ML Interest Tag: toddler-bed

This Stand-Out D.C. School Checks All the Boxes

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

Going from the crib to a toddler bed; introducing solids; potty training—the list of milestones (and changes) in the first few years of your kiddo’s life seem endless. And making the leap from daycare to school is one of the biggest transitions of them all.

Which is why Concord Hill School stands out. This small, independent school located in Chevy Chase, just minutes from Friendship Heights, focuses entirely on early childhood education. Designed to give your children an incredibly positive educational foundation, they accept children from age 3 to grade 3, the most critical time of academic and cognitive development in kids.

Read on to find out why this school is the right choice for your family.

Concord Hill School is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. Visit concordhill.org to schedule a visit or join them for an Open House.

Small Classroom Size
The current enrollment of the entire school is just over 100 students with an average class size of 16 kids. That means your children will get the attention they deserve each and every day.

A Focus on the Early Learning Years
There is nothing on Earth that compares to a young child’s imagination or innate curiosity. CHS focuses on the early years as both a magical and incredible time in a young person’s life. Through project-based and experiential learning, CHS fosters all of the natural curiosity, wonder and creativity that goes along with the early years of education.

Learned Leadership Skills
Because of the age range from just 3 and ending at 3rd grade, there is a strong emphasis on developing leadership characteristics within each student, creating a strong foundation for the transition to upper elementary and beyond. Third graders at CHS lead the school-wide community meetings, manage the school store and act as guides and mentors for the younger learners. (And we can’t help but mention how cute it is to see 3rd graders in leadership roles!)

Experienced Dedicated Faculty
Concord Hill School has highly trained teachers who not only have extensive experience in early years education, but 82% of whom hold advanced level degrees.

Concord Hill School is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. Visit concordhill.org to schedule a visit or join them for an Open House.

Diversity
Concord Hill School’s increasingly diverse community currently is representative of over 20 countries. Diversity is celebrated in all facets of the school with a focus on Anti-Bias Education.

Parental Support
Because the school focuses on ages 3 to grade 3, helping parents navigate the early years of parenthood is a key component of the school’s philosophy. Throughout the school year, parents will find a variety of programs and sessions featuring educational experts, child psychologists and behavioral specialists, and school leadership.

4th Grade Outplacement
When it’s time to transition to the 4th grade, there is a tailored process in place to help find the right fit for each child. Led by the Head of School, families will have help navigating every step of the application and outplacement process. CHS students are highly sought after as inquisitive learners, capable leaders, and confident young people

Longevity
Founded in 1965, CHS has been a leader in Early Childhood Education in the DC metro area for more than 50 years.

Concord Hill School is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. Visit concordhill.org to schedule a visit or join them for an Open House.

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D.C.’s Awesome Airbnbs for Families

by rtnyeashamiller

Sometimes the greatest escape from the hustle and bustle of the city isn’t an escape at all. An Airbnb staycation is a perfect alternative to all of that flight booking, guidebook reading, and restaurant scouring. Make your next family vacay R&R-ready by booking at one of these local abodes with kid friendly perks (think: dress up closets, projector screens and fun green spaces).


Yard for Days 
Even though this Arlington home is full of wide open spaces (exhibit A: the sprawling basement playroom), it manages to give off major cozy vibes. Just a hop, skip and jump from Westover Library, spontaneous story times are the standard. If your brood is in a bouncy, ball tossing kind of mood there’s plenty of yard plus three public parks nearby.

From a guest: “It had tons of space, a playroom for the kids, is close to restaurants, and a 10-15 minute drive to downtown D.C.”
Sleeps: 8

Online: airbnb.com/rooms/16879191


The Whole Kid and Caboodle
This house was literally designed with kids in mind. Equipped with cribs, play kitchens, and tons of books, you’ll only need to bring your bambino’s change of clothes (leave the hefty toy bag at home). Located in Brightwood, you’re two blocks from Rock Creek Park and just minutes from Silver Spring, gateways to family fun activities. Bonus: The master suite boasts a king-size memory foam bed, so you can sleep-in or co-sleep comfortably.

