Category: Parenting

Homeschooling Hacks that Parents and Students Can Use

With social distancing measures and directives still firmly in place for many locales, many parents are contemplating what the upcoming school year looks like as part of the new normal. Thanks to the use of video conferencing technology, distance learning and homeschooling will be the reality for many families at least for the fall. Your child’s physical campus may be your home, which can be a potential source of stress for parents, teachers and students alike. Here are some hacks that can bring some stress-relieving fun to your household or campus.

 

Establishing a Routine

When working from home, it’s important to establish a routine for each weekday morning. Now that your kids are back to school, you need to set a schedule to keep them on track. Make it a fun activity by using art supplies such as colorful markers, crayons and poster boards to create a weekly schedule. Use construction paper or index cards to color-code the schedule based on the days, or the children themselves. You can use your entryway or a mudroom as a kind of homeschooling control center which not only features the schedule, but also assignments and chores to be completed.

 

Prepping Meals

A fun activity might include incorporating meal prep for the week into your Monday routine. This is a great hack for teaching your younger kids how to make their own lunches. Using colorful pens, markers, notebook paper and plastic storage bins, you can organize non-perishable lunch and/or snack items in your pantry and perishable items in your refrigerator. Kids can learn to make healthful choices in putting together their lunches for the week or on a daily basis.

 

Organizing School and Art Supplies

An important consideration for school at home is to make sure there are dedicated spaces for your homeschooling supplies. Save time and avoid procrastination by using a caddy or plastic drawer sets to organize supplies. Crayons, pens, pencils and other writing utensils can be stored in the various compartments in your caddy. Notebooks, construction paper and drawing pads can be organized in a dedicated set of drawers in a designated area so your kids know where to go for supplies, especially when it’s time for homework.

 

Designating Homework Notebooks

A little chalkboard paint or paper on the cover of your children’s notebooks gives them a place to write down their daily assignments to keep track of the textbooks needed for homework. Colorful chalks, including chalk crayons, are great for making note of assignments on these notebook covers. It also provides an opportunity for creative expression as kids can draw their names and other decorative elements on the cover.

With a fall semester that looks less and less like what you and your kids are used to, it’s important to prepare. Getting back into the swing of things will be a challenge, but you can make it fun with a few creative hacks that let students use their creativity, imagination and quality school supplies. Establishing routines, maximizing group activities and designating work areas can help everyone get back into a school state of mind.

Common Causes of Injuries Outside the Home & How to Protect Your Children From Them

Leaving the home, whether to run errands, buy food or bond and have fun with our families should be innocuous and safe. It should not put us in danger. We shouldn’t expect an injury to take place. Unfortunately, injuries outside of the home, in public places do happen and they are actually quite common and widespread. As parents we have control over the safety conditions of our homes, but when we leave our homes, we have to trust that the owners of those properties and spaces maintain them so that our families are safe. In most cases property owners, including the state and the government uphold this responsibility well, but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes things can go wrong and people can get hurt. One of the best things we can do is learn some of the causes of these accidents and the types of conditions that create them. That way we can take the necessary preventive measures to protect ourselves.

According to California legal experts and lawyers, The Barnes Firm, slip and fall injuries are some of the most common causes of hospitalization in the US and in some cases, they can be fatal. Most people don’t know how to go about navigating this injury when it happens. The best thing you can do is find a great legal firm that can assist with the entire process. One of the steps in this process is identifying the types of environments these injuries happen in so that you know how to file your claim. Here are a few causes of slip and fall injuries.

Neglected Premises

When you’re in public areas, keep an eye on the environment and know what to look for and stay away from to avoid injury. Not all injuries are preventable, because by their nature, accidents aren’t something we plan for. There are however, certain places that are more dangerous and can lead to slip and falls. For example, places that have irregular floor surfaces can cause injuries, along with damaged carpets, poor lighting, wet floors and poorly maintained surfaces. Slip and fall injuries can also take place in locations where there are renovations and construction happening, potholes in the road, and cracks in the pavement or due to rain and snow making the ground slippery. In this  case, it can be proven that the owners of the property where negligent and didn’t do the required maintenance to uphold public safety.

