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Is my toddler ready for toilet training?
Timing is everything when it comes to toilet training success. As any parent who's been through it can tell you, trying to force the toilet on a ‘not-quite-ready’ toddler only prolongs the process (and the agony!). So how can you tell if your little one is ready to make the leap from nappies to the toilet? Check out these 10 signs that they're ready: Shows an interest in the toilet, potty or underpants. Stays dry for two or more hours. Wants to watch you ‘go’. ‘Number two’s’ happening on a predictable schedule. Complains about wet or dirty nappies, and wants to be changed. Can follow basic instructions. Understands basic vocab like "wee" and "poo." Can tell you when he needs to go—or uses body language, like going into a corner or grunting. Can pull her pants up and down with little assistance. Can learn to use a step-on-up toilet trainer seat. Shop our toilet training must-haves.
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12 Genius Play Pen Uses for endless fun (& safety)
A playpen can transform any inside or outside space into a safe, fun-filled adventure zone for your little one! Whether you’re taking your baby on holiday, to the beach or grandma’s antique-filled house, here’s our 12 genius uses for your play pen. 1. New baby AND a feisty toddler? With a brand-new baby at home, it can take some adjusting for your toddler. He may think your newborn is ready for some rough & tumble or a tight squeeze, but it’ll take time for your toddler to learn to be gentle. A play pen is a safe-haven for baby until your toddler masters the art of gentle hands. 2. There’s a pooch in the house You may not know how your over-affectionate dog is going to react to the new little human in the house. He used to be the centre of attention and now he’s not. It often takes time to safely train and introduce your baby to your doggo, so until you can build trust, a safe and comfortable barrier like a playpen is a good option. 3. It’s Tummy Time! We all know how important tummy time is for babies, so make tummy time in your playpen as visually stimulating and fun as possible by creating a comfortable and fun space. Add an activity gym, a mirror, crinkly toys, textured toys, black-and-white books, and mix up the selection each time. 4. Family Camping Essential Make camping with little ones easier by providing a safe place for them to play and rest while still being part of the action. Camping is full of hazards for crawling babies and toddlers, including the BBQ, brazier, cords, countless small objects they can put in their mouths, and the water's edge. A playpen can help keep them safe and secure amidst the adventure. 5. Holiday Homes Your own home may be baby-proofed with safety gates, door latches and fire guards but if you take bubs to a holiday home, chances are it’s not 100% safe for bubs to crawl around without being constantly followed. For peace of mind use your play pen to keep bubs safe, while you help with dinner, nip to the loo or bring in the groceries. 6. Curse of the Lego! Need I say more? If you have a baby, who is at the ‘put-everything-in-my-mouth-stage’ and a ‘lego-loving’ toddler at the same time, then lego left on the floor or low table can be a choking hazard nightmare. Either, use your play pen for your toddler’s own lego space or pop bubs in the play pen when your toddler is having some lego time. Problem-solved. 7. Renovating your home? If you’re midway through a home renovation, you’ll be surrounded by power tools, open paint cans and sawdust, a play pen is a safe space for your little one to hang out and play with their own toys while the professionals get on with your ‘renos’. 8. A reading nook Reading with your baby or toddler can be one of the best things you can do with them. Your baby learns language by copying sounds, recognizing pictures and learning words. Set your play pen up as your special reading ‘nook’. Add pillows, blankets, a night light and a basket full of their favourite books. 