Sleeps: 9

Online: airbnb.com/rooms/23558219


Cute as a Button
his adorable home is located in Capitol Hill, just minutes from H Street (date night!) and Eastern Market (weekend stroll!). The light and airy vibes are perfect for your fams rest and relaxation but you’re still close enough to see any of the museums and monuments. With a play space, projector and dress-up costumes on site this will provide your kids with hours of fun while you relax on the patio with a bevy.

From a guest: “Terrific host and beautiful home. The kids loved the projector and the outdoor space and are already asking about going back!”
Sleeps: 6

Online: airbnb.com/rooms/8149062


Garden Party
The garden of this home will entice you to spend the majority of your time outdoors (we’re envisioning kids chasing butterflies and making some major grass angels). Not to mention, this home is located in Arlington,  right next to a historic park. FYI: Let the host know, before you go if you need a crib, toddler bed, or kid’s table, all of which she’ll set up before your stay.

From a guest: ” After very busy days, being able to come “home” to a quiet, spacious and relaxing retreat was perfect for our family.”
Sleeps: 6

Online: airbnb.com/rooms/6314741

Fun Land
This 100+ year old historic row house located in D.C.’s Mt. Pleasant neighborhood is perfectly situated to fun spots for the entire family, including Rock Creek Park and the National Zoo that are next-door neighbors, and the White House and National Mall that are two miles away. After exploring the city, let the kids hang in the playroom with toys, books, Wii games or splash in the ball pit (yes! there’s a ball pit!).

From a guest: “The attic room is a kid’s haven. We had to drag them out everyday. They enjoyed the ball pit, puppets, Legos, drum set, Wii game console, and a myriad of other toys.”
Sleeps: 8

Online: airbnb.com/rooms/1761677

—Miller Jackson

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8 Great Products That Grow with Babies & Save You Money

by Jamie Davis Smith

As you’ve seen with all those cute newborn outfits, kids outgrow things fast. And when it comes to bigger-ticket items, you really want to get your money’s worth. With a little planning ahead, you can cut down on stress and expense by investing in gear that will grow with your child. Read on to find our favorite products that will be useful for years after your little one is past the baby stage.

A Lovely Leaf

Nuna

From newborn to toddler, kids need a comfy place to chill. The Nuna Leaf Grow Baby Seat and Rocker makes sure your little one is covered. This gorgeous chair can be used by newborns with the infant insert and included toy bar. It also sways without the use of batteries or electricity. Once your child is a little bit older, the three-point harness keeps them safely in place while relaxing. Then, remove the insert with harness to convert the Leaf into a big kid seat that will last for years. Plus, the Leaf has three recline positions to make sure your child is always comfy. 

Bonus: The Nuna Leaf has a sophisticated design that blends in seamlessly with any decor. 

(Nearly) Forever Car Seats

Britax (from Amazon)

One of the most important pieces of equipment new parents need to keep their baby safe is a car seat. While it may be tempting to grab an infant seat and deal with another car seat (or two) later, there are other good options.

Kids can ride in the Cybex Sirona S from newborn stage until they are four years old. And get this: It rotates to face the door, meaning there is no need to uncomfortably lean over baby to get them strapped in! This also means it is much easier for toddlers to get themselves in their car seat once it is front-facing. There is a lot less struggle when they have this independence.  

Bonus: The Sirona S has sensor-safe technology that will alert you when unsafe conditions arise. 

The Britax Grow With You ClickTight Plus SafeWash Harness-2-Booster Seat takes your child from toddler to big kid. Once your little one outgrows their infant seat, focus on a car seat like this that will seamlessly convert to a booster once your toddler becomes a big kid. This will save money and time in the long run. 

Bonus: The Britax Grow With You has three layers of side impact protection. This car seat to booster comes in various versions for different budgets and fun colors and patterns—including Cowmooflage!

