<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss" xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#" > <channel> <title>Jane, Author at Unprepared Mom</title> <atom:link href="https://unpreparedmom.com/author/jayne-breitwieser/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://unpreparedmom.com/author/jayne-breitwieser/</link> <description>researched minimal parenting</description> <lastBuildDate>Wed, 28 Apr 2021 20:10:34 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1</generator> <image> <url>https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-um-2.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1</url> <title>Jane, Author at Unprepared Mom</title> <link>https://unpreparedmom.com/author/jayne-breitwieser/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">167419473</site> <item> <title>Bedtime Struggles</title> <link>https://unpreparedmom.com/bedtime-struggles/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bedtime-struggles</link> <comments>https://unpreparedmom.com/bedtime-struggles/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jane]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 29 Apr 2021 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Family Life]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://unpreparedmom.com/?p=1449</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/bedtime-struggles/">Bedtime Struggles</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>“5 minutes until books in bed.” I announce apparently to the void.</p> <p>My adrenaline is already spiking. I’m on the verge of a panic attack. Night has come again. The world gets dark and my stress levels spike. Deep breath in one-two-three, out one-two-three. Repeat.</p> <p>I can’t let my stress show. It will only make things worse. These last few months I’ve earned a PhD in hiding my emotions. Write it out, don’t show it in the moment. </p> <p>“Books in bed!” I chant, drumming up excitement for bedtime. “Kiss Grammy and Chey goodnight!” She gives everyone kisses and then chants “books in bed!” then walks up the stairs. We close the windows, set up her bed and have her pick out her PJs. Her eyes are already showing apprehension.</p> <p>“Mama do it!”</p> <p>“Okay, mama do it” I say as I pick her up while my husband stages things in the bathroom. I change her diaper, put her into her chosen PJs, and brush her teeth. James takes her off the changing station and she is running back to her room before her feet even touch the floor.</p> <p>We walk into her room, and she has already started to panic. “DADDY SIT!” she cries while patting the rug next to her bed. He is immediately moving to sit, but she is already hyperventilating while repeating her “DADDY SIT” over and over as a screamed mantra.</p> <p>“PENGUIN RAY OWL” she screams, diving into her bed to find the aforementioned stuffed animals. “MAMA WARM! MAMA ROCK!” </p> <p>She is spiraling. We are all on the verge of tears.</p> <p>I swaddle her in my shawl with the stuffed animals, pick her up and start rocking. “SING” she screams.</p> <p>I sing. For an hour we rock and sing with the lights on. She panics more when they turn off. We started rocking at 8:02 and finally left her sleeping at 9:17. </p> <p>Exhausted and stressed, we trudge downstairs. I soothe my sore throat with a scalding hot chamomile tea and try to walk off the anxiety. It takes an hour for me to wind down enough to sleep. </p> <p>The entire time I keep thinking I hear her. Is she screaming? Did she jump out of bed? Is she on the stairs?</p> <p>Nope. It’s all in my head.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">I’m flying. </h2> <p>It’s been a while since I’ve flown like this. Dancing in the sky, dipping under the waves to pet the dolphins. The light of the full moon not dimming the glimmering display of the milky way.</p> <p>The water feels cool under my fingertips. There is an island up ahead. I think I’m going to sit at the top of the mountain and watch the stars for a bit. I angle upwards and</p> <p>“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">My watch says 00:13. </h2> <p>Woken up during REM again. Great.</p> <p>My two-year-old has gotten out of bed, come to my side of the bed, and has devolved into a full-blown panic attack after seeing me asleep. </p> <p>“MAMA WARM!”</p> <p>“RAY OWL PENGUIN”</p> <p>“CHANGE BABY”</p> <p>The requests come rapid fire, screamed at the top of her lungs, and the panic increases with each request not immediately fulfilled.</p> <p>00:45 I have her swaddled in my shawl with Ray, Owl, and Penguin. She is still screaming. Her pleas have turned to “MAMA ROCK! MOON” </p> <p>“I am rocking you, baby. Mama rock. It’s okay.” But she can’t hear me over her own screams. I sing a rendition of “Fly me to the moon” that gets further and further from Sinatra’s original every time I sing it. A lullaby just for her.</p> <p>It is going to be at least an hour before I can get back to bed. The worst part is I can’t even doze. If I lose my place in the song, the screaming will start again and we will be back at square one.</p> <p>1:30. Almost an hour since I started rocking. She isn’t out yet, but she is keeping her eyes closed enough that I might be able to turn off the overhead lights.</p> <p>1:33 I was wrong. Lights are back on.</p> <p>2:15. The lights are finally off. My husband can finally sneak off to bed, but she isn’t out enough to move yet. I’m still singing.</p> <p>2:42. “One more minute,” I whisper. I could finally stop singing a minute or so ago. After what feels like an hour, but is probably only 30 seconds, I rock up to standing. Carefully, I position her in the bed, still swaddled with her trio of friends, and cover her with her blanket. </p> <p>I can’t leave yet. She will check to see that I’m still here. So I stay standing next to her bed. She looks over, curls into a little ball, and appears to be asleep.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">I know better. </h2> <p>2:49, she checks to see if I’m still there. I am.</p> <p>2:55, a last check. She curls into her blankets and sighs. I wait. There it is, the foot twitch that signals she is fully asleep.</p> <p>I carefully back out of the door, slip silently into my bed. Adrenaline is the only thing keeping me conscious at this point and I worry I won’t be able to sleep. I close my eyes, phantom screams echoing in my ears.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We swoop down. </h2> <p>Muggles have overrun Hogwarts. There is an aerial assault incoming. My dragon and I rip the wings off airplanes. Hogwarts is the last safe place for magic. Our children are there, so we fight. I hear the screams as planes fall, sounding so much like my daughter. Fly me to the moon is playing through my earpiece.</p> <p>The muggles are retreating? Why would they retreat when they almost have us? Radar shows a big bomb coming in. They’ve decided to nuke us.</p> <p>We rush to Hogwarts. Maybe we have bought enough time to get everyone to Avalon. I jump through the hole in the ceiling of the great hall.</p> <p>“Mama”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3:33, and she is climbing into bed with us. </h2> <p>She climbs in between us and snuggles into my arms. She will sleep here the rest of the night. If I move, twitch, or roll, she will wake up screaming. </p> <p>I close my eyes and try to pick up the threads of my dream. Where was I? Falling through a hole? I can’t fall back into it, so I just lay there with my eyes closed. I read somewhere that just resting with your eyes closed was restorative… don’t think they meant instead of sleep though. </p> <p>“Ahh~ Moon ~ Ahhh~ Stars…” She is singing and playing with the covers. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">When did it get light out? When did I fall asleep?</h2> <p>She squirms off the side of the bed. “Mama, downstairs!”</p> <p>Crap. I can’t move. My arm feels like it is going to come off. I’m convinced if I try to sit up my spine will resign its position and just melt out of my body in protest. My entire body feels like one enormous bruise.</p> <p>“Go get a shirt,” I stall. </p> <p>She runs off while I try to use the 10 second reprieve to convince my spine to not quit. We have a great benefits package! I’m not sure what it is, but stick with me for a little while longer and maybe I’ll be able to treat you to a scalding, skin melting hot shower.</p> <p>My spine is not convinced. My shoulder blade and arm decide to side with my spine. It’s a revolt.</p> <p>A shirt appears in my vision. I need more time. “Go brush your hair.”</p> <p>Yes! 15 more seconds. I work my way to sitting against my back’s wishes. Apparently my spine has decided to stay. At least I think it has. Not sure I can tell anymore.</p> <p>She is getting antsy. I throw on some pants and a shirt and off we go. I check my Fitbit: 4 h 37 m of sleep recorded. That’s practically sleeping in, and a good deal better than my normal “sleep not tracked.”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">A lot of families have been negatively affected by the pandemic.</h2> <p>The pandemic has affected families of special needs children more than most. Our support systems are gone. Children and parents are under mountains of stress, and society doesn’t seem to care right now.</p> <p>Stuck in our own little bubbles, it feels like we are all alone. We are the only ones struggling to sleep. The only ones struggling with rigid adherence to routine. Does anyone else have a 2-year-old with panic attacks?</p> <p>Today, I’m here to say you aren’t alone. When you get 3 hours of sleep several days in a row and everything hurts, I feel you. </p> <p>If you sit down to work after putting the baby down for a nap, only to wake up to a puddle of drool on your keyboard and a very awake baby, I’ve been there. </p> <p>We need to stop criticizing moms for looking tired, not working out enough, or being stressed. Moms don’t need unsolicited advice, they need leeway. After all, you never know when they slept last or what screams might echo in their ears.</p> <p>And for all the moms out there struggling, I am right there with you.</p> <p>Follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/unpreparedmom_blog/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Unprepared-Mom-102658838449044">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/unpreparedmom/_created/">Pinterest</a>, or <a href="https://twitter.com/janejreid">Twitter</a> for more helpful tips</p> <p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/bedtime-struggles/">Bedtime Struggles</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://unpreparedmom.com/bedtime-struggles/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1449</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Surviving Sleep Regressions</title> <link>https://unpreparedmom.com/surviving-sleep-regressions/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=surviving-sleep-regressions</link> <comments>https://unpreparedmom.com/surviving-sleep-regressions/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jane]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 22 Apr 2021 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Newborn]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Toddlers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[sleep]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://unpreparedmom.com/?p=1444</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/surviving-sleep-regressions/">Surviving Sleep Regressions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Every child goes through sleep regressions. One day they will sleep through the night, then next they are up at midnight wanting a bottle for no discernible reason. The pandemic has made sleep regressions worse and more frequent for many.</p> <p>So what can parents do? </p> <p>We can understand what drives sleep regressions and know when we need to seek help. Here are some sleep regression facts and tips so you can get back to sleep soon.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sleep regressions are a reaction to change</h2> <p>Outside of corona time, I would focus on expecting sleep regressions during big developmental milestones. Sleep takes a step back while the brain expands and processes new development. </p> <p>That means you can expect sleep regressions when the baby is learning to roll over, sit up, crawl, walk, begin talking, etc. But during corona time, that can expand to include any big changes, including: a parent being laid off/ going back to work, going back to school or preschool, rearranging their room, getting new furniture, or even first grandparent visits in over a year.