9. Ball Pit fun! Who doesn’t love a ball pit? For a few bucks you can pick up a big bag of plastic balls to add to your play pen and you’ve got instant fun. 10. When the garden needs some maintenance On a lovely summer’s day, you might just be hankering to get stuck into your garden or mow the lawns. Gardening is not so easy when you have a baby. Take you play pen outside, pop it under a tree and let baby enjoy the sights and sounds of summer while you work around him. 11. A Christmas Tree Safe Space If you’ve ever had a crawling toddler in the house at Christmas time, you’ll know what a hazard (and pain) the Christmas tree can be. Bubs wants to pull it down, eat the decorations and suck on the presents underneath. Save your sanity and pop the tree and presents inside the play pen! 12. The best cubby ever! Once your babies have outgrown their play pen, it works as the best cubby or playhouse space. Give your little ones’ free reign with blankets, pillows and cushions to make the space their own. There’s nothing better than crawling into a cozy space of your own with a night light and your favorite soft toys. A playpen that goes up and down quickly and can be moved from one room to another or from inside to outside is a great option. Use your play pen for times when you need to pop bubs down in their own safe space so you can answer the door, vacuum the house or cook dinner. Buy your own play pen
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14 Self-Care Winter Tips for Parents
Winter can be a tricky time for parents. Because it's cold, it's harder to get outside, get motivated and stay healthy. Don't let the winter blues kick in! Check out our 14 Tips to Self-Care this Winter. 1. Early to bed Aim to go to bed at the same time & wake up at the same time 2. Hydrate! Drink 8 glasses of water per day 3. Food Glorious Food Make vege soup with winter root vegetables, get the slow cooker out & make some hearty stews & curries 4. No excuse exercise Even if it’s raining, wrap yourself & babies up & pound the pavement 5. Let in the fresh air Although the air is crisper, don’t forget to ventilate your home daily & let the fresh air in & the bad bugs out 6. Make a plan On a cold day sometimes it seems easier to stay at home, but make a plan & hit the park, swings, indoor pool or library 7. Turn on the tunes Play your fav dance tunes or calm yourself (& the kiddos) with some soft beats 8. “Oooohhhmm” It’s amazing how good you’ll feel after 20 minutes of yoga, meditation or stretching 9. Get in hot water Run yourself a hot bath with bubbles or jump in a hot shower 10. Declutter! Get your little ones to ‘help’ you declutter the play area, bedrooms or kitchen 11. Get arty Bring out the pens, paper, scissors, glitter & whatever else you can find, & get creative 12. Read a good book, or 20 Pile up the pillows, grab a pile of books & read to your babies to bring calm to the chaos 13. Connect Visit a friend, ring your mum, join a club, take up a new hobby, join a parent group or volunteer 14. Get back to nature Walk through the forest, along the beach, by the river, up a hill & down the other side
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10 Reasons why we LOVE humidifiers!
We’ve been using this little gem of a product for around two years and I often wonder why we didn’t invest in one sooner. We now have three humidifiers that make their way around different rooms in our family home. Do we really need three you ask? Well, when you’ve got kids, often at least two members of the household have a cold or cough at any one time, so that’s two bedrooms taken care of. Then there’s the longue area where we run our heat pump, which pumps out dry air. Apart from the fact dry air dries out our skin, hair and nails, it also creates a nasty breeding ground for cold and flu bugs, and we all know how quickly a cold makes its way through the family unit. I’m sure there’s more than just ten reasons you should use a humidifier, but let’s start with this list of gems… Avoid Dry Skin & Lips When you’re inside and running your heat pump or air con, your skin starts to lose its moisture. You know that feeling … tight, dry, itchy, flaky and dull skin. A humidifier adds moisture to the air and helps naturally rehydrate your skin. Ease Illnesses When your kiddo is suffering from a stuffed-up nose, sore throat or constant cough you’ll do just about anything to relieve their discomfort, not only for their well-being but so you can get some much-needed sleep yourself. Humidifiers help moisturise the nasal, throat and lung passages, making it easier for air to pass through. Ward off ‘Man-Flu’ (sorry guys) Studies have shown that humidifiers reduce the risk of developing the flu. Researchers found that after adding the influenza virus to the air with a simulated cough, humidity levels above 40 percent rapidly deactivated virus particles, making them much less likely to be infectious. Another case study found that children living in dry air homes are seven times more likely to be absent from school due to colds and flu. Relieve Allergies Breathing higher humidity air is one way to relieve the discomfort and symptoms of allergies. Hay fever for example, often includes nasal congestion, irritation, and inflammation of the delicate, moist tissues of the nasal mucosa. Reducing inflammation of these tissues can provide