Strolling in Style

Cybex

The Cybex Priam ticks all the boxes for a stroller that can be used for newborns through toddlers. The seat lies nearly flat, has a simple fold and is easy to push on almost every type of terrain. Turn the stroller rear-facing when babies need to see their caregiver, and then easily switch to front-facing once your toddler is ready to see the world. The roomy seat means kids can ride in this stroller even up to age six. Even better, the seat is higher than most, meaning your little one will have a great view of the big world. They can also sit table-height, so there is no need to stick to restaurants or coffee shops that have high chairs. 

Bonus: The Cybex Priam is endlessly customizable with a large selection of seat fabrics, frame colors (including rose gold!) and accent selections.

The Wonderfold Wagon is a stroller-style wagon that will take your child through babyhood (starting at 6 months) and beyond. It has a unique design with two handles for pushing or pulling. There is plenty of room for baby gear or big kid toys, and even room for a sibling! The Wonderfold Wagon is a great choice to take your family everywhere, from park trips to the beach, for years to come.

Tech Beyond Toddlers

bbluv

Some tech is essential for babies but will remain useful as your baby grows, making it worth an upfront investment.

The bbluv monitor and camera is one of those! Keep this camera in your baby's room to see your infant as they sleep. As your little one grows, the same camera can be used to keep tabs on bedtime as your toddler learns to fall asleep independently. Eventually, this monitor will provide peace of mind as you keep an eye on emerging independent play and playdates. 

The Termö 4-in-1 digital thermometer is another piece of tech that will be used regularly as your baby grows into a big kid. Forehead thermometers are essential for babies, but toddlers on up prefer a quick scan to sticking a thermometer under their armpit or tongue. They also let you keep tabs on kids' temps as they sleep.

Bonus: The Termo can also be used to measure air and water temperatures so you make sure your little one (or big kid) is always safe and comfortable. 

Bikes for Beginners & Beyond

Doona

If you are not careful, kids can go through a lot of pricey trikes and bikes. While it's inevitable that kids will need a couple of bikes as they grow, you can cut down on bike-related expenses with some careful planning. 

The Doona Liki Trike takes your child through four phases of childhood. Start with a parent mode that functions similar to a stroller for kids 10 months and up. Then, the Liki converts to a push bike, then a tricycle that your toddler can ride independently, until eventually turning into a bike when your little one is ready at about 30 months.

Bonus: The Liki folds compactly for storage or travel. 

Another great bike that grows with your child is the Strider Balance Bike with Pedal Conversion Kit. Balance bikes can help toddlers learn how to ride more quickly. Once this happens, many balance bikes are tossed aside. Strider balance bikes offer an optional pedal kit that converts balance bikes into regular two-wheelers. This greatly extends your balance bike's useful life!

Grow With Me Activity Center

Oribel

First your bundle of joy needs a place to bounce and play with simple toys. Next, they become curious and need more stimulation. Then, they need an activity table where they can sit and draw. It happens fast! Be prepared with the Oribel Grow With Me Activity Center. This complete set comes with a bouncer, two sets of attachable toys, a table insert and stools. The Oribel Activity Center takes your child from baby to toddler seamlessly, so you will always be prepared for what comes next.

Bonus: Chose from fun themes like Monsterland Adventures and Forest Friends!

High Chair to Toddler Chair

Boon

One day they are trying their first foods. The next they are ready to eat big-kid meals at the table. Boon's Grub 2-in-1 Convertible High Chair takes your baby from purees to chicken nuggets with ease. This baby-to-toddler chair makes it possible for your little one to sit at the table from the time they can sit up until about age three. The secret to making this chair last is in the easy-to-adjust legs and sturdy engineering. Boon also knows how hectic life can be for parents so they made the tray and base dishwasher-safe!  

Bonus: Inserts in different colors are available as an add-on to make sure your child's chair matches any decor! 

Sleep for All Ages

Nestig

There is one thing a child needs from the time they are a newborn until the time they grow old: a comfy place to sleep. Nestig has the first years covered. This clever crib converts from a mini crib to a full-size crib to a toddler bed. Bed transitions are easier since your child is already used to their sleep spot. The bed comes in a few sleek styles and the company also sells mattresses for a perfect fit.

