Interactive Play with Rhymes and Songs

For a tiny baby, the beat of a rhyme or song and its associated actions, naturally and comfortingly take the place of the heartbeat of the mother’s womb and the movements of the mother’s body.

Singing along while stroking a crying baby’s back, peekaboo smiles with a tiny baby, little toe-tickling games, knee-bouncing a toddler faster and faster, swooping them high up in the air, touching fingers and toes one by one, soothing a little one to sleep ~ these are the kinds of interaction that can make babyhood and early childhood so precious ~ and for all of these interactions, there are little playsongs and rhymes to accompany them.

But I Can’t Sing…

Your voice is the most important sound in your child’s world. They’ll love however your singing voice sounds. It’s the engagement that matters.

With our voice and our cradling arms we can croon a little one to sleep, or jog a toddler on our knee. But a song or a rhyme adds something ~ it engages us in the interaction for that little bit longer, which is so beneficial to us both.

Here are some favourites from the Playsongs resources. All of them work for any age or stage of early childhood.

Songs For Eye-Contact and Face to Face Games

From the very earliest days, when a baby’s focus is very limited still, they are learning your face and voice and those are the whole world to them.

Cradle baby close, and touch each part of baby’s face as you say this traditional play rhyme, while looking into baby’s eyes. A bigger baby or toddler will start to touch your face in turn as you say the rhyme.

Eye winker (touch cheek below one eye)
Tom tinker (touch cheek below the other eye)
Nose smeller (touch nose)
Mouth eater (touch mouth)
Chin chopper chin chopper chin (chuck baby’s chin)

Fundamental to communication, your voice, movements and expressions are all being absorbed by your little one. Songs and rhymes provide more of those long moments that bring you face to face and increase bonding time together.

Peekaboo Songs

Hide your face behind your hands and peek out to either side, opening your hands wide on BOO in this little peekaboo song.

Can you play at peekaboo? I can play at peekaboo,
Are you there? Yes I am!
Are you there? Yes I am!
Peeka-peek-peeka-peeka-BOO!

Peekaboo is one of the most universal games we play with babies. It helps them develop the reassurance that even if we are hidden, we are still here. As a baby grows they’ll start to mimic us with their own peekaboo hands playing the game.

Teaser Tunes

Pat your baby’s front lightly as they lie on a soft surface; smooth your open hand around their chest; walk your fingers down to baby’s feet and tickle baby’s toes. That’s how this little traditional song works.

It has the same tune as Two Little Dicky Birds, which you may know, but you can always freestyle it and make up your own.

Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, walk down the street,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, tickle your feet.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, walk up the stair,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, tickle you under there.

You can see that the song has a very simple pattern of words, melody and actions, and the joy is in the anticipation which those build towards the little tickle at the end. Songs and rhymes for this age are full of pattern and repetition, which are such an important part of developmental learning.

They also help baby to find the parts of their own body and start to recognise the names for them as you name and touch each part during a song or rhyme.

Tickling Rhymes

Tickle alert for this next one. My little grand baby loved this play rhyme so much, that she’d wordlessly hold out her hand for more, over and over again. That said, tickling should always be done with your baby’s consent.

A song or rhyme can be brilliant for distracting them out of a grump or a grizzle. Try it. It has restored good humour for me so many times!

Let’s eat an apple (take one of baby’s hands and pretend to gobble it up)
Let’s eat a plum (take the other hand and pretend to gobble it up)
Let’s blow a raspberry on your tum! (blow a raspberry on baby’s clothed tummy)

• YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Why It’s Never too Early to Start Reading to your Baby

Leg Walkers and Foot Patters

Do you know the tune to Hot cross buns? (Hot cross buns, hot cross buns, one a penny two a penny, hot cross buns.) Well it’s the same as the tune to this traditional foot patter – but it works just as well as a rhyme.

An ideal time to play it – or use it as a distraction – is when baby is lying on a changing mat with the soles of their feet handily in your reach.

Pat the soles of baby’s feet in turn to the beat of the song.

Hob shoe hob,
Hob shoe hob,
Here a nail and there a nail,
And that’s well shod.

Leg walkers are a lovely way to play, while baby is sitting on your knee. This time, instead of facing baby inwards face to face with you, turn baby to face outwards.

Take an ankle in each hand, and cross one over the other in turn to the beat of the rhyme. On JUMP, raise baby’s feet high in the air, supporting their body on your chest, between your arms.

Leg over leg As the dog went to Dover,
When he came to a style ~JUMP he went over.

With a bigger baby you can jump them into the air in a high lift. Step along instead of crossing ankles ~ it’s a good one for encouraging a toddler to make progress on a walk.

Knee Bouncing Songs

Knee-bouncing is such a favourite – particularly when you throw in a bump down between your legs onto the floor on ‘One fell off’.

The tune is Two Little Dicky Birds again! But this time there are three little monkeys bouncing on your knee.

Play-acting and exploring expression in voice and action is an important part of socialising as we learn to become communicators and to express our individuality.

Three little monkeys bouncing on the bed,
One fell off and bumped his head.
Mummy called the doctor and the doctor said,
‘No more monkey business bouncing on the bed!’

Here’s a traditional Irish knee bouncer ~ Achinaee. Bounce a little baby or toddler on your knee. On ‘floor’, quickly slide baby/toddler between your knees to the ground, lifting them back into your lap for more bouncing. And more and more and more…..