quick relief. This then allows your moistened nasal tissues to blow out irritants and allergens from your nasal cavity, reducing your allergy symptoms. Sleep Baby Sleep When your baby is older than 3 months you can start adding some essential oils to your humidifier to promote sleep. Check which ones are safe, but we love to add a drop of lavender or chamomile. Both are renown for having a smoothing and calming effect on babies. Help Warm your Home Humid air feels warmer than dry air, so by running a humidifier in the winter you’ll find your power bill gets reduced. Your Houseplants will love you for it Your moisture-loving houseplants will love your humidifier and become more vibrant, and your wooden floors or furniture are likely to last longer. Reduce Snoring Many people don’t realize that dry air can actually contribute to — even increase the severity — of your snoring symptoms. This happens because insufficient moisture in the air causes the throat to swell and the nose to become congested. If you have a snoring partner, then a humidifier may just be worth its weight in gold. Keep those pesky mosquitos away! There are all sorts of lovely essential oils you can add to your humidifier, but if you’re determined to keep biting bugs away, try adding a combination of patchouli, clove and lemongrass. They work particularly well on mosquitos. Obviously, you’ll need to check your humidifier copes with oils added. Asthma Relief If your child has asthma, you’re probably aware of the balance of humidity they require in the environment to breathe properly. If the air is too dry, one set of symptoms will crop up, and if the air is too humid, a whole new set of problems appear. While asthma is a condition that should only be treated by doctor, there are a number of benefits humidifiers can provide to the sufferer. Humidifiers work by reducing triggers, so a humidifier can help you breathe easier. If you’re using a humidifier to relieve asthma it’s important to follow some strict guidelines including using distilled water (changed daily), cleaning the tank frequently and monitoring the humidity level in the room. We could think of a bunch more reasons why you need a humidifier in your home, but this list is a good place to start …..so sit back and breathe easy…. Get your Blissful Bedtime Humidifier
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Family Road Trip Survival Guide
Any parent knows the rollercoaster ride of hitting the road with tiny tots in tow! Even before you leave town a minor incident like someone touching another's foot can escalate into a major conflict in the backseat. Let's face it, enduring a ‘roadie’ with little people can put even the most zen-like patience to the ultimate test. We've compiled a bunch of top-notch tips to turn family road trips into epic memorable adventures. Choose your driving hours wisely Carefully consider when to do most of your driving. It’s a good idea to pack the night before, get your little ones up super-early and pop them in the car straight in their pj’s. You may find they’ll fall back to sleep or at least take their time to wake up. Another alternative is to leave your departure time until bedtime. Bath, feed and get your babies ready for bed, and then pop them in the car. With a little good management (and good luck), they’ll sleep most of the way. Who’s sitting where? You may have seen the funny photos of cardboard partitions that parents have crafted to keep their children separated in the backseat. Don’t laugh too loudly, it may actually be a genius solution to avoid backseat bickering! You may not be able to stop all the squabbling but you can do what you can to minimize a major conflict erupting over a packet of potato chips. If you have room, place a small chilly bin or cooler bag in the middle, or a container with compartments for drink bottles, snacks, toys and headphones. If you have an older child who can safely sit in the front seat, consider putting an adult in the middle seat at the back. Strategic Pit Stops While planning your road trip do a little research and schedule in some entertaining, interactive stops to break up the journey. Find some playgrounds, swimming spots or pools, nature walks, great places for wildlife spotting (yes, I’m sure you can spot some seals somewhere) and fun roadside attractions. Small-town New Zealand is packed full of iconic ‘big things’. Check out the giant gumboot in Taihape, Ohakune has the big carrot, Paeroa the big L & P bottle, spot the gigantic stone fruit in Cromwell and the big bulls in Bulls! Nutritious Munchies Load up on wholesome goodies for the kiddos during road trips to keep them cruising along happily without any car-sickness woes