</p> <p>If the child starts having trouble at night, see if you can figure out the trigger. Knowing the trigger will help you predict future regressions as things open back up.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sleep regressions should only ever be one step backwards</h2> <p>Kids go through a lot of sleep phases. There is the swaddling and waking up every 3 hours, followed by the only waking up once or twice a night. Then they stop needing middle of the night feedings, etc.</p> <p>If you have a 2-year-old that is sleeping through the night and suddenly they need to be swaddled again and are waking up every 3 hours even though they haven’t needed that in more than a year, it is time to get help. Make a doctor’s appointment and see what you need to do to help your kiddo out.</p> <p>Sleep that regresses over one step backward can be a red flag and you will need professional help to get it addressed.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sleep regressions should only apply to sleep</h2> <p>If your child is regressing during the day, especially significantly, there is more going on than a reaction to change.</p> <p>For example, if you have a child who can run and walk and they suddenly only want to crawl, that is a big red flag. Make an appointment with your doctor ASAP if you notice any major regressions beyond sleep.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">It is a phase</h2> <p>I promise, this is a little blip and it will iron itself out soon. Most sleep regressions only last a couple of weeks, some last a little longer, but they all end.</p> <p>While the child is struggling through a regression, try to be understanding. If they can communicate what they need, give it to them. Remember, this is not an attempt at being annoying or needy. They don’t want to go through a sleep regression either. It is not intentional.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Everything will be okay sooner than you think</h2> <p>Sleep regressions are a pain. We are going through one right now because my husband got a new job. It sucks. No one is sleeping.</p> <p>But it will end.</p> <p>Follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/unpreparedmom_blog/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Unprepared-Mom-102658838449044">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/unpreparedmom/_created/">Pinterest</a>, or <a href="https://twitter.com/janejreid">Twitter</a> for more helpful tips</p> <p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/surviving-sleep-regressions/">Surviving Sleep Regressions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://unpreparedmom.com/surviving-sleep-regressions/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1444</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Car Seat Safety- A Primer</title> <link>https://unpreparedmom.com/car-seat-safety-a-primer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=car-seat-safety-a-primer</link> <comments>https://unpreparedmom.com/car-seat-safety-a-primer/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jane]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 15 Apr 2021 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Newborn]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pregnancy & Baby Prep]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Toddlers]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://unpreparedmom.com/?p=1438</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/car-seat-safety-a-primer/">Car Seat Safety- A Primer</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Car seats are one of the most expensive child safety items parents invest in. We hope these pieces of molded plastic and foam will protect our little ones in the event of an accident. </p> <p>But car seats won’t work if they aren’t used correctly. So today we are going to go over car seat safety.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Get the right seat.</h2> <p>Before our little one was born, we thought we could get a convertible car seat. We would start with it rear-facing and then turn it around when she was big enough. One car seat until she was ready for a booster seat to save money and reduce the amount of stuff in the house.</p> <p>Then she was born early, and it became clear there were only 2 infant seats that could cinch down enough for her to fit safely. Not a single convertible seat would hold the 4 lb baby we were taking home.</p> <p>Don’t push it, buy the car seat that fits your baby when they are born, and then get something more permanent for later. I recommend buying the car seat as close to your due date as possible. If you are going to have an average to large baby (7lbs +), a convertible seat may be an option for you; but small babies (under 7 lbs) should always start in an infant carrier. It simply isn’t worth the risk.</p> <p>If you have a preemie, or very small baby (below 5 lbs), ask your nurses what car seats are good. They tend to know the brands that actually fit babies that small and what you should look for in a good car seat. Then take a baby doll or stuffed animal that is approximately your baby’s size to the store and try the car seat out to make sure it gets tight enough.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Never use a used car seat!</h2> <p>I get it. Car seats are really expensive, and that free one on the corner seems to be in good shape.</p> <p>Go ahead and pick it up, but don’t use that seat for your child! As soon as a car seat is in an accident, it needs to be replaced. Car seats also expire. The foam wears out and is no longer effective at protecting your little one.</p> <p>To help mitigate the cost of car seats and to make sure all little ones are in new seats, there are trade-in programs for old car seats. So pick up that free seat on the side of the road and bring it into your local Target or Walmart for up to significant savings on a new car seat.</p> <p>The savings are definitely worth it. Please don’t use an old car seat for your baby.</p> <p>Check out this <a href="https://carseatsmom.com/car-seat-trade-in-programs/">trade-in program roundup</a> from Carseat Mom to find a trade-in program in your area.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Always read the instructions!</h2> <p>There are a lot of things you don’t actually need to read the instructions for. Most people I know don’t read the full instruction manual for their cars, TVs, microwaves, or other electronic devices.</p> <p>That isn’t going to fly for your car seat. Even veteran parents read the full instructions for every carseat they buy. It isn’t worth the risk of not installing the car seat properly. </p> <p>Remember: an improperly installed car seat will NOT protect your baby as well as a properly installed one.</p> <p>When reading the instructions, take special note of weight and height restrictions and the car seat’s expiration date. Write them down, they are important!</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Install the seat correctly</h2> <p>My husband and I are both rocket scientists, and I can confidently say installing a carseat is not rocket science. Depending on the seat you get, installing it might just be harder than rocket science.</p> <p>Investing in a car seat that is easy to install will make your life easier, but it could also be out of budget. If you are struggling to install your car seat or you are concerned you didn’t quite do it correctly, take a moment to get the installation checked.</p> <p>The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has inspection stations. Find your local station by visiting the <a href="http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm">NHTSA</a> website, calling 1-866-SEAT-CHECK, or visit <a href="http://www.seatcheck.org/">seatcheck.org</a>.</p> <p>If you need someone to come to you, try checking the <a href="http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS">NHTSA</a> website for a <a href="http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS">child passenger safety technician</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Put the child in the seat correctly</h2> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="825" height="589" src="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/47.jpg?resize=825%2C589&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1439" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/47.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/47.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/47.jpg?resize=768%2C548&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/47.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/47.jpg?resize=600%2C428&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/47.jpg?w=2000&ssl=1 2000w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/47.jpg?w=1650&ssl=1 1650w" sizes="(max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px" /><figcaption>The chest strap/ buckle height is really important. Make sure it is correct!</figcaption></figure> <p>The child should be placed in the seat so they are all the way back. No gaps between the child’s butt or back and the seat. No slouching. A gap could mean the straps don’t cinch down enough to keep them safe. Often this means putting the child in the seat and then repositioning them.</p> <p>Once they are fully in the seat, buckle the bottom buckle, and make sure the top buckle is at armpit height. You want that buckle to be solidly over their rib cage. If you get into an accident and the buckle is low, it will crush the unprotected organs in their stomach and could cause spinal issues.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="825" height="589" src="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/50.jpg?resize=825%2C589&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1440" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/50.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/50.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/50.jpg?resize=768%2C548&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/50.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/50.jpg?resize=600%2C428&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/50.jpg?w=2000&ssl=1 2000w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/50.jpg?w=1650&ssl=1 1650w" sizes="(max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px" /><figcaption>4 lb baby in a car seat. Those buckles look huge and putting the chest buckle at armpit level can feel like you are choking them. You aren’t. Check the car seat buckling with the nurse before you take your little one home.</figcaption></figure> <p>Making sure the top buckle is over the rib cage at armpit height looks scary in very small babies. It can feel like you are choking them. You aren’t. They are fine.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No coats in the car seat!</h2> <p>Car Seats rely on a tight fit, coats that can compress compromise that tight fit. </p> <p>Instead of putting your little one in a coat and then putting them in the car seat, put thin swaddle blankets over the baby after they are buckled in. Make sure there is nothing between the baby and the seat, so don’t tuck them in under the baby. </p> <p>This is not only safer, but it gives the baby the option of kicking off a layer if they are too hot. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to know if your baby has outgrown the seat/ configuration</h2> <p>Remember when you were reading the car seat instructions and I said you would need to pay extra attention to the height and weight requirements? This is when they come into play.</p> <p>Every car seat gives clear height and weight indicators for when the child is too big for the seat. Pay very close attention to the wording! Many infant carriers say the child is too big for the seat at “30 lbs <strong><em>or</em></strong> 30 inches.” The industry generally assumes an average of 1 lb per inch of baby, but that isn’t always true. </p> <p>My daughter is very long. She was only 20 lbs when she crossed the 30-inch mark. If I only went by the given weight restrictions she would have been in the carseat long after she outgrew it, which would have put her at risk for a head injury.</p> <p>I see children in infant carriers they have outgrown all the time. When I try to point out that the child has outgrown the seat I get angry parents telling me their child is still under 30 lbs. Yes, but their head is over the back of the seat which means it isn’t protected. It is an OR statement, not an and statement.