Achinaee, when I was wee,
I used to sit on my granny’s knee,
Her apron tore, and I fell on the floor,
Achinaee-a-ee.

Croons

A teeny tiny baby can’t tell us what’s wrong. Maybe it’s painful wind, or a fractious need for a nap. We’re probably all familiar with soothing a nearly new baby on our shoulder, gently patting or stroking their back, while swaying from one foot to the other. Not surprisingly there’s an age old type of song for that familiar stage – a croon.

A croon is a very simple, repetitive melody with very few words and with a slowly swaying rhythm, perfect for soothing and comforting a baby.

What may not be quite so well-recognised is the calming effect these songs have on ourselves and on our own distress. We’re tired out, we can’t remember the last full night’s sleep we had, we’re at our wits end, and the baby’s crying.

This one-word song can bring down the tension and soothe the distress of both adult and child. As you keep repeating it, it becomes restfully hypnotic, sung on, and on, and on.

Souallé souallé,
Souallé souallé,
Souallé souallé,
Souallé souallé,
Souallé souallé…

• YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 7 Best Ways to Create a Good Bedtime Routine (and Avoid Meltdown)

Download

What do you need for a new baby, and what can you live without? Download our Ultimate Baby Checklist to find out!

Download!

On and On!

Well we could go on and on ~ I’ve only touched on that wealth of playsongs and rhymes, traditional and new, which make so many tricky moments of the day go more smoothly – nappy changes, washing and dressing, getting to places (specially with a toddler determined to walk – or not), teatimes, bath times, and bedtimes.

And that’s not to mention all their other many benefits ~ all the new language, imagination, co-ordination of both fine motor skills and whole body motor skills, emotions and empathy, and that most precious benefit of all ~ time spent together with undivided attention.

Sometimes I wonder if I ever grew up. I love the songs of early childhood so much. I’ve shared them with my own children, and with my grandchildren.

Through Playsongs Publications, I share them with everyone, and I hope you will have caught some of that pleasure and its benefits in the tasters I’ve given you here.

To access all the resources ~ books, audio, movies, blog ~ visit playsongs.co.uk

• YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Everything you Need to Know about Baby Weaning

The post Songs and Interactive Rhymes to Soothe or Stimulate Tots and Toddlers appeared first on MyKidsTime.

We Love These New Baby Essentials on Amazon

Little Seeds Newborn Swaddle Blankets, Set of 3

Easily adjusted and simple to use, the 100% organic cotton Little Seeds swaddling blankets create a familiar womb-like feeling for your newborn.

These self-fastening swaddles are easier to use than traditional swaddles and will create a safe and comforting feel for your baby, sending them into a snuggly and secure sleep.

Baby Bottle Dryer Rack

Keep all shapes and sizes of bottle- and breast-feeding gear, sippy cups, nipples, soothers, pump parts and more together with this clever baby bottle dryer rack. The space-saving drying rack has a removable, reversible drip tray can be set to either catch water or drain into sink.

Nuby Tummy Time Pillow

Tummy time is an important daily activity that helps your little one develop strong neck, arm, core and leg muscles and develops co-ordination so they’ll be prepped, ready for crawling and walking in no time.

This soft and cuddly Nuby Activity Pillow designed for tummy time practicing is so much fun. Pop your baby on their tummy and let them use it as a soft support to roll about on or as a play station to stimulate their senses. The little penguin with mirror and polar bear teddies will no doubt become your baby’s favourite pals too.

Tommee Tippee Healthcare and Grooming Set

Enjoy peace of mind with nine baby care items to ensure you have the essentials in the early weeks and months. This Tommee Tippee healthcare set includes a digital thermometer, a nasal aspirator, baby nail scissors, baby nail clippers, emery boards, a baby toothbrush, and a baby hairbrush and comb set.

Child’s Farm Baby Skincare Bundle

Child’s Farm is created for the most delicate skin, and this baby bundle set is the perfect 3-step baby bedtime routine. Start with baby bedtime bubbles at bath time, then a fragrance-free baby wash, and finish with the super soft baby moisturiser.

Suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin, from newborn onwards.

Original Baby Keepsake Cards from Milestone: Baby’s First Year

Capture your baby’s first year in weeks, months and memorable moments with Milestone Original Baby Cards. Add a card and the date to your baby’s pictures to never forget your little one’s memorable moments.

Thirty different cards are provided in the lovely gift box to ensure as many moments as possible are covered so you can record all special moments such as, a first smile, rolling over, sitting up, and more.

Munchkin Stay-Put Bowls, Set of 3

When it comes time to start weaning your baby, preparing for the inevitable mess is important! These Munchkin Stay-Put Bowls feature a strong suction base, which really helps when your little one decides to start launching everything into the air…

Each non-slip Munchkin bowl features deep sides for easy scooping, encouraging independent feeding.

KiddyCare Hats, Set of 3

Delightfully soft and comfortable, these timeless KiddyCare hats are ideal for your new baby and, reassuringly, are made from certified organic cotton. Available in several neutral colour sets.

• YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 12 Low Cost or Free Gift Ideas for New Mothers

Download

What do you need for a new baby, and what can you live without? Download our Ultimate Baby Checklist to find out!

Download!