—Jamie Davis Smith

featured image: Doona

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The Joys of Motherhood?

By BA Eubank

Motherhood comes with many joys, headaches, frustration, and most of all, love. Love, the one thing that makes us put up with all the not so joyous parts of motherhood, stopping us from putting our child on the curb with a large piece of cardboard reading “FREE”. But there are times when a root canal is less painful than raising kids.

Sleep. Beautiful, wonderful sleep, how I have missed you. If you’re a parent of a good sleeper, and you get six to eight hours of well-rested, uninterrupted sleep, please know how lucky you are. The rest of us, go through the day in a zombie-like state, functioning on autopilot. First, there’s the infant stage, where they wake up at least every two hours. If the sleep gods smile down on you, the baby will fall back asleep in their crib. If not, and your beautiful, sleeping angel cries the second you lay them down, you beg, plead, cry out to the gods you’ll sell your soul just to get a few hours of much-needed sleep. Then the time comes to transition to a toddler bed. I advise all moms that if your child is not a great sleeper, skip the toddler bed and go straight to a twin. It is so much easier to cuddle next to them than try to cram your adult size body into a toddler bed with the rail digging into your back. (Trust me on this one.)

Children are a hotbed for germs and us moms always end up being the landing point of whatever bile comes projecting out of their sick mouths. We all have been there, you know your child is about to be sick, but there’s no bowl or bucket nearby. You have just a split second before your carpet is ruined and you’ll have to rent a carpet cleaner to try to get the smell out. So you cup your hands or lift up the bottom of your shirt to form a makeshift bowl trying to catch as much as you can. And of course, what kid wants to sleep alone when they’re sick? You either cram into their little bed or let them sleep with you in your bed (with a waterproof pad on of course). And the inevitable always happens in the middle of the night, they puke all over the bed. You change their jammies quickly, throw a couple of thick towels on the bed because you know it’s going to happen again and you only have one more set of sheets. (Don’t judge me, I know I’m not the only one who has done this.)

How many times a day does our patience get tested to the very last thread? Moments where we feel like bashing our head into a wall multiple times. Trying to explain tomorrow to a three-year-old is alone enough. 

    “This day?” They ask.

    “No, tomorrow,”  you answer.

    “When tomorrow?”

    “After night-night.”

    “This day?” And so on and so on.

I usually follow the train of thought of explaining the whys to my children. Why they must help around the house, why they must pick up their toys, whey they aren’t allowed to do this or that. 

 But, of course, this almost always turns into a debate where I end up saying what I always hated hearing as a child myself- Because I said so! Maybe my mom was smart when she just said this off the bat and avoided the headache before it.  

If you have more than one child, the fights are never-ending. Why is it so hard for siblings to get along? Some days, I can’t even go to the bathroom without World War III breaking out. I have joked that I needed a referee’s whistle since it seems that ninety-five percent of my day is spent breaking up fights. Which by the way did nothing except getting the dog more hyper. There could be a toy no one has touched in months, but as soon as one child grabs it, you can be sure another one is going to want it suddenly. The screaming, the hitting. Every. Single. Day. It makes you wonder why the hell you ever wanted kids in the first place.

But at the end of the day, as you look at them finally peacefully sleeping, you’re overwhelmed with love, wondering how it’s possible to love another human with every fiber of your being. And when you get an unexpected hug or an “I love you” it makes every one of these not so joyous moments worth it. 

 

BA Eubank is a wife and mom of five kids. She's been through all the stages from colicky baby to one leaving the nest. She squeezes writing in between playing referee and asking the dog what's in his mouth. 

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Our Favorite Deals for Families for Amazon Prime Day 2020

by Karly Wood

The long-awaited Amazon Prime Day is here! The two-day event is back from hiatus and is bursting with deals on all things electronics, home, baby, kids and fashion. We’ve rounded up the scoop on lightning deals and everyday essentials to stock up on as we head into winter. Keep scrolling to see our faves.