Distracted Parties

One of the most common causes of accidents and injuries these days is being distracted by gadgets. People who are on their phones while their driving, won’t be able to sufficiently pay attention to everything happening, making it more likely that they will hit someone or something. This is why mobile phone use is considered a road safety risk. Pedestrians are no different. If you’re walking in public areas on your phone you might be so distracted that you can’t pay attention to your surroundings, and in situations where you have to react quickly, you might not be able to react fast enough. Also listening to music in earphones or headphones is something we have to do carefully. If the volume is too loud and we can’t hear what’s happening in the environment that can also be a hazard.

Temporary Negligence

Some injuries are caused by temporary obstructions and obstacles in a specific environment. For example in a supermarket or retail space, poorly packed racks and shelves can lead to a slip and fall injury. This is why it’s important the store management prioritize a well-kept and orderly shop floor. If you go into a store that has things lying around, it might be better to choose a more orderly location in order to prevent any mishaps. Another example of temporary negligence is being in a restaurant space where a beverage has been spilled on the floor. If the spill isn’t cleaned up in time, that could lead to a customer getting hurt.

Slip and fall injuries are considered quite common. The unfortunate thing is that many of them are preventable if property owners were more responsible and took care of the environments that the public use and move around in. In order to make our communities and local areas safe, everyone has a part to play including business owners and managers. When that responsibility falls short, people can get hurt. We won’t always be able to control the occurrence of these injuries, but we can learn what to look for and make sure we steer clear of it. That way we can make the time spent outside of our homes as safe and as well-maintained as the places we’re responsible for.

 

5 Essential Baby Items Every New Mother Needs

Preparing for your new baby is an exciting time in every mother’s life. Here are some essential baby items you need to have before your new baby arrives.

Becoming a new parent is a very exciting feeling, yet it can be overwhelming. Every new mom struggles to make their baby registry. There are so many baby products out there you are not sure you will need.

Did you know that 43% of new moms only get 5.5 hours of sleep per day? While the average person gets 8 hours of sleep. Having these essential baby items makes life a little easier when you are a new mom.

Read on to get started.

 

1. Crib and Crib Mattress

The main thing you need is a safe and comfortable place for your baby to sleep. Co-Sleeping is not recommended, and according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, co-sleeping can increase sudden infant death syndrome, also known as SIDS.

To decrease the risk of SIDS, your baby must be on his or her back in their crib with no loose bedding or blankets. Having a safe crib with a comfortable mattress for your baby is essential.

 

2. Nursing Pillow

If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, investing in a good nursing pillow will make things a little easier.

Nursing pillows help provide support in your back, and it helps you maintain a comfortable position while your baby eats. You must be comfortable so you can hold your baby correctly for them to have a good latch.

There are many nursing pillows out there, do some research to find the best one for you and your baby.

 

3. Bottle Sterilizer 

If you are feeding your baby formula, their bottles must be clean and sterilized. It is important to sterilize their bottles until they are at least 12 months old.

Having a baby sterilizer makes things easier than having to boil the bottles to sterilize them. All you need to do is load up the sterilizer and push a button and wait for them to be sterilized.

Sterilizing your baby’s bottles will help prevent infections that can cause them to get sick. That’s why a bottle sterilizer is an essential baby item.

 

4. Burp Cloths

Babies are adorable yet very messy, especially after eating. Babies tend to spit up a lot after they finish nursing or drinking their bottle. Some babies suffer from reflux, which causes them to spit up more than usual.

Having many burp cloths will make your life easier, especially if you don’t have washing machines. If you want to take it a step further, choose organic burp cloths. You should also look at the idea of eco friendly nappies.

 

5. Sound Machine

In the womb, your baby hears loud constant noise. They listen to your heartbeat and your voice and the outside world. They are not used to silence.

When your baby is sleeping, silence can be unusual and will wake them up. Sound machines help your baby get restful sleep.

White noise is recommended since it reminds them of noise in the womb. But any other low tone sounds like rain, and waves can help. Lullabies are not helpful since music stimulates their brain and won’t help them sleep.

Sound machines are great if you have a light sleeper. The sound machine should be at a volume of you standing next to a running shower. That is a safe volume that will drown out unwanted noise.

 

Add These Essential Baby Items to Your Registry

Now that you know about these essential baby items, you will be ready to embark on your new journey. Every new parent needs a sound machine, bottle sterilizer, burb cloths, a nursing pillow, and a crib.

If you enjoyed these tips and would like to learn more, check out the rest of our blog. 

