Think it’s too early to brush baby’s teeth? Think again. Even before the first tooth breaks through, it’s a good idea to establish oral hygiene habits. If your little one is used to teeth-brushing as a part of the daily routine, you may have fewer battles later on. If you’re not sure when or how to get started, here are helpful tips on brushing your baby’s adorable little pearly whites.
1. Start before baby’s teeth come in.
Keeping your baby’s mouth clean even before the first little tooth pops through is an important beginning step. Wiping gums after feedings will help to remove surface bacteria. To do this, wrap a clean, wet washcloth or a piece of clean gauze around your finger and wipe those toothless gums.
2. Choose the right toothbrush.
Once babies have teeth, it’s time to introduce a toothbrush. You’ll want to look for one with soft bristles, a small head and a large handle that little hands can hold—and you’ll want to replace it every three months or so.
The Double Sided Toothbrush from grabease (pictured at top; for kids 6+ months) has a tapered brush head, a wide handle for little hands to grip, and bristles on two sides to make it easier and faster to get those teeth brushed. The handle sports a choke protection barrier for safety, so your little one can safely practice brushing.
The Pure Brush from RADIUS (pictured above; for kids 6-18 months) has a small, cornerless oval brush head that’s designed for babies’ mouths, with soft bristles. The handle is tapered to fit in baby’s hand, and the entire brush is free of BPAs, synthetic dyes and harmful chemicals.
3. Help them out.
Since baby’s fine motor skills aren’t fully developed yet, it’s best if you brush the teeth. Since that doesn’t always go as smoothly as we’d like, take a “Mommy’s (or Daddy’s) turn, and then your turn” approach. Continue to supervise the process until your child can rinse and spit without help.
4. Talk to your dentist about toothpaste.
It’s a question many parents wonder about: Should I use a flouride or flouride-free toothpaste? The answer depends on many factors, including whether your water is flouridated, so your best bet is to ask your pediatric dentist. Whichever you choose, experts recommend brushing with toothpaste the size of a grain of rice.
5. Take your baby to the dentist.
The American Dental Association recommends that you take your baby to the dentist for their initial visit no later than their first birthday. However, you may want to ask your pediatrician’s opinion.
You can choose a pediatric dentist or kid-friendly family dentist to make the experience more comfortable for your little one. Some are equipped with TVs or colorful art and give kids treats. Since baby teeth are important because they hold the spot for permanent teeth, be sure to take care of them by scheduling regular visits.
If you’re missing your local kids art studio, we feel you (and so do they!). Luckily many Seattle studios have transformed their creative offerings into take away art kits you can pick up curbside or have delivered to your porch. Whether your kids want to paint pottery, make a retro wall hanging or design their own puzzle, these kits will get the creative juices flowing.
West Seattle Art Nest
courtesy West Seattle Art Nest
If variety is what you’re after, West Seattle Art Nest has your family’s crafternoon plan. Kids can make slime, dream catchers, wall hangings or paint an animal canvas with these cute kits that include everything you need to get your craft on at home. Getting yours couldn’t be easier. Kits are ordered online and delivered right to your door, for families living within 15 miles of West Seattle. Let’s create!
While a trip to U Village to paint at the studio is out of the question, creating your own Paint the Town masterpiece at home is definitely doable. Grab a Pottery to Go kit for your mini artist. Each kit includes a choice of pottery and up to six paint colors, with brushes and paint pens offered as add-ons for $5 each. Choose from ceramic bowls, plates, mugs or figurines (think: dogs, mermaids, orcas, trucks and more). A minimum order of $40 is all it takes to get your kit delivered, contact-free to your porch. Plus, delivery is free if you’re within 5 miles of the studio or just $5 if you’re within 6-10 miles. Kits are delivered Thursday through Sunday.
Good to know: As a small-scale operation, Paint the Town is delivering about 15-25 kits per week. Once the store re-opens, families can bring in their creations to be fired.
Nail it with these Hammer-It-At-Home kits families can pick up curbside (in Seattle and Kirkland) or have delivered to their homes. Here, you’ll find wood sign and planter kits, a children’s activity table kit, even a succulent heart wreath, offered just in time for Mother’s Day, all available to make in your living room. Choosing a project to complete with the kids is the hard part. Then it’s on to deciding on a design, stain and paint colors and any personalization you'd like, so that what you create is as unique as your family. Each kit comes with everything you need including sandpaper, brushes, sponges and hardware to hang your art when it’s done.
Good to know: Kids canvas kits are the latest take-home offering from Hammer & Stain. Get the deets on ordering yours in Seattle or Kirkland.