TensCare Digi Duckling Digital Water Thermometer and Baby Bath Time Toy

The Digi Duckling floats on the surface of the water, giving you with an accurate digital water temperature reading to keep baby safe, whilst blending in with your child’s other bath-time toys.

Baby Wardrobe Dividers, Set of 18

When your little one arrives, you may be inundated with kind gifts of clothing or hand-me-downs in a range of sizes. These clever Cozy Hedgehog wardrobe dividers can help you to organise your child’s clothing by age/size and by clothing type so you can see what you have at a glance.

Elli and Raff Hooded Bathtime Towels, Set of 2

These Elli & Raff Hooded Towels are perfect for snuggling up after baby’s bath time. The soft and durable 100% cotton fabric is embroidered with a star pattern and is ideal for keeping little ones warm and dry.

Skip Hop Moby Waterfall Rinser

Make bath time fun with the help of the Moby Waterfall Bath Rinser from Skip Hop. The new Rinser features interior fins that channel a wide steady flow of water to ensure quick, cry-free rinses during bathtime. A soft rubber lip fits snuggly against babies forehead, which prevents water from getting into sensitive eyes.

• YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: How to Survive the First 6 Weeks with a New Baby

The post 12 New Baby Essentials on Amazon for Less Than €25 appeared first on MyKidsTime.

Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now and get our FREE newsletters packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions.

It’s something that happens so easily, often without any warning and can leave everyone shaken up.

As your little one splutters and coughs, it can cause them (and you) to panic and really escalate the situation in seconds. But knowing which foods are more likely choking hazards for kids is a really important first step – as is knowing how to mitigate the risks and make snacks and mealtimes safer.

You May Also Enjoy The Basic Essentials You Should Know About Baby First Aid

What Are the Top Food Hazards?

Choking hazards for kids are mainly food items, particularly the top 10 foods identified by the HSE:

• Hot dogs/sausages
• Raw carrot
• Apples
• Grapes (and similar shaped fruit and vegetables, e.g., cherry tomatoes, soft fruits)
• Nuts
• Peanut butter
• Marshmallows
• Chewing gum
• Boiled sweets
• Popcorn

What Other Choking Hazards Are There?

Young children and babies regularly put items in their mouths that aren’t meant to be there. Small items they find around the house can then become a choking hazard that parents need to watch out for.

These items can include flat ‘button’ batteries, coins, small jewellery items, magnets, small toys or toy parts, marbles, beads, balloons, and elastic bands (especially loom bands).

You May Also Enjoy WATCH: How to Save a Choking Baby

How Can You Reduce the Chances of Choking?

#1. Supervision

Supervision is the first, and most crucial, way that you can reduce choking incidents. Keep any of the items listed above out of reach of small children, and take great care with the food hazards.

#2. Think About Size

When preparing food, follow the safety advice for young children – for example, make sure food is cut into small bite-size pieces. Grapes, in particular, are a real choking hazard due to their shape, which is the perfect size for getting stuck in a child’s airway. The recommendation is that you slice grapes in half or quarters lengthways (not widthways) to reduce the danger of choking.

#3. Eat Together

Don’t leave your child alone at meal or snack times. Take the time sitting at the table to chat to your child, and ensure your child sits still at the table. Jumping around, running, and getting distracted can increase the risk of choking.

For more advice on choking hazards for kids, safety tips and reducing the risks, visit the HSE website where you can also discover what to do in the event of a choking incident.

You May Also Enjoy Paediatric First Aid: Dealing with Childhood Accidents & Illnesses

Were you aware of these choking hazards for kids? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!

The post Do You Know the Top 10 Choking Hazards for Kids? appeared first on MyKidsTime.

Sign up for our free newsletter packed with information and great offers. Or join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.

#1. Get a Sleep Routine Going from Day 1

Truth: You will be doing well to get your baby into a sleep routine by end of year 1 if they are anything like mine!

No really, it is very difficult to influence when your baby sleeps during the first month. So sleep when they sleep and try to introduce a day and night routine after 4 weeks. It will take time and most babies won’t ‘sleep through the night’ ie. 6 to 7 hour stretch, until they are between 3 and 6 months.

#2. Newborns Can’t See

Truth: While they won’t have 20:20 vision, babies can see fuzzy shapes from the moment they are born.

Babies do see in black and white for the first couple of weeks, but researchers say that they can see in colour from about 14 days old.

#3. My Baby Can’t Communicate With Me

Truth: Babies are trying to communicate with us all the time. Just because they can’t talk or don’t have the words we understand yet, does not mean that they can’t let us know what they want.

Babies can get frustrated so it is great to try new methods like those used by Superhands to teach your baby to sign what they want.

#4. Twins Skip a Generation

Truth: Medical evidence shows that the occurance of identical twins is random.

However, the hyper-ovulation gene which causes fraternal twins is passed on from parent to child and can cause fraternal twins to appear in any generation.

#5. Your Body Shape will Never be the Same Again

Truth: If you were in good shape before you became pregnant and you have a healthy exercise and diet regime after giving birth, you should be able get your body shape back easily enough.

Remember your body changes with age too so you can’t blame it all on your pregnancy!

#6. Sharing Your Bed is Best for Baby

Truth: While some parents swear by the benefits, medical research suggests that having your young baby in bed with you could increase the risk of both suffocation and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

It is good to have your baby in a crib near you at night for the first 3 months or so. Parents who do keep their baby in bed with them will find it a hard habit to break. See how one parent ended up co-sleeping with her 5 year old!

