Babies On Up

Info on Parenting Babies, Toddlers, and Young Children

Choosing a Little Tikes Slide

Jan 9

Posted by Admin in Outside Toys | No Comments

Little Tikes has long been seen as a good value and as a source of good, quality toys for your children. When looking for a kid’s slide it has a few things to offer and each slide is a good value. Choosing the Little Tikes slide for you will depend on the money that you have to spend, the size of the slide you want to get, and the other options you want to include in your slide purchase.

Choosing a Little Tikes Slide – The Money.

The first consideration that you need to make is how much money that you have to spend. The smallest Little Tikes Slide will cost you about $50. This will be great fun for your older baby or toddler, but won’t work once your child has reached pre-school age. A larger slide will cost more money and you can find options from about $80 – 500 depending on size and other play options. You will want to figure out the most that you can spend before looking and before you make a purchase.

Choosing a Little Tikes Slide – The Size.

The next thing to consider is the size of the Little Tikes slide that you want. A large one might intimidate a young child where a little one will be harder for an older child to enjoy. You also need to take into account the space that you will have to put the LIttle Tikes slide in. A large yard will accommodate anything, but a small one can feel pretty cramped quickly.

Choosing a Little Tikes Slide – Other Toys.

You can purchase a Little Tikes slide that is just a slide or one that comes with climbing options or fort like toys to offer more play. Often adding these types of options will cost you more money, but at the same time they can make the toy one that is used far more often and can inspire creativity. For example, the Little Tikes Hide and Slide Climber is more expensive than their Little Tikes Easy Store Folding Slide. The climber costs about $130 where the folding slide will only run you about $90. However, the climber offers a platform, high walls for a fort like experience, and a tunnel under neath for hiding. If the money and space are there then it is likely to be worth the extra expense, however it should be noted that the folding slide offers a 60” sliding experience, where the climber only has a 40” slide.

Choosing the perfect LIttle Tikes slide is something that can be done. You will need to start with figuring out your budget. Then consider the size of the item you want or need according to your children and the space that you have. Finish with figuring out if a slide with other toys will serve your needs best or if you only want a slide. In the end, it is likely that whatever you choose will be a big hit!

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Table and Chairs for Kids

Jan 2

Posted by Admin in Furniture | No Comments

You have probably seen a toddler table and chairs set or table and chairs for kids at some point. They are usually very cute. Commonly they come in primary colors or decorative styles. Additionally they usually have a price tag of at least $50 attached to them with many of them moving over $100 and some even topping out over $200. With such a large price tag you may be wondering if you should even look into getting them. After all, for that price you could buy a pretty cool toy and if you are looking at a very high quality toddler table and chairs set then you may even be able to buy more than one really cool toy. So, are toddler table and chairs really worth it? What are they used for? Will they get enough attention to make them worth the price you will pay?

What Toddler Table and Chairs Can Be Used For:

Girls and boys alike will benefit from table and chairs for children being added to their play space. Whether they play in the living room, their bedroom, or a play room there are so many things that can be done with a childrens table and chairs set. Here are just a few to get you thinking, but your toddler, preschooler, or even young grade school student is likely to come up with even more ideas during play time!

  • A toddler table and chairs set is the perfect addition to a kitchen. After all, what do you do when you are done cooking? Eat, of course. Or even more fun…serve others.
  • Speaking of serving others, a kids table and chairs set is the perfect way to encourage small children to play together. Having this place for two or more children to sit down makes it possible for them to enjoy play time together.
  • They are also likely to enjoy using the table to play with all sorts of toys. These tables are at the perfect height for tea parties or dinner parties with stuffed animals, for putting toys on to play with them while standing or sitting, for setting up building blocks, for putting educational games on, for playing with plastic animals or dolls, and so much more.
  • Toddler table and chair sets are also fantastic for kids to use at art time. Drawing, painting, and so much more is easier at these tables because they re the perfect height.
  • Having table and chairs for kids is always a great idea because it can be used as a place to serve them food. This works well if their isn’t space for them at the larger table when having friends or family over, if you need them to eat in a place other than the dining room, or if you are having an intimate meal with you and your significant other.

Different Types of Tables and Chairs for Kids

As with so many things that are available for your children there are a lot of different types of table and chairs for children out there. Most fall into one of these three categories are available in either three piece sets consisting of one table and two chairs or five piece sets with one table and four chairs.