</p> <p>Conversely, some larger convertible seats do have and statements. They will say things like “turn the seat to forward-facing when the child is 40 inches <strong><em>and</em></strong> 40 lbs.”</p> <p>Pay attention to this wording, and adjust the car seat accordingly. Furthermore, if you think your little one is outgrowing their infant carrier, trust that instinct. They will be in the convertible seat for the next several years, so just upgrade to the convertible seat early if you feel that is right for your baby.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Can I reuse my first kid’s car seat for subsequent children?</h2> <p>Good question! And the answer is… maybe.</p> <p>Remember that expiration date? It matters.</p> <p>The foam in the car seat degrades over time. The molded plastic gets weaker over time from the heat of the car and the sun. An expired car seat may no longer provide your child adequate protection.</p> <p>If your car seat is still within its use period and it hasn’t been through an accident, then you can keep using it. If it is expired or has been through even the smallest fender bender, it is better to replace it.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">A quick note about car seat accessories</h2> <p>Almost all of them are a waste of money.</p> <p>Let’s go over the most common and discuss if you should invest in them.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Baby cover</h3> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="825" height="589" src="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/48.jpg?resize=825%2C589&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1441" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/48.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/48.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/48.jpg?resize=768%2C548&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/48.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/48.jpg?resize=600%2C428&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/48.jpg?w=2000&ssl=1 2000w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/48.jpg?w=1650&ssl=1 1650w" sizes="(max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px" /><figcaption>Don’t do this, please!</figcaption></figure> <p>These covers go over the entire car seat and hide the baby from view. Many parents use this as a sun shield or a light filter for when the baby is sleeping in the car seat.</p> <p>This is a bad idea. Because the covers go over the entire baby and make a seal around the infant carrier, they block airflow which reduces the amount of available oxygen and increases CO2 around the baby while making the area under the cover hot. </p> <p>These covers can cause the baby to overheat or make it hard for them to breathe.</p> <p>Instead, throw a thin swaddle blanket over the seat and make sure it has gaps on either side of the baby. Light will be blocked, but the air will flow through the holes on the side preventing the baby from overheating or breathing stale air. Even then, it is best to use this technique sparingly, especially if you have a child with lower lung capacity.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Solar Shield</h3> <p>These covers go over the car seat to block the heat from the sun while the baby is not in the seat. On the surface, they seem great. Living in the desert, I have acquired quite a collection of them. Not a single one works as well as an old, bleached-out towel.</p> <p>The problem is none of them can be put over the seat one handed. They all have elastic around the base that requires two hands to make it go over the car seat. And they are thin. </p> <p>They are a good idea in theory, but in practice, they fall flat. Just use an old, light-colored towel. Works just as well at blocking the heat while allowing you to throw it over the seat one-handed.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Infant carrier handle padding</h3> <p>This is a pad that goes over the handle of an infant carrier so that it doesn’t hurt when you hold the carrier in the crook of your elbow. Please don’t carry your infant carrier that way. It is painful and can hurt your back.</p> <p>Check out this tutorial on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWOcC1lXO1I">easy way</a> to carry your infant carrier. Ditch the handle padding.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mirror for rear facing seat</h3> <p>These mirrors attach to the headrest of the seat the car seat is in so you can check on your baby while you are driving.</p> <p>Honestly, these are fantastic, but you need to be careful to get the right one. Make sure the one you get straps all the way around the headrest so it can’t fly off during an accident. As your child gets older they will start kicking the mirror so you want it to be shatterproof too.</p> <p>Do your research and invest in a safe mirror. You will be glad you did.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Winter cover</h3> <p>These are basically winter coats for your car seat. To that end, they are a “you know if you need this item” item.</p> <p>If you are having your baby in November in Minnesota, then you should really invest in one. But I can’t think of a reason a person from Texas might need one– it doesn’t get cold long enough (before the hate starts, I lived in Texas for several years and the cold doesn’t compare with the cold these coats were made for).</p> <p>Don’t put this on the registry unless you really need it.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rain cover</h3> <p>Remember the car seat covers from earlier? They make the area hot and don’t change out the air? Yeah, these have the same problem.</p> <p>If you are going from the car to a building, just use an umbrella. But if you are trying to walk your baby around the block during the rain, I just have to ask why? There is no “fresh air” under these covers, so the benefits are more or less nonexistent. </p> <p>Don’t walk your kiddo during a storm and you won’t need one of these.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Car Seat toys</h3> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="825" height="589" src="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/49.jpg?resize=825%2C589&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1442" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/49.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/49.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/49.jpg?resize=768%2C548&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/49.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/49.jpg?resize=600%2C428&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/49.jpg?w=2000&ssl=1 2000w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/49.jpg?w=1650&ssl=1 1650w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px" /><figcaption>Make sure the toys in the car seat can’t rest on the baby’s face so they don’t become a suffocation risk.</figcaption></figure> <p>It is helpful to have toys available to your child in the car seat, but they don’t have to be toys marketed as a “car seat toy.” Any toy with a clip or that can be attached to a clip will do.</p> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=hanging+sensory+toys+for+infants&ref=nb_sb_noss">Sensory toys</a> like these are particularly fun for infants and great for car travel. </p> <p>Get one or two “special car toys” that they only get to play with in the car. That way they will be very interested in those toys and will be less likely to have a tantrum.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tips and tricks</h2> <p>This is a lot to remember, so here are some tricks to make your life easier:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Write the expiration dates and weight/ height requirements on a sticker and stick it to the side of the carseat</li><li>Copy your child’s information (name, birthday, address, parents, and allergies) onto a label and stick it on the bottom of the carseat in case you get separated after a big crash</li><li>Attach toys to the car seat using a binky clip so the kiddo doesn’t lose their toys during the drive</li><li>It is easier to clean things that crumble than things that are sticky. Easy to clean snacks include cereals, rice cakes, dry toast, etc.</li><li>Throw a towel over the car seat in the summer to keep it from getting too hot while you and the baby run errands</li><li>The easy way to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWOcC1lXO1I">carry an infant carrier</a></li><li>NEVER LEAVE YOUR INFANT IN THE CAR ALONE!</li><li>Use a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Bug-Toddler-Safety-Mirror/dp/B07S7628FM/ref=sr_1_18?crid=C6Y9LGJ9N8A3&dchild=1&keywords=carseat+mirrors+rear+facing+infant&qid=1618421385&sprefix=carseat+mirror%2Caps%2C251&sr=8-18">mirror on the headrest</a> to see the baby on the trip</li><li>Keep one or two special toys in the car seat to hold the baby’s interest</li></ul> <p>That’s it. I know it feels like a lot right now, but it does get easier. Promise.</p> <p>What are your car seat tips and tricks? Let me know in the comments below!</p> <p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/car-seat-safety-a-primer/">Car Seat Safety- A Primer</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://unpreparedmom.com/car-seat-safety-a-primer/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1438</post-id> </item> <item> <title>7 Lux Baby Items that are Totally Worth It</title> <link>https://unpreparedmom.com/7-lux-baby-items-that-are-totally-worth-it/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=7-lux-baby-items-that-are-totally-worth-it</link> <comments>https://unpreparedmom.com/7-lux-baby-items-that-are-totally-worth-it/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jane]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2021 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Newborn]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pregnancy & Baby Prep]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://unpreparedmom.com/?p=1431</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/7-lux-baby-items-that-are-totally-worth-it/">7 Lux Baby Items that are Totally Worth It</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Babies are expensive, which is why I do my best to reveal ways to save money. But there are some things that are worth the splurge. </p> <p>Consider splurging on things that will be used for a long time or provide a benefit beyond what the basic version does. Everything on this list is useful beyond the infant stage and is worth the investment.</p> <p>Many of these are things I wish I had known about sooner or had gotten earlier. Sometimes it pays to get quality early.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">One- Fephas Baby Wooden Hair Brush</h2> <p>I got this when my baby was two, and I sincerely wish I had had it from the moment she was born.</p> <p>The wooden brush feels fantastic to hold and the extremely soft sustainably farmed goat hair bristles massage the head while brushing through hair without tangling it. </p> <p>If you have fine hair, this brush will still be usable through the toddler years. Thicker hair can be taken care of if you splurge on the <a href="https://www.fephas.com/collections/feature-collection-home/products/wooden-baby-hair-brush-set">full set</a> which comes with a bristle brush and a comb.</p> <p>My only regret is that I didn’t get the full brush set from the beginning. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Two- Aiden and Anais Swaddle Blanket</h2> <p>I know there are a lot of different ways to swaddle your baby, and a lot of people swear by the swaddle sacks, but I am old school.</p> <p>These <a href="https://www.adenandanais.com/swaddles">Aiden and Anais</a> blankets are big, soft, and very breathable. It is easy to swaddle a newborn with them, and they can continue to be used as blankets when the swaddling phase is done. Older kids who don’t need them as blankets anymore can use them as capes or wraps for dress-up. </p> <p>My daughter is currently 2 and I don’t see them coming out of rotation anytime soon. Plus the designs are super cute.</p> <p>They are a little more expensive, but they are well worth the splurge. I recommend getting a couple of packs. When she was a newborn we never seemed to have enough of them.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three- Glass Bottles</h2> <p>I’ve talked before about how plastic and food don’t mix, but there are other reasons to invest in some glass bottles.