#7. Morning Sickness only Occurs in the Morning

Truth: We wish!

Morning sickness can strike at any time. It can be triggered by low blood sugar. There is a myth that holds some truth, ginger can help with morning sickness, so have a couple of ginger nuts and see if that works.

I used to be sick when I was hit with certain smells.

#8. Vaccines Can Cause Autism

Truth: Every parent has their own take on this one, but the facts are that there is no single credible medical study to suggest that getting your child vaccinated can cause an increased risk of Autism.

This myth became popular in 1997 when an article by British surgeon,  Andrew Wakefield appeared in The Lancet Medical Journal. It has since been discredited and many other studies have been carried out on this subject with none showing a direct link between vaccination and autism.

In fact parents not getting children vaccinated has actually caused an increase in vaccine preventable diseases such as measles and whooping cough.

#9. Your Baby only Understands Baby Talk

Truth: You should really try and speak to your baby as you would to an older child. Use proper words and names for everything.

Your baby is learning all the time and their brain is like a sponge during the first 6 years of life.

#10. Weaning your Baby will Help them Sleep Longer

Truth: The advice of WHO (world health organisation) is to wait until 6 months to begin weaning your baby. All babies are different and will grow and develop at different rates.

But certainly ignore the myth about adding baby rice to a night time bottle before 4 months, as it may hinder rather than help your baby to sleep through the night. The kidneys and digestive system of babies younger than 4 months are not well enough developed to benefit or cope well with solid food.

#11. Teething Causes High Fever & Diarrhea

Truth: Teething is uncomfortable for your little one but in most children will cause only a slight rise in temperature. And medical research suggests that is does not cause diarrhea either.

During teething they do tend to chew everything and may pick up bacteria more easily. If your child has a high temperature or diarrhea for a prolonged period of time it is best to seek medical advice.

Teething will cause drooling and can cause upset in some children before the tooth appears. Teething usually begins around 4 to 7 months and continues until your child has 20 milk / primary teeth. Every child is different so don’t panic if your child is later or earlier than most getting their first tooth.

#12. Babies Choke on Finger Food

Truth: Babies are born with a sturdy gag reflex to help prevent choking and keep them safe. The gag reflex is totally normal and it helps your little one cough up food that they may otherwise choke on. You will be alarmed the first time it happens but it is totally natural.

However, it is important that every parent knows how to prevent their child from choking. New parents or parents to be should try attend a local paediatric first aid course to learn the basics.

#13. Babies Need Daily Baths

Truth: Frequent bathing, even with mild baby soap, can cause babies delicate skin to dry out.

So long as you cleanse your baby well after each nappy change, bathing can be done every 2 to 3 days. If you find it calms your baby before bedtime, you can pop them in warm water and just forgo the bubbles!

#14. Babies Poo Once a Day!

Truth: Parents can become obsessed with their child’s bowel movements. While newborns may have a bowel movement several times a day, It is perfectly normal for your child to only have one every 2 to 4 days, especially if they are exclusively breast fed.

However, if you are concerned by the infrequency, consistency, or if you think your child is experiencing pain when they have a bowel movement, do seek medical advice.

 #15. Your Child will be Spoilt if You Pick Them Up Every Time they Cry.

Truth: You can’t spoil a newborn baby. By picking them up when they cry, you are reassuring them that you will respond to their needs and in turn this gives them confidence and helps develops trust.

As children grow older around 6 months or so, it is not a problem to let them cry for a few minutes without rushing to soothe them, particularly at bedtime. By this stage you will have a good idea when your child is in real distress or when they are just looking for attention. Read this touching poem I Won’t Always Cry Mummy.

Finally remember, every child is different and they all develop and reach milestones at different times. Always seek medical advice if you are worried about your child. And most of all develop your own instincts, you know your child best.

Enjoy every moment of them, they grow up so quickly as so aptly expressed in The Last Time Poem.

Over to you! Have you anymore baby myths to add to this list?

The post 15 Popular Myths About Babies Every Parent Should Know appeared first on MyKidsTime.

Sign up for our free Newsletter stuffed full of ideas, competitions and offers. PS Did we mention it’s free?

When it comes to shopping for your new arrival, it is incredibly easy to get carried away with all the teeny tiny adorable clothes, the pretty nursery decor items and the latest gadgets and products. But a lot of these items have a short lifespan of usability, or have only one very specific use that you may not find particularly helpful over time. Stick to the real essentials for now, particularly at this stage when newborns outgrow things very quickly.

Read on for our Ultimate New Baby Checklist to help you get ready. You can also download your baby checklist here.

You May Also Enjoy How to Survive the First 6 Weeks With A New Baby

Ultimate New Baby Checklist

Baby Clothing

• Long sleeve bodysuits x 8
• Short sleeve vests x 8
• Cardigans x 2
• Light coat (summer baby)
• Fleece jacket or snow suit (winter baby)
• Scratch mittens
• Socks x 6
• Hat x 2

Feeding

If you are breastfeeding:

• Burp cloths or muslins
• Breast pump
• Nursing bras
• Milk storage bags/containers
• Nursing bras
• Breast pads (preferably washable)
• Nipple cream and/or compresses for sore nipples

If you are formula feeding:

• Plenty of bibs (approx. 20)
• Muslin cloths
• Bottles x 6 (BPA-free plastic)
• Bottle teats
• Sterilizer (preferably microwave)
• Bottlebrush
• Formula

You May Also Enjoy 15 Useful Breastfeeding Tips For Moms to Be

Baby Sleep

• A Moses basket, crib or cot
• A firm mattress
• Waterproof mattress cover x 2
• Fitted sheets x 2/3
• Swaddle blanket

TIP: If you purchase a cot, try to get a cot bed. It doubles up as a toddler bed and will save you a few pennies as baby gets older.