or wild energy bursts! It goes without saying, but try and avoid the sugar. The last thing you need is energy highs while your little ones are strapped in their seats. Pack water in leak-proof cups and make up mini sandwiches, cubes of cheese, sliced kiwifruit and mandarins, yoghurt pouches, mini muffins and frittata. You’ll want snacks that won’t make a mess in your car, and always remember safety first…if your kiddos are still little, it’s best to avoid eating while the car is in motion, as there’s a risk of choking. Road Trip Games “I-Spy with my little eye” … it’s a classic game most of us remember playing on car trips. How about throwing in some extra fun with these cool games. Car Cricket - Each person in the car takes turns being the ‘batter’, and makes ‘runs’ by counting the cars they pass going in the opposite direction. When the flow is interrupted by anything other than a car (eg, truck, bus, motorbike, campervan), the batter is out and the next player steps up to the wicket. You can add in 4’s and 6’s - 4 runs if the car is towing a trailer, and 6 runs if it’s towing a caravan. It works best by having a time limit or a total to reach. An impartial umpire who keeps the score is also a good idea! Car Colour Bingo - prep for this game before you go, by drawing up a blank bingo sheet. Pop car colours you're likely to pass in the boxes where the numbers would go. The first person to find all the car colours in a line shouts BINGO to win. Scavenger Hunt – Children love scavenger hunts! There's nothing quite as exciting as being the first to spot something. Here’s a printable to get you started or make your own based on the area in which you’re driving. Alphabet Signs Game - Before your trip print out the entire alphabet on a sheet for each person. Starting with ‘A’, your kiddos have to look out for signs which include the specific letter they’re looking for, and write it beside that letter. Tunes & Tales Children love to hear stories. If you’re not someone who gets carsick while reading, then you can read to your little ones, but it’s far easier to download some audio books before you go. Visit Audible or your local library for audio books or download Suzy & Friends from Radio New Zealand. After you’ve finished listening to stories, take turns picking a song to play. Whether you're into Coldplay or The Wiggles, Spotify has every music taste covered. Digital Distractions Once you’ve done all you can to keep your littlie’s entertained and there’s nothing left but the digital devices, then break em’ out. To get you through the last difficult hour of driving or when everything else has failed, then it just might be time for a movie (one you’ve already downloaded onto a device) or a game or two to keep the peace. Packing Tips Packing for holidays with little people can be a logistical nightmare. There’s an outfit for everyone for each day, shoes, sunhats, favorite toys and blankies, nappies and drink bottles, swimmers and sunshades. The list goes on, and on. A good way to avoid taking everything including the kitchen sink is to start with a list and keep adding to it, and then be ruthless with crossing off everything that’s either non-essential or can be purchased along the way or when you get there. If you plan to do some regular travelling with your children, then make some careful purchases of the basic essentials you’ll need. A good quality travel cot that’s easy to put up and take down is a solid investment. Sometimes it can be more convenient to purchase an inexpensive umbrella stroller at your destination (and then donate before you leave) than it is to take your big, expensive stroller with you. If you’re flying with your kiddos, lugging a big bulky car booster seat through airports can be a hassle. A travel booster seat is a good way of keeping your children safe but also saving on space. Speaking of safety, if you’ve got a little one who loves to run off in any direction, then consider investing in a toddler safety harness. They’re particularly useful when travelling through airports, walking through large busy cities or where there’s lots of traffic. Packing cubes (or cells) are an excellent way for organising clothes and essentials. If your kiddos are sharing bags, opt for packing cubes in different colours for each child. Another useful purchase is a wet bag for storing dirty clothes or wet swimmers. Don't stress about every little detail when packing for a road trip with your family. If you happen to forget something, you can likely buy or borrow it at your destination, or simply improvise. Embrace the spontaneity, make the most of every moment, and create memories that'll last a lifetime. Shop our Travelling with Children range