</p> <p>You have to replace plastic bottles <a href="https://www.cherubbaby.com.au/how-long-can-i-keep-baby-bottles-and-teats/">every 3-6 months</a> at a minimum, and the nipples need to be replaced every 3 months. If your child uses a bottle for 2 years (pretty common) then a pack of plastic bottles at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Natural-Bottle-SCF013-47/dp/B0767QWD4G/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=baby%2Bbottles&qid=1617645814&sr=8-7&th=1">$28.90</a> will need to be replaced at least 4 times, which comes to 115.60 per baby.</p> <p>A set of analogous glass bottles costs <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Natural-Bottle-SCF703-47/dp/B07CJHBYJ3/ref=sr_1_24?dchild=1&keywords=baby+bottles&qid=1617645814&sr=8-24">$36.99</a> and while the nipples will need to be replaced, the bottles can be used for the duration of all your children’s bottle phases. Until it breaks…</p> <p>We used glass bottles and I have dropped them several times from counter height onto our concrete floors. Only one bottle has broken. The others didn’t even chip. </p> <p>I think it is worth spending $8.09 more initially to save $78.61 minimum over the course of 2 years.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Four- Changing Basket</h2> <p>The average child potty trains between 2 and 3 years old. That means whatever you are using for a changing table will be in use for 2-3 years per child. If you have 2 children, that station could be set up for 4-6 years.</p> <p>4-6 years is a long time to have a towel on your countertop to change the baby on (our current setup). While our setup is frugal, it is also in the main area of our home. Sometimes it is nice to have something that looks like it belongs instead of something that just functions. </p> <p>Personally, I love the look of these <a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=changing%20basket">changing baskets</a> over a changing pad. When the child/ children no longer need a changing table, the basket can be used for something else in the home. It could be a tray, or a crib for the baby dolls, or a million other things.</p> <p>If you are short on cash, a towel works just fine for changing a baby on. But if you have the cash, consider the space around the changing table and try to come up with a changing pad solution that will blend in with your design style. It is going to be there a while.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Five- Washable Rug</h2> <p>Kids are really messy. Even if you have rules in place to minimize messes, you will still wind up with stains on the carpet.</p> <p>One idea to minimize mess and make cleanup easier is to not have carpet at all, but toddlers and babies especially need a soft place to crawl around and play. </p> <p>You could get the gaudy, multi-colored foam tiles; or you could spring for a washable rug. While a rug is generally more expensive than foam tiles, it also lasts longer and looks more adult. Consider springing for a washable rug if the play area is in a common space (like the living room). </p> <p><a href="https://ruggable.com/collections/8x10-area-rugs#/filter:ss_system_type:Cushioned$2520Pad$2520System">Ruggable</a> even has thick underpads for play areas. Choose something low ply so it is easy to spot clean and wont cause a suffocation risk during infant tummy time.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Six- Cloth Wipes and High-Quality Kitchen towels</h2> <p>Children are messy.</p> <p>It starts with spitup and blow-outs, moves through the messy food phases, to general exploration mess, and culminates with teenage backpacks and shoes everywhere.</p> <p>With all that mess going on, it is a good idea to invest in high quality-long lasting wipes and kitchen towels that won’t need to be replaced every year. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=flannel%20wipes">Flannel wipes</a> are great for baby and toddler messes. Kitchen towels make great burp cloths and are exceptional at cleaning up larger messes. </p> <p>There is definitely a difference between low and high quality <a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=kitchen%20towels">kitchen towels</a>. A good towels can last a decade or longer so they are really worth a little investment.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Seven- Real Furniture</h2> <p>A real wooden dresser will outlast a particle board one every time. </p> <p>It is much cheaper in the long run to invest in real wooden pieces of a quality your child can use for their lifetime. It may even be cheaper in the short term if you choose to pick up those pieces second hand and refinish them instead of buying new.</p> <p>The baby phase is short, so a dresser with a changing pad on it is going to be useful for far longer than a changing table. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Some things are worth investing in</h2> <p>If an item is going to be in use for a long time or is going to significantly elevate a daily task, it is worth investing a little bit of money. Often that initial investment will reduce your long term costs.</p> <p>Consider adding some of these items to your registry. They are well worth the cost.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/7-lux-baby-items-that-are-totally-worth-it/">7 Lux Baby Items that are Totally Worth It</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://unpreparedmom.com/7-lux-baby-items-that-are-totally-worth-it/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1431</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Everything You Need To Know About Shape Sorters</title> <link>https://unpreparedmom.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-shape-sorters/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=everything-you-need-to-know-about-shape-sorters</link> <comments>https://unpreparedmom.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-shape-sorters/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jane]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 01 Apr 2021 15:32:04 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[4-7 Year Olds]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://unpreparedmom.com/?p=1420</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-shape-sorters/">Everything You Need To Know About Shape Sorters</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Shape sorters are among the toys every parent knows they need but they really aren’t sure why or what to do with them. There are so many to choose from that it can be overwhelming. </p> <p>You can start using shape sorters from the moment you bring your child home from the hospital and they continue to be useful through kindergarten. If that seems like a long time, it definitely is. So buckle up, let’s cover how to use shape sorters from infancy on.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Newborn</h2> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="825" height="589" src="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-11.jpg?resize=825%2C589&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1422" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-11.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-11.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-11.jpg?resize=768%2C548&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-11.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-11.jpg?resize=600%2C428&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-11.jpg?w=2000&ssl=1 2000w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-11.jpg?w=1650&ssl=1 1650w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px" /><figcaption>Tummy time is a great time to use shapes</figcaption></figure> <p>Your bundle of joy has just come home from the hospital and spends most of their time sleeping. When they are awake they mostly want to be held and maybe play a little.</p> <p>At this stage, most play focuses on building sensory skills. Give them the opportunity to explore every shape, smell, or texture safely available. Introduce toys for them to hold that are different shapes and colors. Let them smell new smells.</p> <p>The shapes that come with your shape sorter are new shapes. It is one thing to call something a circle, and another to feel that a circle is round. Put the shapes in front of the newborn during tummy time, or let them hold on to the shapes when they are awake and looking for something to explore.</p> <p>The bright colors, ridges, and different shapes in the shape sorter provide a fascinating sensory experience for newborns. </p> <p>One quick safety note: Make sure the shapes in your shape sorter are large enough they won’t be swallowed and they are safe to chew on before giving them to an infant/ baby.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Baby</h2> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="825" height="589" src="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-12.jpg?resize=825%2C589&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1423" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-12.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-12.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-12.jpg?resize=768%2C548&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-12.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-12.jpg?resize=600%2C428&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-12.jpg?w=2000&ssl=1 2000w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-12.jpg?w=1650&ssl=1 1650w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px" /><figcaption>Baby’s first Shape Puzzle</figcaption></figure> <p>The child is now reaching for toys and trying to figure out puzzles. </p> <p>Continue to use the shapes on their own to increase grip strength and dexterity, but introduce small games and decisions. </p> <p>For example, hand the baby two shapes (one for each hand) and then offer a third. Do they drop one shape to grab the new one? Which hand do they use? Can you encourage them to reach across their body to get the new shape? Can they grab two shapes in one hand?</p> <p>When they can sit up on their own it is time to introduce the first full shape sorter they will play with: a single shape puzzle. Often this puzzle is just a circle with a knob on it they can use to pull the piece out of the puzzle (click here for <a href="http://eepurl.com/g_1zPv">instructions to build your own</a>!).</p> <p>Why a circle? Because there is no wrong way to put it back in. </p> <p>After the circle puzzle, it is time to progress to a square and then more shapes.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Toddler</h2> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="825" height="589" src="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-10.jpg?resize=825%2C589&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1421" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-10.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-10.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-10.jpg?resize=768%2C548&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-10.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-10.jpg?resize=600%2C428&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-10.jpg?w=2000&ssl=1 2000w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-10.jpg?w=1650&ssl=1 1650w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px" /><figcaption>One of the most advanced shape sorters: lots of shapes and you have to turn it around to figure out where they go</figcaption></figure> <p>When the child has mastered the individual shapes puzzles, it is time to introduce the toy most parents think of when someone says “shape sorter.” This is typically some kind of bucket or stand with shape blocks that can only be fit in one way.</p> <p>Toddlers can get very frustrated with this toy when it is first introduced, so try reducing the number of shapes. Start by only offering the circle and square. As they get more comfortable, introduce more shape types.</p> <p>Be sure to say the name of the shape as they are handling it so they learn what the shape is called. Once they know their shapes, you can model two-word phrases by adding in the color. It isn’t just a square, it is a “red square.”</p> <p>Toddlers should also be introduced to shape puzzles and shape sorter ring stackers.</p> <p>Try to only have one shape sorter out at a time. That will encourage the child to play with the shape sorters without them feeling old.</p> <p>As they master each shape sorter, get one that has a lot of shapes and let them figure the puzzle out. The shape sorter pictured above is fantastic for showing mastery, but don’t introduce it too early or the child will get frustrated and give up.