Baby Travel

• Approved rear-facing car seat (preferably with Isofix base)
• Pram/Buggy that reclines flat for newborns
• Baby carrier, sling or wrap (they allow mum or dad to be hands-free)
• Car window sun shade
• 2-3 blankets for out and about

TIP: See when Check It Fits is in your town next, they will install your infant’s car seat free of charge and ensure it’s fitted correctly.

Baby Changing

• Cotton wool and a small bowl of cooled boiled water (for babies under six weeks)
• Unscented baby wipes
• Nappy disposal bags
• Nappy rash cream/ointment
• Changing mat
• A changing bag with plenty of pockets to carry all your essentials whenever you leave the house

For disposable nappies:

• An unlimited supply of disposable nappies in the size best suited to your baby’s weight (plan for at least 10-12 per day)

For reusable nappies:

• At least 25 all-in-one cloth nappies
• Biodegradable nappy liners
• A bucket with a lid (for at home)
• A wet bag (for when you’re out and about)

Some kind of baby changing unit is handy, but you don’t necessarily have to buy a custom baby changing table. You can get a chest of drawers that facilitates a changing mat on the top, so it doubles up for storage as well. Alternatively if you want to avoid extra furniture or need to save space, a changing mat on the floor does a perfectly good job.

You May Also Enjoy The Two Great Myths About Baby Skin Care

Baby Bathing

• A large, soft towel
• Soft baby sponges or face cloths x2 (one for face, one for body)
• Baby soap (try to avoid products with ingredients including parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, phenoxyethanol and glycol)
• Baby shampoo

A baby bathtub can be useful but isn’t essential and takes up space – just use the bath, or even the sink during the first weeks.

Baby Care

• Digital thermometer
• Baby nail clippers or nail file
• Bulb nasal aspirator to clear any snuffles
• Soft brush and comb
• Play mat for tummy time

You May Also Enjoy This Advert from St John Ambulance Helps Parents Learn Baby CPR

The ‘Nice to Have’ List of Extras

• Baby monitor
• Nursing pillow
• Adjustable back seat car mirror
• A baby bathtub
• Changing station
• Baby bouncer seat, or somewhere for baby to chill during the day if he/she is not flaked across your chest
• Rocking chair
• Cot mobile

You May Also Enjoy 41 Reasons You Know You’re Mom to a New Baby

Save Your Money: The Non-Essentials

Sometimes it’s better not to jump on trends and splash the cash because it’s the ‘in’ thing. Here are a few items you just don’t need:

• Nappy disposal bin (just walk out to the bin!)
• Baby shoes (not until they can walk)
• Designer baby clothes (they’ll grow out of them so quickly, and particularly avoid if they are ‘handwash only’)
• Baby robes or dressing gowns
• Wipe warmers (who even thinks of these things?)
• Bath thermometer (be old school and use your elbow)
• A nappy stacker (it won’t stay stacked and they are a nuisance to fill)
• Clothes that go over a newborn’s head (you will understand in time)
• Fussy clothes with lots of buttons, zips, etc
• Cot bumper, cushions or cot toys (they may be pretty, but they are considered dangerous for young babies)
• Scented baby skincare products (newborn skin is very delicate, so stick to a few simple baby-friendly items)

Where to Buy

I asked around a few friends and some favourite baby retailers include:

• Mothercare both online shop as well as stores around the country (UK and Ireland)
• Bellababy has an online shop and stores in Cork, Maynooth, Galway and Dublin (Ireland)
• Babydirect.com.au online store (Australia)
• Buy Buy Baby online store (US)

You May Also Enjoy 30 Blooming Cute Flower Baby Names for Girls and 75 Unique Nature Baby Names You Are Sure to Love

Is there anything you would add to our baby checklist? Or anything you bought for your baby that you wish you hadn’t? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!

The post What Do You Need For a New Baby? The Ultimate Baby Checklist! appeared first on MyKidsTime.

Sign up for our free monthly newsletter stuffed full of ideas, competitions and offers. PS Did we mention it’s free?

How Children Grow

The teething process usually starts at 6 months but many babies show signs of discomfort at 3-4 months.  Most infants will have a full set of milk (or deciduous) teeth at 3 years.

The process of teething and the time of eruption is different in every child.  Some babies are born with a few teeth, or they can erupt as early as 3 months and some babies can reach their first birthday before a tooth is seen.

The general order is that the lower two central incisors appear first followed by the upper two central incisors. Now the baby has a beautiful smile and starts to look very different.

The four lateral incisors follow, again usually lower first followed by upper. Next come the four first molars (the flat grinding teeth) followed by the canines (the pointed eye teeth).

The second molars (further back) are the last set of four to appear.