Electronics, Digital Media & Personal Care

Echo Dot with Smart Plug ($24, 68% off)

Apple Airpods ($115, 28% off)

Bose QuietComfort 35 Noise Canceling Headphones ($199, 43% off)

23andMe Health & Ancestry Service ($99, 50% off)

All-new Fire HD Kids Edition Tablet ($79.99, 43% off)

Kindle with front light ($59.99, 33% off)

Insigna 24" Smart TV, Fire Edition ($79.99, 47% off)

Fitbit Versa 2, Versa Lite and Aria Air (Up to 30% off)

Home & Kitchen

iRobot Roomba Vacuum ($199 38% off)

Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker ($42, 47% off)

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker, 3qt ($49.99, 58% off)

Echo Wall Clock, Mickey Mouse Edition, ($34.99, $30% off)

Stasher Reusable Bags (select sizes  30% off)

Hurom ($100 off select juicers, blenders and accessories)

Amazon Basics Kitchen Essentials (up to 40% off items that include coffee pots, dinnerware and baking essentials)

Tineco Cordless Vacuums: A10 Hero ( $149.99, 25% off), A11 Hero ($181.00, 30% off) *Starting on 10/14, Smart Vacuum: Pure One S12 ($399.99, 30% off), Wet/Dry Vacuum: iFloor3 ($209.99, 30% off) *Starting on 10/14

Toys & Games

Step 2 Classic Chic Kitchen ($50 off), Side-By-Side Push Around SUV ($50 off), Waterpark Arcade (30% off), Springtime Wheelbarrow (30% off)

Sphero Specdrums App-Enabled Music Rings ($24.79, 64% off)

Marvel, Star Wars, Fortnite and more action figures (up to 30% off)

Playskool, Sesame Street & Littlest Petshop (up to 30% off)

Magnatiles 48-piece set and Magnatiles 100-piece set (both 30% off)

Makeblock mBot Robot Kit ($55.99, 44% off)

LEGO Avengers Quinjet ($59.97, 25% off)

Playz Kids Playhouse Jungle Gym ($59.95, 33% off)

V-Tech, Melissa & Doug, Battat & Hape (Up to 30% off)

Car Seats, Strollers & Baby Gear

Check out our fave baby items here! Some other amazing deals include:

Buckle Me Baby Coats ($5 dollar off coupon on the Toastier coats and $10 off on the Toastiest coats)

Britax Convertible Car Seats (30% off)

Evenflo select products (20% off)

Elvie Breast Pumps (15% off)

Maxi-Cosi (30% off select car seats)

Tomme Tippee (20% off select products)

LÍLLÉbaby Complete Airflow Six-Position Baby Carrier ($75, 40% off)

Ergobaby 360 All-Position Baby Carrier ($97.91, 25% off)

Top diapers & wipes brands (30% off)

Regalo Baby (30% off select products)

The Baby's Brew Single warmer ($60), Set ($68), Baby shower set ($92)

The bökee ($16.99, 25% off)

Graco products (save up to 20%)

Amazon Essentials for baby (save 20%)

Summer 3D Lite Convenience Stroller ($79.99, 11% off)

Pampers Bundles (20% off)

Kids Gear

Cubcoats (up to 33% off)

Vaschy Kids Backpacks ($19.99, $5 off)

Contigo Autospout 3-Pack of water bottles ($17.99, 31% off)

Bentgo Lunchbox ($21.99, 43% off)

Dream On Me Brookside Toddler Bed ($80, 20% off at checkout)

Beauty

Foreo, BaByliss Pro and T3 (up to 40% off)

Dipping Powder Nail Starer Kit ($20, 47% off)

Kenra Dry Volume Burst ($12, 30% off)

Rose Quartz Face Roller ($9, 37% off)

Clothing & Accessories

Levi's Apparel (up to 40% off)

Fossil Smartwatches (up to 50% off)

Amazon Activewear Brands (up to 30% off)

Wolverine, KEEN and Bates shoes (up to 20% off)

Face masks (up to 30% off)

Travel

AmazonBasics 4 Piece Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set ($13, 50% off)

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Amazon/Feature photo: Christian Wiedeger via Unsplash

 

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10 of Our Favorite Products at Walmart for Baby Safety Month

by Jamie Aderski
Partner Content

September marks the start of a new school year, leaves changing, pumpkin spice everything (whether you like it or not), and Baby Safety Month! The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), a.k.a., the people who make sure your kid’s products are safe, sponsor this event every September. Baby Safety Month helps raise visibility around common safety concerns for babies and toddlers and provides safety tips and resources for parents. 