Raising a Child: a Guide for the Modern Parent

At times it feels like we, as parents are failing. We doubt our judgments of raising a child. “Are we doing it right?” We ask ourselves. We are not sure of the answers. Well, the good news is there is no one to raise your child. So, if you think that someone is doing it better than you, just know that it is not a competition. They are raising their children their own way, and so should you. There are, of course, some dos and don’ts when it comes to parenting a child. The world has always been a scary place, so it is up to the parents to make sure that their children are well equipped to deal with the pressures of society. Here in this article, you will get guidance for a parent on the basic rules of parenting. 

1. Health: Health comes first. And your child’s health should be your first priority. No matter where you are, what work you are doing, you should ensure that your child is in safe hands. Your child is never too young to have insurance of her own. Various health insurances cover your children’s health as a benefit of your own insurance. Make sure you know all the information. While we are on the topic of health, it must be mentioned that you need to practice healthy eating habits for your children, so that they don’t get sick as much. 

2. Education: Your child should have the best education possible. So, it is up to you to decide which school he or she is going to go into. If you invest well in their education it will later benefit them immensely. Education is always a safe investment. While at home you must engage your children in various online learning programs. This process will keep the curiosity alive. They can read leveled books online. These books are designed for them to increase their cognitive skills. Kids can learn basic life skills from these books; it can also boost up their vocabulary. 

3. Technology: The world is evolving faster than we think. The world is becoming more and more technologically advanced. So, if we do not give lessons to our children on being tech-savvy, we are basically holding them back. Kids should be introduced to various new gadgets and forums. They should have practical knowledge of things and how things work. 

4. Affection: Kids should receive plenty of affection from both the parents. They should learn to love others and be loved. Children who do not receive enough affection in early life tend to grow up with disorders of their own. You may allow your child to have a puppy or cat of their own. This will teach the kids how to take care of others and also how taking care of someone can be difficult. It will incorporate in them a sense of discipline. It is important for a child to be disciplined in life in order to achieve success. 

5. Bullying: Make sure that in school or at home, your child is not subjected to bullying. No one should verbally or physically assault a child. If someone bullies him, he should feel free to talk to the parent about it. Make a welcoming environment so that your child can talk freely. Also, observe your children’s behavior from time to time. If you feel that they are being physically violent in their conduct, you should talk to them. You can also make an appointment with a child psychologist if need be. 

These are some of the basic fundamental steps of parenting. It has been mentioned already, that there is no one proper way of parenting. So, do the best that you can for your children. Don’t forget to love them unconditionally. Love is the key ingredient of good parenting. 

Troubled Child and Teenage Years: a Guide for Parenting

We all know that a teenage child goes through some behavioral changes. It is natural and nothing to worry about in general. But if they are showing extreme signs of troubling behaviors, it might be worth reflecting on. The first thing you’ll notice is how they are not close to their family members anymore. They’ll mostly keep it to themselves and spend time locked inside their own rooms. They might lose weight and develop an eating disorder. There might be drastic changes in their physical appearances. Their withdrawal from the public society and isolating themselves with their close circle of friends can be signs that something is not right. Here, we are going to discuss the ways a parent can prepare themselves to handle a troubled teenager with care and love. 

1. Therapy: There might be things your child cannot express fully. Or something might have happened in his or her life to make them traumatize. They might be dealing with extreme anxiety and/or depression and don’t know how to verbalize those things. In such cases, therapy can work wonders. They might actually learn how to open up to their family members and how to solve their mental health issues. If needed, doctors can prescribe medicines so that the children can function better in their day to day life. 

2. Drug: Many a time we don’t know it but our children may get involved with life-threatening drugs and illegal substances. They’ll be so addicted to the substances that they can go at any length to get their hands on them. Many times we see that these troubled youths end up behind the bars. Parents no doubt will come to their rescue. For details regarding bail bonds and finding the right bondsmen visit- https://acmebail.com/locations/vista/. Information such as this should be kept handy.

3. Create Structure:  A lot of the time it is seen that the troubled child belongs to a broken family or has to move around a lot. He might not have a proper address so he never knew what it felt like to have a set of friends to grow up with, to share the pain and sorrow with them. He does not know how to deal with his life. So, as a guardian, it is up to us to create a healthy routine for them. if they are to go to school every day, they’ll have to maintain certain protocols. Rules and disciplines are good for them. Encourage them to exercise daily as physical exercise can uplift one’s mood. 