Signs of teething

The most common signs of teething may include one, or all of the following:

• pain, obvious discomfort, irritability
• hard white patches visible under the gums
• swollen, reddened gums when tooth is closer to breaking through
• excessive drooling
• inflamed red cheek
• mild cough – caused by excessive drool
• nappy rash
• loss of appetite

When a baby begins to teethe, don’t be surprised if you notice a change in general behaviour that is difficult to account for. Some common behaviour changes are:

• biting down on anything, putting everything they can into the mouth
• general irritability and bad humour
• refusing food, changing what they prefer to eat or amounts
• crying more than usual, for no obvious reason
• trouble sleeping, waking suddenly, difficult to settle

Take care that there is not another reason for any symptom your baby has. Many complaints are sometimes blamed on teething, but make careful observation to establish what is going on. If in doubt, consult your health care provider.

Teething Remedies

What can you do to help your baby with teething?

• Comfort and hugs – obvious and necessary!
• Cooled or frozen fruit or vegetable sticks to chew (after weaning and always under supervision). Make them as large as possible.
• A cooled or frozen clean wet cloth
• Gum massage – pressing down on the site of the emerging tooth with a clean finger or an ice cube, if you can figure out where the trouble is.  This may be too sore for your infant but some relax and feel relief.
• Breast Feeding – breast milk contains a natural pain reliever for babies.
• Homeopathy- there are a number of different homeopathic remedies that can help with different symptoms.
• Teething Rings – there are a myriad of different kinds available. They often use anything at hand as a self designated teething aid!
• Teething brushes – first step tooth brushes with short firm rubber ‘bristles’ designed to both rub gums and clean teeth.
• Teething gels – to rub on the site of pain. The most well known brand is Bonjela. Most need to be rubbed in well to help as they contain a mild local anaesthetic to dull the pain.

The post Teething and What You Can Expect appeared first on MyKidsTime.

Top Picks from the Lidl Baby Event

Sit Up Stair Highchair

Feed baby a delicious feast in one of these practical and stylish highchairs!

The middle aisle will have a selection of highchairs including the wooden Sit Up Stair Highchair (€49.99, RRP €84.99).

MummyCooks Food Flasks

Perfect for sending in a healthy nutritious lunch for your school-going kids or carrying homemade food for baby whilst out and about, the Mummy Cooks Food Flasks (300ml €9.99 / 450ml €12.99) keep food hot or cold for 6 hours.

Motorola Video Baby Monitor

Keep an eye on baby during nap time with the Motorola Video Baby Monitor (€74.99, RRP €139.99). Complete with two-way talk, infrared night vision, and a range of up to 300m.

Multi-Function Cushion

From May 5th, Lidl stores will have a multi-function cushion (€17.99) available in mint green or powder pink, made with an organic cotton cover.

Perfect for when you’re pregnant and resting your bump, place on the floor around baby or a great addition to feeding time to help prop up baby, this multi-functional cushion will serve its purpose.

• YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 12 Low Cost or Free Gift Ideas for New Mothers

Medisana Infrared Thermometer

During baby week, Lidl will stock a Medisana Infrared Thermometer (€19.99, RRP €39.99) which is an essential for every household. Making measuring body, ambient, liquid and surface temperatures that bit easier.

Activity Centre Play Mat

Movement and play are vital to every child’s development. Lidl will have a selection of toys to keep baby entertained.

The classic Activity Centre play mat (€24.99) is perfect for tummy time or to allow baby to have some time to explore the various hanging objects to stimulate their senses.

Download

What do you need for a new baby, and what can you live without? Download our Ultimate Baby Checklist to find out!

Download!

What Else Will Be at the Lidl Baby Event?

Huge savings can be made in Lidl stores during baby week. Look out for savings of up to 33% off Lidl’s own brand Lupilu nappies that were voted ‘Best Nappy’ by Irish consumers, toiletries, baby food and lots more.

More great deals include:

• Tommee Tippee Simplee Nappy Disposal Bin, €14.99
• Maxi-Cosi Infant Car Seat for 0-12 months, €79.99
• Lupilu Kids Hop On Stroller Platform, €29.99
• Play pen, €39.99
• Colourful floor mat, €17.99

Regular bedtime is very important for all babies. Experts recommend a good wind down technique. The 4 B’s comes in handy – Bath, Bottle, Book and Bed. Lidl’s baby event will have all this covered with toiletries for ideal for bath time, a range of Tommee Tippee bottles from €9.99 and a selection of children’s bedtime story books from €4.99 and your little one should be asleep in no time.

Lidl stores have everything parents need for your baby’s everyday essentials. The extensive range of baby food, nappies, wipes and toiletries include paediatrician approved baby lotion to organic food pouches made with 100% fruit.

Let’s not forget Lidl’s award-winning Lupilu Nappies that were voted ‘Best Nappy’ by Irish consumers at the National Pregnancy and Baby Fair Awards. Lidl’s Lupilu nappy range is available in sizes 1 (2-5kg) to 6+ (16+kg), and are recommended by 91% of parents with their skin-friendly leak safeguards, magical tubes for a long-lasting feeling of dryness and a flexible fit to keep your little one extra comfy.

• YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: How to Survive the First 6 Weeks with a New Baby

The post Unmissable Picks and Bargains from the Lidl Baby Event 2022 appeared first on MyKidsTime.

Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now and get our FREE newsletters packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions.

Life With a New Baby

Life with a new baby is a whirlwind of nappy changes, feeding, sleeping, and those utterly amazing newborn cuddles. Read on for our tips on getting through the first six weeks.