A great activity for older kids (or parents looking to change up their at-home routine), Elm Candle Bar’s Home Kits ship from their Seattle shop to your door a few days later. Choose a basic 9 oz. or 11 oz. single candle kit to start. It comes with everything you need from the wax, to the microwavable bowl to jars, lids and labels. You can also choose from ninety premium fragrances to get just the right scent to match your kiddo’s personality (or yours!). Shipping is currently free on orders over $40. (Psst…the custom candle two-pack makes a fun activity for sibs or parents and kids.) Pour it on!
Who doesn’t love art that you make and then play with? No one. That’s who. That’s why the Little Labbers DIY Board Puzzle Kit should be on every parent’s craft-at-home activity list. Great for kids ages 3-7, this Create-Away project lets kids choose their puzzle design and paint colors to make their own toy. Order up a puzzle for your tot or a wood pallet sign kit, then plan to pick it up at the Tukwila studio curbside Tuesday, Thursday or Friday between noon and 6 p.m., or on the weekend any time between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you can’t make it down, all kits can also be shipped for a fee.
Good to know: Keep up with The Craft Lab on Facebook or Instagram for special flash delivery sales that bring your project directly to your doorstep for free with a $40 minimum order.
If you’re on the north end, looking for something to keep the kids busy, try a ceramic craft kit from Glazed & Amazed. Here’s how it works: call the store and choose the bisque piece you want from the online gallery (use the numbers to help specify the piece), and then select your colors. Getting your kit is just as easy. Families can either swing by the store any time Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., or Sunday, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. to pick it up, or have it shipped to their door via USPS. Easy peasy!
Good to know: Glazed & Amazed is also offering to-go canvas kits with a pre-traced design, acrylic paints and four paint brushes for just $25. Once the store re-opens you can bring in your painted pieces to have them fired.
Cost: prices vary Order yours by calling 425-673-5474.
National Napping Day is Mar. 9––yep, it’s a thing. In honor of the one universal truth for all parents that we will never sleep the same again, we’ve rounded up six ways we imagine life would be different if we got enough sleep. We don’t actually know, though, because we haven’t slept in seven years. Still, we can dream, right?
1. Exercise
Fantasy: After eight hours of rest, you’re ready to take on the world. Perhaps, a marathon!
Fantasy: You are alert and productive, full of snappy ideas and witty retort. And you look amazing (i.e. your clothing doesn’t have stains and you brushed your hair). Because you are well-rested.
Reality: Oh, look what happened while you were napping (by napping we mean answering work emails, vacuuming the living room and making a snack). See, that’s why you can’t nap.
Getting your kiddos to brush their teeth just got a whole lot easier! If your little is a fan of the Pinkfong phenomenon then the new Brite Brush Baby Shark toothbrush from Target is right up their ally.
The $20 cordless, battery-powered toothbrush is perfect for ages three and up, and comes with tons of features that not only make brushing fun, but ensure a good brush job, too.
To start, the Baby Shark toothbrush comes with lights and audio that keep kids engaged and brushing the recommended amount of time––including the famous Baby Shark song. Additionally, the interactive brush comes with two games that offer tips on brushing as they “play” the game.
This smart toothbrush also includes sensors, side change recognition and haptic features that encourage proper brushing techniques. Finally, adults will love the Parent Check Light which is the perfect way to confirm if your kids brushed properly.
Beauty brand Etude House has just revealed a line of make-up palettes which look exactly like Hershey’s chocolate bars.
The new Etude House x Hershey’s collab features two eye shadow palettes, one inspired by a classic Hershey’s chocolate bar and another that’s inspired by a Cookies ‘N’ Cream bar. Aside from the sparkles, these palettes are so life-like you almost want to take a bite. They even come packaged in a candy bar wrapper that you have to rip open!
Now for the bad news, this Etude House Hershey’s collection is currently only available in certain countries, which so far do not include the United States. The company often rolls out lines slowly over time, so there’s still a chance you can rock some chocolate eye shadow in the future.
We know you’ve got loads of great pictures accumulating in the cloud somewhere; now’s the time to get them off your computer and into the real world. Yes! A real family photo (or pillow, necklace or even sock) for the house—not just on your social media feed. So, whether you’re looking for the perfect holiday photo gifts for grandparents or something special to give your spouse, here are the most unique personalized photo gifts to give this holiday season.
Got tons of pictures to display—plus one you really want to stand out? Here's one of our favorite Christmas photo gifts. This mosaic takes 70 of your photos and uses them as a background behind one central picture (of your loved ones' face, for instance). The effect makes it looks like the arrangement creates another picture altogether. We're not sure how the artist does it, exactly, but the effect is sure to impress. You'll be staring at each photo to figure out how it works.