4. Talk: As a parent, it is your duty to understand your child well. You should love them unconditionally. You must provide them with a sense of protection. They should feel comforted while talking to you. When they start opening up instead of advising them right away, practice active listening. It is a skill that all caregivers should learn. Active listening is when we try to hear what the other person is saying without judging them. 

Excessive anger and acting out can never be healthy for a child. When you feel that things are getting out of your hands, try to consult physicians and counselors who know how to deal with such situations. The goal is to provide the child with a happy and healthy childhood. So, we should always remember that mental health is as important as physical health for every human being.

6 Handy Tricks for Managing Family Budget

Family life requires a lot of patience, and in some cases, sacrifice, in order for everyone to feel happy and taken care of. Now, that doesn’t mean that you should deprive yourself (and your loved ones) of things that bring joy and pleasure, but rather that it’s important to be mindful of your spending so you’ll be able to afford all the amazing things a family might need. Now, if you’re someone who spends a lot and then worries afterward, here are some handy tips and tricks that will help you manage your family budget better.

Optimize your paycheck

For most, a paycheck from an employer is the primary means of income. Therefore, it is probably a good idea to start with that. When you first got your job, someone with company probably had you choose what to withhold from your paycheck. That may have been fine when you first started, but if you have had a baby, got married, bought a house, or had any other significant life changes, then you might be withholding more than you need too. You can find out for sure simply by using a withholding calculator. By adjusting your withholdings to fit your life, you may be able to take more home with each paycheck.

Keep a detailed track of your expenses

Buying groceries and other essential household items can be exhausting on a family budget, which is why it’s crucial to keep track of your expenses. If you often find yourself lost amid missing receipts and a chunk of your money going somewhere unknown, then it’s recommended to carefully monitor your expenses and income. There are numerous financial budgeting apps that can help you keep things in order, as long as you remember to enter each expense after you’re done with your purchase. 

Try to plan your investments in advance

This is super important, especially if you consider yourself an impulsive shopper. Buying things on a whim is something many of us are guilty of, so there’s no need to feel bad about it. However, making certain steps to ensure a better financial future for your family is definitely a must. The most effective way to achieve that is to plan your investments in advance. That way you’ll be able to carefully compare prices and offers, while still having enough time to save money so you won’t end up in a debt.

If you love traveling, then be smart about it 

Travelling is one of the most exciting things that can surely strengthen family bonds and create many happy memories that will last a lifetime. Still, since traveling as a family can be costly at times, it’s necessary to be a smart traveler and plan everything well. That’s why opting for a free credit card promotion luggage can help you earn rewards subsequently, enjoy a vacation with all the perks. Traveling with your kids can be demanding at times, so having a lot of amenities at your disposal can certainly help everyone relax while having fun at the same time. 

Set some money aside for financial emergencies

Life can be surprising when we least expect it, so setting some money aside for financial emergencies can do a lot to alleviate tension and contribute to overall financial stability. Simply, you’ll feel less inclined to overspend when you know there’s a faucet leaking that needs immediate attention, and having some extra money can ensure you the ability to deal with the stress without compromising your family budget. Life insurance can be an excellent way to protect your family from money difficulties because if anything happens to you, they’ll be able to stay afloat. 

Find a way to reduce your debt

Today’s economy requires many people to get into debt in order to avoid housing, healthcare and education, so if you owe a lot, that’s understandable and you shouldn’t feel bad about it. But, since getting in debt is so common, a lot of people simply decide to freely spend money they don’t have, which is the last thing to do if you want a stable family budget. Therefore, reducing your debt through a debt management plan should be your top priority, mainly since repaying all your debt is probably a big step, so it’s always better to start slowly.  

Don’t waste money on food and groceries

A lot of people waste food and that is a problem that definitely needs addressing. If your family is like that, then you definitely need a chat with your spouse and kids regarding their eating and spending habits. Also, before you decide to go shopping, make sure to prepare a list of groceries in order to avoid buying something you don’t need. Now, kids can be notoriously demanding whilst in the supermarket, so it’s wise to have a chat prior to leaving the house. Tell them that they’re allowed to get one thing each, and make sure to determine the price range as well, so they won’t pick something expensive.