Walmart is a Baby Safety Month Ambassador and is offering some incredible savings in stores and online-only savings on safe baby products for travel, sleep, baby proofing and more, for a limited time. Read on for 10 of our favorite products with big savings for the month of September at Walmart!

Sleep

Owlet Smart Sock Baby Monitor

Let's face it: new parents worry about everything. We get it! The Owlet Smart Sock monitor takes a load off, tracking your baby's heart rate and oxygen level while they sleep. You'll all rest better, knowing Owlet will notify you with lights and sounds if anything is out of the ordinary—it even tracks baby's sleep and uses the data to help create a bedtime routine as they grow. Way more than just a soft little sock, Owlet is the ally you need, moms and dads!

Was: $299

Now: $229.99

 

Kali 4-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer

This crib is a multi-functional, transforming game changer! Kali will grow with your child, from infant to toddler, into a full-size bed. Its compact design is great for smaller spaces, and the baby station is attached, making those late-night changes so much easier. They didn't stop there—the changing station converts to a nightstand or dresser once your toddler is ready for their big kid bed!

Was: $289.99

Now: $239.99

Nick Jr. PAW Patrol 5-Piece Toddler Bedroom Set 

If you have a kid, you've heard of PAW Patrol! We can't leave the toddlers out of Baby Safety Month, so here is something exciting just for them. Transitioning from a crib to a bed is just so much more fun when they know the pups have their back! This set includes the sleep and play toddler bed, table and two storage ottoman seats and multi-bin toy organizer. Recommended for ages 15 months and up, the bed is designed to sit low for safety and is JPMA certified.

Was: $134.99

Now: $99.00

Play

Graco Pack 'n Play On the Go Playard with Bassinet

Play yards have been a baby staple for years. This one goes above and beyond, with a reach-through bassinet that folds for easy travel. It's also 20% more compact than average play yards, features a toy bar and Signature Graco push-button fold, making closing it up after sleep or play a snap!

Was: $99.99

Now: $69.99

Graco DuetSoothe Baby Swing and Rocker

We love a good twofer: the removable baby swing seat doubles as a rocker! Your baby is sure to be soothed with three different seating positions, allowing them to sway side to side or swing front to back. There's even a vibration feature, six different speeds, 10 songs and 5 nature sounds—you can't go wrong with this one!

Was: $169.99

Now: $135.99

Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard

One day you wake up and suddenly you've got a walker on your hands! Kick your child-proofing game in to high gear with this super gate that can be shaped into any number of configurations—you can even use it as a play yard! It has a one-touch safety lock release that you'll be able to easily use (but your kid won't!) and a convenient walk-through design. Use it as a fireplace barrier, stair blocker or general kid-wrangler. The possibilities are endless for this must-have!

Was: $99.99

Now: $86.99

Graco TableFit High Chair

This well-designed high chair is at the perfect level, so you can actually share a meal with your baby at your table! It's fully wipeable and washable, which is great because things tend to get messy at mealtime. The TableFit chair folds easily for storage and is adjustable to grow with them from infant on up—it's the only one you'll need!

Was: $99.99

Now: $79.99

Travel

Infantino Carry On Multi-pocket Carrier

Baby-carrying comfort and safety for parent and baby are so important. Infantino thought of everything, from a supportive waist belt to breathable fabric! This carrier makes travel a no-brainer, with six organizer pockets that can expand to fit diapers, wipes and outfits. The design allows you to carry four ways: facing-in (reduced width seat for infants), facing-in (expanded seat), facing out and backpack.