You May Also Enjoy What Do You Need for a New Baby? The Ultimate Baby Checklist

Don’t Pack Away Your Maternity Clothes

For as much as you can’t wait to get rid of your maternity clothes, you may still need them after giving birth. Look at it this way: It took about 40 weeks to grow a baby, so don’t expect to fit into your pre-pregnancy clothing overnight. It will take time, but you will get there!  If you happen to fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes immediately after birth, we can’t be friends…!

Collect Takeout Menus

Even if your name is Julia Child, you will be in no mood to cook – let alone have the time. Start collecting takeout menus from local restaurants that deliver, or make and freeze meals in advance.

You May Also Enjoy The Two Great Myths About Baby Skin Care

Set Up Automatic Bill Pay

No matter how organised you may be, setting up automatic bill pay will mean one less thing to worry about. This way you can focus on your new baby and avoid late fees.

Line Up Your Boxsets

Before you had your baby, you never watched television, right? Prepare to watch the most television of your life in the next few months. Boxsets, on demand TV, Netflix and being able to record your favourite programmes comes in handy. Don’t be surprised when you start watching the Disney channel and actually like it. You may even find yourself singing the jingles in the shower (when you finally get to take one).

You May Also Enjoy This Advert from St John Ambulance Helps Parents Learn Baby CPR

Set One “Big” Goal Every Day

This will help you feel productive when you’re home all day in your pyjamas with your hair up and no makeup on. Even if it’s just a walk around the block, you’d be surprised how hard it is to do this otherwise simple task. Things that were once done without thinking have now become challenging with a new baby to factor in. Tell yourself: “No matter what, today I am going to…” – this could be to take a shower, put the dishes away, go for a walk in the park. Do one “big” thing every day, no matter what.

You May Also Enjoy 41 Reasons You Know You’re Mom to a New Baby

Learn How to Use a Breast Pump Before Baby Arrives

You may have your mind set on exclusively breastfeeding, but plans don’t always go as you want them to. Learn how to use a breast pump (many are fully covered by insurance, so be sure to check in advance) before your little one arrives.

Your breast milk supply may be slow to come in, and pumping can help encourage it. You may also consider having a couple of bottles handy if you want to share the feeding.

Set Up a Meal Train with Family & Friends

Ask a friend or relative to set up a ‘meal train’ for you. This will eliminate the stressful question: “What’s for lunch?” or “What’s for dinner?” Not only is this a great way to avoid cooking, but also an opportunity for friends and family to meet your new baby!

Order Online

The first few weeks may be hard to get out and about, but luckily you can buy just about anything online. Ordering online, whether it’s your supermarket shopping or new clothes and supplies, will save you a headache or two. Take advantage.

Have the Changing Table Stocked

You won’t know how big your baby is until s/he is actually born. Be sure to have your changing table stocked and ready to go with newborn and size 1 diapers – you just never know. The same applies to clothing, as lots of times many newborns move straight (or very quickly) into 0-3 month sizes.

Keep a Poop Diary

Yes, your days will be spent counting how many times a day your little one “goes”! Make your life simple and download an app to track your baby’s eating and pooping schedule – or go old school and use a little notebook.

Never mind that you have the memory of an elephant, you will be pooped (pun intended) beyond recognition. You may say to yourself, “I’ll remember”. Trust me, you won’t. Do yourself a favour and keep a record.

Your doctor or health nurse may ask how many wet and dirty diapers your baby has in a day. You should also know what’s considered “normal” for poop colour and consistency, so do your homework.

You May Also Enjoy 7 Useful Smartphone Apps for Pregnancy and New Mums

Something to Hold You In

Whether you prefer an ab binder, a corset, or even a formfitting tank top, you’ll need something to hold you in. Your belly will feel like there’s a hole in it. It will dangle and jiggle and you’ll feel anything but glamorous. You may feel more comfortable if you have something to hold your belly in/up.

Ask For Help – and Take It

Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. It doesn’t make you a bad mom if you get help from a friend or family member. If someone offers to bring you food, pick up your mail, vacuum or do your laundry, let them! Take the help. You will be glad you did.

Don’t Feel Guilty

Rid yourself of any guilt now. The dishes are dirty. The laundry is piled to the ceiling. You haven’t cooked one meal in the last three weeks…so what! YOU JUST HAD A BABY!

That is physically and emotionally strenuous on the body. From the moment you gave birth, you are immediately tending to your little precious miracle, trying to keep him or her alive, whilst simultaneously trying to make sense of what the hell just happened. Not to mention, you need to heal both physically and mentally. At the same time you are recuperating, you are caring for another life. This is how we know women are designed for this. While it will take time to heal, your body is resilient.

Take time. Take all the time you need. Let yourself off the hook.

Listen to Your Body

Some new moms are ready to get out and about that same week. Others, several weeks after – and other moms won’t feel ready until several months later. Some moms are cooking the next day, and some don’t ever cook again!

Don’t compare yourself, because everyone moves to the beat of their own drum. Listen to your body and go at your own pace. Don’t feel bad for moving at a different pace than other moms, and never apologize for the choices you make.

Don’t Be Afraid to Say No

No. Just No. Practice this one.