Conclusion

Keeping your family financially secure isn’t an easy task, so these tips will surely help you get started. Just remember to plan your purchases and vacations and if possible, find a way to lower your debt, too. Additionally, keeping a log of your expenses can help you learn more about your financial habits which will surely be of great use when managing and improving a family budget. 

Newborn Essentials: 11 Must-Have Items for Moms With Newborn Babies

Motherhood is such an exciting part of a woman’s journey. After nine months of carrying that child in your womb, you can finally hold your newborn. But, as much as it’s a beautiful event, it can be very tiring, especially if you don’t have the essentials.

It’s essential to prepare yourself by having the right items even before your baby is born. Below, we list down eleven must-haves that you need to make your mommy journey easier and your baby comfortable.

 

Baby carrier

The constant touching of the baby’s and mother’s skin creates this unique bond. And if this bond breaks, this makes your baby cry. However, you can’t go sitting on your couch all-day carrying your baby. Your hands need rest, and sometimes you have things you need to do yourself.

With this problem, baby carriers can help you carry your baby without even using your arms. It’s called babywearing, and moms do it all the time. This way, your baby feels safe, knowing you’re beside him while you still get to do things around the house.

 

Swaddles

Swaddles are moms’ life-savers. These little blankets create a kind of illusion that babies are still snuggled tight inside their mother’s womb. Swaddles also prevents them from suddenly waking up because of their jerking movements.

Through swaddling, you and your baby get better sleep. However, make sure to search on what’s the proper way to swaddle a child. Because not doing it the right way may bring about unwanted accidents.

 

Swing

Like a swaddle, baby swings mimic the womb, continuously moving and swaying while you do things. This movement helps in putting your baby to sleep. It saves you from the hassle of rocking them about.

This swinging also helps stimulate your babies or even entertain them. Some swings have toys you can attach that your baby may look at. And once he gets to use his hands, this helps them learn things faster.

 

Stroller

Who says you couldn’t go anywhere with a baby? All you need is to get a stroller, and you can enjoy your day. Strollers also help if you don’t have a nanny, and you need to do some errands like getting groceries, taking your daily walks, or going to the bank.

 

Breast pump

Perhaps you’ve already heard it a couple of times that breastmilk is the best for babies, especially important for newborns as antibodies from your milk are the ones that will protect them from any diseases.

Because of this, a breast pump is a definite need for mothers. Here are some reasons why it’s important:

● It helps in lactation.
● It ensures your baby is fed without your presence.
● It gives you a break.

 

Breast milk is also beneficial in cases where your baby is premature and can’t feed directly to you. At least it’s ensured that what he drinks is still healthy.

 

Nursing pillow

Another essential for breastfeeding is a nursing pillow. For new mothers, guiding your baby to latch correctly may take more time to learn. A nursing pillow helps with this by making things easier for you and your baby.

It helps in keeping you comfortable and in the process, save yourself from the body pains. If you are breast pumping, it also aids your partner or other persons to continue feeding your child in the proper position.

 

Nursing covers

Nursing covers are helpful when you need to take your baby out on important occasions. Since babies get hungry at any time, there are times when you need to feed them even in a public place.

If you’re uncomfortable with showing your breast as you’re feeding your baby, nursing covers should help. You can also use multi-use nursing covers to give you the protection you need, whether at parties, weddings, church services, or hanging out with your family.

 

Burp cloths

Burp cloths are something that you put over your shoulder to catch milk spit that your baby may throw out when he burps. Burping is inevitable, and it happens all the time, especially with newborns. Just make sure to choose a fabric that is soft to your baby’s skin.

 

Diaper bag

A diaper bag is essential when you’re going out with your baby. It’s where you put everything that your baby needs. You can usually get all of these things at Walmart or Target:

● Hand sanitizers
● Changing pad
● Extra clothes
● Food
● Cap
● Toy
● Diapers
● Wipes

 

This bag helps make everything organized, so you don’t need to search for your baby’s essentials in other places. If you have a stroller, you can buy a diaper bag hook. This way, when you’re out in a mall, you need to hand the bag in the stroller.

 

White noise machine

While your babies are in the womb, they hear humming sounds. They hear the sounds of the sea, the car moving, the rustling of leaves, etc.

White noise machines mimic these sounds to promote better sleep for your little ones. Place this machine beside their crib and watch them rest peacefully. Just make sure you choose a white noise you’re also comfortable with.