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What to look for when buying a highchair
What to look for when buying a high chair Starting solids is exciting, messy, and let’s be honest, a little chaotic. One minute your baby is happily trying mashed kūmara, the next there’s food on the wall and a spoon sailing across the room. That’s why finding the best highchair NZ families can rely on is such an important investment. Most babies are ready to start using a highchair somewhere around 4-6 months, once they can sit upright with support and have good head control. And when mealtimes become part of your daily routine, the right highchair can make a huge difference. Awkward straps and hard-to-reach corners are highchair no-no’s that add more steps onto your never-ending list of cleaning tasks. So, we took all of that into account when we created this highchair buying guide NZ parents can use to shortlist the best options on the market. When you’re comparing highchairs, keep these five things in mind: High Chair Safety Functionality & Adjustability Cleanability Comfort Style Highchair Safety Features A typical type of injury related with high chairs happens when your little one attempts to stand up in, climb into, or get out of their high chair, resulting in a fall. Other injuries can arise from pinching or crushing of little fingers, toes, or limbs by moving parts or gaps, as well as choking on small, detachable parts. When shopping, look for a high chair that complies with the certified New Zealand safety standards, AS4684, which gives you peace of mind it’s been designed in line with our high national standards, and check that the chair has these safety features:A well-balanced footprint. You want to ensure that, even when baby gets bigger and more boisterous, he won’t be able to tip the chair over.A size-adjustable, five-point safety harness that clicks together easily and can only be opened by ‘adult-strength’. Ideally, the harness should be non-removable, or at least require a tool to remove it for washing (such as undoing a screw), so that you or your child are unlikely to take it off and lose it, or forget to reattach it. A ‘crotch post’ or T-style strap that goes between baby’s legs so they have no way of sliding out of the chair. Anti-slip pads, or castor wheels that lock, on the base of the legs to ensure your highchair remains in one spot. Before purchasing, make sure to check for safety recalls, or better yet, buy from a reputable NZ retailer. And, when you get home, make sure you set up the chair at least half a metre from anything your little one could use to push off from and topple over – windows, large furniture, pull cords on lights or blinds, and so on. Highchair Functionality & Adjustability Sometimes, functionality and adjustability come at a price. However often you can spend a small fortune and realise you’ve paid more for the brand, than functionality. If your budget allows, you can spend big and find that super-sonic high chair with all the brands, bells and whistles, but if you’re a clever shopper, price conscious or simply just wanting the essentials, then check out these features for a smart choice:Growing with your child: your baby will not be little forever; in fact, they grow like little mushrooms! Most babies start using a highchair around 6 months old, but many families use them right through to 2 or 3 years of age. So, bear this in mind when selecting a highchair and find one that allows room for growth. Can the insert be removed to allow more room? Is the tray table adjustable or can it be removed altogether? Can the highchair be used at the dining room table (without the tray)? Is the footrest adjustable? Basically, is there room for growth?Convertible chairs: some high chairs covert to floor seats or stools to allow for more uses or a longer lifespan. Before you spend the money, ask yourself if this is a feature you really need or want?Storage and portability: Do you need a foldable highchair that folds down for easy storage? They’ve become very popular for smaller homes and apartments. Or would your home and lifestyle suit a portable multi-seat that can be moved more easily and taken on holiday or to grandma’s house? Cleanability Buckle in, mum and dad. When your baby starts on solids, there really is no messier stage! You’ll need a high chair that’s easy to clean because there’ll be spills, splashes and food EVERYWHERE! With that in mind, cleanability is something you don’t want to overlook. So take it from us, the best highchairs in NZ have: A removable tray that can be scrubbed down with hot soapy water. A chair where the seat insert and safety straps can be scrubbed clean. Fewer ‘nooks and