  • Wooden Table and Chairs for Kids – There are advantages to choosing childrens wooden table and chairs is the same as when looking at wooden furniture in general. As a whole, wooden furniture is usually a higher quality then other types. It will be sturdier and is more likely to have a longer life than other types of materials. On the downside many times it costs more to buy kids wooden table and chairs than other types of materials.
  • Childrens Folding Table and Chairs – Many kids folding table and chairs are made of metal, however you can sometimes find them in plastic or even wood. The huge advantage of these types of tables and chairs is that they fold up and therefore can be stored with a lot less space. These are the perfect option for those who don’t have the space to have a childrens table and chairs set up all the time.
  • Plastic Toddlers Table and Chairs – Plastic table and chairs for kids is another option. How sturdy these are really depends on how they are made. Some are made with a mix of metal and plastic while others are all plastic. The big advantage of these is that they are less expensive. If you go this route you will want to make sure that they are sturdy enough to handle your child’s regular use of them.

Popular Brands of Preschool Table and Chairs Set

  • KidKraft Table and Chairs – Kidcraft is a very popular band offering a wide variety of toys. They also offer a wide variety of tables and chairs. You will be able to find high quality KidKraft table and chairs in a wide variety of styles. You can purchase one of their farmhouse series with a realistic looking dining room table, you can get one with their favorite characters such as Tomas the Train Engine, or you can get one with storage.
  • Little Tikes Table and Chairs – Everyone has heard of Little Tikes. They offer a huge variety of options for your little tikes. This company offers a wide variety of high quality plastic tables and chairs. You will find them in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and styles.
  • Crayola Table and Chairs Set – While there are a lot of different companies that are producing table and chairs for kids, the Crayola table and chairs set might surprise you a bit. While the name isn’t as popular as KidKraft with their wooden table and chairs for kids or as well known as Little Tikes with their million different childrens table and chairs sets, they are sill pretty cool. You are sure to really like the bright colors and how well the crayola table and chairs set functions.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Kids Table and Chairs Set

  1. Set Your Budget Before Hand – It is so easy to overspend, especially when the kids are involved. You should sit down with your budget and your significant other and decide how much you want to spend before you start looking. Having a budget of at least $50 to 55 is best so that you can definitely find something. Having a larger budget will make it easier, but isn’t necessary.
  2. Measure Your Space – Another thing that is easy to do is purchasing something and then working hard to fit it in. You should instead figure out where you want to put the childrens table and chairs set and then measure how much space you have. This will allow you to make the best choice.
  3. Consider the Materials You Want – If the type of material that your table and chairs for kids is made out of is important then you should decide what materials are ideal and what ones are acceptable before you start looking.
  4. Consider the Features You Need Or Want – Do you need a folding table and chairs set? How about storage? You will want to figure out the idea features before you start looking.
  5. Final Tips – Before you make your final decision it is a good idea to shop around. Often Amazon has the least expensive prices and it is nice to have items delivered to your door. However, they are not the only option and you should feel bad about hunting around for the best deal. It is also worth the time. You want to find a table and chairs set that will last as long as your child or children use them. This means that you want to get the best deal and you want it to meet your needs now and long into the future.

Buying your child a table and chairs set is a great idea. There are lots of options and any of them are sure to give your child hours of fun. You will want to make sure that you consider several things before you purchase, but after that you can sit back and watch your child have fun.

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Toddler Slippers – What To Think About Before You Buy Them

Jul 21

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A comfortable content child is a happy one. Most kids love wearing a pair of slippers. They like slippers with their favourite TV characters on, slippers that match their pyjamas. Toddler slippers should be comfortable, well fitted and have a non-slip sole for traction. There is an alternative to slippers – footed pyjamas.

Design

When children get to a toddling age they develop a sense of what goes on around them. With that comes a personality and an opinion. So, unless it’s a surprise present let them choose what they want. It may be a pair of slippers to match a set of pyjamas they wear, or simply a design around their favourite TV character like Dora The Explorer or Spider-Man. There are various styles of toddler slippers available to buy including toddler sock slippers and moccasin type slippers. Slipper socks are good as they are not like a shoe but a thick sock that keeps feet warm whilst providing grip on the sole.