 

Pacifier Clips

Pacifier clips are severely underrated. Babies spit out their pacifiers all the time, but heaven forbid the pacifier is not available when the baby needs it. This is where pacifier clips come in. They are little life-savers that can preserve your sanity, because they keep the pacifier within quick and easy reach, even if the baby spits out the paci.

 

Over to You

Now, those are eleven newborn essentials that will aid you on your motherhood journey. Being a mother should be fun. We shouldn’t sacrifice our sleep so we can still enjoy our babies’ laughter in the morning.

Important Things to Consider While Choosing a Childcare

When you choose a childcare center for your little one, it is certainly a great parenting milestone. With so many things to consider and so many factors to take into account, choosing the perfect career in childcare and childcare center for your kid could prove to be quite an overwhelming task. You may be worried sick at the thought of your child’s safety when you leave him under the care and supervision of other people. This could fill your heart with anxiety but there is no reason to worry. Highly reputed and reliable child care centers are known for providing a friendly, engaging, and safe environment for your child.

As per Entrepreneur.com, there has been a rise in the overall number of parents who are working including families where both mom and dad are working, and single-parent families and this has resulted in an increasing need for top quality and trustworthy childcare centers. To make sure that you are opting for the best childcare center, here are some crucial things to consider while choosing childcare.

 

Curriculum and Program

Remember it is best to initiate age-appropriate learning at the earliest possible. While choosing the right childcare for your baby, you need to focus your attention on knowing what curriculum and programs are being offered by the childcare. You must find out the precise goals and if the programs are relevant to your child’s developmental stage and age.

 

The Childcare Environment

You must opt for childcare that offers a truly warm and inviting atmosphere. You need to ensure that the location of the childcare center is just right and safe for young kids. Understand the security and safety procedures that are in place to ensure your kid’s protection. Examine if there are any security issues or safety hazards. You could choose to take a tour of the most reputed childcare Auckland to rule out any safety hazards.

 

Student-Teacher Interaction

You must find out about the experience and academic background of the teachers. Make sure that they are having the relevant certification and training. Keep observing their body language, and the kind of words they use while interacting with the kids. An experienced and well-qualified staff would be helping out your children so that they learn all new concepts.

 

Recommendations

The best way of finding out if your chosen childcare center is good is by talking to other experienced parents. You also have the option to reach out to people that have had a Career in childcare and ask them for any important considerations to take into account when choosing the care center for your child. Seek recommendations from friends and family. Find out what is their opinion of a specific childcare center and ask if they know of a reliable childcare center.  It is best to undertake online research and go through parent reviews and testimonials and take note of the red flags if any.

 

Conclusion

Always keep the above factors in mind while choosing the right childcare for your little one. Besides, rely on your first impression of the facility. Always follow your instinct. Were you uncomfortable about something relating to the childcare center? Is the environment warm, friendly, and safe? Did you like the teacher when you interacted with her? Are you having any second thoughts about her attitude or behavior? Never leave your kid with someone you are apprehensive about. Quality childcare could prove to be truly beneficial for your child’s overall personality development and learning.

How to Choose a Daycare for Your Child: 5 Must-Haves

It is essential to know how to choose a daycare that you can trust with your child. This guide shows how to a choose a daycare for your child.

If you’re agonizing about leaving your child in daycare, with someone else taking care of them all day, you’re not alone. Many have felt guilty about it but you shouldn’t.

As a matter of fact, it can be good for your kid according to a study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. Those who attended center-based childcare have better coping with emotional and peer-related problems. They’re also less likely to develop low prosocial behaviors.

What you should think about carefully is how to choose a daycare. Choosing a daycare center is one of the most important decisions that you have to make as a parent. The time spent at the daycare center is going to have a big and lasting effect on your child’s brain development.

To help you with your decision, here are some things that a high-quality daycare must definitely have.

 

1. How to Choose a Daycare: Start With Research

An excellent daycare center should have built up a solid reputation. However, you wouldn’t know about it if you don’t do your research.

A good starting point is to ask for recommendations from friends and family. You can also ask your pediatrician or other parents.

 

2. License (Yes!) Accreditation (Up to You)

When choosing child care for your little boy or girl, the facility should be licensed. This is non-negotiable! Each state will have basic legal requirements for the operation of a daycare.