Cost: $93.50 for a digital file of the art; $136 and up for a photo print; $204 and up for a framed print.
The Tinybeans platform offers parents a private space to to share photos, milestones and other moments with their children amongst family and friends in a private social network. The free modern family album app gives parents a happy space to enjoy their children's life stories with family. Effortlessly organize pics, videos & milestones, print cute keepsakes, and share with family in one safe space off social media. Parents can join for free, purchase premium subscriptions and photo books.
Take your photos and turn them into intricate paint-by-number projects. If you've got budding artists who are up for a challenge, this DIY project will make your photos all that much more special (because now they're paintings!). Just send in your photo, and MiiCreative artists will produce a paint-by-number canvas. The kit comes with one canvas, paints and paint brushes. Recommended for ages 8 & up.
As if putting your photo on a pillow isn't cool enough, now you can print your photo onto reversible mermaid sequins! The pillows show a solid sequin color (choose from eight colors) when brushed one way and reveal your photo when brushed the other. Kids love them—but don't be surprised if you order a few for yourself, too.
This personalized puzzle lets you and your kids jumble up your family—then put the faces back together again. It's a photo and a game at the same time. The only problem we see is that you may spend a lot of time looking at a mixed-up version of yourselves—but there's a great reason to keep cranking that cube.
If you thought socks were a boring gift, think again. These brightly colored socks will keep your tootsies toasty and have your face (or your kids' or pets' faces) all over them. It's one of those things that's just weird enough to be cool. Ankle-length, crew-length or knee-high socks are available.
Everyone knows it's nice to bring a bottle of wine to a party. Why not bring a bottle of wine WITH YOUR PICTURE ON IT? Or, better yet, forget the Christmas cards this year and just send out wine instead! These personalized holiday-themed wine bottle labels say "Making spirits bright," and can be personalized with a picture and any other text you'd like. Each 8.5x11'' sheet holds 8, 2x4'' labels.
Nobody likes nailing into walls. With these easy 8X8 photo squares, you can easily—and literally—stick photos on your walls without the need for any tools or hardware—and without ripping off any paint should you want to mix things up or take things down.
Cost: $11 per tile (free shipping on orders of three or more).
Your kids will get a kick out of these stickers which can be personalized with anyone's face. Slap 'em on notebooks, water bottles, lunch boxes—anywhere you want to say "This is my face!" They also work great to keep cups and toothbrushes easily identified so your kids keep their things theirs. The stickers are made of durable vinyl (not paper!) and are printed using waterproof ink that is dishwasher and microwave safe.
The perfect personalized photo gift for grandparents, this digital photo frame—which made "Oprah's Favorite Things" list in 2018—has unlimited storage and will let Nana and Pop see ever-changing pics of you and your kids without the need to navigate your social media pages. It's a win-win. Looking for a lower-cost option? Try the NIX Advance Digital Photo Frame, which was rated a "great bargain" by Tom's Guide.
Little Orphan Annie would have had an easier time finding her parents had she been given one of these photo lockets to remember them by. Two 45mm long and 35mm wide photos can fit inside this brass locket. The best part? The artist can transfer a photo directly onto the metal—meaning you won't' have to worry about doing it yourself or trying to figure out how to glue it onto the metal without ending up with a soggy paper mess. The transfer process even allows some of the metal to merge with the photo, leaving your locket with a vintage look. You also have the option of displaying only photographs, a message of your choice or a combination of both.
If you want a romantic gift for your significant other, these classy photo letter blocks will look great on your mantle and are a unique way to show off your love story.
If you love where you live, show it off in this state-shaped photo collage. Choose your state, the size you want and a style of frame (or no frame at all)—then Minted will put together a state map with three photos of your choice.
Nobody can deny the cuteness factor of a baby's face ... on a blanket! This cozy polyester fleece blanket comes in various color palettes and can be a personalized gift idea with the baby's name, birthday (including exact time), weight and length.
Still don't have the perfect, card-ready photo of your fam for the holidays? This on-demand photo session is like Uber for photographers. Just find a location where you'd like to shoot, name your time slot, then click to book a free 30-minute photo session. In 3-5 business days, you'll get a gallery of your shots, then pay $15 for each pic you want to buy.
For now, the company only works in the following cities: Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco Bay area and San Antonio.
Cost: The photo session is free; then $15 per photo.
We've seen a lot of photos printed on wood, but we really love how this Etsy artist does it. Photos are transferred just enough to display the picture but also let the natural patterns of the wood shine through—every printing is unique. Pictures can also include a mounted rope or hooks for hanging.