Made For Comfort

I remember my student days when I poked one foot out from under the duvet, felt the chill in the air and decided to stay there for the day. Think about those days when your child gets out of bed in the mornings. You don’t want them to be uncomfortable if you can help it and this is where toddler slippers come into the equation. Slippers provide warmth and comfort, whether it’s first thing in the morning or last thing at night after a nice bath. There are even footed pyjamas for kids that incorporate a foot covering within the design of the garment. The majority of these have non slip soles so could be a consideration as well as slippers for different times of day.

Are They Fit For Purpose?

Other than providing comfort and warmth, a slipper should be safe to wear. In other words it should have some form of non-slip sole. That way, when they are worn on any surface from carpet to tiled floors your child won’t slip (excuse the pun!). Most slippers have a rubber sole that gives this protection. You may also want to consider toddler sock slippers, as mentioned previously. They are effectively a cosy, thick sock that can be worn in bed whereas a pair of slippers cannot. Bits of soft material are attached to the soles that provide traction on hard floors helping a child to stay on their feet. If you choose slippers then make sure they have a way of staying on a child’s feet so that they don’t cause a hazard. Elastic around the ankles often helps.

Most kids have a pair of slippers at some time in their childhood. Kids love them as they keep their feet warm and comfortable, especially in the winter months. When buying slippers for a toddler think about their favourite characters or heroes. There are alternatives to conventional slippers; moccasins and footed pyjamas are two other choices. Above all make sure they are comfortable, safe and that they fit well enough not to come off too easily.

The Best Baby Christmas Gifts

Jul 19

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Christmas is a very special time for any baby and his or her family. It is a time when everyone gets to celebrate together, and of course, open lots of gifts. If you have a baby in your household, you know that it is incredibly important to get the best Christmas gifts that you can find. If you are a little lost on where to begin shopping, try the suggestions below for the best baby Christmas gifts to get you started in the right direction.

Baby Books
Many parents may run out and buy a bunch of baby toys for Christmas gifts to put under the tree, but baby books may be a better option. There are so many baby books that are interactive and fun that they can easily pass for baby toys. There are books that you can record so you can read to your baby even when you are not there and books that light up, play music, and move. You can find the best variety online, but you can also find a good selection in most book stores or department stores. Make sure to see what the book is about and check the age range that it is intended for before you buy.

Baby Clothes
Babies need clothes, and lots of them, so it is only natural that they make great baby Christmas gifts. If your baby is a newborn or not very interested in toys or books, then clothes are the best option. They are useful and they help to make your baby even cuter than he or she already is. You can even have them personalized with a monogram to make them even more special. Monogrammed baby gifts make the perfect keepsake items to keep for the rest of the baby’s life and to make their clothes feel more personal.

Why Toddlers Love Having A Backpack

Jul 14

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As an adult I like to have a place for all my gadgets when I go away anywhere. A pocket for this and a compartment for that allow me to keep my stuff secure and close. Toddlers are the same in a way. They have their favourite cuddly toy or beaker. With their very own backpack they can carry their thing with them wherever they go. It also gives them a sense of identity and independence.

Copying Others

Toddlers and kids like to have their stuff close to them. They may have a favourite toy or juice bottle. Having their very own backpack for when they go out and about will allow them to have those favourite things with them at all times. Young children often like to feel more grown up and will copy their brothers or sisters, even mum and dad. With a toddler backpack a child can carry their own things, just like mum has a shoulder bag with all her things inside.

Safety Features

There are reassuring safety features often designed into kids backpacks. These will go some way to making you feel they are safer as they begin to grow and want to things for themselves. Reflective stitching or design features are a good way of keeping kids safer. At night time near roads they will be much more visible to other road users. Many brands of toddler backpack provide optional reins that attach to loop or handle. This allows a toddler to walk on their own without having to hold a parent’s hand. They feel independent but you have control and can prevent them running into the road for example.

Personalized Backpacks

What better way for a young child to have their own identity than a personalized toddler backpack? They can be different to all the others if that’s what they want. Or, if your child has the same backpack as their friend you can have their name embroidered on the fabric to make it individual to them. Maybe they have a favourite character or movie, a colour maybe. All these little things also make it easier to identify a child’s backpack in busy places like schools, nurseries, airports and so on.

Toddler backpacks are great when kids like to carry things round with them. This type of bag is easy to carry and often includes important safety features. They can be personalized to an individual child to make it special for them or to make it easier to identify ownership.

Choosing A Baby Changing Bag

Jul 8

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With a new baby comes a new way of life and the ability to develop an extra pair of hands… Or just get yourself a baby changing bag. There are many different styles available from satchels to rucksacks. There are many changing bags with some good features so choose the one that suits you best. Make sure it is large enough to carry what you and baby will need. Get something that is easily cleaned or wiped off. Also think about style and how you want the bag to look.