crannies’ where food can be lodged. Washable, waterproof surfaces. If you’re often on the go, it’s also worth picking up feeding bibs or mess mats, which make mealtimes less stressful when out and about. Comfort If you don’t want a fight on your hands at mealtimes, choosing a comfortable highchair is key. If baby is comfortable, they’ll sit for longer, enjoy mealtimes more and hopefully consume more food! Comfort considerations: No one loves a cold, hard seat on their tush, so a highchair with a removable cushion or padded insert is always a good idea. As is, a contoured seat to fit baby’s bum. An adjustable footrest provides comfort so bub’s legs are not hanging down without support. A high back ensures good back and neck support. Style We all want a high chair that looks like part of the furniture, right? Because your chair is likely to be sitting in your dining area or kitchen for a few years, you’ll want something that’s functional, but still looks good. Neutral, Scandi-inspired styles are very popular in interior design right now; you can’t go wrong with a combination of natural wood and a classic clean white finish. That’s translated through to many of the most popular highchairs in New Zealand, including the best-selling Moose Sinclair and Harper styles. And remember, as well as the overall aesthetic of the chair, it needs to fit the size of your space too. If you have a small dining area or not a lot of storage space, look for a compact or folding highchair, or even a feeding seat that attaches to a dining room chair. Highchair Price Guide NZ Highchairs can vary a lot in price, and when you’re already buying bottles, bibs, prams and everything else that comes with a baby, you might be looking to prioritise what you’re spending. At the lower end (around $100–$179), you’ll find some great, practical highchairs that are safe, sturdy, and don’t stretch the budget. Step into the mid-range ($180–$250), and you’ll start seeing extra features that make life more convenient. Things like adjustable footrests, removable trays, folding frames, or finishes that deal better with spaghetti explosions. Premium highchairs ($250+) are generally made to last multiple children, so they’re more of an investment, but you’re getting what you pay for. They tend to have a stronger construction and many convert from baby to toddler and beyond. That said, more expensive doesn’t always mean better, it’s all about finding a highchair that fits your priorities. Moose Baby stocks a wide range of highchairs across all price points, so whether you’re after a basic option or something more premium, there’s plenty to choose from. Finally… When it comes to investing in a highchair you may not find one within your budget that ticks every single box, so start with ticking the boxes for safety. There should be no compromises there. Because safety is so important, buy your highchair from a reputable local company with good after-sales service. Lastly, mealtimes are important family times. Initially, dinnertime with a baby can be enormously challenging, but by eating together, babies learn how to interact with others, share and take turns. By allowing baby to touch, smell, taste and play with their food, they’ll learn to develop their fine motor skills, taste buds and ability to feed themselves. Remember, the ‘baby feeding’ stage is just that, a stage. By the time they’re age 10 hopefully they’ll get more food in their mouth, than on the floor! Highchair Recommendations FAQ When should I start using a highchair? Most babies are ready for a highchair around 4–6 months, when they can hold their head steady and sit with support. Always check the weight and age recommendations for your specific chair. What safety standard should a highchair meet in NZ? Look for chairs that comply with AS/NZS ISO 8124-3:2012, which is the certified New Zealand toy and child product safety standard. What is a five-point harness on a highchair? A five-point harness has straps at both shoulders, both hips, and between the legs. This means that your baby is kept securely in place and prevents them from climbing out or slipping down. How do I clean a highchair properly?Remove the tray and wash it with hot soapy water. Wipe down the seat and straps with a damp cloth. The best highchairs for cleaning will have minimal crevices and waterproof surfaces. Should I buy a foldable highchair? If you're short on space or want to take the chair to grandparents' homes or holiday rentals, a foldable highchair is a really good option. Can a highchair be used without the tray? Yes, many modern highchairs can be used at the family dining table without the tray, so your baby can be part of family mealtimes as they grow.