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">“Big” Kid</h2> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="825" height="589" src="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-13.jpg?resize=825%2C589&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1424" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-13.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-13.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-13.jpg?resize=768%2C548&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-13.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-13.jpg?resize=600%2C428&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-13.jpg?w=2000&ssl=1 2000w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Halloween-Pandemic-Style-13.jpg?w=1650&ssl=1 1650w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px" /><figcaption>Playing Pretend with Shapes</figcaption></figure> <p>Your little one has mastered all the shape sorters and finishes the puzzles in seconds. Time to get rid of them, right? </p> <p>Wrong!</p> <p>It is time to get imaginative!</p> <p>Many plastic shape sorters have a lip on them and they are fantastic for using as stamps in playdough or kinetic sand. The cut-out sand/ playdough can be used to teach composite shapes and introduce patterns.</p> <p>You can also use them for scavenger hunts. Take a shape with you on a walk and try to find things in your community that are that shape. Hide shapes around the house and build a treasure map to look for them.</p> <p>Shapes from shape sorters also make great pretend food. They can be imagined as cakes for stuffed animals at a tea party, or be thrown in as extra ingredients in a “soup.”</p> <p>The shapes could be used as a crown, stacked in a pretend monolith, fashioned as chairs for small stuffed animals, used to designate rooms in a block-house, and a million other things. </p> <p>As your child progresses to pre-writing and scissor skills, they can be used as tracing templates. Once traced the kids can cut the shape out of the paper.</p> <p>It is only time to pass your shape sorter on when your child can no longer imagine a use for it. That could be a long time coming, especially if you use your imagination on the shapes as well.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Shape sorters are incredibly versatile.</h2> <p>They help improve dexterity and fine motor skills, provide a sensory experience, teach what each shape is, can be used for learning colors, improve problem-solving skills, and increase imaginative play. They should be included in every young child’s toy box.</p> <p>Can you think of more uses for a shape sorter? Let me know in the comments below!</p> <p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-shape-sorters/">Everything You Need To Know About Shape Sorters</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://unpreparedmom.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-shape-sorters/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1420</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Toddler vs. Painted Cabinets: a year later</title> <link>https://unpreparedmom.com/toddler-vs-painted-cabinets-a-year-later/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=toddler-vs-painted-cabinets-a-year-later</link> <comments>https://unpreparedmom.com/toddler-vs-painted-cabinets-a-year-later/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jane]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 25 Mar 2021 18:19:47 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Family Life]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Saving Money]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Toddlers]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://unpreparedmom.com/?p=1403</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/toddler-vs-painted-cabinets-a-year-later/">Toddler vs. Painted Cabinets: a year later</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex"> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="825" height="589" src="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/40.jpg?resize=825%2C589&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1410" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/40.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/40.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/40.jpg?resize=768%2C548&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/40.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/40.jpg?resize=600%2C428&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/40.jpg?w=2000&ssl=1 2000w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/40.jpg?w=1650&ssl=1 1650w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px" /></figure> </div> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="825" height="589" src="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/41-1.jpg?resize=825%2C589&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1411" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/41-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/41-1.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/41-1.jpg?resize=768%2C548&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/41-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/41-1.jpg?resize=600%2C428&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/41-1.jpg?w=2000&ssl=1 2000w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/41-1.jpg?w=1650&ssl=1 1650w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px" /></figure> </div> </div> <p>Just over a year ago I painted my kitchen cabinets.</p> <p>Our kitchen was absolutely awful! The old cherry cabinets had never been cleaned and the kitchen grease had worked its way under the finish. Close the cabinets too hard and grease and finish would flake off onto the chipped tile counters. </p> <p>It needed a full remodel that we could not afford. A little paint and new countertops I found on clearance through LetGo gave us a kitchen we could use and be proud of.</p> <p>Painted cabinets are more fragile than professionally finished cabinets, and after a full year of toddler wear and tear, I can finally report on how well the paint held up.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What we did</h2> <p>Painting cabinets is not as simple as throwing on the final color and being done. There is a lot more work that goes into painting cabinets so they look and feel professional.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="825" height="589" src="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/39.jpg?resize=825%2C589&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1412" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/39.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/39.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/39.jpg?resize=768%2C548&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/39.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/39.jpg?resize=600%2C428&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/39.jpg?w=2000&ssl=1 2000w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/39.jpg?w=1650&ssl=1 1650w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px" /></figure> <p>We started by stripping all the doors and sanding the boxes. Normally, you would be able to just sand the doors and boxes so the paint would adhere, but our doors had 10+ years of grease burrowed into them. The only way to get them to a point they could be painted was to fully strip off all the grease and varnish.</p> <p>Then we sanded the doors and cleaned them so they were pristine.</p> <p>From there it was two coats of primer and two coats of the cabinet paint. Then we finished it off with 3- 5 coats of varnish in the hopes it would be bulletproof. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">One year later…</h2> <div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex"> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="825" height="589" src="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/36.jpg?resize=825%2C589&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1413" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/36.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/36.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/36.jpg?resize=768%2C548&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/36.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/36.jpg?resize=600%2C428&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/36.jpg?w=2000&ssl=1 2000w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/36.jpg?w=1650&ssl=1 1650w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px" /><figcaption>Lower cabinet with minimal baby proofing</figcaption></figure> </div> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="825" height="589" src="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/37.jpg?resize=825%2C589&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1414" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/37.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/37.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/37.jpg?resize=768%2C548&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/37.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/37.jpg?resize=600%2C428&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/37.jpg?w=2000&ssl=1 2000w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/37.jpg?w=1650&ssl=1 1650w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px" /><figcaption>Lower cabinet with front lock</figcaption></figure> </div> </div> <p>The upper cabinets held up really well. There is minimal wear and tear on them and they look just as pristine as the day we painted them. We wipe them down once a month or so with Lysol and a vinegar-based cleaner.</p> <p>The lower cabinets are a different story. Many of the baby-proofing strategies on our most used cabinets chipped the paint. Lesser used cabinets are still gorgeous. </p> <p>So we have some touchups that need to happen around the handles, but it held up pretty well overall.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What we would do differently</h2> <p>At the end of the day, it was the baby-proofing that hurt the cabinets, not normal general use. </p> <p>Anything that required interacting at the front of the cabinet caused much more wear and tear. If I had to do it all again I would use <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DG122GV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">these</a> manual child safety cabinet latches for baby proofing instead. Sometimes old school is better.</p> <p>Have you painted your cabinets? How did they hold up? Let me know!</p> <p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/toddler-vs-painted-cabinets-a-year-later/">Toddler vs. Painted Cabinets: a year later</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://unpreparedmom.com/toddler-vs-painted-cabinets-a-year-later/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1403</post-id> </item> <item> <title>10 Easy Green Swaps for Baby that Save Money</title> <link>https://unpreparedmom.com/10-easy-green-swaps-for-baby-that-save-money/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=10-easy-green-swaps-for-baby-that-save-money</link> <comments>https://unpreparedmom.com/10-easy-green-swaps-for-baby-that-save-money/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jane]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 18 Mar 2021 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Pregnancy & Baby Prep]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Saving Money]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://unpreparedmom.com/?p=1406</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/10-easy-green-swaps-for-baby-that-save-money/">10 Easy Green Swaps for Baby that Save Money</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Parents are more aware of the environmental impact of having children than ever before. Climate change is on all of our minds, but it can be nearly impossible to parent in a way that is environmentally responsible.</p> <p>Babies and kids need things, often for relatively short periods of time. A single baby can produce over <a href="https://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/dangers-of-disposable-diapers#:~:text=Approximately%2090%2D95%25%20of%20American,moon%20and%20back%209%20times.">2000 pounds of waste</a> in diapers alone over the first two years. That figure doesn’t include destroyed board books, new clothing every 3 months, or broken plastic toys.