Two Types Of Changing Bag

There are satchel type changing bags that can be worn across one shoulder and hang down to your side or to the front. These could get in the way and when you bend down can often swing round off the shoulder. There are also rucksack type changing bags that sit securely on your back but do not allow quick access unless you take it off.

Getting Something That Will Last

Baby changing bags get a lot of use and will no doubt become dirty with mess and food spills. Choosing a bag that will clean easily will definitely be an advantage over other bags. Given the amount of use a changing bag will get, cheap baby changing bags just will not last. Get something durable and long lasting will provide better value for money. Check stitching and methods of fastening to make sure they are all up to the job. Above all get something that will hold all the baby accessories you need.

What Should My Bag Look Like?

This is up to you but bear in mind that a baby will not be concerned over what their changing bag looks like. Therefore, choose something that you like, something that suits how you dress and how you want to look. If other people are to use the changing bag think about what may suit them best. Less frequent carers for your baby will not be bothered but quite often there are dads or male partners who prefer not to be seen carrying a bright pink and green bag with flowers on. Something a bit more neutral may be better.

Remember, look for the type of bag that is most comfortable for you. Get something that is up to the job, provides enough room and can be cleaned easily. Get something you and others will be comfortable to carry around and not look silly.

What Should You Keep inside Your Diaper Bag

Jul 4

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Diaper bags are also unknown in other parts of the world as nappy bags. These bags contain everything you need for a day out with you and your baby and have many pockets and compartments for different things such as nappies, cream, baby food and all the associated bits and pieces you need to go with it.

Diaper bags come in all different shapes and sizes from trendy designer models to highly usable items such as backpack diaper bags.  Whichever you choose is purely a personal preference to fit your way of life or a particular day out you are going on. When choosing a diaper bag though, it is important that you buy one has the capacity to carry everything you need for a day out with your baby. Not only should it be able to take all your baby items such as diapers, food and ointments, but it should also be able to take some of your personal possessions such as the purse, wallets or mobile phone.

There are a few different things that every diaper bag should hold;

Diapers

This is the obvious choice as the bag itself is named after them! Do not leave home without your diapers; whether your baby wears a cloth diaper or disposable diaper, you should carry enough to get you through the day as the last thing you want to do is have to go to the supermarket to buy fresh pack.

Wet Wipes

It is always a good idea to carry around a pack of wet wipes to help keep your baby clean. Not only are great for cleaning your baby’s bottom but they also great for hands and faces after your baby has eaten. Wet wipes are often sold in packs that are the perfect size for your diaper bag.

Diaper Rash Ointment

Some mothers think this is one of the most important things can bring with you in your diaper bag. If your baby gets diaper rash when you are out then having a tube of soothing ointment available can really ease their pain and irritation.

Medicines and Documents

If your baby is on any medication then you should always carry with you wherever you go so you can administer it when needed. It is also a good idea to carry around all your important documents in case you need to go to the emergency room with your baby.

Why Parents Love The Chicco Polly Highchair

Jun 29

Posted by GuestPoster in Baby Products | No Comments

Parents love the Chicco Polly highchair because it offers build quality and value for money. It is very well thought out and most aspects of the highchair are adjustable; height, back rest, foot rest, removable tray. The seat is well padded and comfortable but above all it is easy to clean. The age range this highchair is designed for is from 6 months to 3 years old.

Good Quality Product
The Chicco Polly highchair is very well built. Its legs are made from metal and the seat itself is made from tough plastic. Every inch of this highchair is robust yet not too bulky. It is a little heavier than one would expect but it is not designed to be an ultra-portable highchair. It is more of a long lasting good quality product and is suited to babies and children from 6 months to three years old. This highchair has one of the slimmest folds in its class, according to Chicco USA.

Fully Adjustable
The Chicco Polly highchair is also known as the Chicco Polly 2 in 1 highchair and is fully adjustable. The height of the chair can be lifted through seven positions to suit most needs and the seat back reclines through three positions to allow a child to sleep comfortably if they drift off after eating. The foot rest also rises to make a virtually horizontal seat if required. All the adjustable elements on the Chicco Polly are highlighted by buttons or levers in highly contrasting colours.