Turn your favorite family photo into one of our picks for personalized photo gifts that'll stick around for years to come. Choose a puzzle size ranging from 40 pieces to 1000 pieces, and wait 10 days—that's it!
Whether you’re looking for a gift for your mom, your husband, or your best friend—everybody loves a nice, framed photo. This app (and website) lets you test out how various frames look with your photos before you buy. Plus, frames are handmade in the USA and start at $15.
Even though actress Keira Knightley hasn’t officially announced the birth of her new baby, she did talk to BBC Breakfast’s Louise Minchin about what life’s like with her newborn.
Celeb mamas are just like us. They’re short on time, in a brain fog and don’t always get the chance to look like the superstar they already are.
During her interview with Minchin, Knightley joked, “This is about the third time since I gave birth that my hair has been brushed—and I didn’t brush it.” The actress went on to add, “Lovely Luke, who is my hairdresser today, he brushed it. I was in my pajamas when they got there and this is somebody else’s dress.”
If you have any illusions that Knightley’s photo-ready look just happens, the new mama (for the second time) shared, “So it’s all smoke and mirrors today, which I’m super happy about, but I’ve just sort of been led here.”
This is the second child for Knightley and husband James Righton. The couple are parents to four-year-old daughter Edie. As of now there’s no word on Knightley’s newest child’s name.
Bad luck? No way! Show your little cat-lovers that black cats are full of fun with this easy black cat craft that’s perfect for the Halloween season. Here’s how:
What you’ll need:
Paper plates
Black paint
Googly eyes (Red, yellow, or green are fun!)
Pink pom poms (small)
Paint brushes
Scissors
Glue or tape
Step 1: Paint it black
Have your young cat-creators paint the entire back of a paper plate with black paint. Note: You might want to do this part the night before since it can take three to four hours for paint to dry (especially when it’s slopped on by little painters).
Step 2: Cut into cat pieces
Cut a crescent shape out of your plate to make the arched body of the cat. Use what’s left to make the face, tail, and whiskers. If you need a guide, just draw all the pieces on the back of the plate so you’ll know where to cut. You only need one plate per cat!
Step 3: Make it a cat!
Let your kiddos glue on the eyes, pom pom, and whiskers to the face of the cat. Then, using glue or tape, attach the head and tail to the unpainted side of your plate as shown.
Step 4: Run! Before the cat crosses your path!
Actually stay put. That’s just a silly superstition. Now’s the time to make sure your little ones know that despite their reputation for bringers of bad luck (so not true!), black cats need love, too!
Step 5: Get creative with your cat!
Now that your cat is finished, what are you going to do it? Here are some ideas:
– Make a candy bowl: Glue your black cat onto another paper plate and you’ve got a instant stashing spot for any leftover Halloween candy.
– Stage him: Can’t wait until December to stake out silly spots for your resident Elf on a Shelf (or Mensch on a Bench)? How about a game of “Cat in a Cabinet?” (We totally just made that up.) Put your black cat in various spots every day from now until Halloween. Whoever finds the cat gets to hide him for the next day.
Something wildly wicked is coming to your makeup bag soon! Funko, who you may already know as the purveyor of pop culture collectibles, recently announced a new cosmetics line, and it’s based on Disney’s epic and infamous villains.
The cosmetics line features four Disney faves: Maleficent, Cruella De Vil, Ursula and Snow White’s Evil Queen. Look for products such as bronzer, lip gloss, eye shadow, eyeliner, blush, makeup brushes and highlighter.
Josh Silverman, executive vice president of global product commercialization at Disney parks, experiences and products, told CNBC, “Through unique activations and outstanding product, we’re bringing Disney’s most iconic and glamorous villains out of the shadows and into the limelight.” Silverman added, “The new Funko cosmetics line is a great example—and we continue to be impressed with Funko’s innovative spirit and unique offerings that speak to fans of all ages.”
You can find the new line, which is manufactured by Taste Beauty, in Ulta Beauty stores and online at ulta.com.
Beach days mean bringing home plenty of amazing family memories—and also sand—lots of sand. Thanks to an amazing beach hack you can score on Amazon, now you can bring home the fun and leave all that sand behind.
The Sand-Off Beach Sand Cleaner brushes away all that pesky sand that seems to cling to every inch of your kids after a day at the beach. The cleaning miracle is a glove that is covered in an unscented, talcum-free powder that lasts for up to 40 uses.
All you have to do is put the mitt on and brush away the sand particles. It promises to gently separate the bond between sand and skin and it’s got the glowing Amazon reviews to back up the claim. Not only is it easy and painless, but you won’t have to worry about all of that sand ending up brushed off into your car instead.
The Sand-Off Beach Sand Cleaner is available on Amazon for $14.