</p> <p>Being environmentally conscious with a baby can seem like a lot of work. There’s cloth diapers, breastfeeding, sourcing cruelty-free wooden toys, etc. This post isn’t about those more difficult switches. It is about big, one-time changes you can make and then never think about again.</p> <p>Easy, right? </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">One- Pick a neutral theme</h2> <p>Creating a nursery around your favorite TV show or children’s books may be tempting, but those designs are also fleeting. What will you do when your toddler gets really into dinosaurs? Are you going to toss your Harry Potter bedspreads for dinosaur ones? And two weeks later when they are into trucks are you going to do it again?</p> <p>Instead of going with a specific nursery theme, pick something neutral. Try to think of the furniture in their room as having to go through a bunch of different phases. Will this paint color and bed frame survive the dinosaur phase? The transportation phase? The witch phase?</p> <p>I recommend sticking with soft colors, like light blue, green, or yellow. Choose neutral sheets, like white or a color that complements the wall color. Then you can dress up the bed with duvet covers which are much cheaper and produce less waste than a whole new bed in a box. </p> <p>If you are concerned about art, you can get generic-sized picture frames and change up the prints for each phase, which will also save you money.</p> <p>Try to look at the nursery as if your (someday) 15 year old will still be in it, then decorate and find furniture accordingly.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Two- Get real furniture</h2> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="825" height="589" src="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/35.jpg?resize=825%2C589&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1416" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/35.jpg?resize=1024%2C731&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/35.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/35.jpg?resize=768%2C548&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/35.jpg?resize=1536%2C1097&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/35.jpg?resize=600%2C428&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/35.jpg?w=2000&ssl=1 2000w, https://i0.wp.com/unpreparedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/35.jpg?w=1650&ssl=1 1650w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px" /><figcaption>My daughter’s $50 dresser from LetGo before (left) and after (right)</figcaption></figure> <p>Do your best to find quality, universal furniture for the nursery. Everything you buy could still be in use when the child is a teenager. Maybe they will even take it with them to college.</p> <p>Skip single-use pieces of furniture like changing tables and throw a towel (or changing pad) on a wooden dresser instead. As you stop using it for changing diapers, your toddler will need it for clothing.</p> <p>Real wooden dressers can be expensive, so I recommend finding a used one. They can take a little elbow grease to clean up and make shine, but it is definitely worth it.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three- Skip the crib</h2> <p>Have you ever heard of a floor bed? </p> <p>It is perfectly reasonable, and possible, for your child to skip the crib entirely. Start with a twin mattress on the floor. Make sure it is firm enough for a baby, and get several sets of sheets to layer them so you don’t have to change sheets in the middle of the night.</p> <p>When they are around 4 or 5, you can pick out a twin bed frame that will survive the next season of their life. Then throw the twin mattress you already have on it and call it done.</p> <p>We have a twin bed frame in my daughter’s room that is made entirely of metal except for the head and footboards- which are wood. That frame will fit with any design aesthetic she chooses going forward and will hold up to any moves we wind up making. It is durable enough that she could conceivably take it with her to college or use it for her children.</p> <p>By choosing something we know she can continue to use going forward, we know we won’t need to replace her bedframe and create a bunch of waste.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Four- Buy glass or stainless steel</h2> <p>Plastic bottles and toddler utensils wear out quickly and are bad for the environment. But glass and stainless steel can service many families without degrading.</p> <p>Consider investing in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=glass+baby+bottles&ref=nb_sb_noss_1">glass baby bottles</a>, especially if you plan on having more than one child. They will save you tons of money in the long run while preventing more plastic waste. And they have the added benefit of not releasing <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/protect-your-kids-from-plastics/">microplastics</a> into your child’s milk.</p> <p>Glass does not make a great option for toddler plates and bowls, but stainless steel does. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HG1TXMK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Stainless bowls</a> can go in the dishwasher, are cheap, and will hold ice cream for the family for the next 20 years. Pair them with some <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L4JG69R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1">silicone lids</a> and you have the toddler years set.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Five- Skip single-use baby items</h2> <p>What do burp cloths, baby baths, and hooded towels have in common? </p> <p>They are all designed to only have a few months of use before they are essentially trash. Instead, invest in higher quality multi-use items or use what you already have.</p> <p>Kitchen towels are often more absorbent and will protect your clothing better than a muslin burp cloth. If you decide to cloth diaper, prefolds work very well as burp cloths as well.</p> <p>Skip hooded towels entirely and use spare towels you already have; and it is easy to give a newborn a bath in the sink. </p> <p>From sippy cups to crib bumpers, there is all kinds of junk out there marked to new parents. Don’t fall for it. Get what you need when you need it.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Six- Buy used</h2> <p>My daughter wore 2T clothes for three months. That’s it, three months.</p> <p>Kids go through clothing and toys really quickly. Consider looking on craigslist, apps like offer up, and thrift stores for these items.</p> <p>I bought my daughter’s entire 3T wardrobe for $30 through LetGo (now Offer Up). Once I’m done having kids, I’ll sell it on. </p> <p>Many areas have parenting swap meets and you can find just about everything you need between these swap meets and charity shops. We’ve gotten everything from strollers for $15 to toys and clothing.</p> <p>Just be careful not to use a used car seat. Doing so is a safety hazard. Instead, take used car seats and turn them into stores like Target for a discount on a new one.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Seven- Use things you already have</h2> <p>Towels make fantastic changing pads. Kitchen towels are great as burp cloths. Those baby blankets that are too thick to be safe your aunt gave you? Those are great as tummy time play-mats. </p> <p>We’ve used spoons for digging in the dirt, and seldom used kitchen pots are now prominently featured in my daughter’s “kitchen”. Metal mixing bowls have a million uses, and mugs can be used as scoops or vessels for pouring.</p> <p>Before you buy anything, consider if you have something on hand that can be used for that purpose. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Eight- Skip purees</h2> <p>Purees cause so much waste. </p> <p>Jars and little plastic spoons to speciality freezing trays and pouches– all things you don’t really need. And then all the work they require too!</p> <p>Consider checking out <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/baby-led-weaning-faq/">baby-led weaning</a>. It is less work overall and promotes healthy eating. It also takes less stuff and saves money since the baby just eats what you are already eating.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Nine- Get cloth wipes</h2> <p>We use flannel cloth wipes as part of our cloth diapering routine, and we will use them long after we finish diapering.</p> <p>They are more durable than wet wipes or paper towels and can just be tossed in the wash when they are done their duty. A single wet flannel cloth will clean up toddler blueberry pancake mess or tackle both hands after finger painting. </p> <p>We tend to keep a few damp on the kitchen counter. Whenever our two-year-old wants to wash her hands or clean up a spill, she grabs one, cleans, and puts it in the wash. Having a few always available has really boosted her independence.</p> <p>The best part? If they dry out, just re-wet them, and there are no harsh chemicals or preservatives.</p> <p>Even if you choose not to cloth diaper, a single package of flannel wipes will reduce your waste immensely and save money in the process.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ten- Go modular</h2> <p>As children age, their storage needs change. Instead of investing in a baby shelf or a toddler dresser, choose something that will grow with the child.</p> <p>I recommend using a modular system in the child’s closet so you can raise the clothing bar and rearrange the drawers as they grow. For toy storage, consider cube storage and bins that can be reorganized to accommodate the ever changing rotation of toys.</p> <p>Remember to attach all storage solutions to the walls so the child won’t be able to tip them over. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Reducing waste is one of the best things we can do to protect the planet and our wallets.</h2> <p>Most items marketed for babies and young children are not designed to last. Instead of investing in baby-geared unitaskers, consider buying quality pieces meant to grow with the child or sourcing quick turnaround items second hand.</p> <p>Both your wallet and the planet will thank you.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/10-easy-green-swaps-for-baby-that-save-money/">10 Easy Green Swaps for Baby that Save Money</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://unpreparedmom.com/10-easy-green-swaps-for-baby-that-save-money/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1406</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Develop your Child’s Vestibular Sense with Swinging</title> <link>https://unpreparedmom.com/develop-your-childs-vestibular-sense-with-swinging/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=develop-your-childs-vestibular-sense-with-swinging</link> <comments>https://unpreparedmom.com/develop-your-childs-vestibular-sense-with-swinging/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jane]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2021 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[4-7 Year Olds]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kids]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Toddlers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#childdevelopment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#parenting]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#sensoryplay]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#unpreparedmom]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#unpreparedmom_blog]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://unpreparedmom.com/?p=1399</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/develop-your-childs-vestibular-sense-with-swinging/">Develop your Child’s Vestibular Sense with Swinging</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Have you ever wondered why kids love being tossed into soft surfaces? Or why they can spend hours just going down the slide and swinging on the swing set?</p> <p>It is because they are developing their vestibular sense. </p> <p>In school we are taught there are five senses: touch, sight, taste, smell, and hearing; but we have more senses than that. </p> <p>The vestibular sense tells you where you are in space. It lets you know when you are upright or lying down. When you’re checking on your kiddo in the dark it lets you know if you are listing sideways, have lost your balance, or are falling.