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Is your child scared of needles? Try these 8 positive ways to help
If you’ve been the parent of a child who has screamed their head off during a doctor or dentist appointment, you’re not alone. Some children are terrified of needles or other medical procedures. Parenting in that moment is tough. Read our 8 positive ways to help. Hang in there! Parenting really is a rollercoaster! 1. Consider when to tell your child they need to visit the doctor or dentist. Avoid telling them weeks or even days beforehand, but perhaps leave it to a day or two before the appointment. When you tell your child, be calm and reassuring. Explain why they need the appointment….to stay well and healthy.2. Avoid lying to your child that the procedure won’t hurt. Hiding information about what is going to happen could cause resentment, fear, or trust issues. Talk to your child matter-of-factly about what is going to happen. Say something like, “You have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow. You’ll be getting a small injection. I just wanted to let you know.” Be sure to answer any questions she might have and be honest. “Yes, it might hurt or pinch a little, but it will be over fast.”3. The day of the appointment, be organised. Make sure you aren’t running late or rushing. Be happy and relaxed. Consider arranging to bring a friend, partner or family member. Keep a drink and snacks in your bag. A lollypop is a good idea.4. If you child has a special toy, blankie or dummy, bring it along. Depending on the age of your child, consider other forms of distraction such as an ipad or photos on your phone. 5. Ring ahead and let the doctor or dentist know that your child may be anxious. Ask if they have a Buzzy on hand or bring your own. Buzzy is a small distraction device used throughout hospitals, dentists and medical clinics to help people cope with needle phobia. Read about Buzzy here. 6. During the procedure act relaxed, positive and supportive. It is well known that your behaviour influences the amount of pain and distress your child feels. Your child will pick up on your anxiety. Be supportive, but not excessive. Research suggests humour and distraction tend to decrease distress.7. The simple art of distraction is a powerful tool. Distract your child by playing 'Spot the item in the room', or count the pictures on the wall. Take a distraction game with you such as Buzzy Distraction Cards.8. Keep offering praise and encouragement during and after the procedure. Learn about Buzzy4Shots
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60 easy, healthy lunchbox ideas for your kiddos
If you're like most parents and you need some inspiration when it comes to filling lunchboxes, print this list and stick it to your fridge. Then when you're half-asleep and struggling to get everyone ready in the morning, your 'lunchbox ideas' list will give you a helping hand. In no particular order, here we go... Popcorn Trail Mix – popcorn, mini pretzels, raisins, coconut chips & puffed wheat, with a sprinkle of cinnamon Cooked pasta (farfalle or penne are good choices) and cheese cubes Quesadillas – fill with grated cheese, beans (refried beans are good!), leftover meat if you have it and toast in fry pan or George Forman grill. Cut into triangles. Cookie-cutter shape sandwiches Homemade pitta chips – cut up pitta pockets, spray with olive oil, sprinkle with mixed herbs and bake in oven. Pinwheel wraps – spread wraps with cream cheese, sprinkle with grated carrot, raisins, shaved ham, chicken or grated cheese. Roll tightly and cut into pinwheels. Boiled (and pre-peeled) eggs Shredded chicken or chicken drum-stick Toasted seeds – mix together sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds, and cook on stove top in frying pan until golden. Cheese on toast (option to spread bread with vegemite first) Left-overs or homemade soup in a flask (with crusty bread on the side) Lebanese cucumbers Homemade or store-bought bliss balls Homemade rice pudding (add cinnamon and fruit) Mini meatballs (good for freezing) Carrot sticks and hummus Chunks of roasted kumera and pumpkin Bacon and egg pie English muffin mini pizzas – spread with tomato paste, add grated cheese and salami circle and a sprinkle of oregano and bake in oven Pita pockets – fill with grated cheese, shaved ham, grated carrot, lettuce and mayo or relish Mini muffins – sweet or savoury Left-over cooked sausages Olives and sundried tomatoes Corn on the cob Pita pizza – add your toppings of choice to round pita bread and bake in oven. Manuka Honey on rye bread sandwiches Waffles – super-easy with a waffle maker Cruskits, corn thins or rice crackers with cheese slices Cucumber, celery & cheese chunks Dried apricots or dates filled with cream cheese Mini tins of pineapple (for kids who can manage opening a pull-back tin lid) Yoghurt with fresh fruit added Cooked streaky bacon Mini fruit salad of fruits in season (add a toothpick to prevent sticky fingers) Fruit bread (with butter) Sweet (apple and cinnamon) or savoury (cheese and ham) pinwheels Frittata, quiche or cheese omelette (chopped up) Homemade jelly with fresh fruit added into jelly mixture Japanese or Korean mini rice balls Edamame beans Crispy cooked chickpeas Falafel balls Corn chips, salsa & sour cream Cheese straws – cover ready-rolled puff pastry with grated parmesan cheese (press down), slice into strips, twist and bake in oven Homemade Anzac cookies Weetbix Slice Homemade fresh Thai spring rolls Chunks of salami or sliced ham Biltong Coconut Chips Square of good quality dark chocolate Homemade muesli with yoghurt Mini carton of plain milk Mini corn fritters (good for freezing) Mini bread savouries – grease muffin tins, line with slice of bread, add beaten egg, bacon or ham, veges of your liking, sprinkle with cheese and bake Old fashioned club sandwiches – with mashed egg, grated cheese, ham, lettuce Homemade sausage rolls (add grated carrot and mixed vegetables in the meat mixture) Old-fashioned cheese rolls French toast (add a dash of cinnamon in the mixture) Rice salad – use leftover rice and add, grated carrot, chopped cucumber, peppers, chicken and corn. Add a dash of soya sauce. Check out our CUTEST Bento Boxes EVER!