Easy To Clean
A highchair that is easy to clean is a must. It is used day in, day out and will be subjected to mess and spills. With the Chicco Polly highchair all areas are easy to reach for cleaning. The seat cover, which provides extra padding for a smaller child is easily removed for cleaning but can be just as easily wiped clean in situ. The removable tray has an insert that clips to the top. It simply un-clips for a quick wipe down and is even dishwasher safe (although you would need a large dishwasher!). The tray has contours that mark out a place setting with a three areas and a cup holder.

The Chicco Polly highchair comes highly recommended by parents around the world. It is a well-designed, robust highchair that should last for years. It is not a light-weight highchair suited to taking on trips but is sturdy and well-built for the home environment. It is fully adjustable and has a very slim fold for easy storage. It is an easy to clean highchair, which means it can be kept in good condition for many months.

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5 Tips To Prevent Diaper Rash

Jun 8

Posted by GuestPoster in Childcare | No Comments

Do a little research online and you’ll find information on a host of diaper rash remedies. That’s all well and good and parents will be comforted to know that treatments are available, but surely the primary goal should be prevention.  And that’s exactly what this article with its 5 prevention tips is about.

  1. Change your baby’s diaper frequently – at least every two to three hours.  The longer the delicate skin of your baby’s bottom stays in contact with a soiled diaper, the more susceptible it will be to develop a rash or infection.
  2. Try and let your baby stay diaper-free for at least 30 minutes between diaper changes.  This allows the skin to completely air out.  In addition you’ll minimize the amount of time your babies skin will be rubbing against a diaper.  Contact abrasion (especially with a wet diaper) is the leading cause of diaper rash.  If the weather is warm enough take your baby outside.
  3. Use a barrier diaper cream during every change.  This will help protect the diaper area from contact with the diaper and, if you choose a cream with an astringent quality (recommended), this will also ensure that the skin is completely dry at all times.
  4. Some parents recommend applying a tablespoon of acidophilus yogurt to the diaper area once a day to prevent yeast diaper rash.  It will need to be warmed to room temperature.  While acidophilus can certainly help get rid of yeast infections, this may be overkill as far as a prevention strategy goes.
  5. Avoid using strongly perfumed soaps, washes and baby wipes as these can change the biochemistry of the skin under the diaper area making it more conducive to rashes and inflammation.  Washing the diaper area with tepid water and a soft cloth (and then patting it completely dry) is really all you need to do.

5 Benefits To Wearing Your Baby

May 30

Posted by GuestPoster in Child Development | No Comments

Baby slings are have become a very popular way to travel or to hold one’s baby over recent years.  Using a baby sling to carry your child has many benefits and below is just 5 of them.

  1. Less Crying – A baby that is carried in a baby sling carrier cries less (this is also true of babies who get to co-sleep as opposed to being in their own cot bed).  So much so that in some studies it has shown that crying can be reduced up to 50%.  This isn’t a surprising fact really.  One of the reasons babies cry is because they want to held and close to their mother or carer.  Babies want to know there are safe and they know this by being close to someone.  Thus, if you are always wearing your baby, than your baby doesn’t need to cry to get your to hold them.
  2. Convenience – Babies, particularly newborns, want to be close to their caregiver at all times.  This can make it difficult to get things done, if your arms are constantly being used to hold your bundle of joy.  A sling gives you a great way to meet your baby’s needs of being close to your constantly as well as freeing up your hands and arms to get things that need to be done.  As well as being great for getting household chores done or assignments on the computer, a sling can also be handy when out and about.  Parents often struggle with pushchairs particularly ion public transpiort.  A sling makes public transport very easy to do.
  3. Helps You Get Back In Shape – If you carry your baby everywhere it will help you get back to your pre-pregnancy weight more easily.  As your baby grows you will also have more weight resistance and will build up your strength easier than lifting weights (well that’s my opinion anyway!).
  4. Bonding – Using a baby sling is a great way to bond, not just for the mother but also the father (who may feel left out as the mother spends most her time nursing the baby to begin with), as well as other family members too.
  5. Confidence In Being A Parent – Carrying your baby may mean spending more time with them which will help you be more aware of their cues.  Being continuously close helps you really focus on what needs they are trying to get met.  Baby wearing can really give you more confidence in what you are doing as a parent.

Wearing your baby is a really great thing to do.  It’s a beautiful to be able to have your baby close to you but also be able to do other things too.  Your baby can watch you do everyday tasks and be a part of your life more.