</p> <p>Children spend most of their childhood developing this sense, and a lack of vestibular input can really hurt baby and toddler development. Without a properly developed vestibular sense, balance is affected which can delay crawling and walking. An adult who never fully developed their vestibular sense will be clumsy, may trip over their own feet a lot, and might suffer from vertigo. </p> <p>Toddlers and children can get a lot of their vestibular needs from public playgrounds. During the pandemic that isn’t much of an option and children with sensory issues may need more vestibular input than the park can provide. </p> <p>Here are easy and cheap activities you can do at home to help your kiddo develop their vestibular sense at every age.</p> <p>Disclaimer: the age groups for these ideas are guidelines. Use your discretion if an activity is safe for your child.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How do I know if my child is struggling to develop their vestibular sense?</h2> <p>Good question! </p> <p>A child struggling with their vestibular sense may display some of the following signs (courtesy of <a href="http://theottoolbox.com/vestibular-activities">The OT Tool Box</a>). If you are concerned or your child displays a lot of these signs, make an appointment with your doctor.</p> <p>A lack of vestibular sense can affect balancing which makes walking long stretches without falling difficult. Children may struggle to know where their feet are and have problems coordinating motions for more complex actions like skipping and running. Riding a bike may prove an impossible feat.</p> <p>Children may also struggle with spatial awareness or hand-eye coordination. In young children, this could manifest in difficulty stacking or connecting blocks. Older kids may show this by thinking they have put a plate on the table, but it falls off, or an inability to catch/ throw/ kick a ball.</p> <p>Tasks that require full-body coordination like tossing a ball from one hand to the other, or using a kitchen knife can also be affected. The left side of the body will struggle to know what the right side is doing.</p> <p>Finally, the child may get dizzy and have a hard time knowing their relative orientation in space. Standing up and lying down could feel the same. Look to see if they hold their head at weird angles (get their hearing checked first). They may struggle to duck under things just at head height because they can’t tell if they have moved their head out of the way.</p> <p>Even if your child is not experiencing any of these, they still need a lot of vestibular motion included in their sensory diet every day to make sure they have proper equilibrium as they grow. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Infants</h2> <p>Most infants use vestibular input to calm themselves, so a lot of parents naturally provide vestibular input as they care for their babies. Babies who don’t get enough input to develop their vestibular sense tend to cry more, which is part of why babies tend to settle in a swing or bouncer.</p> <p>The most common vestibular inputs for infants include:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Rocking in a rocking chair with an adult</li><li>Walking with the baby</li><li>Swinging in an infant swing</li><li>Bouncing in the bouncer</li><li>Driving in a car</li><li>Walking in a stroller</li><li>Babywearing</li></ul> <p>All of these motions also help the vestibular sense develop. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Toddlers and Kids</h2> <p>After toddlers start to walk and have neck control, more sensory activities open up to them. Older kids have more vestibular activities than they can contend with. From tossing your child into the pool to jumping on the trampoline, or going on roller coasters, you can incorporate vestibular motion into your everyday life.</p> <p>Below, I have listed a number of activities you can use to increase vestibular motion with your children at home for cheap or free. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Balance beam… or line… or string- $0</h3> <p>Take a spare 2×4 and lay it on the floor. Then help your child walk on the 2×4 like a balance beam. This teaches them where their feet are and improves balance as they have to make micro-corrections. </p> <p>Don’t have a spare 2×4? You can use masking tape, a string or chord, or draw a line outside with chalk. Consider also encouraging them to balance on low curbs or edges (be mindful of cars) when you go on walks together.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Crashing- $0</h3> <p>Take your toddler and carefully toss them on the bed or in a pile of pillows. Alternatively, they can run down a ramp and throw themselves into a pile of pillows. </p> <p>The running motion coupled with falling and the sudden soft stop helps them tell the difference between moving laterally (running) and falling. It also helps develop the reflexes that allow them to catch themselves.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dancing, tumbling, spinning, rolling down a hill- $0</h3> <p>Once your child has developed their vestibular sense enough to keep them mostly oriented, they often decide to up the difficulty by adding rotation.</p> <p>It is much harder to keep your balance after spinning around 20 times, but children are eager to try. Once your little one starts looking to spin, do what you can to add rotation into the routine. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hanging upside down- $0</h3> <p>Every toddler I know finds hanging upside down to be super fun. Give them opportunities to invert as often as you can. </p> <p>As they hang upside down they learn what inversion feels like, which is helpful when doing flips.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jumping, hopping, running, and skipping- $0</h3> <p>Anything that causes both feet to leave the ground gives the inner ear a workout. </p> <p>Go for a walk around the block and skip or hop while you do. Play hopscotch. Do cartwheels. Just go out, run around, and have fun!</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Obstacle course- $0</h3> <p>Obstacle course days used to be my favorite in school. You climbed over things, jumped from platform to platform, and crawled through tunnels. It was awesome.</p> <p>Your kids will love obstacle courses, too. These can be as easy as using tape on the floor to indicate motions they have to make (like jumping or hopping on one foot), to the most elaborate game of the floor is lava you can conceive. </p> <p>Use found objects, like boxes or blankets and cushions to create tunnels or obstacles. Have fun with it and use your imaginations.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Yoga- $0</h3> <p>Many yoga postures work on balance and strength, and kids love to mimic us as we go through a routine. Start when they are about two and start trying to dance when you dance.</p> <p>If you don’t know yoga, head over to YouTube and check out one of the many free <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=toddler+yoga">toddler yoga</a> classes they have. Give it a try, yoga with kids can be a lot of fun!</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Swinging- $0 – <a href="https://www.savoiz.com/collections/savoiz-soft-pink-and-grey/products/savoiz-indoor-outdoor-therapy-swing-light-blue-and-deep-blue">$100</a></h3> <p>Every child should have regular access to a swing. They help build core strength, teach kids how to sit up straight, and really help develop the vestibular sense.</p> <p>Many children of every age use swinging motions to calm down. One of the best things you can do for a child who is understimulated is put them in a swing.</p> <p>Because we can’t spend much time outside in the summer where I live, we have a <a href="https://www.savoiz.com/collections/savoiz-soft-pink-and-grey/products/savoiz-indoor-outdoor-therapy-swing-light-blue-and-deep-blue">swing</a> in our living room. It hangs from the ceiling and is truly indispensable. If you aren’t fortunate enough to be able to hang a swing inside, consider hanging one outside or make time to frequent parks so your little one can swing.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Climbing- $0 – $200+</h3> <p>Climbing puts our bodies into different orientations. We build strength and the vestibular sense starts to calibrate our orientation as it pertains to objects and rough terrain.</p> <p>Toddlers start their climbing journeys by climbing up on chairs, sofas, and beds. You can cultivate this need by visiting a playground or getting equipment like a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKPCgJz-8Yo&ab_channel=WickedMakers">Pikler Triangle</a>. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sitting on a therapy ball – $5 – $20</h3> <p>It is actually really hard to sit on a therapy/yoga ball. To successfully sit on a ball you have to have balance, leg strength to keep the ball from rolling away, and core strength so you can sit up. While adults already have those skills, toddlers and many children do not.</p> <p>Consider picking up a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=small+therapy+ball&i=sporting&ref=nb_sb_noss_2">small therapy ball</a> (or a standard-sized soccer ball) for your child to sit on instead of toddler-sized chairs. They are great for learning to throw/ catch and can help your child build a lifelong habit of sitting up straight all while working on their balance.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rocking horse- $30 +</h3> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=rocking+horse">Rocking horses</a> are great for offering younger children control of their rocking/ swinging motions. Pick one up second hand and give your little one the means to control their vestibular inputs.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pushbike/biking- $60 +</h3> <p>Riding a bike requires us to balance on a moving two-wheeled vehicle while propelling it with our own motion. Nothing about that is easy or intuitive initially.</p> <p>Learning to ride a bike goes through several phases, all of which help you know if you are listing sideways. Start with a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/YGJT-Balance-Bicycle-Months-24-Birthday/dp/B0776PQTLM/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=push+bike&qid=1614901647&sr=8-2">pushbike</a> around the age of two. That helps the body work out how to peddle, progress to a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Retrospec-Kids-Balance-Pedal-Bicycle/dp/B07GBBLLYG/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=balance+bike&qid=1614901704&sr=8-7">balance</a> bike, and ultimately a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=childrens+bike&ref=nb_sb_noss_1">bike with pedals</a>. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bottom Line: kids need to move</h2> <p>Give them as many opportunities as you can for them to swing, run, play, and tumble. It helps them build strong bodies and minds, all while helping develop their vestibular sense so they can balance as adults.</p> <p>This post was sponsored by <a href="https://www.savoiz.com/">Savoiz</a>. They make a fantastic <a href="https://www.savoiz.com/collections/savoiz-soft-pink-and-grey/products/savoiz-indoor-outdoor-therapy-swing-light-blue-and-deep-blue">sensory swing</a> that my daughter got for her birthday last year. I approached them with this article idea. A sensory swing is a fantastic addition to any home with a toddler. It has been a serious help for my family during the pandemic. </p> <p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/develop-your-childs-vestibular-sense-with-swinging/">Develop your Child’s Vestibular Sense with Swinging</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://unpreparedmom.com/develop-your-childs-vestibular-sense-with-swinging/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1399</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Five Easy Ways to Get Cooking with Toddlers</title> <link>https://unpreparedmom.com/five-easy-ways-to-get-cooking-with-toddlers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=five-easy-ways-to-get-cooking-with-toddlers</link> <comments>https://unpreparedmom.com/five-easy-ways-to-get-cooking-with-toddlers/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jane]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2021 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Food]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Toddlers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#iamamom]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#iamaparent]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#unpreparedmom_blog]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://unpreparedmom.com/?p=1396</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/five-easy-ways-to-get-cooking-with-toddlers/">Five Easy Ways to Get Cooking with Toddlers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Everyone knows they should cook with their toddler, just like everyone knows they should let their toddler paint and they should go to the park every day. Some things are easier said than done.