Nod Your Head & Smile

Everyone will have an opinion and will be eager to give you their two cents on how you should raise your new baby. Be prepared to get all sorts of advice and be told what is right and wrong. Remember that this is YOUR baby. Do what works and feels right for you and your baby, not what works for anyone else.

If someone who doesn’t have any kids gives you advice, tell them where to go. Don’t stress yourself out when your mother-in-law says you shouldn’t co-sleep, or have your baby sleep in your room at your bedside. It’s nobody’s business but your own.

What should you do if you get some unsolicited advice? Nod your head and smile. Silently cursing them out in your head is also optional!

Love Your Baby

…and everything will be alright.

You might also like Most Popular Baby Names and 10 Things Not to Do when Choosing a Baby Name

The post How to Survive the First 6 Weeks with a New Baby appeared first on MyKidsTime.

Reading to Your Baby

Reading a story is a wonderful way of talking to and playing with your baby.  It gives them an early introduction to communication and social skills, and you are giving them the most precious gift of all – your time.

Reading to Your Baby

Bath books, Board books, Touch & Feelbooks are a great way to introduce books to your new baby. They can chew, splash and explore as they begin the early process of learning to love books.  For this age, books ideally should have big bright bold colours and clear uncluttered pictures.

You can extend the play activity by making sounds, using facial expressions and gesturing to show size and movement.  At an early age babies respond by holding the book, pointing to pictures that grab their attention and having a good chew too.

Recommended Books for 0 – 6 months

Ducky’s Bathtime by Lucy Cousins (Picture Book)

Oh, goody! Hooray! It’s bathtime today! Quack! Quack! Quack!

Join Ducky for bath time fun! This waterproof adventure is the perfect book for bath time, high chair fun and on the go.

Buy Ducky’s Bathtime on Tarabookco.ie

Guess How Much I Love You by Anita Jeram (Board Book)

‘I love you right up to the moon – and back.’

The story of Little and Big Nutbrown Hares’ efforts to express their love for each other has become a publishing phenomenon, selling more than fifteen million copies worldwide.

Buy Guess How Much I Love You on Tarabookco.ie

Reading to Your 6-18 Month Old

Picture books with short text, Lift the Flap books, Nursery rhymes  are good for 6-18 months. Pick books that are well illustrated and ones you will enjoy as well.  Playing and reading with books shouldn’t be confined to certain places or times, books can be enjoyed everywhere, bathroom, bedroom, playroom and even the car.

The physical contact of your baby sitting on your lap while you read aloud is a reassuring and pleasurable experience for both of you.  Children can experience worlds and lives beyond their own through stories.  It helps them cope with different emotions such as fear and anxiety while being reassured in a safe and secure environment.

You can help and encourage them to link the pictures to the text and the spoken word by pointing, asking and answering questions.  Predicting what will happen next will add excitement to the story.  Be sure to praise them when they point to a picture, turn a page or make an effort to copy your sounds.

Rhymes are an essential part of literacy development, repetition enables children to memorise sounds and words.  They encourage and develop listening skills, increase their attention span, stimulate and stretch their imagination.

Recommended Books for 6 – 18 Months

I Kissed the Baby by Mary Murphy (Picture Book)

All the animals love the baby – and so will you!

“I saw the baby! Did you see the baby?” “Yes! I saw the baby, the teeny, weeny thing.” “I tickled the baby! Did you tickle the baby?” “Yes! I tickled the baby, the wriggly, giggly thing!” Join in the fun in this shout-out-loud picture book for the very youngest of children.

Buy I Kissed The Baby on Tarabookco.ie

Bedtime Rhymes (Board Book)

The Usborne Bedtime Rhymes is a nice book to share at bedtime.

Featuring six rhymes by Sam Taplin and featuring artwork by Anna Luraschi, this book aims to have babies and young children ready to cosy up at the end of a long day.

Buy Bedtime Rhymes on Tarabookco.ie

• YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Make And Do For All The Family

Don’t Miss…

We all know – and love – Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which is one of the bestselling children’s books of all time. You can transform story time with 12 more Eric Carle books you’ll enjoy reading together!

The post Why It’s Never Too Early To Start Reading to Your Baby appeared first on MyKidsTime.

Which Products are Affected?

The voluntary recall applies to ALL models and colours of:

• the Newborn Lounger
• the Preferred Newborn Lounger
• and the Pottery Barn Lounger

An example of each model is shown above.

Do You Have an Affected Product?

If you have one of these products, you are advised to stop using it immediately.

The Boppy Company are offering refunds, and to claim one you must:

1. Share the UPC or Item Number (found on the front of the Care Label toward the bottom) and Date Code (stamped on the back of the second label and is formatted XX-XXX) on your Lounger.
2. Provide a copy of your receipt if you have one, via email, text, or mail. This will help up determine the value of your refund.
3. Provide a photograph via email, text, or mail that shows the destruction of the Lounger by cutting it in half to make it unusable.

You can find more information on submitting your details for refund here.

Safe Sleep is Essential

When it comes to safe sleeping for your infant, it is important to remember the following:

• The best place for a baby to sleep is on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet, cot or Moses basket.
• Never add blankets, pillows, padded crib bumpers, or other items to an infant’s sleeping environment.
• Babies should always be placed to sleep on their backs.

• YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 6 Effective Tips When Baby Not Sleeping During Day

The post Boppy Recall MILLIONS of Newborn Loungers After 8 Infant Deaths appeared first on MyKidsTime.