Was: $52.99

Now: $44.98

Baby Trend Sit N Stand Double Stroller

Got two? Now what do you do! We love this stroller for toting two kiddos. There are two seats and one converts to a stand platform for wiggly toddlers—brilliant! One-hand folding makes it easy on the go and organization a breeze with cup holders, parent tray and covered storage. This stroller also features 5-point harnesses and foot-activated rear locks so you're all safe and sound.

Was: $169.99

Now: $149.00

Safety 1st Grow and Go Sprint 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

You could call it the "piece de resistance" of childhood safety: the car seat. Safety 1st has it covered as the first leader in child safety. This seat is built to grow, as a 3-in-1 for use through three stages, from rear-facing newborn up to 40 pounds, to forward-facing and booster. Their Quickfit harness, easy in and out, fuss-free cleaning and top-notch safety make this car seat the total package.

Was: $159.99

Now: $139.00

 

 

—Jamie Aderski

 

All photos courtesy of Walmart.

 

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How We Helped Our Toddler Gently Bond With Baby

By Hindi Zeidman

If your family is growing, you’re probably wondering how your family dynamic will change with the addition of a little one. As a mother, you already have a pretty good idea of what to expect . . . but your toddler or older child may not. Depending on their age, your older child will have a different comprehension of what it means to welcome a new baby into the family. While each family is different, we have some tips for how to help your toddler bond with your new baby.  

1.     Talk about the baby. Your toddler probably understands more than you would believe. By talking about the baby during your pregnancy, your toddler can become accustomed to the idea of having a younger sibling. Talk about things that will change with your new arrival and what you’ll do with the baby. 

2.     Plan big changes. If your toddler is young enough that she’s still in diapers or in the crib, make the transition to potty training or a toddler bed ASAP. You want to give her at least 2-3 full months to adjust to one change before introducing another one—like a new baby. If you can’t do that, try postponing one of those transitions until well after the baby arrives, otherwise all of your hard work may be for naught if she reverts back.  

3.     Maintain your routine. With a new baby, it can be easy for any semblance of a routine to be lost. You and your partner will have to be a team and take turns with morning and evening routines to help your little one feel as “normal” as possible. Doing things like you usually would as much as possible will help your toddler with adjusting to the baby.  

4.     Give some wiggle room. Surprise your toddler with an extra special treat that she might not otherwise get—like a yummy treat, a new toy or doing something else they wouldn’t usually get to have or do. A little bit of rule breaking is OK, especially if it helps your toddler feel like she is still special to you and definitely not being replaced!  

5.     Plan one-on-one time. Remember, your toddler is used to having your undivided attention most of the time. With a new baby, that time will dramatically be reduced. Make a conscious effort to spend daily alone time with your toddler. Whether it’s during naptime or dropping baby off at a grandparent’s house for an hour, it will mean a lot to your toddler to have you to herself.  

6.     Let her help. Don’t push her if she doesn’t want to do something, but allowing your toddler to help can make her feel important. Children love to feel like they are contributing and making a difference, even if it’s tiny. Ask for her help and give her small tasks to do. Then praise her frequently so she recognizes that good behaviors get “rewarded” by you. This will also help to cut down on acting out and other negative behavior. By acknowledging that your new baby is a huge adjustment for your toddler, too, you can take the steps to make the transition easier on the whole family.

Hindi Zeidman is a former infant mental health clinician and the founder of Ollie Swaddle—The Smarter Swaddle that’s made better, feels better, and helps your baby sleep longer and better. The award-winning Ollie also help baby self-calm, reduces colic/fussiness, and prevents overheating through its special patented moisture wicking fabric.

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5 Ways to Instantly Update Your Toddler’s Room

By Jennifer Landis

After bringing home your bundle of joy, time only seems to speed up. Before you know it, your baby grows into a rambunctious, playful toddler. And the nursery may need a few updates to accomodate your child’s growth, energy and curiosity. 