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10 tips to combat bedwetting…
Bedwetting can be hugely challenging, both for parents and their bedwetting child. The daily workload of washing sheets and pyjamas, the efforts to keep bedding and mattresses free from urine and not forgetting the frustration and often embarrassment caused from wetting the bed night after night. Remember, you are not alone. Although often not talked about, bedwetting is common amongst 5 and 6 year old's and up to 30% of this age group still wet their bed. Children reach milestones at different ages in their life and learning to control their bladder at night is another developmental milestone. Bedwetting is often hereditary and despite how you may sometimes feel, bedwetting it not your child’s fault. Almost all children want to stop, but simply can’t. Here are some tips to help you and your child combat bedwetting once and for all: Increase daytime fluids and toilet visits. Research suggests that children who drink water throughout the day and visit the toilet regularly will improve their bladder health resulting in improved night time dryness. Use a Vibrating Reminder Watch to remind your child to drink fluids and visit the toilet regularly throughout their day. In simple terms teach your child how their bladder works. Encourage him to ‘take his time’ and relax on the toilet. Children who rush often don’t empty their bladder completely. Rule out constipation. Even though you may not think your child is constipated, it's important to make sure it isn't a problem. Solving any constipation issues is your first step to dry nights. Don't offer incentives. Offering your child a new bike or toy to stop wetting the bed can result in frustration and disappointment. Encouraging your child is good, but don’t set him up to fail. If he could stop, he would stop. Don’t restrict fluids. While it is true that drinking too much before bed can contribute to wetting, it’s often not the cause of bedwetting. Avoid fizzy or caffeinated drinks but don’t go overboard restricting fluids, instead, encourage regular fluid intake throughout the day. Don’t lift your child to the toilet each night. Lifting is of little use, and may even prolong the problem. Your child has to get used to waking up when his bladder is full. Children often do not remember being lifted, and it usually does not help to achieve their own bladder control. Avoid nappies or pull-ups. If you and your child are ready to address bedwetting, then avoid using nappies or pull-ups. He needs to feel the wetness in order to engage his brain to recognise the sensation to urinate. Rule out medical causes. Check with your doctor to ensure your child has no underlying medical conditions which may be contributing to their bedwetting. This is especially important if you child has been dry at night and unexpectedly starts wetting. Don’t wait too long to address the problem. Many children simply grow out of bedwetting but if you get to the point where your child is frustrated or embarrassed, then take steps to address the bedwetting now. In combination with the above tips, a bedwetting alarm is the mostly commonly-used solution to bedwetting. Bedwetting alarms teach your child's subconscious reflex in the brain to recognise the sensation they need to visit the toilet or 'hold on' until morning. Bedwetting alarms are 100% safe and recommended by specialists. Our final piece of advice is to seek help & reliable information. Coping with a child who wets the bed every night is hard work. There is plenty of conflicting advice around this topic, so do your own research. We've put together a comprehensive, easy-to-read guide around bedwetting and solutions. You can download our FREE e-book on bedwetting here.
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