</p> <p>More often than not dinner is running late, the kids are starving, and you have 15 minutes to pull dinner together before the whole house melts down. I hear you!</p> <p>Today I’ve compiled five easy ways to get your kids cooking every day without completely throwing off the routine or delaying dinner.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">One- have them prepare an easy side</h2> <p>Have a side salad that just needs to be assembled. Pour frozen peas or corn into a bowl. Cut carrots for everyone to eat.</p> <p>There are a ton of easy sites we just throw on plates to round out a meal. Give your little one the task and let them play with the food while you cook. </p> <p>Sure those baby carrots don’t need to be cut, and the cucumber pieces are going to be oddly sized, but it will get better every day. So let them take over a side dish and enjoy the misshapen food for a while.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Two- do ingredient prep ahead of time</h2> <p>We buy mushrooms, peppers, and blocks of cheese every week. I don’t always know what I intend to do with them, but I do know that no matter what we do the mushrooms and peppers need to be sliced and the cheese needs to be grated.</p> <p>When I’m throwing a fast dinner together and I have an eager helper, I set her up on the counter to slice and dice ingredients I will use for meals later in the week. Maybe she grates cheese or chops mushrooms. Sometimes she makes breadcrumbs or stirs a marinade. </p> <p>If whatever I give her has no impact on dinner tonight, she can take as much time as she wants.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three- Have them make their lunches or snacks</h2> <p>There is no reason you have to assemble your kiddo’s sandwich for them. Slice up ingredients for them to take and use to build their lunch. Children make the most amazing combinations when given the chance.</p> <p>Or turn lunch into a cooking lesson. Work together to cook a simple recipe and snack on the ingredients while you cook. The children will learn, eat healthy components of a healthy meal, and have tons of fun in the process.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Four- Find opportunities for them to stir</h2> <p>This morning we made pancakes and my daughter stirred the batter every time I wasn’t touching the bowl (it was already fully incorporated, but don’t tell her that). Then she would sneak in more blueberries while I wasn’t “looking”.</p> <p>Kids love to stir things. It builds arm strength and helps their dexterity. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Five- Have them help pick the ingredients </h2> <p>Nothing is more engaging for small children than giving them a choice. Once they make that choice, they often want to help prepare the ingredients or the meal.</p> <p>Find ways to give them a choice when it comes to dinner. Ask what they want on the pizza or what veggies they want in the dinner. Even a small choice is enough to get them invested.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kids of every age belong in the kitchen</h2> <p>There is no better place to explore texture, taste, and smell. The more kids participate in the food preparation process, the less likely they are to be picky eaters. So bring them into the kitchen and give them space to play with food.</p> <p>I mean, does it really matter if they “spoil” their dinner by eating veggies they prepared for that dinner?</p> <p>What are your favorite ways to incorporate children into the cooking process? Let me know in the comments!</p> <p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/five-easy-ways-to-get-cooking-with-toddlers/">Five Easy Ways to Get Cooking with Toddlers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://unpreparedmom.com/five-easy-ways-to-get-cooking-with-toddlers/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1396</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Easy Pre-Scissor Activities</title> <link>https://unpreparedmom.com/easy-pre-scissor-activities/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=easy-pre-scissor-activities</link> <comments>https://unpreparedmom.com/easy-pre-scissor-activities/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jane]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 25 Feb 2021 17:10:43 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Play Sequences]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Toddlers]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://unpreparedmom.com/?p=1389</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/easy-pre-scissor-activities/">Easy Pre-Scissor Activities</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>As a parent, I find it helpful to understand where my child is developmentally so I can help them improve the skills they are working on. It also helps my frame of mind. If I know that an otherwise annoying behavior is my daughter working toward a new skill, we stop butting heads and I find a constructive outlet for her to practice her new skill.</p> <p>One of the skills that can be particularly destructive while children work on it learning is to use scissors. It starts with ripping paper and often continues along a messy and destructive vein.</p> <p>This post will cover several pre-scissor skills and how to set up constructive activities that are low prep and low mess so your little one can work on hand strength and coordination without driving you up a wall.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hand Strength</h2> <p>Using scissors requires the hand strength to squeeze the handles of the scissors so they slice through the paper. There are a ton of fun activities to build hand and grip strength.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Kneading dough</h3> <p>Playing with dough builds hand strength and dexterity. Rolling out the dough practices bilateral movement (having both sides of the body doing the same thing) and arm strength. </p> <p>Playdough or kinetic sand are great ways for kids to practice these motions, but I would also recommend they cook with you in the kitchen to get a practical view of those skills. They could knead dough, stir, or mash potatoes to work on these same skills.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Squeezing</h3> <p>Any activity that requires them to squeeze something will build grip strength. That could be squeezing a ketchup bottle over some french fries, or squeezing a stress ball to see how it feels.</p> <p>Encourage your child to squeeze bath toys in the bath, or make a game where they squeeze an empty bottle to move a pom-pom around the house.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Spray Bottles</h3> <p>Using a spray bottle to mist water at things really works on grip strength and sets children up for the motion of opening and closing scissors. Spray bottles can be messy if used without supervision, so create spaces where a spray bottle might be used with little to no mess.</p> <p>Try giving the child an air plant or other houseplant that needs to be sprayed with water to care for. They will get to spray the plant with water multiple times a week. You could also let them spray concrete or fencing outside to see how colors change when they are wet.</p> <p>Older kids could be given a spray bottle with a cleaning solution for them to spray at surfaces and then wipe up (vinegar and water are great for this). </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hole Punches</h3> <p>A single hole punch or decorative hole punch is great for building hand strength and seeing how paper can be cut. Squeezing a hole punch with handles also mimics the motion your hand makes while using scissors which prepares kids for making that motion on their own.</p> <p>Get some decorative hole punches and make confetti with them out of colorful paper. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ripping Paper</h3> <p>Ripping paper builds hand strength while reinforcing the idea that paper can be cut. It is a very important developmental milestone.</p> <p>Have paper available that is appropriate to tear in this phase. Old magazines and newspapers from a certain spot (like the recycle pile) or colorful construction paper for crafts are great options. </p> <p>Consider having an activity where the child rips up a pile of colorful paper and then glues it to a paper to make a stained glass window. Another way to minimize the mess is to teach your child to throw out the ripped papers when they are done.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dexterity</h2> <p>Building hand strength isn’t quite enough to make scissors work, you also have to work on the open-squeeze-close motion you need to use scissors. Any activity where the child has to use their pincher grasp will help build these skills. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tweezers</h3> <p>Use tweezers to pick up pom-poms, beans, pieces of string, or anything else you have lying around. You can use the tweezers to sort items, move them from one bowl or to another, or post them (drop them through a tube).</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chopsticks</h3> <p>Training chopsticks help children practice the open-close motion that goes along with using scissors. They are a bigger version of tweezers. Consider practicing eating with them, or moving small objects. </p> <p>When children get good at the fixed, tong-like chopsticks, consider upgrading to one with a hinge. The hinge makes them practice opening their hand as well as closing it to grab something. Tweezers and the fixed chopsticks will only reinforce the squeezing motion while providing support for them to open their hands.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Painting/ coloring with small implements</h3> <p>Pom-poms, q-tips, cotton balls, and toothpicks all make great painting implements. When it is time to paint, consider using some found objects as paintbrushes. Holding and manipulating the smaller objects through the paint will help increase your child’s dexterity.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stickers and Tape</h3> <p>Next time you have to peel a sticker off a paper, pay attention to what your fingers are doing.</p> <p>You have to bend the paper enough for the sticker to release, but not so much that you accidentally fold the sticker. Then you have to carefully grab the part of the sticker that popped up and peel it off the paper. </p> <p>To stick it on something you have to use your thumb to stick half of the sticker on the paper and then hold it there while you unstick your finger.</p> <p>All of that is extremely tricky for tiny fingers. So take some time and play with stickers. Use tape on projects and let them do it. Their tiny hands get quite the workout from it. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Puppets</h3> <p>Operating a puppet’s mouth not only helps with that open-close motion, but also helps with coordination. To make the puppet “talk” you have to match your hand to what you are saying. That skill can be tricky for young children. Syncing hand and mouth motions increase body awareness and dexterity at the same time.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pre-scissor skills don’t have to be messy or annoying.</h2> <p>Understanding what your child is trying to learn and providing activities to reinforce those skills can benefit everyone in the family. Watch what your child is interested in doing and then provide opportunities for them to practice that won’t drive you crazy.</p> <p>Follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/unpreparedmom_blog/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Unprepared-Mom-102658838449044">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/unpreparedmom/_created/">Pinterest</a>, or <a href="https://twitter.com/janejreid">Twitter</a> for more helpful tips</p> <p></p> <p>The post <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com/easy-pre-scissor-activities/">Easy Pre-Scissor Activities</a> appeared first on <a href="https://unpreparedmom.com">Unprepared Mom</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://unpreparedmom.com/easy-pre-scissor-activities/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1389</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss>