Read More

Daisy Roots Slipper Review

No comments
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. 

Daisy Roots have ceased trading. You can view similar soft soled shoes and slippers on Amazon

Little J recently had surgery on his toe and has been recovering at home. We are so pleased that once he is better he will be able to own his first pair of shoes and wear his cosy fleece Daisy Roots slippers. Daisy Roots kindly sent us a pair of Blue Fleece slippers with pale blue spots for little J to try.
Read More

Walk n Ride By Didicar Review

No comments
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.

didicar walk n ride
Growing up is made up of many firsts and little J was lucky enough recently to get his first bike - a walk 'n ride by didicar. didicar walk 'n ride is a unique bike as it's a 2 in 1. Firstly it's a walking trainer and then it's becomes a ride on toy


There are four colours to choose from - Blue, Pink, Green and Purple.

little boy holding the seat of a didicar walk n ride
Little J was eager to look inside the box and I was surprised there were just four parts to assemble. 

Parts included

Walk n ride body
Wheels
Seat
Handle bar

There are just 7 screws to fasten the parts together.

little boy holding the seat of didicar walk n ride
We had been sent a green bike.

didicar walk n ride
We got the instruction leaflet out and it was very simple to put the didicar walk 'n ride together. Little J helped too.

First we attached the seat to the body of the bike. This is fastened with 3 of the screws.

Then we attached the handle bar. Little J loved this. Its a nice shape, easy to grip and light so he was able to pick it up and test it.

didicar walk n ride  holding the handle bar
man attaching the seat with a screwdriver to the didicar walk n ride
 The handle bar is attached using the remaining 4 screws

man attaching the wheels to a didicar walk n ride
Lastly the four wheels just fitted in the holes and that was it the didicar walk n' ride was set up and ready to use.

Once set up I was happy that it was just the right size for little J.

didicar walk n ride
The colours on the didicar walk 'n ride are really vibrant and the design is really eye catching.

As this is suitable from 12 months to 3 years, little J will at first use this to pull himself up and then to stand. I am hoping it will help with his balance and stability.

didicar walk n ride
didicar walk n ride
  Little J seems to like pushing it along the floor at the moment and pulling it back and forth. The rubberised caster wheels allow for complete 360o freedom of movement whilst preventing slipping and marks on the floor.

little boy sat on a didicar walk n ride
John put little J on the didicar walk 'n ride and I was happy that his feet touched the floor. He found his balance quite quickly

little boy sat on didicar walk n ride
He leaned forward and put his hands on the handle bars.

didicar walk n ride
He seemed to really like it and was using his feet to push himself forward.

didicar walk n ride
John had just one hand on his back because little J was able to balance himself.

stickers for a didicar walk n ride
We will use the stickers to personalise little J's didicar walk 'n ride.

Overall I am really impressed with the didicar walk 'n ride. Its such a fun, quirky and unique design and little J seems to really like it. I love the fact that the wheels move in all directions because it will make it easier for little J to move around, whether it will be pushing it, pulling it or riding on it.

Its quite a neat ride on too, so would be great to take to the park or to a relatives house. The didicar walk 'n ride is suitable for indoor or outdoor play on smooth surfaces.

The didicar walk 'n ride also promotes that it can help with staying healthy

The freewheeling design allows for some serious whizzing around providing exercise while developing space and speed awareness, balance and gross motor skills.

didicar walk 'n ride is available on Amazon

Michelle
Read More

Green Toys Shape Sorter Review

No comments
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. 

Green Toys Shape Sorter
Little J has had so much for fun this week with his new Green Toys Shape Sorter that we were sent to review. Sometimes it worth remembering that classic toys are called classic for a reason.
Read More

Skip Hop Alphabet Zoo ABC House Blocks Review

No comments
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. 

little boy sat on the floor reaching out for wooden blocks
I know in todays world toys and gadgets are so advanced now and completely different to the toys that were available when I was younger. I think its important to remember that basic toys can provide so much fun, development and creativity. Skip Hop Alphabet Zoo ABC house blocks do just that.
Read More

PS4 Peripherals | AD

No comments
Disclosure - This is a paid collaboration. 
Black Playstation 4 Console, PS4, Sony, controller
Being a big gamer I was excited to be fortunate enough to be able to secure a PS4 for launch date in the UK.  One of the things I really enjoy with a new console is the unboxing, opening of console and add on PS4 peripherals, and then taking my time to get the set up perfect ready for the first switch on.  
Read More

Dear Mum Journal - From You To Me

No comments
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.

front cover of a Dear Mum from you to me journalisms
Anyone who knows me knows I have books and pads for everything. I write everything down. I am always writing lists, blog ideas, notes and I always get a new diary at Christmas too. Writing your thoughts and ideas down is a great way to save your memories and look back on them later in life. When I found From You to Me I instantly loved the idea so I was so pleased when I got the chance to receive a Dear Mum Journal - From You to Me
Read More

How To Catch A Star 10th Anniversary

No comments
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.

How To Catch A Star by Oliver Jeffers Book Front CoverI cannot believe it's been 10 years since 'How to Catch a Star' was first published. Written by Oliver Jeffers this book tells us about a young boys attempt to catch a star. We were so lucky to be able to get this special 10th anniversary edition before it's official release on 27th March 2014.
Read More

Tatty Teddy and Blue Nose Friends Review

No comments
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. 

eduardo teddy from the blue nose friends range from Tatty Teddy
I have always been a fan of Carte Blanche Tatty Teddy. Ever since John
 and I first got together and he bought me my first bear. He bought me a bear holding a pillow and wearing a nightcap with the words goodnight on it. The pillow had a poem saying 

"I GO TO BED AT NIGHT, 
   AND IMAGINE THAT YOU`RE THERE
     I HOPE YOU DREAM OF ME TONIGHT, 
  AND KNOW HOW MUCH I CARE".
Read More

Heat Holder Socks Review

No comments
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. 

two pairs of heat holders socks in their packaging
I would guess that if John could change one thing about me he would definitely change my feet. Ever since I can remember I have always had cold feet. It doesn't matter if I have been wearing socks, slippers or shoes they are still icy cold. When I was given the chance to review Heat Holders I instantly thought there would be no way they could make my blocks of ice into toastie toes. We were sent two pairs so John and I decided to give them a try.
Read More

Tucking In To A SugarPoke Treat

No comments
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. 

I love finding fun and quirky presents for all sorts of occasions especially the upcoming Mothers Day. I spend hours looking on the internet for companies that have great gift ideas and recently I found one Sugarpoke
Read More

Funky Giraffe Playsuit and Bandana Bibs Review

No comments
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
Read More

Nom Nom Kids Reusable Pouch Review

No comments
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
Read More
Copyright © Playdays and Runways. Blog Design by SkyandStars.co