When designing a toddler room, it’s important to create space that will inspire their imagination and spur creativity. You’ll also want to design for functionality, safety and interchangeability. Your child might not be a baby anymore, but they are still a child. They have a lot of growing left to do, so creating a room that can grow with them is important as well.

1. Buy a Toddler Bed. Make the transition to a big-kid bed easier by first replacing the crib with a toddler bed, which is lower to the ground and smaller than a twin bed. If your child tends to roll out of bed without the rails,  you can make your own wooden ones to keep them safe. You could also convert your crib into a bed by removing the rails from one side, allowing your little one to safely crawl in and out of bed on his own. 

If you opt for a toddler bed, you’ll need some new bedding to go along with it. Purchase toddler sheet sets and new pillows as well as a new comforter with a fun print. And don’t be afraid to choose bright colors or prints. Dinosaurs, rainbows, giraffes, and butterflies are fall fair game.

2. Repurpose the Changing Table. By the time your child reaches the toddler stage, diapers should hopefully be on their way out. Which means you can use that changing table for other things now. If it is a free-standing table, use it for toy or clothing storage and place some fun decorations on top to jazz it up. 

Make the room safe for your little one by securing the furniture to the wall with anchors. This will prevent any toppled furniture and injuries due to climbing or playing. You might also replace the knobs or drawer handles if they have sharp edges or stick out too far. So, if your child falls or bumps into the table, they won’t hurt themselves on sharp drawer pulls. 

3. Create More Space. Your child is likely crawling and walking by now, which means they need more room to play and explore. Replace the diaper pail with toy storage compartments and the exer-saucer with a cushy toddler-sized chair. You could also remove any other furniture you and your child have outgrown like rocking chairs and ottomans to create more floor space.

Additionally, you’ll want to organize the toys and allocate a place for each item. And, since your toddler will be learning how to do things on her own now, try to keep most toys and books within her reach. Place books on low-hanging shelves and coats or jackets on low hooks and hang artwork at eye-level so your toddler can appreciate and enjoy it. Keeping everything accessible for your child will give them the independence they desire and create space for them to learn and play. 

4. Add Subtle Decorations. Is your little boy totally into dinosaurs? Get artsy and paint a tyrannosaurus rex on the accent wall or add a few stuffed velociraptors to the room as decoration. Likewise, if your daughter loves mermaids, add some sparkly fish or paint some waves on the wall. 

Adding subtle decorations will help personalize the room to match your child’s interests. And you can easily cover any murals with a fresh layer of paint as your child’s fascinations change. Eventually, you may want to transition to more pastel colors or a more grown-up design. But, for now, lime green walls and glittery decorations are completely acceptable.  

5. Hang a Magnet Wall. Turn a blank, boring wall into a creative outlet for your child with a do-it-yourself magnet board. All you need is some sheet metal, a hammer and nails and some cardboard. When you’ve finished hanging the metal, throw some colorful letter magnets on there and let your child play. This helps grow both their cognitive and non-cognitive skills. 

You may also hang artwork on the board or photos of your family and baby. Or, to match the dinosaur theme, add some stegosaurus magnets. Feel free to incorporate new magnets and art as your child grows to keep the wall engaging.

Designing for Saftey and Independence

A successful transition from nursery to toddler room is generally one that promotes your child’s safety and overall independence. You want to make space for your little one to create, learn and explore without them having to ask for help at every turn. And, as they test their independence, you want to ensure their safety by anchoring heavy furniture, incorporating bed railings and removing and dangerous objects or materials. This way, no matter where their imagination takes them, they’ll be safe. 

Once you’ve designed and created this new space, sit back and watch your child’s pride, knowledge and independence grow as they accomplish new things on their own. This stage won’t last forever, so relish every moment and enjoy the time you have with your toddler. 

Jennifer Landis is a mom, wife, freelance writer, and blogger. She enjoys long naps on the couch, sneaking spoonfuls of peanut butter when her kid's not looking, and binge watching Doctor Who while her kid's asleep.  She really does like her kid, though, she promises. Find her on Twitter @JenniferELandis.

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