With regard to accreditation, it’s entirely up to you. You have to consider availability and convenience. For example, only about 7000 programs are accredited by the NAEYC and that’s less than 10% of all child care centers.

While accreditation is nice to have, don’t get too hung up on it. You can still find a great toddlers child care program with the features that are important to you.

 

3. Qualified and Engaged Teachers

While you’re away, your kid’s well-being is in the hands of the caregivers. You have all the right to ask about their certification and training so you know that you can put your trust in them.

Teachers should have degrees related to early childhood development. They should also know how to administer life-saving maneuvers such as CPR in case of emergencies.

You should also observe how they interact with the children and how the children respond to them.

 

4. Age-Appropriate Curriculum

What are they teaching the kids? Ask about the goals for the activities and the reasoning behind their schedule. Are they tailoring the curriculum to the age and developmental stage of each child?

Perhaps more importantly, is their teaching philosophy in tune with yours? Your goal for the care and education of your little one should align with what the daycare can provide.

 

5. A Safe and Healthy Environment

This is another feature that you shouldn’t budge on. A great daycare center is set up with safety in mind at all times. Ask about childproofing, food and toy safety practices, and their SOP for emergency response.

 

Finding the Right Daycare Center

Hopefully, this article about how to choose a daycare can help you find a safe and nurturing environment for your child. Take all this into consideration but also have your own criteria for what you think is best.

For more parenting tips, feel free to browse our site.

5 Gifts For The On-The-Go Parents To Be

One of the hardest things about becoming a parent is feeling constrained — especially when you’re used to traveling or not being much of a homebody and feel the need to always on-the-go. For second time parents, things may become a bit easier as the first baby was practice and maneuvering through the trickiest situations has become a breeze. Still, the new challenge of baby number two is being able to become a pro at being on the go with two kids instead of one. For the parents to be, especially the ones that love to travel, here are a few gift ideas to make life easier for parents and comfortable for baby.

 

Birthing Classes

For many mothers-to-be, thinking about their approaching to giving birth triggers different feelings such as fear, anxiety and stress. The common reasons for this include misconceptions about giving birth and delivery and many other unknowns. How it will all go, if the baby is going to be alright etc etc. Many different scary thoughts goes in the minds. So it’s highly suggestible to visit some birthing classes. See this review of some the best childbirth classes and choose before giving birth.

 

Compact Stroller

From running errands, getting around the airport for travel, or meeting with friends for lunch, having a convenient stroller is a game-changer. The best strollers are lightweight, compact, have room for storage, and easy to fold and unfold such as Ergobaby strollers. When choosing a stroller, make sure that it’s also comfortable for baby. Some of the things to look for is the size of the canopy, mesh panels to provide ventilation on warmer days, a comfy seat pad that provides enough padding and can be removed to wash, and you’ll even want to pay attention to the design of the wheels to make sure it rides smoothly. Ultimately, using a lightweight stroller is not only best for your baby, who will feel safe and comfortable, but sleek and modern strollers are usually easier to take with you on your travels than the bulkier models.

 

Portable Bottle Warmer

Anything portable is any new mom’s best friend. Whether mom is planning on breastfeeding or using the formula, she’ll need to warm up both. Bottle warmers such as The Baby’s Brew allows you to travel anywhere from 8 to 12 hours once it’s fully charged. This bottle warmer can even save a trip to the kitchen for parents who make bottles using formula. Keeping a formula station in the nursery can make it convenient for those late midnight feedings.

 

Seatbelt Cover

Since busy parents tend to spend a lot more time on the road, using an eZtotZ seat belt buckle cover prevents accidental unbuckling from happening, especially if you have an older sibling riding in the backseat. It’s best to also use one for your toddler and older kids that are using a car seat or booster seat as they tend to unbuckle themselves at times while being curious or playing around.

 

Shopping Cart Hammock

A lot of new moms get intimidated at the thought of making a trip to the grocery store with their babies. Trying to figure out how to lug the car seat back and forth while dealing with the groceries seems overwhelming. A Binxy Baby shopping cart hammock will allow mom to leave the car seat in the car, while baby lays comfortably in the baby hammock that easily attaches to the shopping cart. Not only does this create more space for groceries, but it also gives moms a break from carrying a bulky car seat in and out of the car.

When shopping for parents on the go, always remember convenience. If it’s convenient, it will make for the best gift as they think about you and how grateful they are in the moment where your gift made life easier.